Bump update - 40 weeks

Bump

I can't believe I'm actually writing my 40 week update! I really never thought I'd be getting to this point without Squishy making an appearance & neither did my midwife apparently! Look at the size of the MASSIVE bump....ridiculous! How is she still growing in there? I'm sure we're going to have a 12lb chunk on our hands at this rate.

What have we been up to?

My nan & grandad came up to see us & treated us to a fish & chip lunch which was lovely. I probably hadn't seen them for 6 weeks or so (even longer for G) so it was nice to squeeze a catchup in before baby arrives & everything gets all kinds of crazy!

We spent Saturday at my mum & dads house sunbathing in the garden which is always nice. We had a BBQ & Marley was thoroughly spoilt with food & running around in their big garden which he loves. It's strange thinking that might be the last time we visit my parents as the "three of us" before Squishy arrives. They do only live 5 minutes drive up the road so to be fair if she takes much longer to come it probably won't be the last time I see them at all - I'm quite prone to popping round there for dinner when G is working to save me cooking for 1, especially feeling sorry for myself like I am at the moment.

Weight/Cravings

I had been craving fish & chips so badly for weeks & weeks of my pregnancy but for some reason we never got round to getting it - so that was much appreciated. I'm just starving all the time at the moment and definitely snacking little and often.

Symptoms/Movements

Heartburn seems to be coming back which can't be a good thing - i thought it had eased off because Squishy had dropped so we certainly don't want her moving back up again!

Mood

Actually surprisingly okay. Don't get me wrong I'm impatient now and can't wait to meet our girl but I'm not as moody as the last couple of weeks. I still feel a little harassed and like I want to hibernate from everybody until she arrives but I know it's just because people care and are excited to meet her.

Gender

GIRL

Appointments

40+1: I saw the midwife this afternoon and my blood pressure is still too high considering I'm on medication to control it now so I need to go to the hospital tomorrow morning to be checked again.

40+2: Off to the hospital we went bright & early and of course my blood pressure was fine today. We had a really lovely midwife sit with us and talk us through all the options and what would happen now. Essentially that a doctor would weigh up whether the random peaks in blood pressure that I keep having, toothache & gallstones warrant it being worth inducing Squishy now and are more pressing over the risks of an induced labour. It's basically been decided that at this stage they won't be rushing me in for an induction - which is fine by me. As impatient as we are to meet our baby girl now a maximum of 10 more days before I have to be induced really isn't going to make a difference, we've waited this long - I can do 10 more days! I'm not keen to be induced as I know contractions will be forced therefore more painful & there's more chance of needing an emergency c-section or assisted delivery, all of which can complicate further pregnancies down the line (not that we're planning that far ahead!) and I know it's for the best to let my body go into labour naturally...if it's ever going to happen!

The midwife at the hospital did attempt a sweep but failed because the opening to my cervix isn't quite where it should be yet so it doesn't look like my body's going to be doing anything naturally just yet unfortunately. She did say Squishy's head is ridiculously low so that's a really good sign.

40+6: Had another midwife appointment and she managed a successful sweep today. Everything is as it should be, cervix has thinned right out, is looking favourable and my body is definitely preparing for labour which is all good news. I feel very delicate and manhandled now so am just sitting watching telly & taking it easy this evening. Fingers crossed something will start happening over the next 48hrs or so!

Shopping

Nothing new for bubba - she is well and truly kitted out for life I think. G's mum bought me these gorgeous flowers on my due date to cheer me up which I thought was the sweetest thing!

Labour signs?

For the rest of the day since the midwife at the hospital attempted a sweep I have got more aches, pains & my bump feels more tense....next day all signs gone!

Since my second successful sweep I feel really really delicate. My stomach muscles feel like I've done 8000 sit-ups & I've got constant period pains - fingers crossed this is the start of something.

Plus I had more show this morning so that's got to be good right?

Are you around the 40 week pregnant mark? I'd love to hear from other August mummy-to-be's.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO

DDD (Due Date Disappointment)

So here I am sitting on the sofa, Marley on my lap, G to my side, at 9.30pm on the eve of Squishy's due date with absolutely, definitely no baby!! ...and I can't help but be so so disappointed which I know is ridiculous.

When you find out you are expecting a baby they work out your estimated due date based on your last period, the date we were given was 16th August and then when we went for our 12 week scan they can give a more accurate due date based on the baby's measurements and from then on Wednesday 19th August 2015 was our date. Our date when we could expect our baby should be sitting here with us...except she's not! 

I know it's by no means a guarantee and there's nothing anybody else can do about it - Squishy will of course come when she's good & ready and not a minute before but at the same time it's impossible not to build this date up in your mind and pin all your hopes on it. For all these weeks and months it's the only date you've had to go by and the big day you've been counting down to.

Baby's will be late. And that's all there is to it, especially first baby's - it's really not uncommon at all. Something like 80-90% of first baby's are late and only a teensy 4% come on their actual due date so I really have no idea why I'm surprised at all. I guess we just hoped we'd be one of the lucky ones to meet our baby on time.

I'm so so grateful to have had an amazing pregnancy with no real negative symptoms or most importantly complications. So far Squishy is looking happy and healthy in my belly and is obviously just too comfy to come out anytime soon. I'm so grateful not to be experiencing the other end of the spectrum, a premature baby which would have been such a worry I'm sure so I would definitely prefer things to have worked out like this but with both myself and G coming 2 weeks early we couldn't help but get our hopes up that Squishy just might do the same.

We know now it is literally a matter of time, 10 days absolutely max and they will be forcing her out i.e inducing me (not just randomly smoking her out or anything sinister like that! haha). Yet it still doesn't make the waiting any easier.

