It was my birthday this week! My family and close friends took me out to a nice Turkish dinner at the weekend which was great. I stuffed myself with such great food and enjoyed getting out of the flat for a change, conversing with people other than hubby (no offence to hubby of course!)
I had a double celebration this week which really boosted my mood. My friends and sisters had thrown me a lovely surprisebaby shower, which was so nice of them – I felt so loved. Afew of my friends turned up too and brought me such nice gifts for the baby. We ate plenty of food and enjoyed ourselves with lots of pregnant banter and talk about kids and growing up. The cake was delicious and the party really perked me up – the two celebrations have definitely put me on course for a much better mood.
The flat is coming along nicely now. The flooring is almost complete, which is great so that we don’t have to deal with dusty concrete floors anymore. And, finally, the engineer came to fit the internet which I was particularly happy about as it had got so boring without the internet at home. I didn’t waste any time and immediately got down to work, catching up on literally hundreds of emails. It felt good to work on my second baby (my blog) again. I had to say, I definitely missed blogging!
Ican feel a lot of movement coming from my tummy and I can also feel that Boxer is finding it difficult to shift around in there because of the lack of room.I still have a really strong craving for sugar, but I’ve decided that it’s probably just down to the lack of energy at the moment. I also went through a phase of needing roast dinners, so I had three of those in one day, but that craving went as quickly as it came… I still can’t shake off the need for coffee either. Every time I smell coffee in the air, my nose makes a beeline for where the smell is coming from! I thought people were supposed to go off coffee? I’m the opposite!
I’ve started to plan the nursery now. I took measurements for the room and worked out how much everything would cost – about £200 which is not bad as that includes everything, apart from furniture. I’m definitely going to go with the sky and undersea theme and even bought an undersea mural which is going to look awesome as a border around the room.
I found out that there is a birth centre literally right next to my flat and the rooms are amazing! I was sold the moment I walked into the place. I was given a tour of the centre – there are six rooms, one with a double bed, and each has a birth pool (which is huge by the way), a toilet, a shower and a bath. Each room even has a TV, candles and radio! I’m definitely aiming for a water birth in one of these holistic calming birth centres – I hope Boxer complies!
I went to my new GP to have a check-up with the midwife at a children’s centre down the road from me. They spotted some nitrate in my urine, but they reckon it may be a tampered sample as I am not displaying any symptoms of a urine infection. So they just told me to go home and drink plenty of fluids, including water and cranberry juice. I drink about 2 litres of water a day so I’d be quite surprised if I had a urine infection. The midwife also told me that I needed to make sure the new maternity notes were registered to me before the birth as the birth centre can’t accept another hospital’s notes. Apparently, every hospital has its own way of doing things and their own abbreviations for medical words. So it’s safer if I get new maternity notes from the birth centre that I’m giving birth in. I arranged another appointment at 36 weeks where I may have to take my bloods again if my recent blood test results don’t come through by that time. The unit is going to chase for the results and let me know when they receive it. They also told me that my bump is a nice size at 31cm too. I learned that the size of the bump should roughly be the same as the number of weeks that you are pregnant. It’s a good way to work out where you are in the pregnancy should you ever forget.
A fun fact – The baby is about as big as a pineapple!
You’re still going to feel tightening – or Braxton Hicks contractions – until birth. They aren’t painful but they can happen if you overdo it – so take it easy!
Your baby’s eyes are staying open while they’re awake and they’re starting to coordinate their breathing with sucking and swallowing in preparation for the outside world
Your baby’s bones are hardening too and they’re going through major brain development too for all that learning when they greet the world outside!
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
You’re probably feeling quite uncomfortable now and overheating quite a bit.
If you’re experiencing headaches that are down to the hormone surges. But, other factors can be stress and dehydration so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and taking it easy as much as possible. Don’t worry about the extra ladies’ trips – it’s better than getting headaches and a painful UTI!
Baby brain is in full swing now! I experienced pregnancy brain with all four of my pregnancies – it’s quite common!
