Pregnancy update

Well, we’re down to the last few weeks of this pregnancy, and overall, things have been going pretty well. I’ll admit that this one has been harder on me than R was. Not sure if it’s because it’s my 2nd pregnancy or if it’s because this one is a boy or if it’s because I’m 4 years older this time around or a combination of all-of-the-above.

The morning sickness was worse this time than with R. I still never missed a day of work because of it, and never actually threw up, but I was a lot more nauseous this time around than the first.

Around 20 weeks or so, I developed a lot of pelvic pain. My Dr. and Chiropractor both told me it was normal for a 2nd pregnancy, due to the pelvic floor muscles already being stretched out, and the baby sitting lower in my belly. Ok, great. The pain made anything requiring me to lift my legs up difficult. Putting on pants or socks, going up stairs, getting in and out of vehicles, things I need to do every day. But we’ve pushed through all of that and I’m still getting where I need to be (and fully dressed at that!).

I’ve been a little nicer to myself this time around as well. When I was pregnant with R, I was bound and determined not to let the pregnancy interfere with anything I wanted to do. It was like I needed to prove to the world and to myself that I could be pregnant and still do everything I wanted to do. This time, since I know it’s my last, I’m kind of sitting back and enjoying my “condition”. I’m taking it easy. I’m listening to my body. As a result, my blood pressure has been lower (not by much, but enough) my blood sugars are lower (enough that I passed the glucose screening and didn’t have to do the dreaded 4 hour glucose screening test that makes you feel like a human pin-cushion) I’ve been getting regular chiropractic treatments (really makes my back and hips feel much better) I’ve also been going for regular pregnancy massages every couple of weeks. Let me tell you, those totally rock! They have these special pregnancy massage tables that have a big hole in the middle so as to not put pressure on the expanding belly. They also have little holes for the breasts so you can lie on your stomach and not have your chest parts squished up under your chin. Fabulous invention.

J has also been doing his part. He’s settling into his role as “Super Dad” quite nicely. R is realizing he can do more and more for her everyday, so the pressure is off of Mom to perform up to her usual standards, and Daddy can do things like make dinner, give baths, read stories and play video games. This was something we thought would be good to get going before the new little one arrives and mom’s attention will be occupied with the needs of the littlest one. Mom is still available to rock in the chair and do “fingernails” with R whenever necessary though. That’s not something either of us was willing to give up.

At my last OB appointment on Tuesday, Feb 17th I was 2 cm dilated and about 50% effaced. If you don’t know what that means, Google can be your friend. Dr. B said that I should most definitely make it through the rest of February, but probably not all the way to my due date of March 18th. My goal has simply been to get to March 1st and then I’m fine with any time after that. Just as long as this little guy joins the rest of his family with a birth date sometime in the month of March, this mom will be happy.

We’ll try to keep you updated on our/my progress.

They have started a baby pool at my office. Selling days for $1 each. If more than one person wants the same day, the tie-breaker is the baby’s weight. So far all but 2 days between Feb 23 – March 20th are taken. Let me know if you want in on the fun. We’ll put in your name as well.

Take care!
-A