Pregnancy Diary: 40 Weeks (Due Date!)

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"After months of anticipation, your de date has been and gone, and... you're still pregnant. It's frustrating, but lots of women find themselves in this situation.

In TV dramas, labour always begins with the waters breaking – in the middle of a crowded room, of course – just before contractions start. The reality is that, even if your membranes do rupture, your baby's head will tend to act like a cork at the opening of your uterus (womb). If you lie down, however, you may notice fluid leaking. Your body will continue to produce amniotic fluid until your baby is born.

Try to stay calm if your waters break or you start to feel contractions, but do call your doctor or midwife straight away. You may be advised to wait at home until contractions are really under way".


What I feel this week:

I am pretty impatient to be honest. My migraines are still really bad and codeine doesn't even work anymore which makes looking after Cameron near impossible. I didn't want to go into labour at the weekend as it was my mum's 50th birthday party, but now I regret wishing for baby to stay inside as now she is way too comfy in there.... I have now had two sweeps and, although I have had some signs of early labour, I am yet to go into full labour.... My induction has now been booked for next Tuesday so at least I know I will have my baby by the end of next week at the latest... Generally I am trying to take my mind off everything and just spend some time with Cameron and Tim before the baby arrives, but it is hard when I am now so massive that it is difficult to even move around the house. I will be so much happier when the baby is finally here with us!

What is going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Rest assured your baby is quite cosy where she is. She is getting a little heavier and may grow a bit more in length. The average baby is about 51cm long from head to toe and weighs about 3.4kg at birth. But if your baby is anywhere between 2.5kg and 3.8kg, that's a healthy weight.

Your baby continues to shed the greasy, white substance (vernix caseosa) which has been protecting her skin. If she shows no sign of making an appearance after another week, she may have slightly dry skin when she arrives.

Your baby has mastered all the skills she'll need after she's born. She can instinctively search for her thumb and suck it, just as she will search for your breast for a feed soon after birth".

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

huuuuuuuge

Pregnancy Update: 39 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"It's all about watching and waiting now, as your baby could arrive any day. Your baby could be up to 50cm long, and weigh about 3kg. But that's only an average figure. As soon as your baby is born, your midwife will weigh him, and it's only then you'll know for sure how much he weighs
And if the week passes and there's still no baby? Try not to worry – babies have a habit of not arriving on their scheduled due date. Most doctors wait another two weeks before considering a pregnancy overdue".

What I feel this week:

I am definitely starting to get impatient now. There is also now the worry that the baby will come when it is not a good time as I have events coming up at the end of this week! I am due a week today but due to having constant migraines, the hospital eventually have agreed to allow me to have a sweep done on Wednesday, which if favourable, might help me to go into labour. If that one doesn't work I will hopefully have another one the week after and if that doesn't work either I have been told I will be allowed an induction a few days early when I would be 41+2. I have been given an estimated weight of 7'5 which scares me a bit as Cameron was only 6'9 at birth and the baby is still in there growing, but I just have to remind myself that the baby is healthy and happy and that is really all that matters. I am getting so fed up of people telling me that the baby will come when she is ready as I know this, I am just very uncomfortable now and not getting any sleep anyway so might as well have her here to keep me up at night!


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby is shedding the greasy, white substance (vernix caseosa) which has been protecting his skin. This turns the amniotic fluid, which was once clear, pale and milky. The outer layers of your baby's skin are also sloughing off as new skin forms underneath".

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Pregnancy Update: 38 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"If you don't know already, can you tell if you're carrying a boy or a girl? One hint may come from the size of your baby – boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls. Babies at week 39 weigh between 3kg and 3.2kg and continue to build the fat stores that will help regulate body temperature after birth".
What's I feel this week:

I'm not going to lie to you, I'm feeling pretty fed up this week.... I have been having severe mirgraines now for the past three weeks and have been in and out of hospital having blood tests. Luckily this week is half term which means my mum is at home and able to help with Cameron and give me a bit of a rest sometimes but I am dreading the next week or so after that as I will be alone with Cameron in the week and my migraines make it impossible to do anything. I am really hoping the consultant will be willing to at least try giving me a sweep prior to my due date if nothing happens on its own, but apparently they usually don't even worry until 41 weeks with your second.

I am massive now and finding it hard to walk around. I have been getting irregular tightenings every so often which are reasonably painful but go away after a little while so not progressing enough for labour just yet. I have also been having a lot of lower back pain and generally I am uncomfy in any position whether it be in bed on either side or sat on the settee. I have spent most of my time lately on my birth ball, not just hoping to get something started but as it is the only place I feel a bit comfortable.