Start reading up about labour and birth if you haven’t done so already. It’s a good idea to learn about breathing techniques too and start practising them in time for the birth
Also start reading up on postnatal care, like medication, maternity pads, nursing pads. It may be still another month till you meet your baby, but at least you’ll be prepared for a surprise arrival if baby can’t wait until 40 weeks to meet mummy!
Don’t forget to monitor your baby’s movements – any reductions or changes and you need to let your midwife or doctor know ASAP!
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
I am having such a bad week this week. We’ve been at the new flat for a week now and the place looks like a construction site. I can’t sort out the nursery because everything has been thrown into boxes and they are too heavy for me to lift.
I’m bored at home by myself all day as there is no internet and the walk into town takes me about twenty minutes, which is fine one-way, but then my bladder is bursting by the time I get back home.I’ve put on so much weight, my belly is humungous and I don’t fit into any of my clothes, so I feel really rubbish. I probably look really bad too! My boobs have lost their perkiness and I’m just plain feeling sorry for myself – and I can’t help it! I try to snap myself out of this foul mood, but what’s scaring/depressing/frustrating me more is that I feel like I’m in a catch-22 situation. I can’t just go out to the pub and drink anymore, or I can’t exercise properly, or decide to take a long trip somewhere, or even fly to another country. And, when our little Boxer is born, of course, I may be able to do some or all of those things again, but I’ll never be able to think about just me anymore. I know it sounds selfish, but if I want to go to the gym, or I fancy a trip somewhere, I have to make sure our Boxer is looked after first, whether that means getting him a babysitter or he travels on the journeys with me. And, yes, of course, the thought of having Boxer come with me everywhere is so exciting at the same time. So, I don’t understand why I have these battling feelings in my mind constantly – why can’t I just stick with an emotion!? Maybe I should blame those pregnancy hormones – they are raging right now!
Hubby comes home dead to the world now that he has a gruelling journey to South West London from North West London, so we hardly spend any quality time together. He comes home late, watches a bit of TV, and then goes to bed early because he’s so tired. I feel like we’re wasting our time together as we have less than two months left before Boxer makes his appearance. But what can I do? It’s not his fault he has to travel one and a half hours each way to work now. I have tried to talk to him about looking for another job, but I’m talking to a brick wall right now. And, poor thing has to contend with unpacking the boxes by himself because I’m too much of a beached whale to do anything right now. So, I’m not pushing anything with him. He has his own problems to deal with and I don’t want to add to them.
My brother asked me if I was enjoying my pregnancy. I told him that it would be nice to be able to move about freely again and not feel so heavy. He said that I should cherish the time that I have with the baby so close to me, as these nine months of the pregnancy are the only times I will know where Boxer is twenty-four hours a day. That statement really did make me think twice about my slump. Of course! I should cherish Boxer in my belly because once he’s out, he’s out forever and I can’t rewind that precious time with him inside me anymore. So, I decided to think of ways to snap out of my funk.
I’d probably feel better if I had a project to do. I want to get started on the nursery, but I need hubby to shift the boxes first. Moving on with the flat might also get rid of some of these emotions of feeling useless. I wonder if these feelings of frustration are stressing the baby out too?
Boxer moves about a lot at night but sleeps a lot during the day. Maybe it’s because there’s hardly any room left in there, the poor fella. Whenever I bend down to put on my shoes or pick up something from the floor I feel like I’m squashing him!Also, I’ve noticed that whenever I rest something on my tummy he tries to push it away or feels around the area. It’s a fun game for us to play together and I really feel like I’m bonding with my baby. Boxer, mummy is waiting for you!
A fun fact – The baby weighs about as much as a large jicama or a coconut!
Your baby looks like a little person, with fingernails and everything!