Me and Daddy are dying to meet you now baby girl so pleeeease hurry up and make an appearance.

Did you go overdue with your first baby? I'd love to hear how your story ended?

XOXO

Bump update - 39 weeks

Bump

I don't think bump's grown anymore but my belly has been super itchy & come up in a little rash the last few days so my skin must still be stretching. Squishy has dropped slightly which is making life more comfortable for me but not enough to make us think she's on her way anytime soon.

What have we been up to?

This week has mostly consisted of waiting around for a baby to arrive...which is just as soul destroying as watching & waiting for the kettle to boil! G has been busy with work which means I've been busy on my own at home. Me & Marley hid from the thunderstorms one day and spent the next day running errands like a crazy person & rushing around in the hot weather so it really has been a random week.

We've been playing along with all the olds wives tales this week, I'm sure they are doing absolutely nothing but it doesn't hurt to try right? I've had lots of pineapple (both fruit & juice), a much hotter than usual for me curry, raspberry leaf tea and capsules, long walks, bouncing on my birthing ball etc.. but nothing seems to be getting this girl moving - she's clearly very comfy!

Weight/Cravings

More ice cream - would you expect anything else by this point?

Symptoms/Movement

Nothing new to report at this late stage really. I know I'm lucky to only have a few, not very bad, stretchmarks but they've definitely been getting worse and more have been coming.

My belly button has officially definitely gone which is so weird!! I'm really hoping it comes back again soon.

Mood

Crazy impatient!!!! It feels like everybody around me is having their baby before me which is making me sad :( everybody I know seems to know someone who's had their baby this week - and why they feel the need to keep telling me I have no idea!!

I know my friends and family all mean well but it is driving me absolutely up the wall being asked "is she here yet?" 30x a day. Do they really think it's likely that I've had the baby and just forgotten to mention it? Seriously annoying!!

I'm in a lot of pain with my poorly tooth that needs to come out but the dentist won't do it until after Squishy is here now so that's really getting me down. I'm up most of the night, most nights in a LOT of pain which isn't fun at all! They've given me two different types of antibiotics now but nothing seems to be helping the pain at all and paracetamol doesn't even touch the sides. So frustrating because I've been so lucky and baby hasn't disrupted my sleep at all - typical that I'm suffering with something else instead!

Gender

Girl

Appointments

I've just seen Karen this morning (39+6) and still no sign of Squishy :( my blood pressure has gone up again slightly which is a little concerning but she was happy that I didn't need to be rushed to the hospital this time as I don't have any other pre eclampsia symptoms. I need to get checked again on Thursday (40+1) and if it's high again then they will send me in for more tests. If nothing's happening by then the midwife on Thursday should be able to do a sweep for me, if not that will definitely be next Tuesday. To be honest I've not heard great things about a sweep, I know it's meant to hurt and obviously isn't even proven to work but I'm open to try anything at this point.

Shopping

One of my lovely friends who missed my baby shower popped in some lovely gifts for us over the weekend. Some little outfits in size 12-18months, which as ridiculous as it sounds are so appreciated because we have so many small clothes now. That an experienced mummy for you!! Haha

Labour signs?

I think my plug/bloody show has definitely been leaking slowly this week. I was expecting a big blobby mess but seem to just be getting a trickle every time I go to the toilet.

I've had a few sharp twinges/pains a couple of times, enough to make me sit up & take notice but nothing that's continued or got worse so sadly doesn't seem like labour is happening anytime soon!

I'd really love this to be my last bump update but we'll see! Are you around the 39 week pregnant mark? I'd love to hear from other August mummy-to-be's.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO

5 things I love about being pregnant

Something a little bit different today but I thought it would be nice to look back and remember that overall I've actually had a lovely, smooth, enjoyable pregnancy because now I've reached this fed up/aches and pains stage it's definitely getting harder to remember that.

1. Showing off my belly

As somebody who has always been super conscious of my weight and carried far more extra pounds around my belly than I should, it's been so refreshing and made such a nice change feeling confident with my body.

I normally spend my whole life hiding my tummy behind baggy clothes (it's definitely my problem area) so it's been really nice not to worry about it for a change and to wear tight fitting things to show off my belly for a change.

2. Eating what I like....within reason

Again because I was overweight pre-pregnancy I try to be quite conscious of what I eat and definitely feel guilty if I'm too naughty. It has been nice to relax and eat whatever I like, within reason of course. I definitely found myself fancying naughty sweet foods, chocolate, ice cream, popcorn while I've been pregnant and I've just enjoyed letting myself have what I fancy. I haven't gone crazy and definitely haven't been eating for two, as such but I haven't worried about it which has been nice.

I'm trying not to obsess over it too much but with two weeks to go I have gained 18lbs total which I don't think is too bad. I always said if I could gain between a stone and a stone & a half throughout my pregnancy I would be happy and it looks like I'll go a teeny bit over but I'm happy with that.

3. Hearing Squishy's heartbeat & seeing her at ultrasounds 

There's just no words to explain how amazing this is! The first time is definitely bizarre & im still not sure I fully make the connection between what we can see & hear actually being inside me but it's incredible all the same. Plus it's lovely to have reassurance that everything is okay because a lot of the time, especially early on before you can feel any movements, you really have no idea what's going on in there.

4. Baby shopping

For sure one of the things I have enjoyed the most! I've always enjoyed buying baby things anyway, obviously for friends and family in the past with Squishy being our first, but it's definitely all that more exciting when you're buying for your own baby - especially the first one!! There's something about little things, all so cute and small, I actually can't resist! I've physically had to stop myself looking in the shops anymore because I just want to buy everything! It's doesn't matter if we need it (or have the money for it for that matter!), if it's cute I must buy it! 

