I hate to admit it, but pregnancy and I are not getting on too well at the moment, which means I am absolutely fine at the same time. I hit the 37 week mark on Sunday and my main feeling is definitely frustration. Frustrated at being limited. Not being able to play with the boys how I’d like, not being able to ride my bike or go on long walks, not being able to exercise fully or cut my toes nails, not being able to hug the boys properly, wearing the same few clothes every day, feeling like I can’t manage the two of them at the swimming pool and too chubby to retrieve things from under the sofa – nothing major, but enough to make me feel really quite frustrated. On the plus side I am sleeping way better than previous pregnancies, and I’m not waking to go to the toilet at night time which is a real bonus.
I haven’t suffered with back problems before, but the last few weeks I have been having problems with my lower back. I have started pacing myself and deciding what is worth it, and what isn’t. So far it seems to be working, and I have had to be quite strict with my bedtime. I was planning on potty training Ru before the new baby arrives, but I’ve decided it would be too much for my back. I was so looking forward to having that out of the way (!) His pants and vests are all washed and ready to go.
I have also had a few problems with my jaw and mouth, and I’ve started grinding my teeth. I think this is connected to stress rather than pregnancy as I’ve had problems before. I very rarely feel stressed or anxious, but something is registering on some level. I’ve been waking up with a clenched jaw and then it continues to ache throughout the day. When Jared and I first got married and moved in together, I had problems with teeth grinding and developed a stutter, which I found really quite embarrassing. Jared obviously found it hilarious. Apparently temporary stutters can develop after huge life changes – aren’t bodies strange and amazing all at once?
A few weeks ago both of the midwives at my appointment thought that the baby was back to back and breech. When they came last week to bring the home birth kit to our house they couldn’t confirm the position as the baby was moving around so much. I was booked in for a scan last Thursday and it confirmed that the baby is in fact correctly positioned. I was so relieved, and our baby is most definitely a boy.
The scan caused a little bit of drama – far more than I expected. The sonographer spotted excess fluid so a quick scan suddenly turned into a three hour saga – blood tests, monitoring and I was booked in for a glucose tolerance test and an appointment with the consultant to rule out an infection. I’ve heard nothing, which is good news, so I’m hoping we don’t have to rethink our plans – for now.
At the weekend we got organised for the birth – I packed bags for me, the baby and an overnight bag for the boys, and made lots of other little preparations. We have had little clothes drying all over the house and I feel so excited.
Even though my past deliveries have been an average of 11 days late. I have my fingers and toes crossed that this little one is a tad eager to meet his parents – my belly feels like it might explode!
E xx
Reading this reminds me of how I felt at the end of my pregnancies. It’s exhausting and you’ve had a lot to contend with. You look amazing though with a super healthy glow! Also love your trainers. Grinding sucks, doesn’t it? I get such bad jaw aches headaches from it when I’m stressed. I hope the next few weeks are kind to you and baby arrives soon! Xxxxx
Thanks Kerry! I am actually feeling so much better than a week ago and my grinding seems to have ceased. Thank goodness!!! I must say that I love my trainers too. Unexpected Christmas present that I was very pleased with xx
I remember feeling just the same the last few weeks, in fact I felt like that from about 32 weeks with the twins, it was so frustrating but you can only do what you can manage. You are looking blooming gorgeous though Esther, I hope the last few weeks go smoothly for you xx
Ah Hayley! Twins would be a whole other story. I can’t even imagine how tiring carrying twins would be. And thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes xx
I think these pics look gorge babs but that doesn’t help when you’re not feeling it! I wish I had half of your pregnancy style (#pleaseStyleMe) !!!
Glad that there is nothing to worry about and you are still heading down the rd of the delivery you want! Hope its not too much longer, can’t wait to meet him xx
Thank you Mary! Me too! xx
Oh my goodness I feel such a fool how did I not know you were having a third? Where have I hid my head? I am SO sorry you look amazing and I am sorry it’s not going so smoothly but you look amazing and I can’t believe I am only just coming upon this now at the end. I had MM at 37 weeks it could come anytime how truly exciting for you lovely. 🙂 xo
Haha Jenny, you made me giggle! I would honestly love to have this one early. It would be amazing! xx
Lovely post Esther. You look so well (and always so stylish in my opinion!) I am literally living in jeans, leggings and tops that don’t cover all of my bump hence always wearing a cardi, jumper or coat lol. Or my jersey midi dress that has been a god send – the only thing that doesnt really dig in! I have felt myself nodding along to all of this and i’m only 34 weeks! fourth pregnancy definitely tiresome (with anaemia, bleurgh)
I am eagerly awaiting your birth announcement, birth story and seeing baby’s sweet face! 🙂 x
Thanks Nat! I also have a jersey midi dress which is so so comfortable. I think my outfits get more random the more pregnant I get. You must be shattered having one more than me to look after. I really hope your anaemia doesn’t get any worse, you poor thing xx
Oh wow, hang in there! It might a good thing that you didn’t bother toilet training Ru – all my friends who toilet trained their kids just before new babies arrived had their older kids regress as soon as the new baby arrived anyway.
Good advice! Thank you xx