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.

Week37: Waiting and accupuncture

This week when I saw my doctor she told me that I will probably have the baby by the end of the month. So these are my last two weeks of pregnancy! But it's good to have an idea when it's going to be about time. Now I can still plan my days and do little excursions without having to fear that my waters will suddenly break. Like the lady they told us about in the antenatal class who was standing in a chocalate shop when suddenly she was ankle deep in her waters. Wow that would be so embarrassing.
I had expected to be more tired by now, but no, still feeling pretty good and active. I have also started accupuncture treatments this week. They are supposed to shorten labour and to make it less painful. Well I will let you know afterwards... but at least I can give it a try. By the way I gained 18 kg by now. But it's slowing down now and it also seems to be a bit of water retention. I have no idea how many I will lose when giving birth, maybe 10 kg? So many questions...

Week 35 - Slowing down

This week I had to start slowing down. My back is still the same. It gets better when the muscles warm up but when I get out of bed I usually make funny movements. Instead of yoga I started with swimming now. We have a small pool in our building so it's not a big deal. The water is really relaxing and since my doctor also advised me to have a little nap in the afternoon I really feel like being on a Spa holiday now. The baby just started dropping down last night and my belly is now sitting lower which is quite funny. You start realising now that there is not that much time left over. It might come earlier anyway and all sorts of feeling start coming up. A bit of anxiety, a bit of curiosity and joy and a bit of relief that all the discomforts of the big belly will be over soon.

Week 34 - Big feet and enormous growth

This week my feet and ankles got really big and swollen. That's so mean now that the wheather is finally nice and warm and you just want to run around in sandals and summer wear... And there are still six weeks to go. My worst fear is that they might get even bigger! I already feel like a stranded whale. To make things worse there seems to be a nerve in my butt that aches whenever I bend over or stretch the back. I will try to avoid that and give it some rest and hopefully it will go away again.
But there are also some happier news. We had our first antenatal class on Sunday and the midwife who did the course was so lovely and reassuring that most of my worries about giving birth are soothed. But I never imagined it would have such a big impact on my husband. He is all worried that we might go into labour any minute from now on... But I think it was good for him to see the other hubbies and to get an idea what to expect.

Week 33 - The long break has finally arrived

Finally it was my last day at work and from now on I am at home. And it's amazing how time flies when you have nothing to do. You just had breakfast and all of a sudden it's three o'clock in the afternoon... But it's totally cool, reminds me of my uny time. Lovin it!
The little fellow is also appreciating. She is such a lovely baby, never making mummy feeling bad or uncomfy (well almost never). Can't believe we only have less than seven weeks to go and then we will find out who's looks she has inherited. That's definitely gonna be a little miracle...
By the way... do you like my new bootie sandals? So comfy!

Week 19 - Maternity trousers

This week I have switched to maternity trousers (see second image). I must admit that they are a lot more comfy. But on the other hand they tend to slowly move down which I find quite annoying. But I guess that's the compromise you have to make...

Week 15 - Little dresses and wide shirts

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

Week 11 - Not much to see yet

Still not much to see... This week I tended to wear dresses with a little bit of space around the waistline.