O U T  O F  C O N T R O L

5. Feeling Squishy in my tummy

Now I've definitely had a love/hate relationship with this aspect of pregnancy but I think overall I am going to miss feeling Squishy move in my belly. I definitely look back on the last 20 weeks of baby movements with more fond memories than moments where I was grossed out. You can read my previous thoughts on the little alien in my belly here!

Occasionally and around the time I wrote that post I was feeling gigantic movements across my stomach which I can only assume was Squishy actually fully turning 180 degrees around and it definitely did freak me out. I'm quite small and the whole way through my pregnancy there hasn't really been much room anywhere torso wise. From very early on Squishy has been wedged with her head engaged and very low and her feet right up & stretched out under my left ribs and she literally can't move! There's nowhere for her to go and as she's grown the movements have obviously had to change accordingly.

Even though Squishy is at her biggest now, the size of a watermelon & possibly already weighing 7-8lbs we're back to small ish movements, flutters and kicks because she is so restricted for space. All of which I love feeling! 

She wiggles away and I like to give her a rub or her daddy pats away & we talk to her all the time. Those are the moments I'll miss.....the alien ones, not so much!

What have you enjoyed about being pregnant? I'd love to hear from you

XOXO

Bump update - 38 weeks

Bump

Bump has dropped slightly this week which is a relief for the heartburn. I can finally sleep at night without having to wake up & take Rennie's. Squishy's head is very very low and feeling pretty uncomfortable now. My midwife doesn't think she's going to be a big baby, just that she's very cramped & curled up which is making my belly SO hard.

What have we been up to?

Today I'm just catching up with my friend Becky and her two boys. It's nice to be able to see them as it's the school holidays. I woke up this morning exhausted and thought about cancelling but I'm really pushing myself to try and stay active & busy everyday to encourage baby along now. I've been taking Marley for lots of dog walks to try and keep active but I do get tired out really really quickly. He looks at me like I'm crazy when we have to go home already or stop for a rest on a bench.

We had a busy day on Friday running around trying to get some valuations for my car - unfortunately I have a two-seater convertible so even though realistically we're keeping it until Squishy has arrived now to make sure we can get to the hospital okay, the three of us won't be able to leave the hospital in it as there physically no backseat so it has to go at some point soon.

Weight/Cravings

I officially demolished all the ice cream that we had in the freezer! Oooooops!

Symptoms/Movement

Thankfully as I said heartburn has calmed down a little. I've gone from having to make sure I don't take over the recommended 10 Rennie's a day (it was that bad!) to maybe just 1 or 2 a day now. I definitely need the toilet more now Squishy has dropped a little and I've been feeling way more exhausted than in recent weeks.

Mood

Good this week. I've gone from being a little anxious and pretty convinced they'd be inducing me early to quite calm now. It panics me not knowing how or when I'll be going into labour but there's not a lot I can do about that.

Gender

Girl

Appointments

I went to see Karen this morning (38 + 1) and thankfully everything is looking really good now. My blood pressure has come right down since being on medication and there were no traces of protein in my wee so it's just a waiting game for everything to kick off naturally now. 

I had another midwife appointment yesterday (38 + 6) and all my obs are still coming back fine. Blood pressure is staying down nicely now so no more trips to the hospital for us!

Shopping

Even though we've technically already got one, I couldn't resist picking up another baby book. This one from the brand Pepper Pot is so so cute, goes perfectly with all our elephant themed stuff and is much more baby focussed. Whereas the book we already has the largest section for just your pregnancy, so large in fact that I am seriously behind with filling it in!!

Labour signs?

Lots more period type pains, lightening pain and I keep having dreams that my waters break so hopefully that's a subconscious sign! Haha 

The last few days I've been convinced that something is going to happen and having loads of twinges but it never does...it's so disappointing!

Are you around the 38 week pregnant mark? I'd love to hear from other August mummy-to-be's.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO

Bump update - 37 weeks

Bump

FULL TERM.....we're actually finally FULL TERM! I honestly never thought we'd get to this point. The whole way through my pregnancy this has been the milestone that I was the most anxious to meet and most excited for. If Squishy was to arrive anytime from now onwards she most probably wouldn't need any extra medical assistance. The theory is she is all cooked now and just gaining weight for the remaining time in my tummy! Eeeeek! She officially wouldn't be considered a premature baby anymore which is obviously an amazing relief and I definitely feel like we can relax a little now.

What have we been up to?

This week we've had a visit from the health visitor, another trip to the hospital - resulting in an unexpected overnight stay, hopefully dinner with our friends Lloyd & Gemma tonight (if I ever make it home from the hospital), hopefully we're going to squeeze in a spot of car shopping AND a haircut for Marley so all in all a pretty busy week for us.

Weight/Cravings?

I'm seriously upset even writing this down but my weight is currently fifteen stone and one pound! Fifteen!!!! Good god that is seriously depressing! I've actually lost a pound since I last weighed myself so my total weight gain is 18lbs now.

I reeeeallly craved a McDonalds one day so let myself have that and be a bit naughty - yet I wonder why I'm weighing over fifteen stone! Need . To . Get . A . Grip!!!!

I discovered their new Chocolate Chip Ice Frappe drink which is a-ma-ZING and I'm sure I'm going to be drinking lots more of these over the next few weeks!

Symptoms/Movement

This week I've been having serious blood pressure issues which they've finally given me medication for. I think I might do another separate post on my overnight stay in hospital and just how dangerous high blood pressure (hypertension) can be during pregnancy because it's important to be aware of it. 

I'm feeling constantly like I have an upset belly & toilet movements aren't very fun - sorry TMI I know. 