I will be very relieved when this baby arrives, although I must admit I am also getting a bit nervous remembering the pain from the first time- eek! Apparently the full moon tonight is meant to bring on labour so cross your fingers for me....


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby's organ systems are fully developed and in place, but his lungs will be last to reach maturity. Even after your baby is born, it may take a few hours before he establishes a normal breathing pattern. After he's born, he'll have a series of brief tests which will measure his health on what's called the Apgar scale.

Wondering what colour your baby's eyes will be? Most white European babies are born with dark blue eyes and their true eye colour – be it brown, green, grey or blue – may not reveal itself for weeks or months. The colour of your baby's eyes in the first minutes after birth won't last – exposure to light changes a baby's initial eye colour. Most babies of African and Asian descent have dark grey or brown eyes at birth, but it won't be clear what precise shade their eyes will be until after the first six months or year".
What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Ready to pop!

Pregnancy Update: 37 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"Around now many women start worrying about whether they will know if they are in labour".

So, not much!


What I feel this week:

To be honest, I am a little worried I won't know whether I am properly in labour or not as I didn't go into labour naturally with Cameron. I have had a couple of false alarms over the last few weeks which have had me wondering but the contractions always went away after half an hour. I am more impatient now than anything else. I am now classed as full term which means that the baby could come at any time. I also know that the due date is just an estimate and that the baby could be up to two weeks late.... I have started doing some of the old wives tales to help baby along including drinking vile tasting raspberry leaf tea, bouncing on my birth ball, going for walks and eating spicy foods. This lunchtime I have a vindaloo curry to eat- argh! I don't think any of these actually do work, but at least I will feel like I am doing something to pass the time at least. My mum wants the baby to come during her half term so that she can be around to help, I would be happy with that as it is next week when I will be 38 weeks and no doubt even more impatient!


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby weighs close to 2.8kg and may be about 48.6cm long from head to toe. Your baby's head is now cradled in your pelvic cavity – surrounded and protected by your pelvic bones. This position clears some much-needed space for her growing legs and buttocks.
Many babies now have a full head of hair, with locks up to 3.5cm long. And then, of course, some babies don't have any hair at all. Speaking of hair, most of the downy coat of lanugo that covered your baby from 26 weeks has disappeared, and so has most of the vernix caseosa, the protective whitish substance that also covered her. Your baby will swallow her lanugo and exterior coating, along with other secretions, and store them in her bowels. These will become her first poo, a blackish waste called meconium".
What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Full term baby bump!

Pregnancy Diary: 36 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"You may begin to feel an increased pressure in your lower belly and notice that your baby is gradually dropping. This is called lightening or engagement, and your lungs and stomach will finally get a chance to stretch out a little – breathing and eating should become easier.
However, walking may become increasingly uncomfortable. Some women say it feels as if their baby is going to fall out. Also, you may still feel as if you need to go to the loo all the time.

The good news is that by the end of this week, your pregnancy will be full-term and you could give birth any day. Babies between 37 weeks and 42 weeks are considered full-term. A baby born before 37 weeks is premature and after 42 weeks is post-term.

Your may have noticed that your breasts are leaking a little. This is quite normal. They are producing the rich, first milk called colostrum that will give your baby a great start in life. If you feel like you're going into labour, your doctor or midwife will check to see if the neck of your womb (cervix) is starting to open. They'll look to see if your cervix is dilating, or widening, and effacing, or thinning.

Your midwife will be keeping an eye on what position your baby is in, to estimate how far your baby has dropped into your pelvis. This information will be entered into your maternity notes so that your midwife will know the position of your baby when you go into labour".

What I feel this week:

The end is finally in sight! I feel great now I have reached 36 weeks. With only one week until I am full term and able to safely have the baby, I am starting to feel very excited to meet our baby girl. I still don't feel that I will get to my due date (though she will probably stay in and end up overdue just to prove me wrong now!). I have my consultant appointment and growth scan this week so will see whether the fluid levels around baby are still growing or have reached their peak. There is a chance that they could decide to induce or give me a C-section if the levels are continuing to rise so I am preparing myself for this possibility. I also have my 36 week checkup with the midwife tomorrow so am hoping everything is still ok when I see her. I had a bit of a scare at the end of last week as I have been having severe migraines. I have been given codeine for them but after taking one and feeling very spaced out and sick, I don't think I will be using them again. My boobs haven't leaked, though they have begun to feel very heavy and hard lately so they could be about to, which I am prepared for with plenty of breast pads! Overall I am trying to be positive, something I haven't been much over the last eight months. I will be attempting some of the old wives tales once I get to full term next week (watch out for a future post on what these old wives tales are and whether they have worked for other mums). I am struggling to walk far and feel very fat and unattractive at the moment but I know it will all be over soon and totally will have been worth it! It's just a waiting game now...

