Bumpkin: Week 35 Update

Friday 28/08/15

 

How far along? 35+4

Total weight gain: Just over two stone so far

Maternity clothes?  Thankfully I haven't needed any for the past week or so thanks to the lovely weather we've been having. Maxi dresses and sandals are so much more comfortable than wrestling a pair of jeans on! Long may it continue!

Stretch marks?  Oh about a million! I'm past caring now.

Sleep:  No problems :) I'm up a couple of times each night but have been managing to fall back to sleep really quickly afterwards.

Best moment this week: Getting the pram delivered!(We went for the Quinny Buzz Xplory). I can't wait to set it up and practice pushing it around the house :p I promised to wait for D to finish work so we could do it together though and I'm feeling mightily impatient!

Worst moment this week:  I can't say I've really had any this week. I did stupidly take on an extra shift for tomorrow though so probably the thought of having to get up early and drag myself off to work!

Miss anything?  Prawns, runny eggs, being able to bend down easily, actually feeling awake after 10hrs sleep and being able to walk further than the length of the driveway without being breathless!

Movement: Yep, and beginning to get quite sore at times. She's a strong'un!
 

Food cravings: Carbs, sweets and cake. Oops!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Acid reflux and light-headedness

Gender:  A girly!!! :D

Labour signs:  A few little niggles over the past couple of days and pressure in my pelvis but I'm trying (and failing) not to second guess everything.

Symptoms: Movement, pain in pelvis, acid reflux, boobs starting to get sore again, boobs leaking, breathlessness, fatigue.

Belly button in or out?  Half and half and extremely itchy!

 

Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy :)

Looking forward to: Setting up the pram! And my McDonalds dinner... shhh!

Bumpkin: Week 34 Update

Friday 21/08/15

 

How far along? 34+4

Total weight gain: Just over two stone so far

Maternity clothes?  Nothing maternity, but I have bought a few nursing tops from the Mothercare sale which are on their way. I'm keeping my eyes out for bargains because I don't want to spend loads in case I have trouble breastfeeding and it turns out to be a waste of money.

Stretch marks?  A couple have appeared around my belly button in the past week. Thought I had managed to escape them on my tummy but no luck!

Sleep:  Fine this week. Thankfully D's toothache has cleared so I'm only being disturbed by my own bladder now instead!

Best moment this week: Getting the nursery all finished! I've taken to sitting in the rocking chair to read my books for a while in the afternoon and I just love the cosy atmosphere in there :)

Worst moment this week:  I had a different midwife yesterday at my appointment who confirmed what I suspected- that Little Miss has gone breech before changing her mind not two minutes later and admitting that actually she wasn't sure what position baby was in and I'd be better checking with my usual midwife at my next appointment in three weeks time!

Miss anything?  Having the energy and motivation to get off my backside and do things!

Movement: Constantly! She has a mad half-hour every night when she seems to dance to D playing his guitar. I can't wait to see her reaction to it when she's here and whether she recognises it.

Food cravings: Anything and everything naughty!

Anything making you queasy or sick: I'm still suffering regularly with acid reflux, but have also been having bouts of nausea and light-headedness throughout the day. I had more blood taken this week to see if my iron levels have increased but if anything I think they've got worse and that's why I'm feeling this way.

Gender:  A girly!!! :D

Labour signs:  None

Symptoms: Movement, pain in pelvis, acid reflux, boobs starting to get sore again, boobs leaking, breathlessness, fatigue.

Belly button in or out?  Half and half!

 

Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy but bored now that the house is all sorted and I have nothing to keep me busy. I need to find a new project!

Looking forward to:  Being whisked off for a surprise date night tonight :)

My Birth Plan

Now I'm in the final few weeks of my pregnancy (eek!), it's about time I settled on my wishes and preferences for the birth. Having never done this before, I obviously don't really know what to expect so I've tried to be pretty flexible with my plan, apart from a couple of things I'm adamant about, which are highlighted in red.

I must admit it took me quite a while to finalise my birth plan- I think I started thinking about it at around 27 weeks- because I wanted to make sure I fully researched things like pain relief and interventions and be sure I was making an informed decision, so I'd definitely recommend investing a bit of time in this task. Another tip is to try and keep it concise and easy to follow- mine is in bullet points under headings and fits on one side of A4- so that medical staff can see at a glance what you want.

So without further ado, here you go!