On Monday I had a really funny turn. I was feeling crazy hot, all flustered and light headed and had to run out of Pets at Home to throw up everywhere - not my finest moment! If it had carried on for long I would have rung triage and gone in the be looked at but luckily I felt fine again pretty quickly.

Movements have definitely picked up again which I'm grateful for because now I'm having other problems it's the one thing keeping me reassured that Squishy is definitely okay in there.

Mood

All over the place to be honest. I constantly have a TONNE of different emotions going on in my head. Excited, scared, nervous, anxious, so crazy happy. My brains on its own little rollercoaster ride I tell you! When they first mentioned keeping me in hospital overnight I was really scared but I've definitely come to realise it's the best place to be and if they think it's necessary it must be. Keeping Squishy safe is the main thing and if they end up inducing me which has been mentioned it won't be a bad thing.

Gender

GIRL

Appointments

I came back to the hospital on Friday to have my blood pressure and urine checked again. It had gone up yet again and there was a trace of protein in my urine so they decided it was best to keep me overnight.

All is okay and I'm actually just sitting here waiting to be discharged now. Squishy is perfectly happy, moving like normal and at no stage has shown any signs of stress which I am so happy about. My bloods and urine are normal and not showing any trace of protein so they don't think pre eclampsia is developing at this stage but my blood pressure is still too high and I've been put on medication to keep it under control. I now have to have it checked at least once a week (next midwife appointment is Tuesday 37+6) and if it continues to rise even with the medication then they will look to induce me. So possibly Squishy might make an appearance sooner than we were expecting!

Update: I went for my midwife appointment yesterday (37 + 6) and my blood pressure medication is working well and keeping it down where it should be which is amazing news. I've never been so happy to get to go home again after an appointment rather than being sent to the hospital for more tests which has happened at my last 4 appointments.

Shopping

Today was payday - hopefully the last one before Squish is with us so I ordered a couple of last minute bits. A nursing pillow, baby milestone cards (essential for photos obvs!), raspberry leaf tea capsules to hopefully get things moving soon, some clips for the pram so I can hang shopping bags off the handle bars, some wall brackets to strengthen the shelves in her nursery and this adorable little plaque/sign for her room...

I also want to get my hands on a similar one saying "Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice, That's what little girls are made of" but I can't remember where I saw it and haven't come across one since!

Boring but I also picked up some Infacol when I was at the supermarket today. Not that I'm wishing for a colicky baby of course but I thought it wouldn't hurt to have some in the house and be prepared just in case - plus it was on offer and cheap.

Labour signs?

Again I've been having lots and lots of pretty constant period pain in my back. Lots of lightning pains down below, it really does feel like Squishy is just going to fall out when I stand up sometimes. Hot water bottles are helping but I feel pretty rotten.

Are you around the 37 week pregnant mark? I'd love to hear from other August mummy-to-be's.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

If you follow me on Twitter or have seen my 36/37 week bump updates then you may have seen I was admitted to hospital for the night this week.

I'm currently suffering with high blood pressure in pregnancy (gestational hypertension) which effects an astounding 1 in 10 pregnant women.

This basically means that my heart is having to work extra hard to pump blood around the body to Squishy and I, and putting my body under extra stress and strain.

If my blood pressure is still high during labour I would have to be constantly monitored and possibly need help to deliver because it would be safer to keep labour as short as possible. I've also been told an epidural would be highly recommended to me as that can help lower blood pressure during labour but is something I'm hoping to avoid if possible.

Gestational hypertension typically develops after 20 weeks (before then it is likely that you had high blood pressure problems before falling pregnant) and the longer it goes on for the more dangerous it can be - possibly resulting in pre eclampsia which is a whole other story and can be very dangerous and potential fatal for mum and baby if left untreated.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with a standard blood pressure reading? Well it's the second/bottom (diastolic) number that seems to be my problem and is rocketing at over 110 - a normal reading would be 70-80. Pretty much any reading over 100 is a serious concern and something they would look to give you medication to control but because my blood pressure is very up and down and goes back down very quickly again they have held off until this point because I was on the borderline of concern if you like?

I must say my hospital don't seem to be the best at keeping me informed or explaining what is happening and why, which definitely worries me. I'm learning to ask more questions and make sure I feel completely informed now which has helped my anxiety a lot. All the midwives, care assistants and consultants that have looked after us have been absolutely lovely and more than happy to help with anything we needed.

They checked my blood pressure every 4hrs overnight to ensure it was going down now they have given me medication, took regular urine and blood samples and kept checking my pulse and temperature. They would regularly hook me up to the machine to monitor Squishy's heartbeat which was the most reassuring thing. Everything else is normal and my blood pressure has come under control so I'm allowed to go home.

I'm quite relieved to finally have some medication to help with this because for the last 4 weeks every time I see the midwife we go through the same process of my blood pressure being high, getting sent to the hospital for further tests, blood pressure goes down again, they send me home - so I feel like I'm being constantly passed from pillar to post with no real solution or answers.

Fingers crossed everything will calm down now and with the medication as long as my blood pressure stays within the healthy range the doctors are happy for me to go full term (or later). Worst case scenario is that my blood pressure will keep going up, even with the medication, and if that happens they will look to induce me but the doctor has said he'd be happier if I got to 38 weeks (so 4 more days from now!)

Have you experienced any problems with blood pressure during pregnancy? I'd love to hear about it & what the outcome was

XOXO

Bump update - 36 weeks

Bump

At my last midwife appointment (36 + 6) Squishy was measuring at 38 weeks so slightly ahead so bump is definitely still growing away! Haha

I actually said to G the other day it's quite a nice feeling now knowing it can't get much bigger. I mean I know she's still going to grow a little more and no doubt stretch me out some more but really how much more can happen in 3 weeks?

