Pregnancy Update: Weeks 25-31

I always like to post these updates right after a doctor’s appointment. It’s nice to have reassurance that everything is still on track. Today’s appointment was approximately 10 minutes, as per usual.  Urine sample, blood pressure, weigh in, then the doctor comes in for the baby heart rate and a few minutes of questions. My 34 week appointment will be the same, but 36 will include a few tests, an ultrasound, discussion of birth plans, labor and delivery.

In some ways, it feels like nothing has changed, but really so much has.  The biggest change is in my body.  The bump is large and in charge, and is definitely slowing me down a bit.  All the hills in the Almafi Coast were rough.  Stairs are killer!  It’s hard to believe that I’m going to continue to grow for 9 more weeks +/-.

Other body stuff, really the only thing thing that has really bothered me is some upper back pain. It’s right around where my bra band goes and sometimes it is brutal. I’ve tried a bunch of bras and really only found one that I can tolerate for the majority of the day.  All the others I want to rip off my body after a few hours, minutes if I’m being honest.  Being so short, there is just nowhere for the bra band to go since my belly is basically right under the girls at this point.  Sorry if this is TMI.  Anyways, that’s probably the most uncomfortable part of pregnancy so far.

I have been able to reduce a lot of the back pain by keeping my handbag as light as possible.  Icy hot is also great in a pinch. I used 8 hour icy hot patches on the long flights and it was magical.

Counting Kicks/Movement

I asked my doctor if I should count kicks, and the answer was a firm no. In fact, the exact phrase was “please don’t.”  So I haven’t.  I will say that while we were traveling the movement seemed to be way less, which was a little concerning.  Perhaps it was the time change or how active we were or maybe I’m just nuts.  Anyways, since we’ve been back, her movement has been frequent and strong…and very reassuring. I’m definitely curious to know what position she is in as I feel kicks/movement at the top and bottom of my abdomen.

Exercise

While we were traveling, I didn’t do a single formal workout.  We were very active walking between 15,000-28,000 step every day…often including lots of hills!

I’ve tried to get back on track by easing back into my normal routine.  Since returning, I’ve have done 1 TIU daily moves workout, 1 barre class at Flex Studios, 1 OTF and 1 Flywheel class.  From everything I’ve read, staying active in the third trimester is super important, so I’m doing my best to keep up the routine even though I have to modify a lot at this point!

I’ve stopped running. It just didn’t feel comfortable anymore and it seems like a lot of impact on the body now that I’ve gained about 20 pounds. Plus, I can still get my heart-rate up by power walking/power waddling.

I also put my OTF membership on hold starting May 20th. I figured that last month, I’d have to modify so much, it wouldn’t be worth it.

Diet

My diet was basically pizza, pasta, gelato, pan con tomate, manchego, and patas bravas while abroad, so I’ve been making sure to eat lots of fruit, salads and healthy fat since returning.  Clementines and baby carrots are two of my favorite foods right now! On a side note, I find that no matter what I eat in Europe, I don’t gain much weight. I gained half a pound the week I was there, but somehow gained almost 3 pounds since being back.  The mind reels.

What I’m Nervous About

I think I have the general anxiety that most women have while pregnant. By the week before I have a doctor’s appointment, I’m usually pretty anxious to make sure everything is still looking good.

What I’m Excited About

I am very excited to meet her!  I have no patience whatsoever, so the fact that the first 30 weeks went so quickly is great. I have a feeling the last 10 will drag!

Sleeping on my stomach again, if I’m being honest.

Also, we found a fantastic nanny! I’m really excited to have the checked off the list!

Education:

The books I’ve read in detail are: Bringing Up Bebe, Expecting Better, What to Expect When You’re Expecting.  I just started Happiest Baby on the Block.

If you have recommendations, I’m all ears.

Apps: my favorite is Ovia!

Newsletters: Lucie’s List and Pregnant Chicken.   This article from PC terrifies me a bit.  There are so many things about pregnancy, labor, delivery and recovery that seems so secretive until you are experiencing it. One thing I will be stocking up on, pads.

Classes: I was really on the fence about classes.  They are really expensive.  However, I ended up signing up for 3:

• 1  session Childbirth Class through our practice
• 1 session breastfeeding class
• Dogs and Storks class

Other stuff: I’ve been watching some youtube videos on breathing and visualization techniques and also think prenatal yoga is probably a good idea.

To Do List:

Think about a birth plan

Get the nursery ready…still so much to do

Order my breast pump

Finalize maternity leave plans and submit paperwork

Finish a bunch of thing we’ve been meaning to do around the house