Books vs real life: 17 weeks pregnant

September 18, 2016

 

 

Time. Is. Flying. I’m sure second pregnancies are half the length of the first time (though ask me again at 39 weeks).

 

This week we see what Baby Center is saying about my burgeoning bump…

 

The book says…

 

Your baby’s skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone. She weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and is around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

 

I say…

 

We had a scan this week, and everything is ‘average’, which is EXACTLY what I want. Normal is good. Dr J used the 4D scanner so we could have a peek inside, and I can only say WOW. There’s a reason 4D technology is usually saved until later in the pregnancy. No-one should see their child looking like an extra from Alien. Not a photo for the album…

 

The book says…

 

Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby.

 

 

I say…

 

Heels were ditched a LONG time ago. I wear them occasionally, and as it’s the Time Out Kids awards next week (squeal) I’ll need to weigh up not looking dumpy in photos versus having sore feet and needing to take my shoes off under the table.

 

On a falling over note, an acquaintance told me during my last pregnancy that she believed drinking when you’re ‘with child’ isn’t advised, not because of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, but in case you get hammered and fall over onto your bump. No comment.

 

On a drinking note, I’m continuing to relish my weekly glass of wine, and this week saved it for the birthday party of my pal Simone Scribes’ son. Btw, that’s her blog name, not her real name. That would be a really fortunate name for a writer. She poured me a lovely glass of Whispering Angel and we let the kids go wild on the bouncy castle. Winning.

 

The book says…

 

You’ll also want to be sure to buckle up when you’re in a car – keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.

 

I say…

 

Don’t people buckle up all the time anyway…? Speaking of breasts, I went for a bra fitting at TKD, as I recommended in my post on where to buy maternity wear in Dubai. I’ve gone up a back size AND a cup size, but got a lovely bra to cheer me up. These puppies are going to be out of control by February…

 

The book says…

 

Many women report that their dream life shifts into high gear during pregnancy. You may be interrupting a dream-filled cycle when you wake up to pee, cope with heartburn, leg cramps, restless legs, or a backache, or shift to a more comfortable position. Waking up during REM sleep makes you more likely to remember your dreams.

 

I say…

 

Truly. Insane. Dreams. A few nights ago I dreamt that my grandma came to our wedding in a gold glitter suit, about buying Morgan Freeman-flavoured toffees (WTAF?) and that I could swim a length in seven seconds. Of course, half the fun is boring my husband about them…

 

BONUS…

 

Baby Center also suggestions a weekly activity. This week it’s… ‘Start a baby name list. Make a list of 10 baby names you like. Have your partner do the same. Trade lists and each cross out one name on the other’s list that you dislike. Keep taking turns until you have a set of names you can both live with’.

 

I say…

 

Choosing a name this time is a rodding nightmare. Now I know how many times a day I say a child’s name. Not only does it need to go with our surname, but somewhat complement our daughter’s. Some of my husband’s suggestions sound like punishments, while I don’t trust my hormone-addled brain, and I’m watching so much Great British Bake Off that both ‘Mary’ and ‘Paul’ are looking really good right now.

 

In conclusion…

 

I gave in and wore a maternity dress I bought in the Old Navy sale (Dhs59, thankyouverymuch) and wish I wasn’t so mustard-keen to get into the stretch jersey, as I’ll be wearing these clothes for the next six months. At least.

 

And while I’d rather punch a baby penguin in the face than exercise at the moment, I’ve enlisted the help of my lovely personal trainer Lou from Tu Vida to help strengthen my back and core muscles, so I can actually function while carrying this baby. She’s qualified in pre and post natal care, so we’re seeing each other once a week, and I’ve been given daily stretches and strength exercises to do, which I’m doing – but maybe not every day…

 

Anyone else around 17 weeks pregnant? How are you feeling?

 


5 responses to “Books vs real life: 17 weeks pregnant”

  1. Marcella says:

    Just out of curiosity, why the reluctance to wear a maternity dress ? The stylistas are forever telling us to wear well-cut, tailored clothes that suit our body shape.
    I read an interview with Bobbi Brown once where she said she only wore her husband’s shirts and leggings through pregnancy. That’s fine if you are teeny weeny or married to Donald Trump.
    True, it’s annoying shelling out for an item that’s literally got a limited shelf-life. But that Isabella Oliver stretch jersey stuff really holds its value on Ebay.
    And anyway, you are pregnant. Ipso facto, just like Jennifer Aniston in that L’oreal advert, you’re worth it 🙂

  2. Helen Farmer says:

    Simply because I’ll be wearing the same clothes for the next year, and it feels like I’m giving in early!!!

  3. Lucy simpson says:

    Hello Helen, gosh this made me laugh, I am due on the 17th Feb and my dreams have been totally nuts! When I switch my beside light off it is a mixture of waiting for the gaviscone to kick in and then the dreams of hell to begin!! Oh joy! Most cravings gone, apart from petit filou yoghurts which I buy while pretending I already have children and they are for them.

    • Helen Farmer says:

      Too funny – I feed Phoebe Petit Filous and spend the whole time willing her to stop eating so I can finish it off!!!

  4. Keri says:

    Great work getting the trainer during your pregnancy, you’ll be really thankful for it later

Leave a Reply to Helen Farmer Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *