Looking Back over A Whole 9 Months... The Good , The Bad, & The Ugly

I apologise for my lack of posts recently. I have been AWOL again and my days have been taken up with the joys that I believe they call 'nesting.' I believe that I am becomming a lovely homely mother however, Mr C begs to differ and thinks that cleaning the toilet at 2am constitutes as a 'mad woman' not a earth-loving mumsy type!

 As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I am now less than one week away from Baby C's due date and with this comes the reflection of the last 9 months and it got me wondering; what will I miss when i'm no longer a firm member of the 'Pregnant Lady Club'?

Laugh as you may, I firmly believe that there is some sort of unspoken 'Pregnant Lady Club'. Not a Hogwarts for ladies carrying life, but a 'look' or an acknowledging smile that says 'Hang on in there fellow pregnant lady, I feel your pain!' Mr C finds it highly ammusing that I like to grin like a cheshire cat at any fellow mummy to be but I feel that being part of that exclusive unity of women is a lovely feeling and one that I will miss!

What else will I miss?

The good...

Carrying my child inside of me - Knowing that my body is nurturing my son and will soon deliver him into this world is most truely the wonderful blessing. The bond that you experience from the moment you find out about the little bean right up to times when you can actually see little limbs flailing about inside of you, like something out of Alien, is magical. The blessing of carrying and nurturing a life inside of your body is quite simply, the most beautiful thing you could possibly experience and I will forever count my blessings that I was priviliged enough to experience it.

Having the 'pregnant lady' excuse! - 'You'll have to drive; i'm pregnant.' 'I'll have another slice of cheesecake; i'm pregnant'. 'Can you run me a bath?; i'm pregnant'. 'Can you take the bin out?; i'm pregnant'. 'Can you massage my feet?; i'm pregnant'. Mr C is well deserving of a medal of some sort, in fact, get that man a Blue Peter badge!

Talking about my 'baby.' - Since being pregnant and having a bump that actually looks like a baby bump and not just the result of too many hob nobs, I have been inundated with questions and comments about my pregnancy and the baby that is growing inside of me. Wherever you go, be it work, the checkouts at Asda or even in the queue in the petrol station, people love to ask all about your bump and well, as a very proud mummy-to-be, I love talking all about him! I used to laugh at mothers that talked non-stop about their children however I hold up my hands 'I am one of THOSE mothers!'.

Having lovely hair & clear skin! - Since being pregnant, i've been blessed with a glossy thick mane of hair and my skin has not seen even a hint of a pimple since those two little pink lines flashed before my eyes. Hopefully (fingers crossed!) this is a change that is here to stay post-pregnancy but knowing my luck, a big mount vesuvius sized monstrostery is getting ready to rear it's ugly head... right in the middle of my forehead!

The bad...

I have been blessed with a reletively stress-free pregnancy and I am thankful for the love and support that I have been showered with during the past 9 months. There have been no 'bad' aspects whatsoever; how can there be when the outcome is the most perfect gift you could be given? However, I'd be lying if I said that there weren't things that I wouldn't miss!

Being a human pin cushion - Prior to pregnancy, I was a TOTAL needle-phobe. Nowadays, I am that used to being prodded and poked that it has become a long standing joke between Mr C & I that the hospital have some sort of secret mission to stab me with as many needles as possible. Repeat GTT's, conflicting rubella immunity results... the list is endless and has resulted in tons of needles!

My bladder shrinking to the size of a pea! - I will not miss this. 12 trips to the bathroom last night, i kid you not! The only plus side is that we have an en-suite so I don't need to go to far to empty my pea bladder but it's most definitely not a highlight of pregnancy!

& finally, The Ugly!  Beautiful!
Stretchmarks - Some may say these are ugly but truth be told, i've grown fairly proud of my 'tiger stripes' over thre last few weeks. They are a sign that i've nurtured my son and provided him with a home throughout the lastnine months. Pregnancy has been a blessing and my body has created the most precious gift I could have possibly wished for therefore I aren't going to see my stretch marks as ugly. They are part of me. Yes, I won't be wearing a bikini or auditioning for Miss World anytime soon, I may have days where I feel like a slob and mourn my pre-pregnancy body but I have a new found appreciation of my body... it gave my son life and for that, I will always be thankful (no matter how saggy it is!).