Your baby sleeps for much of the day. But, they’re still turning around and moving their head side to side now
They’re sucking their thumb and kicking mummy in the belly whenever they get the chance now
Your baby may be head down now ready for birth, but if they’re still head up then not to worry as they still have time to turn
Baby is still practising swallowing and breathing in the amniotic fluid too. Baby is also sucking to get ready for that all important first feed
Your baby’s digestive system is set and ready to go and their skin is no longer transparent
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
You may still feel tightening in your belly as you get ready for birth. They can be painful, so the way to tell if it isn’t labour is to change position and see if they stop. Labour contractions will get progressively stronger. A warm bath may help to ease the Braxton Hicks contractions
Are you still experiencing constipation? Regular exercise will help – even a brisk walk every day can really move things along!
If you’re feeling light-headed, it may be down to low blood sugar. Make sure you carry a protein and carb dense snack when you’re feeling a bit dizzy
If you’re still experiencing leg craps make sure you elevate your legs and up your calcium dose
Your next steps
Keep up with your multivitamins and nutritious diet. Your baby needs everything they can get in these last two crucial months
Continue to slater your belly in creams that help moisturise your skin
Keep a dream journal! Your dreams may be getting super crazy, so it might be great to document them – you may even be able to turn them into a book in the future!
Try not to obsess about stretch marks – 90% of women get them and they fade after birth.
Your next antenatal appointment is coming up – at 36 weeks – and your baby’s position will be checked.
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
We picked up the keys to our new flat today and that means Hubby and I are now officially on the property ladder!We bought a really comfy king-sized bed and an amazing reclining sofa for our new flat this week. Those apart from the changing station and the numerous boxes and bin liners of our stuff from the old flat is all we have at the moment. We need to get a fridge, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and, most importantly, a Moses Basket for the baby to sleep in, and some bedding to go with it. I want to get a Healthcare Set and a Bath Set too so that I feel ready and prepared for labour. I will have to start thinking about getting a hospital bag too, but one step at a time. Everything is getting too expensive as it is!
I realised when I was taking a shower that I can’t see my knees or my feet when I look straight down in front of me. It makes bending down to shave or put on my shoes a real pain now. I have invested in a pair of comfortable Uggs, but a size larger than normal because my feet keep swelling up. I can’t even begin to consider wearing heels as they’re way too uncomfortable
Hubby finds it funny that I waddle around like a penguin now too. I’ve put on a lot of weight which doesn’t help and my hips feel like they’re stretching outwards. I’ve also noticed my hands and fingers swelling up a bit too, so I’ve resorted to wearing my wedding and engagement rings around my neck, attached to my Mexican Bola necklace.
I’m not actually having trouble sleeping at the moment. I reckon it’s because of the amount of energy I use up during the day, unpacking boxes and trying to sort out our new flat. We’ve been told that our internet is not going to be connected for another 3 weeks which means I can’t earn for 3 weeks either, doing my transcription work, so I need to find something to do otherwise I’ll just get bored.The only time I wake up to pee is about 5 minutes before hubby has to get up for work at 5.30am, so I’ve become his alarm clock in the morning. It must be because I’m such a heavy sleeper and I can’t feel that my bladder is full or that Boxer is actively moving about in my belly. My left hip hurts from sleeping on my left side at night, though, so that’s the only real issue I have with bedtime at the moment. I try not to sleep on my right side because sleeping on the left improves circulation apparently and also helps to keep the uterus off my liver.
Check out me out trying to sleep with my second baby taking up all the space in my lungs on the NHS website here!
A fun fact – the baby weighs about the same as four navel oranges!
Your baby is still putting on weight and is gaining about 200g a week
They are still very active, moving and spinning around and sucking their fingers to prepare for feeding.
Your baby looks less wrinkled now and the amount of amniotic fluid is still increasing
Your baby’s brain connections are developing rapidly – trillions are being made!
Your baby can pick up signals from all 5 senses now!
They are sleeping a bit more now in longer stretches
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
You may be feeling more Braxton Hicks as you get to B-day. These are normal in the latter stages of pregnancy but can also mean that you’re overdoing it. It’s important in these stages to take it easy now.
You may still be experiencing cramps, indigestion, heartburn and constipation which are all common symptoms of pregnancy. If you feel anything out of the ordinary, speak to your midwife or GP for advice.
How’s your balance? The bigger the bump, the clumsier you feel.