 

 

 

My Birth Plan

Birth Partner

- Boyfriend D- to be there at all times

Staff

- Fine for student midwives to observe and deal with me, but only under supervision

Environment

- Left alone with as few interruptions as possible

- Able to eat, drink and play own music

Positions for labour and birth

- Remain as upright and mobile as possible

- Keen to try birthing pool if available

- Open to positions for giving birth- whatever is comfortable at the time

Pain Relief

- None unless intervention is required

- Open to trying gas and air

- Will provide own TENS machine

Fetal Monitoring

- Intermittent unless medically necessary

- No speeding up labour artificially unless medically necessary

Intervention

- Willing to have episiotomy but only after trying hot compress and perineal massage

- NO FORCEPS OR VENTOUSE- go to C-section if assistance is required

Third Stage

- Physiological

- Cord to be cut by boyfriend only after pulsing has stopped

Skin to Skin

- Immediately after birth and for as long as possible

Feeding

- Breastfeed asap after birth

- Willing to give formula if there are any problems with breastfeeding

Vitamin K injection

- Baby to have vitamin  injection when required

IF BABY NEEDS TO BE TAKEN FROM ME AT ANY POINT SHE IS TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY MY BOYFRIEND.

 

And that's it! It seems like a lot of points but it is pretty straightforward once you get going, and although it's wise to do your research and have your hopes and preferences notes, at the end of the day as long as both you and baby are healthy afterwards that's all that matters!

 

Bumpkin: Week 33 Update

Wednesday 12/08/15

 

 

 

How far along? 33+2

Total weight gain: As of last week I weighed 11st 1lb, which is a total gain of approximately 2st. Eek!

Maternity clothes?  Nothing new, although I'm down to about three outfits which are on rotation at the moment. I'm hoping I can make do with these until the end because I'd rather save my money to treat myself to some new things after the birth.

Stretch marks?  I don't think there's any new ones, although I've been so tired I haven't really been paying attention to be honest.

Sleep:  Not good! I'm still up several times through the night with cramp/needing the toilet and unfortunately D has been suffering with toothache and he has also been up a few times in the night which then disturbs me too. I have been making the most of my free time and had quite a few naps recently- I may as well make the most of it while I can!

Best moment this week: D has had an extra day off work this week so we had a date day on Monday and went shopping, for dinner and to see Inside Out at the cinema (which was fab!). As we get closer to D-Day I'm beginning to appreciate the time we spend together just the two of us, and hopefully we can squeeze in a few more days like that before a certain little miss takes up all of our time!

Worst moment this week:  Being roughly pushed past at the till in the supermarket meaning bump got squished up against my trolley and gave me a bit of a fright. I actually stood up for myself though, which isn't like me, but I'm glad I did.

Miss anything?  Being able to bend easily! I dropped my car keys in the middle of a car park the other day and made a complete show of myself trying to retrieve them!

Movement: Yep, I seem to have a very active little munchkin in there :) I was woken up at the weekend by the biggest rolling sensation and I can now feel her at the opposite side of my tummy so I'm desperately hoping that she hasn't gone breech!

Food cravings: Chips and gravy, mash, roast dinners- anything stodgy and carb-y!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Acid reflux still

Gender:  A girly!!! :D

Labour signs:  None

Symptoms: Movement, pain in pelvis, acid reflux, boobs starting to get sore again, boobs leaking, breathlessness.

Belly button in or out?  It's now half popped, half flat and looks so peculiar!

 

Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy :) I'm still loving pottering around the house getting everything sorted and starting to feel more organised.

Looking forward to:  Hopefully finishing the nursery this weekend :) I'm also keen to go to my midwife appointment next week to check the position of the baby. Hopefully she's still head down and I'm just worrying for nothing.

My Second Trimester Essentials

I was very lucky in that my second trimester pretty much mimicked my first and was fairly smooth-sailing.  The second trimester is usually the favourite of many- myself included as I had so much more energy and was visibly pregnant, but not so pregnant that I felt restricted and of course started to feel little bubs move!

 

Below are the items I relied on during weeks 13-27 in order to make my pregnancy a bit more comfortable and enjoyable.

 

Vitamins

These appeared in my first-tri essentials as they're obviously extremely important, and I've continued to use the Pregnacare tabets throughout the rest of my pregnancy. As I said before, these are massive , so if you have a problem swallowing tablets it might be better to look for a smaller alternative.
 



Link

Maternity Jeans

I struggled in my usual jeans until I was 23 weeks because I couldn't find a reasonably priced but nice pair of maternity jeans. My
mistake was only beginning to look as I started to need them, so be wise and start searching as soon as you hit the second tri so you can make the most of them! I found these in New Look (who have been the most useful in maternity wear in general)- the blue were £12.99 and the black £18.99 and I have no complaints- great fit, comfy bump band and wash well.