Pregnancy Post: 39 Weeks

I can not believe that I am now less than one week away from our due date! The time has absolutely flown!

Here is my GINORMOUS bump at 39 weeks.

So what's going on this week?

Your baby

Your baby is still putting on weight - and the new body fat will help regulate their body temperature after the birth.

Your little one’s eyes will be well formed, but they won’t be able to focus just yet. The eyes will continue to develop after the first few weeks after the birth.

You

You may have backache and are probably feeling restless and eager to meet your baby. You may even have decided on a name by now.

Some women experience diarrhoea as their body is getting ready for the birth. Clearing the back passage will make your baby’s journey easier. If it lasts for more than a day, speak to your GP or doctor.

You might be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions; this is a sign of your body gearing up for labour. Some women describe them as tightening, or like period cramps. If the 39 weeks pregnant cramping becomes regular, then you may be having contractions. These will increase in intensity and may occur every 15 minutes.

Have you noticed an increase in vaginal discharge? If you have a mucus discharge with a little blood, this is the jelly-like plug that seals the cervix called the ‘show’.

What to think about

Make sure your hospital bag is ready to go. Some things you might find handy are a bag of small change (for parking and vending machines), camera and something to read.

Practise the relaxation techniques that you have picked up from your antenatal classes with your birthing partner.

Have a look over your birthing plan with your partner. Do you want to make any changes? If want to make amendments, discuss this with your midwife?

Pregnancy Post: 38 Weeks

This week sees the start of Week 38!

Maternity clothes: I am MASSIVE! Baby C is just raring to pop out and at approximately 10lbs already, i'm resembling a baby hippo! I am living in maxi dresses, leggings and Mr C's Captain America dressing gown!

Stretch marks: My tiger stripes have well and truely appeared. I thought that i'd avoided them and initially, I was horrifed when they appeared but I am now very much comfortable with them and see them as my permenant reminder that i've carried and nurtured a miricle in my body and I should be bloody well proud of that!

Sleep... is far and few between. My bladder seems to explode as soon as I lie down however, I am grateful for the fact that, even though I have to get up 4 or 5 times a night to go for a wee, I am able to go straight back to bed rather than having to feed a screaming baby!

Best moment this week: Finding out that I am 2cm dilated already and my cervix is partially effaced. We came to the decision that I will go for a vaginal birth rather than an elective section which is what i'd hoped for. Even though baby C's predicted birth weight is more than 4.5kg, the consultant said that there should be no reason to at least attempt for a vaginal birth which is good news!

Movement: Lots and often painful. He likes to party all night (like his mummy in previous times!) and I often wake up to find Mr C playing games with him during the night! Lets see if he's so keen to entertain him during the night when he arrives!

Food cravings: None.

Gender: Still a boy!

Labor Signs: I had a sweep on Wednesday and found that I am 2cm dilated so hopefully he should be making an arrival sooner rather than later. The hospital has said that I will not be allowed to go over my due date (31st August) so I am safe in the knowledge that in 2 weeks, he will be here in my arms!

Belly Button in or out: A bit of both dependent on where he is!

What I miss: This week I am thinking more about what I will miss rather than what I currently miss. In 2 weeks I will no longer be 'pregnant'. In reflection, I have had a lovely pregnancy and although i'd much rather be a mummy & have my boy here, I will miss being pregnant!

What I am looking forward to: his arrival!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy your maternity leave whilst you can. I have been off 2 weeks now and have completely spring cleaned my house, met up with friends, had lots of lazy days, watched a whole abundance of films that i've been meaning to watch for months, laid in till 10am and tomorrow, me and Mr C are going on a romantic date (on the proviso that I don't go into labour tonight!!).

Milestones: 2 weeks today & i'll either be in labour, or nursing my son in my arms! Fab!

Pregnancy Post: 33 Weeks

Your baby

• Your baby is now around 44cm long from head to toe and weighs around 3-4 pounds. He or she may have a full head of hair.
• The calcium from your diet is helping your baby’s bones harden so keep eating healthily.

