Officially there are only 3 days to go until our due date! We’re really playing the waiting game now.
So far there hasn’t been any obvious signs of labour except more period like pains over the weekend in my lower back and under my bump I’ve also been feeling some stretching sensations down below too and his head now feels very low. He’s still kicking lots and doing his usual little dance routines, not only is this reassuring in terms of his health, but these are such special moments that I’m going to miss after my little guy arrives. I’m feeling great at the moment and my 38 week GP appointment went really well last week, all of my routine tests were fine and there was that lovely strong heartbeat that I love to hear too.
Considering that there is so little time left to our due date and I’ve been super organised there has been very little for me to get ready for his arrival. I sorted out his organic Moses basket and bedding from Natures Purest last week and settled on a place in our room for it, I love how clean and fresh it looks.
Since I’m running out of things to do in the baby preparation department I’ve even gone and packed the nappy bag with some essential items, like nappies; WaterWipes; a change of clothes; muslin squares; baby toys and toiletries. I’ve also been reading up on how to use my electric breast pump and electric steriliser in advance so I know what to do when it comes to expressing breast milk. Keeping on top of the things like the laundry and cleaning has been a priority for me because I don’t want to arrive home from the hospital with housework that hasn’t been done, I want to spend that precious time with my little one.
Everyone keeps telling me to use these last days to relax before the baby arrives, but I honestly can’t for too long. I suffer from incredibly itchy fingers and like to keep myself busy all the time, hence all the non-essential faffing and nesting that I’ve been up to this week. Generally, I’ve been using my evenings to relax by listening to my pregnancy and labour relaxation CD’s and read. I’ve just finished this amazing book on breastfeeding called Mama Milk: A Breastfeeding Mum’s Story, which I highly recommend. I’ve unpacked the baby’s nightlight that projects stars onto the ceiling and his room thermometer that also glows as I’ve found them to be so soothing and help me drift off to sleep.
One thing that has been on my mind recently is how much my body will change post-baby. I would be lying if I said my pregnancy weight gain hasn’t raised some body confidence issues over the past 9 months, but I think this is a natural concern for the majority of pregnant women. Equally, I know that during pregnancy some women will gain more and some will gain less, we all have different patterns in relation to weight gain. Comments from other pregnant ladies and friends on the ‘smaller’ size of my bump have had a surprising effect on me. For some women this may be taken as a compliment and perhaps I should too, but instead its worried the heck out of me and left me feeling inadequate, like I’ve done something wrong. I know that none of it was intended to be bitchy in any way and it’s probably just me being an oversensitive idiot. Being pregnant makes you such a worrier and you want to do everything right by your growing baby. You have no idea how reassuring my growth scan was the other week to find out that my little man is perfectly healthy and everything is on track.
At this point I’m not sure how much weight I have gained entirely as my only weigh-ins have been with my midwife and I haven’t been weighed for a while. I’ve noticed that most of my baby weight is mainly around my thighs, hips, butt and some around my stomach area. What I do know is that my baby boy and I are super healthy and doing well and that’s my primary concern.
I adore my bump, but in these last few weeks I’ve felt big as it’s popped out more, again I know that I’m not on my own here. After the baby is born, I’m not going to compromise my eating to lose the extra weight nor will I be rushing to the gym. This is something that I’m going to take my time over, there’s really no rush. My main priority will be caring for my baby boy and making sure that I’m eating nourishing and healthy foods to help nurse him and give him the healthiest start in life. I’m willing to accept that my body will never be the same again, it’s been on such a journey and grown a small human for Christ sake, so why should it be!? I just have to keep reminding myself that each and every change in my body has helped me support and grow a healthy baby.
It’s so crazy to think that possibly this time next week, my whole life is going to be totally different and I’ll be holding my baby in my arms, it’s feels so surreal. I’m now beyond excited and so ready to be his mama!
Do you find it difficult to relax and have to be on the go all the time?
Did you have any postpartum body worries during pregnancy? If you’re not pregnant, how do think you will handle the changes that your body will go through?
I love that light Jemma, how cool to have the stars projected across the room! Not long to go now!
I’m loving that lamp Claire, it one of my favourite bits that we have bought for him. 🙂
How exciting! Glad you are not going to be rushing into going to the gym and are going to honour your body after this crazy time:) Womens bodies are such amazing things we def dont give them enough credit so glad to hear you will be treating your right as it deserves:) Enjoy your last wee while of baby prep!
I probably won’t even have time for the gym once my little guy is here. Looking after him and spending quality time with him is what I’m most looking forward too. I agree, women’s bodies are incredible and go through so much. 🙂
That is the cutest moses basket! I did think that your bump is a little smaller at first glance, but that’s only because a lot of people use pregnancy as an excuse to eat lots and the ‘baby weight’ they put on isn’t just the baby! I’m sure he’ll be a gorgeous healthy happy boy 🙂 good luck!
