Week 39 - Almost there

We have mastered the second last week. So now we are really getting close! I have unregular contractions now and then but they never become regular. But at least I have an idea what might be coming. The ones in the back are like period pain. But then I also have contractions in the front. And they are quite amazing. The belly gets so hard on the sides! My husband was checking it once and got a bit scared. So far they are not very painful, still manageable and they never last very long. But I can imagine if they become just a bit stronger and last longer that's gonna be interesting. My doctor said I might start labour like this and since the first phase can last for several hours I should take a couple of paracetamols so that I can relax a bit and won't be too exhausted when the 'real' thing starts. Because then the paracetamol won't help anyway... But I also read a story about a lady who was attending her company's dinner until she was eight cm dilated and she said it was alright. So that's actually the picture I have painted in my mind, it won't be my company's dinner though but maybe dinner with my husband?
I continue with the accupuncture and since we are getting closer to the due date we are stimulating contractions now even harder. Yesterday I had four needles in my feet, two in my hands and six in the back and they were all connected to some electricity. The needles started jumping up and down and I burst out laughing. But only at the beginning because when she increased the voltage (don't worry it's just minor voltage) it got quite painful. But I did my yoga breathing, meaning inhaling through the nose for six and then exhaling through the mouth for six and then starting all over again. Amazingly it really helped. Tomorrow is my next session if nothing happens.
The other amazing thing is that I am still fit, flexible and moving about. I can still close my shoes on my own bending down and walking for an hour is also not a problem. And I have the feeling that I do my laps in the swimming pool faster every time I go there... On the downside my body makes me feel a bit sad. Not only my feet are swollen now but also my legs and arms look quite big. I hope it's all fluid retention and that I will lose most of the weight after giving birth. But I shouldn't complain I have seen worse pregnant ladies and once I can exercise again it will fall off quickly I guess.

Week 32 - Last week at work

This is my last week at work. I still had some annual leave so I take that first and then it will smoothly go over into maternity leave. Lucky me, I still have a German contract, that means that maternity leave starts six weeks before the due date. I plan to stay at home with the baby for six months - let's see how that works out in the end. This is the first time to have such a long break from work and it seems a bit weird. But long hours in a sitting position start to feel a little bit inconvenient so I am really looking forward to my time at home.

I still have so many ideas for my nursery and I also need to get the last few items on my shopping list. Such nice stuff as a breast pump for example... So it shouldn't get boring.

Week 31 - Gym Class

Yesterday me and the baby had our first little fight. She was pushing her feet so heavily into my belly that I thought my belly was about to burst. And I mean not just one kick, no, constantly pushing. Then I pushed back hoping she would stop it and move around. But instead she thought it was a fun game and pushed even harder... In the end it was just I guess because my jeans have become so tight so that she had to move upwards and that was why she had this strange position. So from now on the jeans are stored away and it's little dresses time. Tried it today and much better for me and the little one. We are back to our normal good team spirit.

By now I have already put on 12 kilos. But my doctor says I shouldn't worry. Maybe it's a little bit less next week? Stay tuned...

Week 26 - Transforming into a duck

My husband starts calling me his little duckie... very nice of him. At least he starts realising now that we have only three months left before our couple life will change forever... well at least for the next twenty years or so.

Week 20 - Show it or hide it?

This week I told another one of my colleagues that I was pregnant. She couldn't believe it. When asked if they hadn't noticed my little belly she responded they had only noticed that my bum was bigger than before... Thank you, girls!

Week 18 - It's popped...

My belly really starts popping out now. I put on one kilo in one week! But in my new CK shirt (see the photo in the middle) it's still not so obvious. The grey pants are one of the last pants of my pre-pregnant wardrobe. They are getting tight now. But I bought another pair of black jeans two sizes bigger than usual. They are low cut and fit under the belly. So they have to get me through the next months. And once they don't fit anymore either there are still tights and dresses...

Week 15 - Little dresses and wide shirts

Again my little dresses plus tights. And floating shirts are also good for hiding a little belly.