You

• You may find the baby’s movements more uncomfortable and may be slowing down as you cope with the extra weight.
• If you’ve noticed a clear or white vaginal discharge, don’t worry – this is normal during pregnancy. But, if it becomes thick or yellow, seek medical advice as it may be a sign of infection.
• Swelling of your hands, feet or face can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. It affects 10 per cent of pregnancies and can be dangerous to you and your baby. If you notice any signs make sure you call your doctor or midwife.
• As your skin stretches your skin may become itchy, if this is the case use a soothing moisturisers. But if it increases and is mainly on your hands, soles of your feet and tummy, it might be a sign of obstetric cholestatis, so speak to your midwife or GP.

What to think about

• You can try to get your baby into the right position by a couple of movements. Try spending time on all fours as you wiggle your hips and arch your back, or you kneel on the floor across a bean bag or birth ball. Breaststroke is also thought to help open the pelvis.
• If you’re expecting twins or more, you may want to think about extra help during those first few days when you come home.
• As the birth draws nearer, it is time to consider childcare and the options available to you.
• It’s a good idea to pack your hospital bag now. Even if you’re planning a home birth, pack one just in case!
• During labour you will be offered pain relief. Make sure you know what’s available to you.

Our 33 week story

There hasn't been much change since last week. I have had a hospital free week this week as I don't need to see the consultant till next week. We have now finished our Parent Craft classes (see future post for details on them!) & have a fully furnished nursery fit for a prince!

I have been bouncing on my birthing ball as I've been suffering from pelvic and back pain! During the night, I have been plauged by leg cramps which are the WORST thing possible! Does anyone have any advice on how to ease? The only advice i've recieved so far is to put wine corks in the bottom of my bed! I really don't think i'll be trying that one out!

The labour bag is all packed & at the door ready for the dash to the hospital! I'm very proud of how organised we are!

Source: Bounty

Blog Challenge (23): The Best Thing to Happen This Year

The best thing to happen this year (not just this year, but my whole life!) is most definitely this:

Strictly speaking, I found out I was pregnant on 30th December 2011 so actually it was last year however the journey that has followed since finding out has been the best thing to ever happen to me.

Baby C was very much planned although to be honest, until the day that those 2 pink lines appeared before my eyes, I didn't expect that it would happen! (I bought a cheapo Tesco value test which was how I found out I was pregnant and then sent Mr C to the chemist the very next day for a more expensive Clear Blue as I didn't quite believe that a 99p test could possibly be correct!)

Sharing the journey with Mr C has been super exciting. He has been more supportive than I could have ever imagined and now the end is near and D Day is fast approaching, I am more excited than I ever imagined! We cannot wait to meet you Baby C! x

Preganancy Post: 32 Weeks

32 Weeks. What's happening?

Your baby

• If you’re feeling rather heavy and immobile now, spare a thought for your baby, who has less room to move by the day.
• Movement in the womb is important though as it encourages bone strengthening and helps build muscle mass.
• Pregnant at 32 weeks, your baby is now gaining layers of fat so they will appear less skinny, and the skin will now become pinker and less transparent.
• Scans show that babies have brain patterns like adults in dream sleep, indicating that babies do dream in the womb at this stage

You

• As a 32 week pregnant mum-to-be, you may notice more Braxton Hicks contractions and could start to get more anxious about the approaching birth.
• Don’t worry if your belly button is protruding, it’s caused by your growing uterus and will go back to normal a few months after pregnancy.
• Keep yourself hydrated and make sure you are eating healthily.
• Make sure you are supporting your growing body. You may be experiencing back pain so take the appropriate steps to alleviate the stress or, your breasts as they change may feel full and heavy – make sure you’re wearing a well-fitted bra.

 

Things to think about:

It’s a good idea to pack your hospital bag now. Even if you’re planning a home birth, pack one just in case!

At your antenatal appointment, your midwife will have a look at your baby’s lie and presentation on an ultrasound. If your baby is still in a breech position in weeks 35 onwards, you may have to have another scan in weeks 37-38 to see if he’s moved.

During labour you will be offered pain relief. Make sure you know what’s available to you.