Everyone still comments on how big I've got when they see me now which is a little bit depressing when I think about it too much! All of G's family were happily prodding & poking away the other evening and no-one can seem to believe just how rock hard my belly is. All the healthcare professionals are amazing how compact Squishy is in there and keep saying how uncomfortable I must be because there is NO room for anything now!

What have we been up to?

Nothing hugely exciting has been happening this week. My friend Lucy came to see me with my gorgeous little goddaughter Betsy which is always a treat. Betsy is 6 & a half months old now so we're hoping the girls will grow up to be close and it's always interesting seeing Marley interact with small babies. He loves toddlers who can chase him around & play with him but he never seems quite sure of babies. If anything he's scared of them! Which is crazy ironic when everyone lectures us about not leaving the dog with the baby - he's such a softy though we know we don't have anything to worry about. Betsy was trying to bite his nose at one point & he just sits & takes it all giving out kisses left right & centre bless him.

Today is G's sister Carla's 30th birthday so we'll be going round to see her later on after my midwife appointment. Fingers crossed for birthday cake!

Weight/Cravings

Lots of ice cream this week.

Symptoms/Movement

Heartburn has just been horrendous this week. It only strikes at night when I lie down but one night we had run out of Rennie's & I had to sleep full on sitting up for the night! TOTAL disaster!

Squishy's movements have really picked up again which I'm pleased about because I'm not worrying so much.

Mood

I've been in a much better mood this week and have definitely cheered up. The hormones are definitely hitting me more at the moment though and I find myself crying at silly things - mostly happy tears though!

Gender

GIRL

Appointments

We're about to go for my 36 week midwife checkup. I say we because G is off and coming with me for a change which will be nice. He hasn't met my midwife since I changed to a different one at about 20 weeks so it'll be nice for him to put a face to the name & he always likes hearing Squishy's little heartbeat.

I ended up back at the Maternity Day Unit again because my blood pressure was the highest yet! To cut a long story short everything is fine and they still won't put me on any medication to control the BP because it isn't consistently high. And because I don't have any other symptoms at all they aren't worried about pre eclampsia at the moment but are keeping an eye on everything just to be safe.

What really upset and worried me is that I nearly ended up being admitted for the night for monitoring because they got my notes muddled up with somebody else!!! I mean seriously? That happens? How is that even possible? During pregnancy you carry round a great big folder of personal pregnancy notes which get passed to every medical professional you deal with. Can that happen in labour? Will they get me muddled with someone then and insist I need a C-section or worse when I don't? 

To say I've lost all faith in my local maternity unit is an understatement! I'm honestly quite worried and G was furious that they worried me all essentially for nothing and don't explain what's going on.

Shopping

Again nothing much now. I really think we are all done and ready. I need to rebuy all our hospital bag snacks & drinks because inevitably they got eaten with me buying them too early. I think I'm gonna get a couple more packs of nappies and cartons of milk in our food shopping this week as well just to be extra prepared.

Labour signs?

With the 19th July coming and going again pretty quickly we officially have less than a month until Squishy is due so I thought it was about time I start looking out for labour signs! Eeeeek!

I've been having period type pains and back pains for a couple of weeks now which has to be a good sign. Also possibly TMI for the Internet but I've been getting a lot of discharge which they say is the body clearing the way for the baby!

Are you around the 36 week pregnant mark? I'd love to hear from other August mummy-to-be's.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO

Bump update - 35 weeks

Bump

Every week now I feel like I'm just growing and growing! I feel MASSIVE there's no other way to describe it and I can't imagine it's going to get better in the next couple of weeks.

I've finally definitely sprouted a couple of stretchmarks as well! They're nothing major & to be honest I'm not that bothered but it's a shame I got all this way without any & now they are appearing. They are under my bump so hopefully won't be too noticeable after I've had the baby anyway but we'll see. I'm upping my moisturising routine for sure!!

What have we been up to?

The highlight of this week has to be finally finishing work!! **whooooop**

Even though I am a bit sad and it hasn't really sunk in that I won't be going back until at least April now I was definitely ready to finish. My bump actually didn't fit under the desk on my last day & was getting in my way so I think you know it's time to head off when you reach that stage! Lol

We also finally got round to using a red letter day voucher that my parents gave us for Christmas and went up to London for the afternoon/evening for dinner and the theatre which was so so nice. I think it will definitely be our last date night for a while anyway! Eeeeek!

Weight/Cravings

So I finally got round to weighing myself after putting it off for the last few weeks and let's just say I'm not in a hurry to do it again any time soon. I didn't think I'd be as depressed about it as I am but I've now reached 212lbs which sounds like SO much! This means in total I've now put on 19lbs since falling pregnant so I'm probably not going to be able to stick within my goal of gaining no more than a stone & a half (I.e. 21lbs).

I know it's all for good reason and it's baby putting on the weight now but I'm definitely feeling rubbish about it :( and I'm definitely making a conscious effort to eat healthier for the remainder of my pregnancy.

Symptoms/Movement

Heartburn has been back again this week, mostly at bed time and luckily I've found sleeping on a couple of propped up pillows & a Rennies before bed seem to be sorting it out for now.

I've also had gallstone pains a couple of times during the night which have woken me up.

General aches & pains still continuing as well, along with period type pains that come & go.

Movement has definitely calmed down where bub is running out of room. She still moves a lot each day but her movements have definitely changed & are smaller sharper kicks again rather than somersaults.

Mood

Actually FOUL! I can't even remember the last time I was in a mood this bad. I seem to just have the raging hump with everyone and everything which isn't fun. I've been feeling really lonely & stressed & everything is getting on my nerves. Other people trying to give me advice is really winding me up coming across as super patronising & even though I know they mean well I could really do without it.