What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby is still gaining weight – about 28g a day. She weighs nearly 2.7kg and is about 47cm long from head to toe". (Not much this week basically!).

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Mahussive....

Pregnancy Diary: 35 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"There's much less amniotic fluid and much more baby in your uterus. You've probably put on between 11kg and 13.6kg and your weight gain has hit its peak. Even your belly button has got bigger and has popped outward. You may be feeling breathless and get indigestion now that the top of your uterus is up under your ribs.

Try getting down on all fours to take deeper breaths. See our photo gallery for how to ease late pregnancy aches. Although the pressure on your bladder will make the bathroom your second home, don't drink any less water – your baby needs the fluids. But you may like to cut down on drinks that make you wee more frequently, because they are diuretics. These include tea and coffee".


What I feel this week:

I don't think there is less amniotic fluid than baby for me as I have high levels, but I have definitely put on a lot of weight over the last few weeks. My belly button is totally out and makes a weird little bump under my clothes now- sexy... I feel the baby has dropped a bit which means I am actually finding it easier to breathe than I was a few weeks ago. I have been getting down on my hands and knees occassionally but this has been more to make sure the baby hasn't turned round and gone breech, and to help when I have a tummy ache (which seems to have been happening more often lately). I have been needing the toilet lots, nothing new for me really though. I am getting a bit nervous as well as excited now the home stretch is in sight. With only two weeks now until I am full term I am starting to think of things I can do once I get to that stage to help nature a little. I will be buying raspberry leaf capsules next week in preparation. Although they don't help induce labour, they are meant to help tone your uterus thus making labour shorter and less painful. I took them with Cameron and my established labour was six and a half hours with 43 minutes pushing so I think they are worth a shot.

What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs about 2.4kg and measures around 46cm from head to toe. His elbows, feet or head may protrude from your stomach when he stretches and squirms about. Soon, as the wall of your uterus (womb) and your belly stretch thinner and let in more light, your baby will begin to develop daily activity cycles.
This week, your little one is sporting full-length fingernails and toenails and has a fully developed pair of kidneys. His liver can also process some waste products".

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Getting even bigger!

Pregnancy Diary: 34 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"Many women start to notice a tingling sensation or numbness in the pelvic region or pain as they walk. This may be caused by the pelvic joints loosening, ready for labour. If you're in pain or hips are sore, mention it to your midwife or doctor and check out our self-help tips".
What I feel this week:

I have been suffering from pelvic girdle pain for the last couple of months so am no stranger to that pain but lately I have also felt a kind of scratching sensation right down below and think it might be her head engaging (although as it is my second baby apparently this can happen and the baby still come back out of position again before labour). I have also started waddling when I walk and struggle to get up from lying down or sitting down. I really am beginning to resemble a whale! My bump definitely seems to have dropped down a bit over the last week and I can breathe a bit easier. Although movements aren't as constant, my baby girl does still move a lot, more than I can recall Cameron moving , and she makes me gasp sometimes with the strength of her kicks! There's now only 3 weeks until I'm full term, 6 until I am due and I can now say that I will have a baby either this month or next, exciting!


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs more than 2.2kg and is 45cm from top to toe. She's filling out and getting rounder – she’ll need her fat layers later to regulate her body temperature once she's born.
If you don't already talk to your baby, this is a good time to start – at 35 weeks her hearing is fully developed. Don't feel ridiculous if you're already chatting in baby talk. Some evidence shows that newborns pay closer attention to high-pitched tones.

If you've been nervous about going into premature labour, you'll be happy to know that 99 per cent of babies born at week 35 can survive outside the uterus (womb) – and most have no major problems. Although your baby's central nervous system is still maturing, her lungs are nearly fully developed by now".

What looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Starting to drop down now!

Pregnancy Diary: 33 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"If you're a first-time mum, your baby's head may move into your pelvis this week and press firmly against your cervix. This happens for about half of all first-time mums. If you're a second-time mum, you can expect this to happen a week before labour. For some, this won't happen until the start of labour.

