Hoo boy, here I was at 33 weeks tracking along thinking everything was fine and dandy. Then I hit 37 weeks and found myself surrounded by one dark grey cloud.
It’s time for the 37 week recap, and things are going to get emotional.
Aches and pains
I’m officially really uncomfortable. I had been, in my mind, still decently active up until this point. I was still able to go for walks with Ness, although we had dropped it back to 2 days a week. Admittedly, some of those days I’ve had to pike out as well due to heart burn, lack of sleep etc. I wasn’t perfect, but at least I could still move (albeit slower).
Then one day I got hit with what is now my favourite term in the world, lightning crotch. How horrible does that sound, right? I was out for a walk and bam, shooting pains in my lower regions. Apparently it’s caused by the baby moving down lower and his head hitting my cervix (or surrounding nerves). It’s totally natural so nothing to be concerned about, but it’s just so uncomfortable! I’ve given up trying to walk for exercise now since trying to walk at pace is just not something I can do. We walked 15mins each way to the post office last night and the way home was horrible. At least I know that walking is a technique I should use when I go into labour!
My back is aching more now if I stand up for long periods of time as well. I know it’s partially from my belly and partially from my weight. Sunday I was so fatigued I spent a ton of time on the couch resting.
Instead of walking I’m trying to get back into my yoga, although based on my experience today there is nothing relaxing about what I’m doing. Hopefully that will help me to tackle the back issues, and the odd cramp that I still get in my legs/butt etc.
The heart burn is still there, although it just seems to strike at night (or if I’ve been bending over). Provided I sleep on an incline I manage to get a half decent sleep. On the worst nights I’m having to sleep with three pillows stacked, on the good nights only two. I’m coping though, and I’m used to it now.
Week 37 is officially the week I slowed down.
Tears
Today I visited the chiro for the first time in a few months, and it triggered a huge emotional reaction in me. We’re talking tears in his office, and another good cry when I got back to my car.
Thing is, I’ve put on a ton of weight this pregnancy. I would have already gained around the 30 – 35kg mark, if not higher. I’ve gone from a size 10 in pants to a size 18. I’ve never, ever been this heavy.
So what does this have to do with my chiro?
I was embarrassed to see him, and the receptionist. I knew my appearance had changed so dramatically, and I was ashamed. Sure, my belly makes sense. But what about my arms, and my butt?
My body image issues have never been worse. I thought I was doing well by hiding away the clothes that didn’t fit, and that certainly helped. Yet seeing myself in the mirror each day is getting harder and harder.
Admittedly, covering up the mirror crossed my mind at one point. So did hiding away at home and reducing social visits. I feel like I have to explain myself when I see everyone. Part of it is the change in taste buds from the baby, part of it is emotional eating again now the bigger I get.
Disclaimer – I know there are people larger than me. I applaud their confidence in their body. I’m sorry for those who may be struggling from confidence issues as well. I am not comparing myself to them. This is my journey and my body. This is my own personal issue to tackle.
Step 1 is admitting I have an issue, which I have done.
Step 2 is to formulate a plan for dealing with it. I’m so close to delivering the baby, and that alone is making a huge difference for me. I’m praying that once I give birth to him that my taste buds return to normal. Then I can start to eat salad and vegetables, red meat, and all the things that are good for me. I tried salad the other night but forgot to ask for it without dressing (we were out for dinner). It came with balsamic vinegar; I tried it, but the taste was so overpowering I couldn’t stomach it.
So my plan? Stay tuned, that’s a blog post in itself.
All I can say is that right now I’m embarrassed by how I look, and week 37 is kicking my teary, emotional ass.
Never fear though, nothing changes about my excitement about the little man in my tummy though. I cannot wait to meet him!
How did you feel when you were nearing the end of your pregnancy? Did you get struggle emotionally? How did you deal with being uncomfortable?
Oh you poor thing! Pregnancy is rough towards the end. I had a preemie Bub at 33+6 but those last few weeks were horrific! I found Fruit tingles to be an absolute godsend for heartburn! I’d chew 2 before bed and it made the world of difference so maybe give them a go? Make sure you chew them and don’t suck on them as they won’t work otherwise. Hopefully these last few weeks you feel a bit better x
One of my friends told me about fruit tingles as well, and it totally works!! I live off fruit tingles and rennies now haha! And thank you!
It’s the bicarb in fruit tingles- you can get the same effect but stronger from Eno- it’s a powder that you put in water and drink. Hope you feel batter soon!
Oh no! Second to fruit tingles too. Totally saved me!
It’s like a bit of magic in a roll isn’t it, I was so thrilled when I got that tip – sweet, sweet relief!
I’m only 16weeks so I have all of this to look forward to haha. My first pregnancy only lasted to 36weeks so it will be interesting to see how my body handles an extra four weeks of pregnancy!
Woo, congrats! I thought I was charging until this week haha. Funnily enough all my issues are with me, I’m still feeling fine about the prospects of labour, and have this inbuilt confidence I can get through it
The last few weeks are such an exciting yet testing time! It’s so lovely you’re documenting it
Hopefully I look back on this week as just a blip in the emotional roller coaster 🙂
Wow! Not long to go now. Unfortunately pregnancy weight gain is not limited to just the stomach it spreads to places you wouldn’t have thought possible but for what ever reason your baby needs it. So you will have your baby boy and can start focusing on eating healthy. The last few weeks feel like forever hung in there. X
I can’t wait to eat properly again. I think it will work wonders on my emotional state as well, not to mention energy instead of the lacklustre feeling from too many carbs!
yes eating better will help you emotional state so will walking with out that lighting crotch feeling. 😂
Oh love. It’s a hard run. But you are almost there.