Your next steps
Get familiar with your baby’s movements so you can spot whether there is a significant change in behaviour and pattern. If so, contact your midwife or hospital ASAP!
Make sure you are sleeping on your left side during the third trimester. Research has shown that going to sleep on your back is linked to an increased risk of stillbirth. This includes napping during the day too.
Your midwife will be checking the size of your womb and which way baby is positioned. The ideal position is head down and baby’s back is towards your stomach. But, don’t worry if they aren’t in that position, there is plenty of time for them to move now.
Exercise is still important to keep you in good shape. Pilates and yoga are great for exercising during pregnancy as they strengthen your back, pelvic floor, and tummy muscles, which is great for preparing for labour and birth.
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
Hubby has been accepted for a mortgage which means that we can now make arrangements to move. We’ve been told that the moving date is 7 October, so we have very little time to pack everything up into boxes and arrange for them to be moved. We also have to sort out a cleaner to clean the property as the flat will be subject to valuation and we could really do with all of our deposit being returned back to us.
I called up the NCT and informed them of our move and they were very helpful and found us an alternative place near to the new area straight away. I just need to find a suitable hospital now, so that I can register to give birth. I thought that it would probably be easier to move first then hubby and I can have a look around together.
Mum and dad are so happy that we’re moving just five minutes away from them now, which means they’ll get to see Boxer much more often. I am quite upset that I’m moving so far away from my friends, but it’s for the best. I think, if there is a chance to be around family, especially when I’m having a baby, I should take it.
I had a really strong craving for hot chocolate and ended up drinking two pints, one after the other! Now, I’m a bit worried about the caffeine intake, even though I know hot chocolate has less caffeine in it than tea and coffee. Maybe I was craving the calcium? It tasted good, though. Boxer was happy…
A fun fact – The baby weighs about the same as a head of cabbage!
The science part
Your baby at 30 weeks
Your baby is now the size of a cabbage!
Their growth will start to slow down a bit now but they will continue to gain weight until they are born
Your baby will now respond to light, but their eyesight is still developing so they may only be able to see fuzziness.
Your amniotic fluid hits its peak this week and from now on it will start to decrease
Your baby will have surges of energy and move around in strange positions. They will reach their final position, ideally head down, just before birth
You should be able to work out your baby’s sleep and wake cycles now but make sure to contact your GP/Doctor if you notice reduced movements
If your baby was born prematurely then they will be taken to a special care unit as their lungs are still immature but they have a great chance at survival
Your baby’s brain is changing too and looking more like an adult’s
Your baby’s bone marrow is also starting to produce red blood cells ready for development after birth
Your baby’s digestive system is almost completely developed now and will be ready for mum’s first feed
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
You’re likely starting to get tired due to sleep being disrupted by your lovely baby kicking away and you’re taking regular toilet breaks. Try to rest during the day and eat plenty of nutritious and healthy food to keep your energy levels up
Are you feeling breathless? It’s because your baby is putting pressure against your lungs, making it uncomfortable for you to breathe deeply. Prop a pillow up at night to help you breathe better during sleep
You may experience a range of mood swings now – the surge in hormones and lack of sleep will be culprits in this change of mood
Drink lots of water and go to bed at regular times
Check what benefits you have during pregnancy – if you are living on a low household income, you may be entitled to a Sure Start grant if this is your first baby.
The end is in sight so start planning some ‘me’ time after the baby is born because this time will be hugely scarce once your baby greets you in the outside world. Get your hair cut, go for a mani/pedi or just spend time with your friends, as these activities will give you a big boost after birth. Studies also have shown that a good support network decreases your chances of getting postnatal depression too!
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
I’m so excited about the prospects of moving to our first new home. We’re just waiting on hubby to be accepted for a mortgage and then we can start planning our move and changing NCT classes, GPs and hospitals etc.I am definitely going to miss our flat that we are in now though because it’s so spacious and clean. But it’s better to have our own so our little baby boy can grow up in his own home.