You may notice that your feet and ankles are quite swollen by the end of the day. Water retention, also known as oedema, is often worse in warm weather and late in the day. Surprisingly, keeping hydrated helps reduce water retention. Your body, particularly your kidneys, and your baby need plenty of fluids, so drink up. If you suddenly feel swollen or puffy in your hands or face, however, call your doctor – it may be a sign of pre-eclampsia".

What I feel this week:

I had a big scare on Saturday when I started getting contractions, three minutes apart and lasting a minute at a time. To make things worse I was in Bridport, in the middle of a farm, down a long country track when it happened. An ambulance was called as we had no signal to contact a midwife and the ambulance proceeded to get stuck in a cattle grid along the road! After getting another ambulance to rescue us from the first one, me and my mum were taken to Dorchester maternity unit where I was monitored and examined and eventually allowed to leave after they decided I wasn't in proper labour- thankfully! I have been told to take it easy, but it is pretty hard to do so with a two year old!

I haven't felt too swollen, it's just my tummy that is massive from all the extra fluid, which does get me down but I am trying to forget about it for now. I have my next scan and consultant appointment booked in for 36 weeks, with a health visitor and midwife appointment at 34 weeks. Everything does seem to be going faster now. It won't be long before my little girl is here!

What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs about 2kg and measures up to 44cm from head to toe. She may already be getting ready for birth by turning upside-down. Her head should be pointing down, ready for her journey into the world.
Your doctor or midwife will be paying careful attention to your baby's position in the coming weeks. Some babies do decide to turn back round again.

Your baby's skull is still quite pliable. The plates of bone that make up her skull have not completely fused. This is so she can ease out of the relatively narrow birth canal, the passage between your cervix and the opening of your vagina. But the bones in the rest of her body are hardening. Your baby's skin is also gradually becoming less red and wrinkled as fat builds up underneath".
What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Pregnancy Diary: 32 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"You're probably gaining 450g a week, largely because your baby is likely to gain more than half his birthweight during the seven weeks before birth. Make sure you are eating well in these last few weeks.

Your bump will be getting quite big now, and you may find it attracts a lot of attention!"
 
What I feel this week:

I am starting to gain weight quicker than I was. I have reached the dreaded 11 stone mark (I weighed 9 stone 4 prior to getting pregnant second time round), which I am finding a little hard after losing so much weight once I'd had Cameron. I just keep reminding myself that I am gaining weight because of the baby I am growing and I can and will lose it again once she is born. My bump is massive and I definitely notice people staring every so often. I don't overly enjoy pregnancy but I do think I might miss my bump when it is gone! I had my 32 week antenatal check up with my doctor this morning which I didn't overly like as my doctor is an oldish man and didn't seem to have much experience with doing antenatal checks. I have my next consultant appointment on wednesday this week though, where I will have another growth scan to check the fluid levels so that will hopefully be able to put my mind at rest a bit.

What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs about 1.7kg and is around 42cm long from head to toe. Although his lungs won't be fully developed until just before birth, your little one is busy inhaling amniotic fluid to exercise his lungs. From 32 weeks, babies born early have good chance of surviving and thriving. His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.
Some babies have a head of hair already, others have only a few wisps. Thick hair at birth doesn't necessarily mean thick hair later on. But children with fine hair in childhood also tend to have fine hair when they've grown up".
What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Pregnancy Diary: 31 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"You've probably gained weight this month, somewhere between 1.3kg and 1.8kg. Gaining 450g a week is quite normal during the last trimester as your baby has a final growth spurt before he arrives in the world".

What I feel this week:

I have been weighing myself every so often, mainly when I am having a 'fat day' and feel the need to know just how much weight I have actually gained. Luckily, despite the raised fluid levels, I haven't been gaining too much weight. I have had a pretty hectic week with a consultant appointment on Wednesday which then led to glucose blood tests on Thursday. They have fortunately been able to rule out gestational diabetes as a cause for my raised fluid levels, but I am still awaiting results on a blood test for possible infection. If that comes back clear as well then there is no apparent cause for the raised levels. I have another appointment with my consultant booked for next week as well as another scan to check growth etc. I am trying to relax and forget about everything in the meantime. On Wednesday evening I had my firstg antenatal class which, although I already knew most of the stuff they covered, was good fun and allowed me to feel closer to the birth and meeting my baby! I have one more class this week and then a couple of relaxation classes in mid October when I will be approaching full term, exciting!


