Well…we’re still waiting! I’m beginning to think my little guy is very comfortable at the moment and doesn’t want to leave his mama just yet!
To be honest, I want him to come when he’s ready and I know that he will, I would just prefer not to be induced and for labour to happen naturally. The closer we get to my due date I’m scared that there is less likelihood of this happening. On Saturday night there were signs of labour, or so I thought. I was having period like cramps in my lower back and abdomen, which persisted for at least 30 minutes. After doing my research, I think that these were practice contractions called Braxton Hicks.
Last week I had to go for a growth scan at the hospital – an extra scan that the fill-in midwife had requested as a precaution as she thought that my bump was small. Even though I knew everything was fine with him I was still apprehensive about the whole thing. It turns out that there was no need to worry. He’s coming in at around 6lbs and 6oz at the moment and is super healthy and the blood supply via the umbilical cord was also spot on! He’s also in a head-down position so he’s making preparations for his big arrival. I couldn’t be happier and it was amazing seeing how big he had grown compared to his 20-week scan. It’s still strange to think that there is a human being inside of me (he actually just kicked me to prove this!), such an incredible feeling!
I’m actually feeling great at the moment. My tiredness has eased off this week and I’m still able to get my gentle workouts in comfortably without feeling under any strain. Heartburn has been a bit of a pain over the past couple of weeks, but nothing too bad. There’s still no stretch marks on my stomach, but I have noticed a couple of small extra ones appear on my thighs where I’m carrying some pregnancy weight. I’m also trying to get my head around the fact that I’m not going to be pregnant for much longer. Every part of this journey has been amazing and I love my bump. We’ve finally put the Moses basket in the baby’s area in our room and it’s so strange that we will be bringing him home to start our family life…exciting times!
I was sent these gorgeously bright coloured muslin swaddle wraps and dribble bibs from Faye and Lou the other week and cannot wait to use them. They feel very thick and really soft as their 100% cotton, which is going to be great against the baby’s skin.
Now that I’m much further on in my pregnancy, I thought that it would be fun to check out which of my favourite items or products have actually helped me get this far. Also, I figured it would be nice for me to look back on what worked for me during this pregnancy as reference for any future pregnancies I may have.
1. maternity dress/ 2. pregnancy books/ 3. pregnancy phone apps/ 4. scented candles/ 5. coconut water/ 6. prenatal yoga/ 7. maternity jeans/ 8. coconut oil/ 10. mother and baby magazines
Other things include my pregnancy relaxation CD, nutrient dense food, maternity bras, dark chocolate, nail varnish for pampering sessions, massages, early nights and leggings.
Over the past 9 months I’ve found that it’s the little things that have helped me week by week, rather than splurging out on lots of expensive maternity and pregnancy equipment. I haven’t had to invest too much in maternity wear and generally have worn my regular flowy clothes that have room to accommodate my bump, mainly dresses as they’re more comfortable. I did invest in maternity jeans and leggings paired with flowy tops have been a God send for non-fussy maternity fashion. I’ve loved having a couple of nice maternity dresses like the lace one I was kindly sent, as well as the comfort factor they have been great for any pregnancy body woes.
Trying to feel reassured during my pregnancy has come from educating myself as much as I can on the topic. I’ve read so many pregnancy books, magazines and constantly checking my bump progress app for daily updates. I’m currently reading a breastfeeding book that I’m loving. Relaxation has been a must for me and has definitely had a calming influence on my approach to labour, scented candles, prenatal yoga and my pregnancy relaxation CD have been essential.
What do you think would be in your pregnancy survival kit?
Did any of the above help you throughout your pregnancy? Have I missed out on anything?
Sounds like your ready just need the little man to hurry up and come say hello! My little sister had hers last week and he’s so tiny I can’t wait to meet him…very proud auntie : )
Awwww I bet you cannot wait for baby cuddles, I know can’t!
Oooh hopefully not too long to go now Jemma! Sounds like things are going really well for you and your baby x
I know, he could arrive any moment now. Exciting times! π
Such a cute bump that you have. Not long for you now at all. Cannot wait to see pictures of your little boy!
Awwww thanks Dana.
My sister swears by massive granny pants from M&S for just after birth and then she gets rid of them once once and back to ‘normal’ and also a freezer full of health homemade healthy cakes for quick milk boosting snacks – I always make her peanut butter flapjacks!
I’m definitely on to the breastfeeding snacks….do you have any recommendations?
I am currently obsessed with coconut water, I love it and the dress at no.1 is lovely x
It’s so refreshing isn’t it!