I’ve also started to look up plans for the nursery. I was thinking about painting a sky for the top half of the walls of the room and an undersea theme for the bottom half, so our boy can see what happens up above, on the surface and under the sea of our world.Whatever aids his development, right?
I have started to get bad heartburn which is annoying. I drink about a pint of milk every night, but that doesn’t seem to help all that much, except that it does give the baby a good amount of calcium. Sometimes, when I prop myself up in bed with my normal pillows, that seems to help the next day, so I’m going to try that from now on. I’ve started to get used to sleeping on my left side with my DreamGenii Maternity Support Pillow, and that has helped a lot with sleeping in general.
I’ve also started to put on some weight around the sides of my belly and legs. It might be down to the excessive eating (even though there’s no space left in my digestive system for food). I feel like throwing up afterwards because I’m still eating like a non-pregnant person. SLOW DOWN WOMAN! As a result, I feel massive, but at least I can blame the weight gain on my pregnancy. I keep telling myself that I’m going to lose the weight by exercising after the pregnancy, but a lot of mothers tell me that it’s hard to fit exercise in the first few months so I should take it as it comes and try not to put too much pressure on myself to lose the weight. I plan to breastfeed anyway and, apparently, you can lose up to 500 calories a day, which is amazing. If that’s not an effective weight loss regime, then I don’t know what is!
I went to the dentist this week too. She advised me before she checked my teeth that pregnant women are more prone to bleeding gums and weaker teeth and so I should try and look after my teeth more than usual. She also reminded me that registered NHS pregnant women can get free dental treatment for up to a year after the baby’s birth. However, when she looked at my teeth she was quite impressed that they were still in good condition. I guess flossing regularly and brushing twice a day helps!
Hubby bought a changing table from eBay today. I am really impressed with it because it comes with a mat and looks in really good condition. We still need to get some essential baby items but we still have time, as long as Boxer stays in my belly for a while longer.
A fun fact – The baby weighs about 2.5 pounds and is more than 15 inches long!
Your baby is about the size of a small chicken now!
Your baby is concentrating on growing and getting fatter now
Their organs are maturing too, ready for the outside world
The vernix or sticky substance around the baby is starting to disappear now, ready for the outside world in just 11 weeks time! Or more if you go overdue.
Your baby is able to open their eyes and even focus now. They will be turning towards the light outside the womb as well.
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
You may start to be feeling a little out of breath now. This is because the baby is pushing up against your lungs and the extra weight is putting a strain on your body
How are you getting on with sleep? Don’t be disheartened if you are unable to sleep because it’s normal to have broken sleep when a baby constantly presses on your bladder and keeps you up all night!
Your baby may even be active during bedtime too, which may stop you from sleeping as well.
Are you experiencing swollen or bleeding gums? Keep up with your dental healthcare and regular check-ups
Are you experiencing piles, headaches, backache, indigestion and heartburn, bloating, constipation, leg cramps, swollen hands and feet, urine infections, and greasy skin? Welcome to the third trimester!
Your next steps
Try to eat little and often to avoid heartburn and indigestion – and stay away from fatty and spicy foods as they just make things worse
If you can, rest during the day and catch up on small naps if you are struggling to sleep at night.
Place a pillow between your legs and another under your bump. I also find supporting your back with a pillow helps too.
If you’re struggling to cope, speak with your midwife or doctor – they’re there to help.
If you haven’t done so already, starting writing up your birth plan, if you’d like one, that is. This is your chance now to think of your dream birth scenario and discuss with your partner, so they’re ready when b-day hits. Think about what sort of pain relief you want, if any and whether you’d like to be standing and moving around or resting on a birth ball. Of course, at birth, plans will change because that’s nature, but it’s good to have a skeleton plan of how you’d ideally like things to go.
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
I had my doctor’s appointment today. My blood pressure and urine are fine and the baby has now settled head down, which is great. It does feel like Boxer hasn’t got any room left in my belly anymore as he’s not kicking as much as he used to – he is moving around a bit though.