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby weighs about 1.5kg and looks more than ever like a newborn. He measures about 41cm from crown to toe. His arms, legs and body continue to fill out – and they are finally proportional in size to his head.
You may notice your baby isn't moving around as much. That's because he's just running out of space in your uterus (womb). As long as you can feel him squirming and kicking, you'll know he's just fine. Believe it or not, he still has plenty of growing to do. You can expect him to gain at least 900g before birth.
Your baby's organs are continuing to mature and he is passing water from his bladder, which is good practice for the weeing he'll do after he's born. Also, the marrow in his bones has taken over from his liver the job of producing red blood cells".


What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Only 9 weeks to go!

Pregnancy Diary: 30 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"About a litre of amniotic fluid now surrounds your baby, but that volume decreases as she gets bigger and has less room in your uterus. As you and your baby continue to grow, don't be alarmed if you feel breathless, as if you can't get enough air. It's just your uterus pressing against your diaphragm.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though. At about 34 weeks (or just before birth, if this is your second or third pregnancy), your baby's head will move down into your pelvis as she gets into the right position for birth. That will make breathing and eating a lot easier.

Still thinking about where to have your baby? Check out our guide to your birth choices. Wherever you plan to have your baby, why not start thinking about what you'll need to pack in your bag ready for when you go into labour?"

What I feel this week:

It's ironic that Babycentre talks about fluid levels this week as I have just found out that I have abnormally high levels, which means I will be monitored closely for the remainder of my pregnancy. They only discovered the high levels because of a private scan that I had at the weekend (which was amazing, but more on that in another post). The private clinic phoned through to my hospital and I had an NHS scan booked to double check. I am now awaiting an appointment with a consultant. It is worrying, but at least if anything gets worse they will find out quickly through the monitoring. I finally allowed myself to pack my birth bags last night. I have had a list of what I needed to pack written since sixteen weeks and I have been slowly buying things for it over the last couple of months. I am so excited now I have packed the bags as it makes it all much more real. I still feel like ten weeks is a long time to wait, but knowing I won't go any more than 12 weeks, and that I am full term in just 7 weeks is pretty amazing! I have lots planned during September including Cameron's 2nd birthday next week, my baby shower, my antenatal classes starting and my nan's 80th birthday so that should make the next four weeks go quickly at least!


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now measures a little more than 39cm from crown to toe. Her growth in terms of her length will soon slow down but she will continue to gain weight until she's born. She probably weighs about 1.3kg at this stage.
Your baby's lungs and digestive tract are almost fully developed. She continues to open and shut her eyes. She can probably see what's going on inside your uterus (womb), tell light from dark and even track a light source. If you shine a light on your stomach, your baby may move her head to follow the light or even reach out to touch the moving glow.

Some researchers think baring your stomach to light stimulates visual development. But your baby won't be able to see much when she's born. Newborns can see a distance of only between 20cm and 30cm. Children with normal vision don't reach 20/20 vision (the same as an adult) until the age of about eight. To complete the picture, your baby now has eyebrows and can bat her eyelashes!"

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Finally into the 30's! And at least I now know why my bump is quite big!

Pregnancy Diary: 29 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"As your bump gets bigger you may find it harder to get a good night's sleep. Many mums-to-be find they have vivid dreams about their baby in the third trimester".


What I feel this week:

I have definitely been struggling to get any sleep but I'm not sure it really has much to do with my ever growing bump. Cameron has become unsettled during the night with night terrors and this has me up and down at least twice in the middle of the night lately. On top of this I have been getting awful nausea late at night along with acid reflux which means I have to prop myself up into a seated position to go to sleep at night- not ideal! I have been lucky enough to be able to have a lie in some mornings as my mum is not at work during school holidays. I am dreading when she goes back next week and I have to survive on barely any sleep with a toddler to entertain all day long. The joys of having a second baby so close to your first!

I'm so excited as the countdown to our 4D scan is now in single figures! In just five days time we will get to see our baby again and check that everything is going well. I cannot wait! In general I am starting to enjoy my pregnancy a bit more, apart from the night times. Eleven weeks doesn't actually sound that long to wait now, especially when you consider that in just eight weeks I will be full term! Exciting times!


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs a little over 1kg and measures about 39cm from head to toe. On his head, hair is growing well. If you're having a boy, his testicles will have descended from near the kidneys through the groin en route to the scrotum. If your baby is a girl, her clitoris is prominent, because it's not yet covered by the still-small labia. These will grow to cover it in the last few weeks before birth.