I'm blaming the hormones but I'm definitely extra sensitive to everything!

Gender

Little girl - still...we hope!

Appointments

I was meant to be seeing my midwife this week as the hospital advised an extra checkup after my little bp scare last week but helpfully she's not returning my calls or texts messages so it doesn't look like that will be happening.

...so scrap that! I did end up seeing a new midwife today, my usual one was poorly so a different midwife managed to squeeze me in. I didn't have a protein showing in my urine this week but my blood pressure is still too high so they sent me up to the hospital to be checked just to be on the safe side again. Funnily enough as soon as I get to the hospital and they take my BP it goes back down to normal so they let me go home after a little while - I think I'm getting stage fright when I midwife checks it or something?

Either way everything seems to be fine and I'm not showing any other signs of pre eclampsia which is a relief!

Shopping

We finally got round to reordering the colour pack for our pram. When we ordered it originally back in March/April time the slate grey colour we wanted was out of stock, which has actually turned out to be a good thing because we ended up changing our mind and going for something a little girlier....this coral colour which I love already!

Are you around the 35 week pregnant mark? I'd love to hear from other August mummy-to-be's.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO

Bump update - 34 weeks

Bump

This week I've been feeling much more uncomfortable. Sitting at my desk at work on Thursday was a real struggle and I keep feeling feet in my ribs & feel like I need to stretch to try & get baby moving a little to a comfier position. 

I feel really really extra massive this week & very heavy. Moving into and out of any sitting position is harder & lots of effort now.

What have we been up to?

This week has been so so exciting and one I've been looking forward to for WEEKS! On Friday night we went to the Ed Sheeran concert at Wembley Stadium which was so so amazing. You can read all about it & see some cheeky pics here.

Today (Saturday) we off to a BBQ with all our friends and the weather is looking good so I'm excited, then tomorrow is my BABY SHOWER! My mum has been busy planning away for months & I'm so excited to catchup with all my girls and family.

Weight/Cravings

Again with the weather I've been loving my ice cream but I need to try & ease off before the weight gain gets out of control! My baby shower was a full afternoon tea and I think I ate my own body weight in scones, jam & cream which is never good, never mind all the leftovers my mum sent me home with!

Symptoms/Movements

Still lots of strong movements. Maybe slightly less than normal this week but Squishy still moves multiple times a day so I haven't been worried, it's just toned down slightly from feeling like all she did was move all day long!

Mood

Actually this week has all been a bit much for me. I think throughout my pregnancy I've been building up to this busy weekend and looking forward to it so much now it's actually been & gone I'm feeling crazy overwhelmed! It's like it's suddenly hit me that we're actually going to have a baby in a couple of weeks - and I'm not going to lie it's freaked me out a little bit. I'm feeling very anxious and unprepared even though I know we've done everything to be a prepared as it's possible to be!

Gender

GIRL

Appointments

I had my whooping cough vaccination and an antenatal checkup with Karen this morning & my BP was high again, accompanied with protein in my wee so off to the hospital I was sent. 

I was up at the maternity day unit for a couple of hours this afternoon hooked up to all the monitors to check everything is okay. Squishy's heartbeat was crazy fast to begin with but she must have just been excited because it soon calmed down and all the midwives and doctors were happy for us to come off the machines. I've had lots of bloods taken which I have to ring up for the results later tonight and a possible infection somewhere - which I suspect is coming from my tooth - so all in all today hasn't been a great day. My blood pressure did eventually come down a bit and there was only a trace of protein in my wee, whereas there was a lot this morning so everybody was happy to let me go home eventually & just be checked by the midwife again next week. Luckily I'm not showing any other symptoms of pre eclampsia at the moment like blurred vision, headaches & swelling and that's what they are most concerned to monitor. I'm home now but feeling absolutely exhausted!

Shopping

I'm still not buying anything new but this week Squishy received SO many amazing presents from all my friends and family at my baby shower. I'm honestly feeling so emotional and overwhelmed by everybody's generosity, it's crazy considering she's not even here yet!

We are so lucky to have such amazing people around us who already love our baby girl so much and we genuinely appreciate all the gifts and advice more than anyone will ever realise!

Are you around the 34 week pregnant mark? I'd love to hear from other August mummy-to-be's.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO

Bump update - 33 weeks

Bump

Squishy is still measuring dead on 33 weeks which is good. At my checkup this morning my midwife commented that she's still laying really high which I hadn't really thought about but I guess she is. 

Even though her head is down where it should be my bump doesn't seem to have dropped at all yet and I definitely get feet in my ribs frequently throughout the day.

What have we been up to?

So far this week we've been for a lovely BBQ at my nan & grandad's house down on the coast. We hadn't seen them since our holiday so it was nice to catchup & we had a lovely day in the sun.

I've had some more dramas with the car and ended up getting towed home from work on Friday evening which is always fun. I need to sell her because I only have a 2-seater convertible which isn't going to be much use once Squishy is here, and ever since I mentioned selling her she's given us nothing but trouble! Last night we popped out for drinks for our friend Liam's birthday which was nice. Just a pretty chilled pub garden evening but it was nice to get out the house and have an excuse to put some makeup on for a change.

Weight/Cravings?

In this weather it's really just been ice lollies & lots of cold drinks this week! I've really got a taste for bitter lemon which reminds me of work as I always drink it on the plane! Again I'm too scared to weigh myself, I'm expecting the weight to pile on pretty steady now so I'll save that update for next week!

Movement/Symptoms?

I'm still getting lots and lots of regular movement which is always reassuring and you know what? It's not actually creeping me out as much as before, I think I'm getting used to it!