India / Touchscreens & Beautyqueens
Thanks India. I definitely haven’t bee the ‘eating for 2’ excuse. All bumps are different and I wish more women (sometimes including myself) remembered this. 🙂
Omg so so close! Sounds like you have everything ready to go.
I wouldn’t worry about comparing yourself to others. It’s such a personal thing! Everyone is an individual. You look wonderful!
Thanks Anna! We are literally just waiting on our little man now. I think he’s taking his time as he wants to make a grand entrance.
You’re so ready! Baby is almost here, I’m even excited!
Hehehe! Thanks Nancy. 🙂
You look amazing! Get all your “nesting” done now so you can catch as much sleep as possible once baby comes home. 🙂
I’m guess sleep is going to be a novelty from now on. 🙂
Enjoy your last few days! You look amazing!
xoxo
The Accidental Mama
http://theaccidentalmama.com
Thank you lovely! 🙂
First, you look amazing! Second I can remember that anticipation like it was yesterday. Take time to enjoy the final days, your life is about to change for the best, and will NEVER be the same!
Thank you Erica. I’m so looking forward to the change despite the challenges that it’s going to bring. 🙂
You look so cute in those stripes! Love the bump!
Thank you.:-D
You have such a healthy attitude about your baby body! There is so much pregnancy-weight body shaming that goes on. It really makes me angry, because pregnancy is beautiful and important, and nurturing a healthy body and baby is the most important thing. You look beautiful!
Thanks so much Lily! I hate the baby body shaming thing too. It’s such a shame that a beautiful journey has to be marred by so much negativity.
As long as you are both healthy, that is what matters!! I am so excited for you 🙂
Absolutely Chelsea!
I am definitely can’t relax – I love to be home, but I am always DOING something! This is my first visit here so I am wishing you lots of luck and sending good thoughts for your impending birth!
Thanks for visiting Andi and thank you for your well wishes. 🙂
Wow not long to go! Sounds like you are super organised and ready. How exciting for you both!
We are so excited Lauren! 🙂
pregnant looks good on you
Awww that’s very nice of you to say Amy, thank you. 🙂
so excited for you jemma! take good care! x
Thanks so much Ananda! 🙂
So exciting for you! Congratulations!
Thanks Brenda. 🙂
Such an exciting time! We loved Natures Purest for our little one too. Have a happy and healthy birth little one! 🙂
It’s such a beautiful brand with lots of great products. I could easily go wild and big lots of their stuff. 🙂 Thank you Fi!
I can’t believe your pregnancy journey is almost over! You sound so organised Jemma. It’s such a shame that the media put so much pressure on women to lose their baby weight so quickly following the birth rather than focus on their new little one. You have a very positive and healthy attitude and I’m looking forward to seeing some pictures of your little boy next week!
Thanks Mary! The media put far too much emphasis on body image post pregnancy and all that really matters is that healthy and beautiful baby. 🙂
It is totally ok to relax now that the time is almost here. I never did though. 🙂
Totally, but it’s so hard!
I think your bump looks perfect! I hate when people comment on it, they come in all shapes and sizes. With my first I gained a ton of weight and with my second I didn’t.
I think generally pregnant women compare bumps, but you are right they come in all shapes and sizes. 🙂
OMG! he’s almost here!! I love how you’re just pacing all of this out and getting ready for him to arrive! that crib is gorgeous and I’m sure that you’ll find that your body after pregnancy is in a good place especially once you settle into a new routine as a mom!!!
Not long at all! 🙂 I really hope so Liv, all the prep and being kind to my body will hopefully help post-birth.
I love the stars
Same here!
I am waiting for you to give us a blog post telling us you had that wonderful little baby already!!! Aw man, I loved being pregnant! I’m so excited for you!!!
Same here Amby! Being pregnant is such a beautiful experience. 🙂
Your bump is so cute! You don’t have much longer now! So exciting!
Oh good luck with the birth, the bedding set is great we had the same one 🙂
You are SO close momma! Just hold on for a little bit longer!
Ahh, I am so excited that you are almost there!! I have always heard the last week or so is always the hardest
Almost there now (am sure whilst am typing this baby boy is on his way). Good luck hun
Urgh don’t even get me started about body changes after pregnancy! I really wonder at times why some people look like they never birthed someone and others (like me) struggle to lose that pouch. But, you are absolutely right to focus on the priorities in the beginning — your baby boy.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Such an adorable baby bump! Good to see everything is well and little one is nice and healthy! I love his bassinet too! So adorable!!
I was completely antsy at this stage during both of my pregnancy. I just wanted to meet our baby.
I really like that light. Very cool. I should put it in my daughters room. Maybe is will help her relax. I remember being anxious, having no idea what to really expect.
Adorable!! The waiting game is the worst… so close yet so far! xo
How exciting!! Not too much longer.
Yep. No need to hurry and pressure yourself into losing the excess weight.