Your baby's head is getting bigger to make room for his developing brain. Nearly all babies react to sound and light by the end of this week.
Your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during the third trimester. You'll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and calcium (about 200mg is deposited in your baby's skeleton every day), so eat foods rich in these nutrients. His skeleton hardens even more and his brain, muscles, and lungs are maturing all the time. Take a look at our eating well guide to make sure you are getting the right minerals and vitamins".


What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Thank heavens for elasticated waistbands :P

Pregnancy Diary: 28 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"You're in the home stretch. The third trimester typically starts this week and lasts until the end of week 39 and sometimes even beyond. (Don't worry – 42 weeks is the maximum! After that, a mum-to-be is usually is induced to give birth.) Most women gain an average of 5kg during this trimester.

You're probably wavering between feeling as if you've been pregnant forever and being nervous about labour and birth. Checking off things on your to-do list can help. Start selecting possible baby names and begin thinking about life after your baby's birth as well".


What I feel this week:

I am so happy to be in the third and final trimester. This pregnancy has been dragging more than when I was pregnant with Cameron but 28 weeks feels like quite far along, only 12 weeks left! Being impatient is at least preventing me from worrying about labour. Having done it before I am not as nervous as I know roughly what to expect. I have a 'bring it on' attitude at the moment, I just want to get through it and meet my little baby girl! I have my midwife appointment today and will be able to ask about all the little worries I have been having and listen to the heartbeat which will help me feel more relaxed about everything.


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby weighs a little more than 1kg and may measure up to 38cm from top to toe. At about this time, she can open her eyes and turn her head in your uterus (womb) if she notices a continuous, bright light shining from the outside. She's getting used to blinking her eyes, which now have eyelashes.

Her fat layers are continuing to form and her bones are nearly developed, though they are still soft and pliable. Her bones won’t harden properly until after she's born".

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Pregnancy Diary: 27 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"You may be detecting rhythmic movements, which is simply your baby having an attack of the hiccups. They are common this week and throughout your pregnancy. A spell of hiccups usually passes in moments. The sensation for you may be strange, but rather comforting.

Since your uterus (womb) is now up near your rib cage, you may now find yourself short of breath if you haven't already. Starting now and continuing through the last three months of pregnancy, you may be plagued by leg cramps, haemorrhoids, varicose veins and itchy belly. Are pregnancy discomforts getting you down? Try some natural remedies to perk you up.

If a blood test for your rhesus status found you to be rhesus negative (RhD negative) earlier in pregnancy, you'll probably be tested for antibodies this week or next. These may be present in your blood if your baby is RhD positive, and you'll have what's called an anti-D injection to combat the incompatibility. You may be offered a repeat injection at 34 weeks".


What I feel this week:

I am loving how active my baby girl is, although it does mean that I get very worried when she has a lazy day! I get kicked and punched so much that I am beginning to get bruised but I don't really mind as I love feeling her moving around in there. I have been getting a few cramps in my leg lately and itchiness all over, especially my legs but luckily as of yet I have avoided any of the worse side effects of this stage of pregnancy. I have a midwife appointment next week which I am looking forward to. I have been feeling quite emotional again this week and cried last night when Gary Barlow sang on the closing ceremony for the Olympics.


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs nearly 875g and will probably measures more than 36cm from head to toe. His eyes open and close, he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals and he may suck a finger or thumb.

Sweet dreams, little baby! Some experts believe that babies begin to dream by week 27. What do they dream about? No one knows for sure but your baby's brain is certainly active now. The characteristic grooves on his brain's surface is starting to appear and more brain tissue is developing"

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:



Don't know what I would do without my trusty maternity jeans!

Pregnancy Diary: 26 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"Since your baby is now growing so fast, and brain development is so intense at this stage, your nutrition is very important. Continue to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of grains and vegetables. Fibre-rich foods, including whole-grain breads and cereals, lentils and brown rice are high in vitamin B and help fend off constipation.

Your antenatal classes should start some time in the next few weeks, if they haven't already. Classes should provide you with good, clear information about the birth and the early days of parenthood. Keeping informed goes a long way towards calming any concerns you may have about giving birth".