Hubby and I can hear Boxer’s heartbeat clearly through a heart monitor that we bought, called the Summer Deluxe Prenatal Heart Listening System which is amazing! We decided to test the baby’s temperament by playing some classical music and, sure enough, our little boy’s heartbeat started to speed up. When hubby spoke, Boxer’s heartbeat was quite fast, but when I spoke, his heartbeat started to slow down. I was brimming with pride! My little baby was comforted by the sound of my voice!
Completion on the flat didn’t happen as we thought – and hubby was not amused! It turns out the financial advisor hasn’t heard back from the bank regarding the mortgage and that is what is holding everything up right now. The seller’s solicitors are threatening to slap on a £100 late notice charge, but it’s not our fault. The bank is the one that is taking ages and the financial advisor has only just sent the application two days ago, even though hubby sent all the required information for the application to him a week before! They’re now giving us until 7 October to complete.
I can’t believe I’m in my third trimester! Time is flying! All my dreams are about the baby now, and I think that’s because nature is preparing me for after birth because I dream about breastfeeding and tending to Boxer. I’ve started to think about the nursery as well, but I can’t do anything about that at the moment because I don’t know whether we’re moving out or not, which is really frustrating.
A fun fact – The baby is the size of a Chinese cabbage
Your baby now has their own temperature gauge which will help them to adjust their temperature in the outside world
All your baby’s five senses are now developed so it’s the perfect time to start maturing their taste buds.
Eat a range of good foods and your baby will remember the taste and even the pleasure of eating them after birth. They may even end up to be less fussy eaters!
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
You might start to feel tightening in your back or tummy – these may be Braxton Hicks contractions, which means your uterus is practising contractions for birth
You can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions by overdoing it so take them as a sign to take it easy
You may start to worry about premature birth, but try not to worry. Most babies make it to full term and even beyond. And if they did appera now, they’d be able to survive in the outside world with medical help
Your next steps
Keep an eye on your baby’s movements and contact your midwife/GP if you think you’re not feeling as many kicks than before.
Have you started your nesting period yet? Use this chance to de-clutter the house but don’t overdo it!
Are you having trouble sleeping? Prop your head up with a pillow and place a maternity pillow between your legs to support your bump
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
I’m now in my third trimester and I’ve only got three months left of my pregnancy!
House-wise, hubby is even more stressed and crazy than I have ever seen him, but I can understand why because he has been chasing the solicitors and financial advisor all week for progress on the flat and they don’t seem to be in any rush to complete by next week. He has sent back all the forms relating to changing his name and has requested a mortgage, so now we need to wait until that goes through so everything can move quickly.
Pregnancy-wise, the line down my bump, or the Linea Negra, is getting much stronger now. It’s very dark and hairy, but I don’t mind as I heard that it fades after the pregnancy. I don’t have stretch marks as yet, but I think I can thank Palmers for that.I also think I’ve started to experience stronger Braxton Hicks contractions too. I thought I had actually gone into early labour at one point, but when I stopped for a bit, the cramps stopped and I was fine to walk again. My bump feels quite tight when that happens…
I had my driving test… and I failed at the last minute!Everything was going so well until I had to do a reverse around the corner and some van behind me was honking and beeping at me to get out of the way. I lost my nerve and swung back out to start again. The instructor failed me on the spot, saying that I should’ve stayed where I was and let the van go through rather than move out of the manoeuvre to start again. Now I will need to wait until the baby is born to retake my test. But I’m so annoyed at that van for honking at a learner driver – how rude!
People keep advising me that my brain is already tired during the third trimester and that I shouldn’t place any undue stress on myself, but it’s hard when you are lugging a big lump around and you still need to do your daily duties.
I had a nice surprise phone call from my brother-in-law and his fiancé who are flying over from Abu Dhabi to stay with us for a week. It will be nice to have some company at home while hubby is at work, as I have been feeling a bit lonely lately now that I’m working from home.
A fun fact – The baby weighs over 2 pounds and is about 14.5 inches long!
