As I approach my 38th week of pregnancy, it’s becoming crystal clear that this journey is about to come to an end.
How am I feeling about that? Well, in all honesty, I cannot wait! I’ve found this pregnancy to be a real drag, and there’s so much I’m looking forward to doing once I’m back to my old self.
Between migraines, pelvic pain, sickness, diarrhoea, tiredness and heartburn, I haven’t had much time to do the things I want to do- and in a way, I feel really guilty about that, because I wanted these last few months of just Dexter and I to be special, but instead I’ve relied too much on YouTube, staying indoors and letting Neil do the bedtime routine.
It got me thinking though, what have I got to look forward to once I’m no longer pregnant? And the answer is: so much! Although there will be things I miss too…
1. Being able to carry Dexter whenever I want
It’s really hard on my pubic bone when I try to carry Dexter and it’s been hell these last few months as he’s finally started to love being carried. I’m looking forward to carrying him (and maybe even seeing if he fancies a go in the toddler carrier!) once I’m fully healed after birth. Whether that’s being simply carried to bed or being carried when he gets tired when we are out for a walk.
2. Being able to pick things up off the floor easily
You drop something on the floor when you’re heavily pregnant? It’s dead to you now. But it is SO frustrating when you have a toddler who leaves cars everywhere and you can’t bend down to pick them up. Occasionally I’ll get on the floor to get them up, and then find myself stuck. See: pelvic pain.
3. Being able to turn in bed without having excruciating pain
Oh my god, as the weeks have gone on, the pelvic pain has intensified. (Sorry did I mention I’ve suffered really badly with pelvic pain recently?!) Your body releases relaxin and progesterone to soften your pelvic bones so baby can slip out easily, but the resulting noise and pain that comes with it is sickening. As I turn at night, I can feel and hear the bones grinding and clicking and if I try to spread my legs, the pain is unbearable. Good luck giving birth eh?
4. Having a new addition to look after and love
My favourite thing I’m looking forward to! Having my new baby and completing our family. I think I’ve made it clear to everyone who is willing to listen: THIS IS MY LAST BABY! I can’t wait to complete our family and I’m even looking forward to the sleepless nights and resulting newborn cuddles.
5. Going for long walks with baby, not be in pain and lose some baby weight.
Dex will go to childcare three days a week when baby gets here and I’m looking forward to getting out for some wintry walks and focusing on losing some baby weight. I’ve not put on as much as I did with Dexter, but I’ll still have a stone or two to lose which I’ll aim to do gradually through lift exercise and healthy eating.
6. Being able to paint my toe nails and shave my legs with ease
I just feel like a hairy, bloated heifer at the moment and can not wait to be able to get into the bath and have a good shave and pamper!
7. Having a glass of wine or a pint of beer
After having Dexter I didn’t drink for another eighteen months, but this time I’m ready for a drink as soon as baby comes. I’ve had a stressful pregnancy for one reason or another and I’m looking forward to sitting down with a glass of Prosecco with Dexter in bed and baby sleeping next to me. (A girl can dream right?)
8. Having a year of freedom from work
I wrote earlier in the year about feeling apprehensive about another round of maternity leave but now it’s here I’m embracing it! This will be the last year I have off work and I’m going to make the absolute most of it!
And what am I not looking forward to?
1. Not being able to eat whatever I want anymore.
I am lucky enough to have a fast metabolism and can pretty much eat whatever I want, which is what I have done for the past nine months. I’ve had my cake and eaten it too and I’ve most certainly been eating for two. I’m gonna kinda miss that.
2. Getting used to my post pregnancy body again
I can still remember how horrified I was at my post pregnancy body last time, but everything went back to normal…eventually. I’m just not looking forward to that uncomfortable feeling of your clothes not fitting properly, the baggy belly, your lady bits being all swollen and the stitches. Urgh.
3. The worry and guilt that comes with being a Mum
Doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done it, as a Mum you worry all the time. I’m hoping I feel a bit more confident in my parenting abilities this time, but I’m not looking forward to the inevitable feelings of anxiety, doubt and guilt that come with the rush of hormones of being a new Mum.
4. Balancing my time between Dexter and the new baby
I’m not sure how I will manage to spend as much time with Dexter as I did before, but I’m hoping we can still have Mummy and toddler time doing our crafts or simply watching TV. It’s going to tough to balance my time between the two, especially in those first few months, but I’ll work damn hard to be there for my first born so he doesn’t feel left out.
Despite the few things I’m not looking forward to, I’m definitely embracing the end of this pregnancy and really cannot wait to meet this little person who’s been growing inside me for the past nine months!
Nicola
Monday 10th of December 2018
I can totally relate to this post. It's all worth it and before long you won't remember never not having another bundle of joy! Xx