We’ve been blessed to have an easy pregnancy on bub’s part, it’s just making me confront my own issues that have always been buried away. Probably a good thing!
Aww it feels like such a long time ago for me but I do remember some of this! Nearly there! x
Thank goodness! Hubby knows the exact count to 40 weeks haha
Fortunately you forget all about the crapness that is the last 573 days of pregnancy when they’re about five 😂 good luck with the rest of your journey.
Haha does that also come with the selective memory of what labour is like?!
4 years later I can still relive every moment of my last labour. My husband tells me I’m pretty spot on with my memories, so maybe the selective memory wears out after four 😂
The thought of going through this all again is almost enough to put me off having another… You’re doing awesome. I’ve just liked your page so can’t wait to see all your hard work pay off when you welcome bub into the world.
Thank you!! No doubt there’s lots of hilarious poop stories to come!
Yeah of course! 💩💩 Just means you get to use the poop emoji heaps!
Be kind to yourself mamma, making babies and bringing them into this world is one tough gig. You are doing an amazing job
Thank you 🙂
Oh pregnancy is such a rollercoaster ride isn’t it? So different for every mum to be too.
Yep! It’s tough being subjected to all the photos of the “hot pregnant women” in society too. Urgh.
Bet a lot of them are fixed and edited. Very little is real on line. I threw up, had heartburn etc. for nine months. Amazing how it’s all worth it when you meet your little one. Worry about the weight when the little one is settled, not before. Even then you don’t need to worry.
That was one of the reasons why I have been writing so honestly about the process. I plan on sharing some honest imagery as well, no matter how hard it will be.
Oh, those last few weeks are soooo rough xx
I’m finding it tough, that’s for sure. I think once I finish work this week and then spend the next 2 weeks doing things I enjoy and pampering myself, I’ll find my whole mental state turns around! Bring on some me time, I’m not going to get that again in a hurry!
Just letting you know I’m thinking of you and if you need to chat I’m here xo
Thank you beautiful xx
Tough but exciting. Not long now!
Not long at all, its crazy how fast time goes!
Oh Mamma, it’s a tough gig, hang in there <3
Thank you!! So excited for when he arrives though!
Big hugs Kelly, not long now 💜
Thank you 🙂 how exciting!
Nothing wrong with slowing down! You’re on the home stretch now 👍🏻
True, I really should keep reminding myself of that. It’s a luxury that I won’t get often soon! 🙂
Kelly a lot of your weight could be fluid. I lost a massive amount straight after giving birth to my son (2nd child). Stick with the chiro I had very short labours and the chiro had a couple of pregnant women seeing him at that time and we all had short labours (I believe it helps keep your body especially pelvis area more supple). Obviously doesn’t work for everyone though. Not long now I know you’re mum is excited.
Maybe, but the food I’ve been eating has a lot to do with it.
I do adore my chiro, I normally see him regularly because of my scoliosis, I had just been distracted for a while. I’ve got another appointment with him on Monday, and will be just over 38 weeks then. That way my pelvis should be in good alignment, I hope!
Mum is definitely excited, she can’t wait to play with her grandson!
Oh Kelly, I know exactly how you are feeling. All those extra hormones bouncing around have turned me into a huge crier and any self-confidence is gone. I know it’s easy to say, but stop feeling guilty with eating food and rub that beautiful belly- your baby is so lucky to have you. Make sure you tell him that 😉 But just remember that in three weeks your body will be yours again, and you will be so smitten that boy that everything else fade away. You’ve got this mumma!!!!!!
Thanks Sach! I’ve been so blessed to have an easy pregnancy otherwise, I should be really focusing on the positive.
I may or may not be the only one on earth to say this, but knowing this is my last baby and was my last pregnancy, I am definitely hoping not to lose all signs of it too quickly. I hold onto the squishy parts of my tummy while I sleep for comfort. I really feel different this time. My boobs will never be the same again….I will get a really good bra hahaha
I love how much love you have for your body and it’s functionality. You truly do inspire me daily, I love your outlook on life, because you really have been able to overcome some serious challenges. You may not realise just how much of an impact on others, and if I can ever be there for you to repay the favour please let me know x
My wife hated being pregnant. Both times. It was really hard for her for a bunch of reasons, and it sent her to some pretty dark places. She remembers her first mums group meeting, when asked to reflect on what was good about her first week as a mum she said (and I quote) “At least I’m not pregnant anymore!”, much to the shock of those around her.
All the best for the last few weeks. Give yourself time, space and compassion.
Thank you!! It’s actually like a weight comes off when you hear other women weren’t fans either. You typically only hear the “everything is wonderful and glowing” stories!! I love she said that at the mothers meeting, that would have made me laugh and want to give her a high five.
Christina, thought you might appreciate this sentiment.
I went on to say that the first six weeks of my son’s life were easier than any consecutive six weeks of the pregnancy.
In our hospital’s childbirth class we were all asked to say our favourite thing about pregnancy, everyone said stuff about the kicks or having a “high” feeling. I was last, and said my favourite things about pregnancy were that it was temporary and I got a baby at the end.
Haha yeah thank god it’s temporary! I don’t think I could last going to bed every night feeling like I want to vomit from heart burn 🙂 The important question – are you going back for another one? Have you got selective memory that makes it all worth it? Haha. I must admit that I’m excited for when he arrives, and to get my body back
I did go back for one more. Whenever we start thinking about another though I always think of this gif:
Brilliant!! There’s so many great gifs that could be used! 🙂