Your baby has officially started brain activity which will only get more complex from now on. Your baby is already learning from the outside world, even while inside your womb, like their food preferences, their loved ones’ voices, outside loud noises and music – all this activity is increasing their brain activity so keep up the education by reading to them, venturing outside, playing music, singing and talking to your baby.
Your baby has nearly everything they need to start breathing.
Your baby’s lungs are still immature, but they would be able to function with medical help if they were born now.
Your baby’s tastebuds are well developed and they will start to react to certain flavours, which will shape their palettes.
You may feel your baby hiccuping or kicking when you eat heavy or spicy meals
Your baby’s eyes will open for the very first time!
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
Welcome to the last hurdle of your pregnancy – nearly there now!
Are you trying to picture what your baby looks like? It’s hard to picture and the uncertainty is probably making you feel overwhelmed. Your baby will be beautiful, don’t worry!
As your baby presses your stomach, the acid can force itself upwards which causes heartburn, even at night. Eat light meals and top up with snacks if you’re still hungry. Try not to eat heavy meals as they could cause indigestion and wind. Eat acid neutralising foods like yoghurt and bananas, which also help with leg cramps as well.
You may notice that your baby’s movements will have a certain pattern – consult your midwife/GP if you notice a reduction in movements.
Your back may be aching now and you may experience symptoms like piles (haemorrhoids). You may also notice varicose veins on your legs and leg cramps too. Thank the 3rd trimester for these ‘lovely’ symptoms! Not long to go now, though – stay strong!
On the flip side – your hair and nails may be thicker and grow faster – or they may be brittle too (whoops!)
How’s your pelvic floor? Have you had little oooops moments (leaky pee when sneezing, coughing or even laughing?) This is a sign that your pelvic floor muscles are weak and you need to exercise your pelvic floor. The baby is putting a ton of weight on your bladder, so make frequent pit stops to prevent leaky accidents.
Your next steps
Even if you’re an experienced mum, you can still benefit from antenatal classes because pregnancy and birth advice is constantly changing and you may benefit from new ideas. Speak to your midwife who can direct you to antenatal classes close by to you.
It’s not too early to think about your birth plan and it will help make up your decision about B-Day (birth-day) easier. Do you want to have a natural birth? Or do you want all the drugs that your hospital can administer? Give yourself sme time to think and make a start – you can always change your birth plan later if you change your mind.
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
I can’t stop looking at other pregnant mothers’ bumps. I feel like I’m in a private pregnant women’s club and I now feel a certain bond towards other expectant mothers. Maybe it’s because I know what they’re going through and how they feel… but now I can’t help but compare my bump to theirs.
My belly button hasn’t popped out yet, but hubby has noticed that the bump is definitely growing. He can feel the baby too now and he keeps singing to him every night – he reckons that if he sings to the baby every night then when the baby is born and is in distress, hubby’s voice may be able to relax him.
Hubby also bought me a Mexican Bola which I’m supposed to wear around my neck and the chimes are meant to soothe the baby. Apparently, the same chimes can soothe the baby when he’s born too.
I’ve been thinking about Child Benefit. I’m self-employed, so I won’t be able to ask for Statutory Maternity Pay. I did a little bit of research on the net and turns out I can ask for the Health in Pregnancy Grant too, which is great. I will need to ask for a MATB1 Form from my midwife, so when I have my 28-week check-up, I will ask for a form then. Also, I can claim the Health in Pregnancy Grant from Week 25 so I need to ask the doctor for a form regarding that too.I’ve decided that I’m going to try and work up until my due date then claim for maternity allowance after that date, as I found out that you receive maternity allowance for 39 weeks after the date you finish work.
I’ve been feeling a bit spaced out lately. Hubby keeps joking about my slow nature – I say, relish the moment dear! You may win against me in a game of Articulate, but I can guarantee that my sharp mind will be back! How long does this baby brain last?
Your baby is now the size of an orange and growing so fast!
Their teeth even though still in the gum stages, have got their enamel coating already
They can clasp their hands now and they are playing around with their umbilical cord now like a toy.
Your baby is moving to the music, so sing to it, and play music near their bump.