Link

Link

Maternity Pillows

Another item I wish I had bought earlier! From about 18 weeks I had trouble sleeping and would wake up several times in the night feeling uncomfortable. I also kept waking up on my back, which isn't advised during pregnancy, but was my go-to sleep position beforehand. I bought the BabyStart Mum to Be Pillow set from Argos (£15.99), which includes a wedge and a v-shaped pillow. Sure, they're not as pretty looking as the more expensive ones, but if you're on a budget/ unsure if they'll actually benefit you then I'd definitely recommend trying these first. I use the wedge to stop myself from rolling completely onto my back and the other to cuddle as a support to my bump and legs, or to prop myself up in the night so I'm on my back but not lying flat. I can also use the v-shaped pillow for feeding once Baby is here, so great value overall!

 

Bump Butter/Oil
Looking back, this should have really gone into my first tri essentials as I do have quite a few stretch marks- a combination of being starting to use this too late and sometimes being lazy with application! I've favoured the nSpa Mum to Be range throughout my pregnancy, and have written a thorough review which you can view here.

 

Massage Oil/Cone

The aches and pains started to creep in during my second trimester, so I regularly blackmailed the Daddy-to-be into giving me regular massages! The From Dusk til Dawn massage cone from Lush is our favourite- it has a gorgeous citrus scent, the point gives a deep massage and because it starts off solid, it's much less messy. I actually have a brand-new, extra pointy one in my hospital bag for use during labour!


Non-wired bras
As I said in my first trimester essentials, underwired bras are the work of the devil and have continued to be throughout my whole pregnancy.


Source: www.paperchase.co.uk

A Diary
Start writing everything down or else you WILL forget something!

Source: www.tepe-interdental-brushes.co.uk

 Floss/interdental brushes
During second tri my gums became so painful and inflamed and be niggling constantly. I really had to be vigilant with my cleaning to stop this.

What are your second trimester essentials?

 

Bumpkin: Week 32 Update

Friday 07/08/15

 

 

 

How far along? 32+4

Total weight gain: Two stone- whoops!. I finally weighed myself this week and I'm sitting at 11st 1lb. Everyone always tells me I'm all bump though, so hopefully it will come off quickly.

Maternity clothes?  A couple of long vests from Primark just to layer under my tops as the bump seems to be making everything ride up!

Stretch marks?  No new ones

Sleep:  Not too bad this week but I'm being woken up quite frequently with cramp in my legs which I have to get up and walk off

Best moment this week: Getting the nursery furniture delivered and starting to build it! We've done the crib, the cot and the wardrobe so far and they're all in their place. The room is starting to look very pretty and baby-like and I can't resist popping my head in to look at it whenever I go upstairs!

Worst moment this week:  The constant acid reflux. I'm never far from my packet of Rennies!

Miss anything?  Not this week

Movement: Yes, not so much in the form of kicks now but constant rolling around. It feels like a washing machine in there!

Food cravings: Lyle's golden syrup cake

Anything making you queasy or sick: The acid reflux

Gender:  A girly!!! :D

Labour signs:  None

Symptoms: Movement, Braxton Hicks, pain in pelvis, acid reflux, boobs starting to get sore again

Belly button in or out?  Lying flat still

 

Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy! I'm thoroughly enjoying being off work and pottering around the house getting everything ready!

Looking forward to:  This weekend- D has Monday off so we have a long weekend together :)

Bumpkin: Week 31 Update

Thursday 30/07/15

 

 

How far along? 31 weeks and 3 days

Total weight gain: No idea!

Maternity clothes?  Nothing new this week

Stretch marks?  No new ones

Sleep:  Terrible! The pain in my groin is making it impossible to roll over in my sleep so I'm waking up each time I need to move. Then I'll wake up with cramp in the leg of the side I'm lying on and have to move again. I've also been up through the night with Braxton Hicks and heartburn

Best moment this week: Knowing that this is my last week at work! I'll still be doing the odd shift for the next few weeks, but it's relief knowing that it will be on my terms, and I don't have to book anything in if I'm not feeling up to it. I've also finished my hospital bag list, so I'm feeling much more prepared.

Worst moment this week:  It's becoming much harder to walk about all day at work with the pain in my pelvis. I had another midwife appointment yesterday and bump is measuring 30cm, but has grown 3cm in the last three weeks which is perfect so she's willing to leave it and review next time before sending me for a growth scan.

Miss anything?  Sleep!

Movement: Yes!! :D

Food cravings: Nothing. I have no appetite again

Anything making you queasy or sick: My bloods came back saying I was anaemic, so I've been put on iron tablets and unfortunately these are making me quite nauseous

Gender:  A girly!!! :D

Labour signs:  None

Symptoms: Movement, Braxton Hicks, pain in pelvis, nosebleeds, inflamed gums

Belly button in or out?  Lying flat still

 

Happy or moody most of the time?  Just fine. Happy at home, but struggling now at work. Obviously you have to put a brave face on though!

Looking forward to:  Finishing up tomorrow!