Guys, I’m 37 weeks today and this whole pregnancy malarkey has really taken a turn. My notes say I’m 37 weeks pregnant but my shovel-sized feet would argue it’s been much much longer. I skipped into the third trimester doing everything as normal juggling deadlines, daily dog walks and heavy duty to do lists and recklessly added in epic house decoration projects, baby classes and blog events. I even wore heels out for dinner. Then the swollen ankles appeared and it turns out that life gets harder when even flip-flops don’t fit. Up until 2 weeks ago I was still taking Ted on hour long walks every day but my little legs simply can’t support the weight for that long anymore and crouching down to pick up poo that is dangerously close to the edge of the canal really isn’t a game I should be playing at 37 weeks pregnant.
The last time I did an update was 10 weeks ago and since then there’s been a lot of online ordering to make sure we have everything we need for baby girl. We may not have a name yet but we have bought A LOT. With only 3 weeks to go until my due date, I’m giving myself one more week to complete the last few copywriting projects and then I’m all about the rest. It’s officially time to slow down.
Third Trimester Highlights
But before we get on to the fact that my feet have gone up a full shoe size, let’s look at the many many wonderful moments that have made this trimester so lovely.
Without a doubt, my favourite part was my baby shower that two of best friends planned and hosted. There’s nothing like being in a room with your favourite people, eating cake and getting giddy about our impending arrival.
Baby classes are now where we spend our Monday Evenings and I have to say, I’ve enjoyed them much more than I thought I would and not just because they put on the most amazing biscuit spread. You are encouraged to be really open and honest about how you feel and what you want and it’s been quite the bonding experience for me and my husband. There’s been some really sweet moments.
We had another scan at 34 weeks and quite frankly, it was incredible. She has hair!!
I’ve never been more thankful to work from home. It means I can have breakfast in bed, work without putting on a bra, have a nap whenever I want and take 568 trips to the fridge with only the painter to judge me (and the dog). Turns out smashing out thousands of words per day isn’t so bad when you can pop a hob nob in your mouth every 5 minutes or so.
What I’m Wearing
Nothing of any interest tbh. Autumn has arrived so instead of maxi dresses I’m living in fitted long-sleeved black dresses from BooHoo, they are super stretchy and comfy and cost around £15. If I’m pottering around the house or running errands, it’s a standard leggings and long sleeved top combo. Jeans are not happening anymore and I’m ok with that. Basically, if it fits over my bump and my ankles, it’s a win. It’s a lot of black with a few fancy bracelets and a scarf to distract attention away from the ever-growing cankle situation.
How I’m Feeling
Roller coaster-esque. In general, I’m feeling well give or take a little ankle pain and I’m managing to get some sleep. At this point, anything I drop will stay there until someone else can pick it up. Bending down is now a thing of the past. Putting on my shoes takes approximately half an hour and 3 trips to the toilet per night are now the norm. I’d be lying if I said there haven’t been a few strops. I’m feeling a little anxious as she is technically fully cooked and could literally come at any time. The not knowing is by far the scariest part. Oh and the fact we will actually have a real life baby to look after in a matter of days/weeks. That being said, I’m very excited to not be pregnant anymore, to be able to say yes to a glass of bubbles and finally see my ankles again. If she came tomorrow I have somewhere for her to sleep and lots of little outfits but the house is still very much a building site and I’m longing for the work to be finished so I can do a deep clean. It’s been pretty much plain sailing apart from a trip to St James’ this week after my GP flagged up a few symptoms that she wasn’t happy with (headaches, high blood pressure and protein in my urine) so off we popped for monitoring which felt awfully like a dry run for the real thing, laid in a hospital bed hooked up to lots of machines. All was fine though and we got to go home hours later.
This week I’m boxing off work things, making sure our hospital bags are 100% ready to go and getting a mani-pedi ooh and a massage. I can’t tell you how much a little pampering helps! Oh and I’m also going to stock the freezer with lots of carb-heavy food to get us through the first two weeks of parenthood! Hello mac and cheese! Oh and I’ll leave you with these two words. Perineal massage. *awkward face*