I'm definitely suffering more with aches and pains. Every time I move after sitting down for a while something hurts!

And this heat? WOW! I definitely am not coping well but I won't bore you to tears again, you can read all about my heatwave struggles here

Mood

I'm always in a good mood and generally happy but I'm definitely ready for Squishy to arrive now. I've had enough of being pregnant & it feels like time is going soooo slowly!

The last couple of days I've actually been feeling really emotional and over sensitive to everything. I feel like G is neglecting me a little bit and am feeling sorry for myself :( I'm not sure how much of it is in my head and just hormones or whether these things would actually be bothering me normally? We'll see.

Gender

GIRL!

Appointments

I've actually just had my checkup with Karen (my midwife) this morning and annoyingly a little protein has shown up in my urine which could mean the start of pre-eclampsia. My blood pressure had gone up as well but wasn't crazy high so she wasn't too worried at this stage but I'm popping back with another sample later in the week to keep an eye on it.

I went back to the midwife yesterday and thankfully everything is back to normal. My bp has dropped again and there was no protein in my wee anymore so earlier in the week must have just been a fluke strange day which is so good and I'm really happy about it. Karen says I have a short torso so baby literally has no room and is pretty engaged & head down now anyway - which explains all the kicking under my left ribs!

Shopping

I've been wanting this little Minnie Mouse teddy for Squishy ever since we found out she was a girl! You can only buy them from Disney theme parks so it took a bit of hunting down but it finally arrived and I LOVE it!

Are you around the 33 week pregnant mark? I'd love to hear from other August mummy-to-be's.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO

Bump update - 32 weeks

Bump

I'm really starting to feel massive now :( everyone likes to comment on how much  bigger I've got since last time they saw me which definitely isn't necessary. An actual stranger asked me if it was twins the other day...I mean really?? Why would you say that to a pregnant lady? REALLY?

My belly button is still in but it's definitely getting more shallow and looking rather strange so we reckon it's gonna pop out any minute. Touch wood still no stretch marks, I'm hoping they might have started to show by now if they were coming at all but I know there's still time. I'm not overly worried about getting them to be honest but now I've gone all this time without it would be nice to make it to the end!

What have we been up to?

Since turning 32 weeks we've been pretty busy but not up to anything particularly exciting. We went for a lovely sunny pub lunch just the two of us, which is always a treat, caught up with some friends and their little girl Isla for dinner, have been chilling out in the garden & making the most of the sun. On Thursday we had a 32 week scan and consultant appointment which I'll explain more about below. Today (Saturday) we've blitzed all the housework and set up Squishy's Tommee Tippee steriliser. I know it's probably a little bit early but I'm just too eager to get everything setup now and wanted to have a play around.

Weight/Cravings?

I've been really craving ice cream already this week, I think the hot weather definitely makes that worse! Also I've been going from fine to absolutely starving in 2 seconds flat and HAVE to eat something very quickly! Frustratingly I'm getting physically full quicker now and don't have room for food but still feel starving so I'm never really feeling satisfied.

I've put on another quarter of a pound so I'm weighing 204.25lbs now. A total weight gain of 11.25lbs!

Symptoms/Movement?

I still haven't experienced any Braxton Hicks which I thought I would have by now? Not too many symptoms really, heartburn has eased off a little now which is good. I'm starting to feel tired in the heat much quicker than before.

Movements are still crazy as ever. In fact since our scan on Thursday Squishy seems to be partying even harder in my tummy!

Mood

Mostly happy, nesting is kicking in and worrying about money as always!

Gender

For the third time a sonographer has said girl so I finally definitely believe it now!

Appointments

Because of my slightly high BMI we had an extra growth scan this week so got to see Squishy again. I really love going to scans and feel a little sad that we probably won't be having anymore now. Our little peewee is weighing in at 4lb 12oz already (eeeek!), which does scare me as that seems pretty large already but it's nice knowing she is growing well and would probably manage with minimal help if she arrived anytime from now. All her measurements are still bang on average apart from that podgy little belly which is still large!

Squishy is too big to be seen on the ultrasound screen in full now so we settled for a little bit of her at a time. Here is a pic of her cute face, stumpy little nose & teeny lips **heart melting already**

I am so in love already!

After seeing the consultant they were happy that both me & baby are healthy and doing fine. The gallstone issues have quietened down for now and my high blood pressure seems to have been a fluke because it's been fine ever since so they discharged me back to sole midwife care which is nice. I feel much happier not being classed as "high risk" because I feel fine in myself and didn't feel like I should have been high risk in the first place.

Shopping

I actually don't think we've bought anything new for the baby this week. I'm

not really expecting this to change now, we're done! Everything is ready for Squishy to arrive and the little madam has everything she could possibly need. 

I did stock up on snacks & drinks for mine & G's hospital bags - better to be prepared right?

Are you around the 32 week pregnant mark? I'd love to hear from other August mummy-to-be's.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO

Surviving summer heavily pregnant

Let's be honest, with the weather being as insanely hot as it has been this week there's no way I could not write this post.

Picture the scene if you will, it's attractive I promise! I'm sitting here on the evening of the hottest day of the year so far like a beached whale on the sofa/yoga ball in just my bikini top and the smallest shorts I could find, with my feet elevated & fan going full blast!

It reached 36 degrees down in Kent where we live and we actually spent the whole day outside having a BBQ with my nan & grandad which may not have been my wisest decision.

I honestly don't think I've ever felt so hot in all my life! Not in a 53 degree heatwave in Cyprus a few years ago, not in the tropical humidity in Thailand or Mexico, not on holiday one month ago - it's just crazy! We got in at 8pm and the temperature in the car - with the roof down - was still over 30. Just WOW!

