01/09/2022
This has certainly felt like the longest trimester but also the best! A rollercoaster of emotions as the due date nears!
I have experienced things I knew might happen but also things I didn’t….
⭐️Swelling - since around month 7 along with the heat wave & I’ve been pretty much living in flip flops ever since as the only thing that fits! Swollen hands, feet, face, legs, va**na etc! This came on gradually and is worse at the end of the day. If you experience sudden/persistent swelling let your midwife know as it can be a sign of preeclampsia.
⭐️Exercise - I didn’t think I’d end up being more comfortable weight training than walking! I’ve been very thankful that my body has allowed me to continue exercising and maintain strength. I’m sure there will have been more aches and pains otherwise!
⭐️PGP/SPD can be really helped by maintaining strength through exercise alongside manual therapy & the wonderful .amichiro has really helped to keep my heavily pregnant body functioning with less pain/aches.
⭐️The kicks, rolls, turns are simply the best thing & when you’ve experienced episodes of reduced movement & the panic that follows you won’t even mind being woken in the middle of the night by a foot in the rib cage!
⭐️Reflux - I thought was more related to diet in pregnancy but it seems it can attack any time for any reason! I’ve not been without gaviscon by my side for the best part of 10 weeks 😂
⭐️Colostrum harvesting - thought I’d give it a try but it’s harder than the videos make it look. Trying to capture this ‘liquid gold’ goop with a spoon/syringe/cup single handed is not easy & who knows how much pressure you’re supposed to use?! Tried & failed but we try again 🤞🏻
⭐️Anxiety - yep it’s still there but now with the addition of the reality that you are about to have an actual baby… it has to come out, somehow & life changes forever! Talk to your partner, friends as it definitely helps.
⭐️Urinary leakage - I’ve read many times that this is expected around now due to the hormonal impact on your pelvic floor & baby’s weight. I’d argue that it can be avoided if you’ve been keeping up the pelvic floor exercises so keep going!