What I feel this week:

I wish it was true that my antenatal classes were due to start soon. I have them booked in but they don't start until mid september so I still have a while to wait! I am definitely thinking more about healthy eating. In the last few weeks I have let my cravings take over a little and I have been eating a lot of 'bad' foods such as crisps and chocolate. I am aiming to be more healthy, especially as I am now getting further along in my pregnancy and don't want to gain too much weight. I have been cooking a lot of mexican food as that is definitely a big craving for me this pregnancy! I went away at the start of the week and met up with a friend who is 15 weeks pregnant, it made me see how far I have come so far in the pregnancy and feel a bit less frustrated with how slow the weeks are going by. I still have so much to do before the baby is here so I am trying to enjoy the relative peace before then.


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Measuring your baby from top to toe with her legs extended, she is probably about 36cm. She weighs a little more than 760g. Your baby's eyes begin to open around now. Her response to sound grows more consistent towards the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to her ears is complete. She may be able to hear you and your partner chatting. Your baby also continues to take small breaths, getting plenty of practice for when she's born. It's all preparation for when she takes that first gulp of air".


What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Ta-dah!

Pregnancy Diary: 25 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your fingers, wrists and hands may be feeling achy and numb. The passageway, or carpal tunnel, in your wrist that carries your nerve and tendons to your hand is swollen, as are many other tissues in your body. The nerve that runs through the tunnel is pinched, creating pressure that causes shooting or burning pain. Wearing a brace may help. Talk to your midwife or doctor about other ways to cope. Find out about natural remedies for numb or achy fingers".

What I feel this week:

I don't know about achy hands and wrists, but my whole body is aching this week! On top of this, my daughter has managed to work out a fun way to hurt me before labour, by kicking me in the ribs- ouch! Although it does hurt, I don't mind as it shows me that she is moving around in there. I am finding it painful to walk around still and have been advised that I might have to wear a support band, which I will be looking into. I am starting to get impatient now as the pregnancy seems to be going very slowly so I have been trying to book up things for August to take my mind off things.

What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs nearly 660g and is about 35cm long from crown to heel. He's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more like a newborn. His senses are becoming more sophisticated, too. At 26 weeks, fetal brain scans show response to touch. If you shine a light on your belly, your baby will turn his head, which means his optic nerve is working".

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Pregnancy Diary: 24 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"You may be noticing stretch marks on your belly, hips and breasts. These faint, red or brown streaks are known as striae. Whereas creams won't erase them, wearing a supportive bra may help prevent or minimise them on your breasts.

They are very common at this stage of the pregnancy – about 90 per cent of women get them. After you've given birth, the reddish or brown pigmentation in the stretch marks gradually fades, and the streaks become lighter than the surrounding skin.

Also, your eyes may be light-sensitive and may feel gritty and dry. This is a perfectly normal pregnancy niggle known as dry eye syndrome. Try to rest your eyes as much as possible, and keep them clean with cotton wool and warm water".

What I feel this week:

My stretch marks from when I was pregnant before came back out to play a while ago now but recently they have gotten worse, and I have noticed a couple of new ones as well! I have been using bio oil every time I have a shower, and also using Palmers Cocoa Butter stretch mark cream every so often to help ease dryness and itching on my growing bump. I don't think the marks will fade at all whilst I am still gaining weight, but I am hoping that using the creams will help make them less obvious once I have had this baby and start losing weight again. If nothing else, it feels nice to spend a couple of minutes massaging the oil into my bump and connecting with my baby daughter. I try not to get upset abou the way stretch marks look and love this saying:

At the end of the day, my stretch marks show that I have carried my children, and this is such a huge acheivement that I don't mind that it makes me 'flawed'. I have been feeling a pain in my lower stomach a lot when walking lately, especially after overdoing it walking all over Paris last weekend. I have been advised by the midwife that it is completely normal ligament stretching pains, but it still hurts like hell and means I have been putting my feet up as often as possible, luckily this is easier now my mum is on summer holidays from work.


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs more than 600g. She is starting to fill the space in your uterus (womb). From crown to heel she could measure 30cm. Though your baby still has little body fat and her skin is thin and fragile, she's well-proportioned. Her brain is growing rapidly, tastebuds have fully developed, and her footprints and fingerprints are continuing to form. Inside her body, her lungs are developing branches of the respiratory tree as well as cells that produce surfactant. This substance will help her air sacs inflate once she reaches the outside world".

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Yep, actually massive now.....

Pregnancy Diary: 23 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"You may feel clumsy now that your centre of gravity has shifted. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and your belly button, once an 'innie', may now stick out. It'll revert to its pre-baby state soon after you give birth.