Have you decided on a name yet? A lot of parents don’t decide until they meet their newborn but it might be an idea to have a few in mind.

Our 32 Week Story

The past few weeks I feel like we should pack our sleeping bags as I feel that we have practically moved into the hospital. Like most, pre-pregnancy, I was a complete hospital phobe so I am feeling VERY proud of myself and how I have coped. My love for my unborn son has outweighed any fear that I could ever have about hospitals! At the minute, I am also feeling super excited and positive for the labour as it means that we will finally get to meet our little man!

We have been back and forth to the hospital as our 'little' man is not so 'little.' In fact he's rather big! He has been measuring about 2.5/3 weeks bigger since around week 18 so it didn't come as a suprise that he is currently measuring 34.5 weeks when he is in fact 32 week gestation. I have been for additional growth scans that have backed up what the consultants have previously said and have had 2 Gestational Tolerance Tests which have both come back normal. I went through a period of contstant worry however, after much discussion with the consultant, I now have a re-newed sense of relief that he is just a big boy like his daddy. Mr C is 6ft 7" so apparantly we have 'big genes'!

Myself and Mr C attended our 3rd Parentcraft session last night. I will post in more detail in a further blog post however, last night was the tour of the labour ward. Mr C's face was a picture! I think he expected seeing women running around screaming covered in blood like headless chickens... he was expecting scenes from a horror film, bless him! In reality, although full to bursting, the labour ward was very organised and suprisingly, tranquil and peaceful! Some of the mums said that, post visit, they were left feeling more worried than before however, I was left feeling quite relaxed and the fear of the unknown was diminished! I was also pleased that all the rooms came with en-suite bathroom/shower and there was a TV! (In labour, I'm sure watching Corrie will be the last thing on my mind but, at present, it gave me a wierd sense of security knowing that I wouldn't miss any of my favourite soaps whilst in labour!)

The tour prompted us to discuss the labour process and pain relief although the consultant is unsure of whether i'll need to be induced early or have an elective C-section because of baby's size. This will depend on the additional fortnightly growth scans I am booked in for so we have decided that I am not going to get my heart set on any particular delivery method/pain relief. At the end of the day, baby's well-being is my main priority and as long as he arrives safely then I aren't too fussed on his method of delivery!

In other news, we have the bedroom furniture which Mr C is going to attempt to tackle this weekend... exciting times :)

info from Bounty. click here to visit the site.

It's time to give us women a break!

This week I found 3 purple stretch marks on my ever expanding bump. At first, I thought I was going to go into melt-down mode! Later that day, I then read an article about Hilary Duff's post baby body. She was pictured looking, in my opinion, bloody well fabulous in a bikini, just three months after the birth of her son Luca. 'It'll take 3 lifetimes for me to get back into a bikini' I sighed sadly to myself!  But there is a twist... Was the author congratulating her for her managing to slim down in record time? Were they condoning it and saying women should face less pressure to look good so shortly after birth? NO! This was an article full of criticism over her new apparently 'unperfect' body!

'A month or so ago I was concerned that she wouldn't even try to lose weight,' wrote one online critic. 'Now I'm convinced she doesn't even care how she looks, gross!' 'She's turned into her mother. That happens,' wrote another.

I am currently nearly 32 weeks pregnant and up - to - now have only put weight on on my tum. (*Touch wood* I am very aware there is still time!) I have consciously been watching what I've been eating however this has been more for the sake of baby's health and well-being rather than my own waistline. Saying that, I have had to be careful as I would quite readily embrace the whole 'eating for two' regime as a permanent life style choice if I could so I've had to restrict my cream cake intake massively!

As a young female and a regular reader of glossy magazines, I find that, as women, we are constantly bombarded with photographs of new celeb mummies who leave the hospital in their size 0 designer jeans and high heeled Louboutins. This unrealistic expectation is ridiculous; I for one will be leaving in my sweat pants and a pair of old converse! Becoming a mother is not an excuse to let yourself go but as women, we should be cut some slack! You have just brought a new life into the world and endured labour; how your hair looks should be the least of your worries! As a mummy, I want to concentrate my focus on my son and ensuring that he has everything he needs rather than panicking as to whether I have perfectly manicured nails!