I think it’s great to be pregnant in this day and age (weird phrase I guess!) because there’s just so much information out there, from books, podcasts, magazines, blogs…it’s like information overload!
Fingers crossed for him to arrive safe and sound soon!
Thanks Anna! π There is so much out there that it can get overwhelming at times. I’ve just been reading and taking bits from it here and there.
I am so excited for you! Not long to go now, and you’re definitely going to be a fab mother!
<3
xoxo,
BerryBloomXO.com | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog ο»Ώ
Thanks lovely and I really hope so. π
AWW! you are so cute! What a fun post!! Congrats!! …also love your blog!! It’s so nice!!
Thanks Cailee, really happy that you like my blog.
So exciting that he is getting ready to make his big entrance into the world!
I know…I can’t wait!!! π
Looks like you have everything ready. I think you are right though, your little man just wants to stay inside where he has it easy.
Hehe! He sounds like a typical man lol.
Wow, your pregnancy has flown by! Enjoy your me time before your precious bundle of joy arrives, I’m glad everything is going well π
Fiona @ http://www.dollydowsie.com
The time has just vanished! Thank you, I’m definitely making the most of it. π
Jeans and cocnut water for sure! Also– I had a rather large craving for tabbouleh… so there was that. lol
Hahaha! Tabbouleh, that’s a very delicious craving to have.
Ahhh you’re getting so close to the end! Coconut water sounds like it would be great for pregnancy and yoga π Great list!
Nearly there Lindsay!
It amazes me how many cool apps there are now! They seem to make everything so much easier!
They are so cool and very informative too. I love checking the updates on mine.
I think tums and pickles would be in my survival kit lol. I don’t have any kids but I do think the whole journey of being pregnant is beautiful. Congrats on your blessing!
Thank you so much. It’s a blessing indeed!
You look amazing for 38 weeks! The last two weeks are tough. Drink that coconut water!
They are going so slow compared to the rest of the pregnancy. I’m loving the coconut water. π
Love that maternity dress! Just because your pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t look cute/sexy <3
Absolutely Angelic!
Well you sound very prepared and ready for the little man to make his grand entrance! Good luck and hope he doesn’t hang in there for too long! x
Thanks Julie. I think that we have everything covered…we shall see. π
I feel ya on waiting my little one to come so I don’t have to be induced! fingers crossed for us both!!! pregnancy survival kit for me definitely coconut oil, essential oils, and these maternity yoga like pants that I wear all the time.
thinking of you sweetie!! I hope you little one comes soon!
Thanks Lori! Good luck with everything.
You look amazing and you are for sure ready for him! I don’t have any babies, so I don’t have a list yet…but someday I’ll need this!
Thanks Megan, I’m so ready to meet him now.
Good luck! I have a dress almost identical to #1 π
Love that dress! We obviously have brilliant taste. βΊοΈ
I love reading about other women’s pregnancies. I would have loved that pregnancy survival kit!
It seems to be working well for me so far.
I love love love coconut water and yankee candles! Congrats on the little one!
Thanks Brenda.
best wishes jemma! your little one will be gorgeous!!
Aww thank you hun!
GOOD LUCK! All the preparation you’re doing will pay off during the delivery!
Thanks so much!
ahh! Baby is almost here!!!!!!!!! I remember those last couple of weeks!
Not speaking from any kind of experience here, but I can see how relaxing is probably THE most important factor during pregnancy! Love Yankee Candles too!
Katie <3
Those bibs look amazing! I’ll have to try to remember them for my second little one!
Great list. At this point mine just included a lot of massages and walking, lol.
You are looking great momma! Almost there! Love your kit!
Relaxation helped so much! I used a magnesium supplement as well, recommended by my doula, called Natural Calm. It was just something I mixed with water. Tasted good and worked well to calm some of my “impending delivery” anxiety.
I am too excited for you. Following you pregnancy has been beautiful. Your little guy will be here before you know it!
I think that it’s pretty fantastic how prepared and knowledgeable that you’ve become to make yourself comfortable! How was the coconut water helped?
I think he will definitely come when his good and ready and am sure when he does his entrance will be grand lol. Good luck hun
Ohhhh it will happen very shortly! I do remember the anxiety near the due date. That lace dress by the way — HAUTE! Very cute.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
aww your survival kit is perfect! My cousin had the same test as you, and the baby was big enough! Some of us just hide our babies! You look great π
How exciting that he is going to be here any time!! Congrats in advance!
aw what a great selection of items. what an exciting time for you! i hope he doesn’t leave you waiting too long π congrats!