The middle months are a good time to think about a holiday. Find out about all you need to know, from suntans to vaccinations, in our travel section".


What I feel this week:

I am definitely getting an 'outie' belly button. It has slowly been creeping out for the last few weeks but now it is almost completely out and I love it as it makes my bump look more 'bump like' and less like I ate too many pies! My gums have been suffering as well, although I have always had issues with them and use a sensitive toothbrush because of it. As for thinking of a holiday, my mum, Cameron and I are going to France early Friday morning. We are staying in Paris for a few days and going to Disneyland on Saturday. It will be Cameron's first time there and I am very excited!


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs a little more than 500g and measures about 29cm from crown to heel. His hearing is established and around now he may be able to make out a distorted version of your voice, the beating of your heart and your stomach rumblings.

When your baby is born, loud noises he has often heard in the uterus (womb), such as the barking of a dog or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won't bother him.

Some people swear by the theory that unborn babies prefer classical music. So in the coming months you could put on relaxing Bach or Mozart for his enjoyment – and yours!
In addition to advances in your baby's hearing, his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. And as he gets bigger you may be able to see him squirm underneath your clothes"!


What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Pregnancy Diary: 22 Weeks!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"You've probably gained between 5.5kg and 7kg. Starting now, you'll begin to put on weight more steadily, averaging about 225g per week. You may crave certain foods and you may notice an increased (but not bloody) vaginal discharge. Both are a normal part of being pregnant"

What I feel this week:

I definitely feel like I am gaining weight at a scarily fast pace.... I am trying not to worry too much about the weight gain as I am eating mostly healthy foods, just allowing myself to give in to unhealthy junk food cravings occassionally. I am finding it difficult because I worked so hard to loose all my baby weight from when I was pregnant with Cameron and now I'm seeing it all pile back on really fast. I am being tested this week for Gestational Diabetes which scares the hell out of me but I am crossing my fingers I don't have it and if I do I will just try and deal with it the best I can. It is causing me a lot of stress at the moment but I am trying to forget about it by focusing on my trip to Newcastle on Friday for my brother's engagement party/housewarming party.


What's going on with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

"Your baby now weighs almost 430g, measures about 28cm long from crown to heel. Your baby's legs aren't curled up so tightly to her tummy now. This means she can be measured from the top of her head to her heels, instead of her bottom. She is proportioned like a newborn, albeit a thinner version since her baby fat hasn't yet developed.

Although she's getting heavier every day, her skin still appears wrinkled and translucent because she needs to gain more weight. Her lips are distinct and her eyes are formed, though the coloured part (the iris) still lacks pigment. The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily.
Even this early, the first signs of teeth appear in the form of tooth buds beneath her gum line. Before you know it, your baby will be born, and soon after, her first teeth come through".

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Pregnancy Diary: 21 Weeks!

A friend suggested I start up a weekly update post on my blog about my pregnancy and I loved the idea. As I am 21 weeks pregnant today I thought I would start now. Hope you enjoy reading about my pregnancy!

What's going on with me this week:

Babycentre says:

"If you've started to feel your baby's movements, you can look forward to more action in the coming weeks. You may soon feel like she's practising martial arts, as her initial fluttering movements turn into fully-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better.

You're probably feeling quite comfortable these days. This, in fact, may be the most enjoyable time in your pregnancy. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with pregnancy like nausea, frequent urination, and fatigue are for the most part gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can".

What I feel this week:

Everyone always says that you feel your second baby a lot earlier than your first, and although that was true for me, I was starting to get a little paranoid that I hadn't felt as strong kicks as other people described in the last few weeks. The baby has been getting a lot more wriggly lately and this morning I felt such strong kicks that it was possible to feel them from outside my tummy and I could even see the movement which was amazing! It definitely reassures me now that I have something that shows me she is ok in there. As for feeling more comfortable that is true, I no longer feel sick or as exhuasted but the frequent need to pee is still around, I'm starting to think it won't actually go and just stay around until after she is born now! Overall I am feeling good though and looking forward to the things I have planned for this month to make things less of a drag as I count down the remaining weeks!

What's happening with my baby this week:

Babycentre says:

'Your baby now weighs about 360g and is about 27cm long. Your baby's eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed, and he can now blink. If you’re having a boy, testes will descend from the pelvis into the scrotum in the coming weeks'

What my baby looks like inside this week:

What my bump looks like this week:

Yep.... I'm massive!