Hello! How is your weekend going?
As I write this post, I am one day short of 36 weeks and just 1 week shy of being full-term. Speed that up by almost a week if you go by my ultrasound due date (Sept 17th) rather than the LMP due date (Sept 22). Everyone keeps telling me she could come any day now! Eek. But then I tell them we have an agreement – baby promised not to come during the kitchen renovation. I’m sure that means she’ll surprise us and come tomorrow or something.
I’ve noticed so many changes in pregnancy symptoms this week. It must be getting close to Go Time because my body seems to be in prep mode. Or at least, that’s what I’d like to think. For starters, I feel like the baby is starting to drop because the pressure on my bladder is insane this week. She feels lower too and her hiccups feel lower down. Did you know that bladders make great baby pillows? They do….and also, punching bags. Her head boppin’ on my bladder also means I feel like I have to pee about 96% of the day. When I met with my doc he seemed to think my belly had dropped since the last appointment.
I’ve also had some pelvic pain and some new shooting pains in the cervix/vaginal area this week. I like to describe the latter sensation as a lightening bolt shooting up my girly bits. If you’ve had it before, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Luckily it doesn’t happen that often. My OB said it’s normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, I’m pretty sure if I told him my toe turned green and fell off he would say it’s totally normal. I guess the man has seen it all…
What else? Preggo insomnia is back. Earlier this week I was convinced I was getting contractions in the middle of the night because I woke up with really weird pains in random spots of my stomach. They went away thankfully, so maybe it was just the good old Braxtons doing a practice run. All I remember is waking up in pain and thinking, “Thank God for epidurals” – before finally drifting off to sleep. lol.
Other than those symptoms, I’m really not having many other symptoms and overall I feel pretty darn good. Life goes on!
My friend had twin girls a month ago and we threw a big potluck at her place this week. I got to hold and feed one of her baby girls to get some “practice” in. Aside from feeling like I was going to break this tiny little angel, I think I did OK. Whew. I can’t believe we’re going to have one of our own next month. I keep picturing what it will be like when we bring her home for the very first time. I’m guessing an unexpected poop explosion might be part of it!
Still going on my walks and loving them. I haven’t had to slow down much at all, but I’m sure I will a bit as the weeks go on. I’m happy with just getting out there and moving my body. Walking is so underrated! My doc thinks it will help prepare the body for labour…wouldn’t that be a nice bonus? Now that my lower back/sciatic area pain is almost gone, I’m also thinking of incorporating some prenatal yoga stretches back into my routine.
On the food front, my nausea is still gone (yay) and I have a strong appetite, but I’m getting really tired of our kitchen reno meals. I’m hoping to have a half-functional kitchen in another 1-1.5 weeks and I can’t wait to start cooking real meals again! I don’t want to see another piece of toast for a very long time!
Remember last week when I said I couldn’t be bothered to nest? Well, that was before the entire kitchen and family room got covered in dust, thanks to the countertop installation and some indoor grinding to install the cooktop. We had a big plastic drop sheet wall put up to contain the dust, but then we found out the installers removed it way too early and the dust got everywhere. Oh hell no. Needless to say, this kicked my nesting urges into overdrive. I cleaned all night long and I could’ve gone into the wee hours of the night but Eric made me go to bed. Do not mess with a 9 month preggo lady and her nest!
Hospital bag. Eric keeps telling me I need to start packing it! I’m putting it off. I did some reading online about what to bring and oh my…some of the suggested lists are LONG. I really don’t want to pack for a week-long vacay, you know what I mean? My goal is to keep it short and sweet. [This is coming from a classic over-packer, mind you…] We’re only a short drive to the hospital so it’s not like Eric can’t grab something if need be. Plus, from what I hear the hospital stocks some pretty snazzy underwear! Meow.
Anyway, feel free to leave your hospital bag suggestions…I’m all ears!
Packing your hospital bag is a great idea. My water broke (a gusher) with my second, 3 weeks early, and I had to pack while walking around with a towel under me. I wish I had packed before hand. The suggestions above for packing are great . I was able to buy disposable underwear which were great for when my water broke and after my 2 nd was born. Also , have lots of water . For some reason I was so thirsty and couldn’t get enough water. As well, my exercise ball was instrumental in helping me through both my labours with no epidural. Either way , it helps with the pain.
I don’t know hospital regulations for food/drink as I had my baby at home, but I found straws incredibly helpful for sipping water and coconut water throughout labour. A straw seems like a weird suggestion but they were so helpful! I’d also suggest having on hand a really good, natural nipple butter for after the birth if you plan to breastfeed. Earth mama angel baby makes a great one. I found the lanolin ones to be way too sticky and they didn’t try as quickly for me. It’s something I wish I had on hand from day one though!
warm socks and lip balm (my must have for the 2nd two kids) and maternity pads (i forgot mine the first time lol) hope it goes very well for you.
Love ohsheglows so glad i discovered it a few years ago :)