These pictures of Hilary Duff are 3 months after the birth of her son, Luca. She looks fabulous, right? Well apparently, Wrong. Critics have slated her to pieces.

Now, I know I'm not likely to be papped coming out of Asda whilst I'm doing my weekly shop and I certainly aren't going to have my post-baby bod and make-up free face slapped all over the tabloids however, seeing pictures of 'perfect' celeb post baby bodies combined with the fact that any celeb who doesn't live up to this ideal is slated horrendously, can be really dangerous for a new mummy.This pressure co-incided with the huge change that has occurred in a woman's life could be disastrous for a woman's self-esteem!

Who the hell are these people who think they have the right to slate all and sundry? I sincerely hope they aren't women! Whatever happened to the 'sisterhood'?! We should be sticking together! Every stretch mark and wobbly bit is a reminder of the precious cargo that we have carried around and nurtured for the past 9 months. We should be proud and embrace the changes, not be worrying about whether we have slimmed down to our pre-baby jeans within 4 minutes of labour! It's time to give ourselves a break!

And with that rant... I'll reach for another Hob Nob and I'll worry about my baby body later!

Pregnancy Post featuring HiPP Organic: 31 Weeks Pregnant

Today marks a momentous occasion in my pregnancy journey...

We are down to single figures! In only 9 weeks, (*fingers crossed*) we should be graced with the arrival of our beautiful blue bundle of joy. The anticipation and excitement is unbearable; I want to meet him sooner! On the other hand, I must admit to being responsible of not enjoying my pregnancy to the fullest. I'm not saying i've disliked being pregnant, there are many things I've taken full advantage of, such as:

• Having an excuse to have another biscuit. 'It's for the baby, not me(!)' is a phrase you'll often hear me utter as I reach hungrily for yet another chocolate digestive!
• Being able to sleep in and not feel guilty because I should be mopping the bathroom floor. I didn't realise just how shattered I would be. A previous early bird; I can now quite happily sleep in till 11.30am, telling Mr C that I am taking full advantage because I won't sleep when baby arrives!
• Not having to breathe in when wearing a tight t-shirt/maxi dress etc. I am making the most of being able to be 'fat' without actually being 'fat' and not having to don the control pants in a bid to hide my belly after a particularly heavy carb binge!
• Mr C's massages. Again this isn't for my benefit, it is solely to 'make the baby more relaxed!' Yes I admit, I am milking it for all it's worth!

However, it's not all a bed of roses. This week i've felt really 'pregnant' for the first time in the journey so far. If you're a woman who's been through it, you'll know exactly what I am referring to. Everything's got that little bit harder; the two flights of stairs to our apartment seem like Everest; the long day at work is never ending and the aches and pains leave me feeling like i've ran a marathon... twice!

Ailments like these are extremely common in pregnancy. Mummies-to-be may be suffering with back pain, leg cramps, heart burn, indigestion, trouble sleeping and can even be blighted by constipation. How I wish someone would have warned me of the glamours of pregnancy prior to baby C's conception!

Constipation in Pregnancy

Changes to your body during the early stages of pregnancy may cause you to become constipated. If it’s any consolation, constipation is experienced by over 40% of women in pregnancy. So don’t worry if you are suffering with constipation at the moment, it is completely normal. Liz the expert midwife at HiPP Organic, talks about this symptom in more detail and offers some practical advice.

The main causes of constipation are as follows:

·         The pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum

·         The pregnancy hormone progesterone which slows the transit of food in your digestive tract

·         Iron pills prescribed to treat anemia

·         Dehydration from morning sickness

What can you do to ease constipation?

·         Drink plenty of fluids including fruit juices and fruit/veg smoothies

·         Gradually introduce higher fiber foods

·         Dried fruits such as apricots and prunes are useful and also are a good source of iron

·         Exercise can help combat constipation obviously during pregnancy this needs to be gentle exercise

·         Ask your midwife/GP about an alternative vitamin/iron supplement if you are taking one

If you feel these self help methods are not helping or you think you may be developing piles see your doctor or midwife.

This is a sponsered post.