The other day I realized that I haven't done a detailed pregnancy update since the end of my first trimester. I always include a little update in my Sunday Sunset posts, but they're always so brief. As I am now in my third trimester, 32 weeks today, I thought it was a good time to write more.
Due Date: October 15th, 2013 (at the very latest, he will be coming on October 22nd via C-section)
Weight Gain: About 22 lbs. The doctor is not super excited about my weight gain. He/insurance company want only a 20 pound weight gain. Obviously I've exceeded that already, but really most women I know gained more like 30 pounds total. And 22 pounds is way less than with the twins. So feeling pretty good...
Symptoms: Where do I start...
- Insomnia -- Some nights I'm okay, but then I will not be able to sleep at all for days on end. I'm sure J hates my constant tossing and turning to get to sleep, but there's really not much I can do. I'm just tihinking of this as my body prepping me for more sleep deprivation after the baby comes.
- Constant restroom breaks -- The usual. Pressure on my bladder has increased my restroom frequency. 5-6 times a night and probably twice that during the day. I am trying to drink a lot of water (doctor recommended), so that is definitely contributing. But I'm always so thirsty! This is just a bit of a nuisance, not really a big issue.
- Pressure -- Over the last two weeks, I had increased pressure in my pelvic region. The doctor says it's just the baby moving and starting to settle low (good position!), but good graciousness it is uncomfortable! Almost like near constant menstrual cramping.
- Carpal tunnel -- Back at the beginning of the second trimester, I started waking up with numb hands. Turns out pregnancy can bring on carpal tunnel due to weight gain and water retention. Thankfully the numbness is fairly infrequent now and hasn't spread to daytime occurances. According to the doctor, this should go away after the baby is born. I hope so. I hate the feeling of numbness...
- Plantar fasciitis -- Another fun pregnancy induced issue. This is beyond sore feet. It feels like knives in the bottom of my feet when I walk. It occurs more frequently right after waking up and late at night. Another thing that should go away after having the baby.
- Nausea -- After horrid nausea during the first trimester, I had no issue during the second. Now it's back. Thankfully not as bad as the first, but it can be a nuisance. Just a general feeling of queasiness for the most part.
- Indigestion -- I think this is related to the nausea. I haven't had any heartburn, but definitely lots of indigestion throughout. Not very much fun.
What's different this time: Considering I had the boys 10 years ago, I'm convinced that I blocked a lot of the pregnancy out of my mind. However, I do remember being extremely tired at this point. I was so big and uncomfortable and it was winter in Indiana. I'm pretty sure it just made me super tired. Plus, my mood was all over the place throughout that entire pregnancy.
This time I have lots more energy, though still tired. I'm also much smaller (thank goodness!). And my mood has been fairly stable throughout. I haven't had the crazy mood swings but I do cry at the littlest things (mostly tv and music). I've been feeling good and excited about what's to come.
Cravings/Aversions: Aversions are mostly gone at this point. I still crave lots of fresh fruit and water. But thankfully I can eat just about anything I want.
Sleep: Ha ha! That's a joke right? Because of the trouble sleeping and the insomnia, I have resorted to the occasional nap in the afternoon. Anyone who knows me knows I can't take naps. This is a big development for me. I'm certain the naps will increase in frequency until the baby comes.
I am loving: The general comments I have been getting. Everyone keeps telling me that I've got that pregnancy glow. I have no idea what they're talking about, but it makes me happy to think that I'm somewhat enjoying pregnancy this time around.
I miss: Wine and sushi... seriously! First meal after delivery, I want some spicy tuna and dragon rolls and a nice cab or syrah or malbec. Yummy!
I am looking forward to: Getting him out. As improved as this pregnancy is over the twins, I am just about done with the whole thing. Looking forward to October.
I'm spazzing about: The baby's growth. I've mentioned before about the doctors finding out that the baby has a two vessel cord instead of a three vessel cord. Everything is progressing fine so far, but I have to have extra ultrasounds to monitor his progress. Every time I freak out just a bit before the procedure. Thankfully he's still right on track for growth. I have another ultrasound on Sept. 4th, but the doctors keep telling me it's just a precautionary matter.
Milestones: We've made it past the point of questionable viability. I love that even if he comes early, his chances of survival are very high. Love modern medical technology!
Movement: Ridiculous! He is so incredibly active. My pregnancy emails keep telling me that movement will start to decrease because of limited space, but that is so not true for this one. He's constantly rolling, punching, and kicking. My goodness! I cannot get over how much more active he is compared to the twins. I imagine part of that is because the boys just didn't have much room to move after a certain point.
Exercise/Diet: Ha ha! This is another fun category. I've tried to keep to some type of diet and not over-eat, but I am constantly hungry. Instead, I am trying to stick healthy snacks and fruit.
Preparation: We are so far behind on this. On the medical side, I have filled out the birth plan. I have talked to the doctor about what I want. We're going to try for a VBAC and only do a C-section as a last resort. Also, we will schedule a C-section on October 22nd if he doesn't come before then. There will be no induction. I've also made a list of things to pack for my hospital bag, but haven't packed it yet. I did just grab a cheap nightshirt to wear instead of the regular scratchy hospital gown. I should start getting that stuff together in a pile somewhere...
On the nursery/baby prep side, we are far far behind. My essentials list is a crib, a stroller/car seat system, a chair (glider or rocker) for nursing, and possibly a bassinet. Unfortunately, we don't have any of those. I do have the items I want on the baby registry, I just need to order them. I'll get to it soon. And then J gets to put this stuff together. On a related note, we are currently in a slight disagreement about the chair issue. I found a stylish and cheap chair at Ikea, but J is convinced that the chair is much too large for the room. Instead of buying the chair the other day, we bought one for J's new living room chair. I still think it would fit great in the nursery. I just need to convince him of it and get us to head back to Ikea.
Here's a pick of the empty room:
Arthur's Stuff: He's acquiring quite a full closet of clothes and random things. J's parents just sent us a box of cute little onsies and socks. Very cute! And Arthur finally has a few little hats to keep his head warm. Plus, we've acquired some small toys and receiving blankets. Very adorable! Lastly, I bought a cute cardigan with bow tie outfit for Christmas. I can't wait to see it on him...