Your baby’s brain continues to develop and their taste buds are fully developed too.
The foods you will eat will affect the amniotic fluid, which they are breathing in and out. This is essential for lung development and good practice for when they take their first breath in the outside world.
Your baby is starting to find the space in your bump a bit tighter now. But they can still flip and spin in your belly!
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
You’ve reached the end of your second trimester, welcome to the third trimester. Not long to go now!
Is your baby waking at night? It’s because your daily movements are rocking them to sleep, but when you’re still they wake up!
If you’re having a hard time going to sleep then try a maternity pillow between your legs. I find a pillow to support my back helps as well.
If you’re still suffering from heartburn or reflex at night, try propping your head with a pillow.
Keep an eye on what you are eating as well as greasy and spicy food can cause indigestion, especially as your digestion is slowing down.
Your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it is probably still lower than it was before. Typically your blood pressure falls at about 22 – 24 weeks.
Your next steps
Keep an eye on your baby’s movements because if they’re less than normal you need to seek medical advice
Resting up is super important during the last few months of pregnancy, so make it a habit to spend time with yourself
Make sure to moisturise your skin and its stretching due to getting bigger and stretchmarks may occur
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
Afun fact – The baby weighs 1.7 pounds and measures at about 14 inches. Growth spurt this week!
Our baby is really kicking now and responding to music as well, which is amazing. He is such an active boy! When I’m working during the day, he moves around to remind me that he’s still in my belly and when I sing to him it feels as if he is dancing to the music. Maybe he isn’t, but I like to think that he is.
Also, this baby is nocturnal! As soon as my head hits the pillow, he is kicking and hacking away at my insides – hubby and I think that he might come out before 9 December. We still can’t agree on names though – we have shortlisted a few names, but every time we ask other family members what they think, they shun the names away, saying that they’re rubbish or they’re too traditional… I think my advice would be to not ask other family members and go by what you want, otherwise, you’ll never pick one!
Hubby is really stressed out with this flat business at the moment. He keeps calling me during the day, demanding answers to legal questions like, “Which insurance would we need on the mortgage? Can you read this legal charge? Are they right to charge us this much in Solicitor’s fees!?” I wonder if we will complete by 22 September now – it seems to be taking everyone a long time to change names on the legal documents. I am determined to think positively about the whole process though. It’ll all get done in time, I’m sure…
I’m still waiting for strong cravings to hit me. I wonder whether this incredibly strong sweet tooth I’ve gained during this pregnancy is a craving or a product of my low energy (even though I am nowhere near as tired as I was in the first trimester.) My bump is growing nicely too. I definitely look pregnant and people are now offering me seats on the bus which is nice. I am now firmly part of the pregnancy group! 🙂
A fun fact – The baby weighs approximately 1.5 pounds and is about 13.7 inches long! S/he is growing fast
Your uterus is now the size of a football, so you may be feeling strange when moving around.
Are you still getting leg cramps? Unfortunately, it’s a common side effect symptom. If cramps are happening at night, try taking a warm bath before bed.
Your ankles may be swelling, make sure you’re elevating your feet and avoid wearing tight shoes. If you have swelling in your face or hands, then check with your docotr.
You may be noticing thicker and glossier hair – thanks to your pregnancy hormones, your normally shedding hair is sticking around.
You may also have more hair on your face, breast and belly. Do a patch test on your skin before you shave, wax or remove your hair with cream as your skin is senstive during pregnancy.
Your hormones are all over the place, if you’re feeling down, loko after yourself and ask for help if you need it.
Your next steps
Pregnancy pilates can strengthen your back and pelvic floor – it’s super important to keep these strong for bright
Make sure you listen to your body and stop exercising if you feel dizzy. Speak to your GP if you are concerned.
Get the family to chat, read or sing to the baby, as it’s a great way to bond.
The combo of hormones and belly stretching may leave you feeling uncomfortable. Make sure to continue moisturising to prevent or reduce stretch marks and if have itchy skin, talk to your midwife/GP to rule out obstetric cholestasis.
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