So without further ado here are my top tips for surviving the heat whilst pregnant:

- Drink drink drink and drink some more

(Unfortunately not of the alcholic variety because a) that would be very bad for baby and b) probably wouldn't help with dehydration either)

I always try to drink a lot of fluids, especially water but in boiling weather like this it really is so important. It stops you from becoming dehydrated and helps keep your body temperature down.

- Wear loose, light, small clothing

Personally I've found wearing as little as possible (and appropriate!) is the most comfortable thing for me but lots of people swear by baggy, light fabrics rather than tight fitting clothes. Over the last week or so I've been living in maxi dresses but yesterday it just felt like too much material to be carrying around.

- Big hats & high SPF

Even if you're not cursed with ginger skin like me when pregnant your skin can react with more sensitivity to the sun than usual and you may find yourself sunburnt unexpectedly. The best thing to avoid this is wearing big floppy hats to protect your face and neck and ensuring you always wear a suncream with a high SPF - I'd recommend at least 30. Staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (12-3) is also an easy way to keep cooler.

- Use ice water to help you cool down

I always find running my wrists under the cold tap for 30seconds really helps to cool me down quickly.

Also if you're suffering with swollen feet & ankles it would be worth investing in a small paddling pool to paddle your feet in, or full on sit in if you're brave enough!

- Prepare for a hot restless nights sleep

As if sleeping when your heavily pregnant isn't hard enough? The last thing we need is added heat!

I was luckily sent a fan in one of my Which? Birthing Choice boxes last month which has been a LIFE SAVER! Not just for me but our poor hairy puppy as well who is really suffering in the heat (bless him!). We turn it on a few hours before we go to bed to cool the room down and leave it on throughout the night.

We keep all the windows wide open and try to keep curtains & blinds shut during the day to keep the sun out & stop the room heating up too much.

We also make sure to keep pint glasses of water by the bed, cool water facial spray and pretty much strip the bed of all bedding.

Are you pregnant & struggling in the heat? I'd love to hear if you have anymore tips for staying cool.

XOXO

Corsica!!

As I'm sure I mentioned in one of my recent bump updates we recently went on a weeks holiday to Corsica.

Now I don't know about you but I had no clue where Corsica was (and that's embarrassing to admit as an air hostess!) but it's a teeny little island off the coast of southern France & north western Italy with Sardinia and Sicily, but unlike the other two islands Corsica is owned by France rather than Italy - which all confused me a LOT.

I actually flew out to Corsica 28 weeks pregnant which is the last week you are able to fly without a doctor note for most UK airlines. So as I was going to be 29 weeks when we flew back I had to make sure I had a letter from my midwife confirming that in her opinion both me & bubba were fit & healthy to fly. 

Luckily I actually found the flight both ways absolutely fine and no different to anytime I've flown before I was pregnant. I had read to expect extra swelling but thankfully this didn't seem to happen, I did make sure to drink lots & lots of water, get up to walk around a bit and it probably helped that the flight was only 1hr 50 so over pretty quickly really.

Overall I actually found a hot holiday while pregnant absolutely fine. The temperature was 30+ degrees everyday but to be honest I didn't struggle like I expected to. There were a couple of occasions where I felt fine in the heat and like I could lay out & sunbathe like normal but I was conscious that bump was getting a bit too hot so made sure I went to sit in the shade. I also usually burn super super easy (damn ginger skin!!) so I made double, triple sure that I wore my spf 30 & 50 like a good girl and kept my bump in particular out of direct sunlight wherever possible. Luckily the whole villa had really good air conditioning and each bedroom had a blackout shutter that came down electronically across the windows which kept our rooms lovely & cool throughout the day!

I'm not going to lie it was quite nice having a "get out of jail free" card being pregnant. If my family all went out for the day & I didn't feel up to it we didn't hesitate to say so and had a few quiet days staying in round the pool. Walking around in the heat all day would have been too much, especially up and down the gorgeous mountains we were staying in.

The whole purpose of the trip was to celebrate my Uncle's 50th birthday coming up soon so we were lucky enough to be staying in this gorgeous 6-bedroom villa. There were 13 of us in total, all my family plus G and my cousin's girlfriend Chloe. 

The villa was so pretty and modern, in fact we were the first people to stay in it so everything was literally brand new! We had every amenity you could possibly think of, all 6 bedrooms had en suite bathrooms (one in fact was its own separate little studio with its own kitchen & living space), a laundry room, BBQ, a gym, table tennis table, a huge plasma TV, iPod docking it really was amazing.

It would have been so so easy to just lock ourselves away in the gorgeous villa for the entire we but we did try to venture out a few times. We had a couple of meals out in the evenings, including a very scrummy Michelin starred meal that my nan & grandad treated us all to one night.

On our last day G and I actually just spent a bit of time in our own. It was the anniversary of the day that G's dad died 8 years ago so it's always a sad time of year for us and spending the day with a houseful of people would have been a bit much. We went out to this lovely sandy beach for the day and had some lunch. g finally got to try his "Moules Frites" which he had been dying to all week and I played it safe with a big fat burger!

All in all we had a great time and were so grateful to be able to get one last holiday in before Squishy arrives. Realistically we wouldn't have been able to afford to go away on our own this year otherwise so that made us even more grateful of the sunshine.

Don't get me wrong it's definitely testing at times being cooped up with 13 members of your family but I think the holiday went pretty well considering, nobody got on anybody's nerves too much and my Uncle enjoyed himself which was the main thing after all!

Did you have a last minute holiday whilst pregnant? Have you been away yet this year? Or do you have any holidays coming up? I'd love to hear all about them.

If you're enjoying our pregnancy updates I'd love you to follow our story either here or on Bloglovin'

XOXO