Book vs real life: 22 weeks pregnant
October 27, 2016
Oh the hormones, the unrelenting hormones! This week I have been absolutely foul, raging at the world (I nearly lost it at the waiter in Pantry Café when he said they didn’t have baby changing facilities and I had to change Phoebe on the toilet floor) then full of smiles the next day. My poor husband. On Sunday he got home from work and I proceeded to bitch and moan until I had a bowl of pasta and felt 80% better. Hanger is real.
On the bright side, energy levels continue to be decent, though crazy dreams (lots about water…) and a very active mind are making sleeping a problem. I’ve *even* been told a few times that I’m glowing, though I have started wearing a horribly expensive new foundation, which might explain that.
I’m now in a great Facebook group full of other women who are delivering in Dubai around the same time as me, and it’s hugely reassuring to hear their concerns as well as celebrate the little milestones.
This week Baby Centre shares what’s going on with the bump and my body at 22 weeks, followed by my version of events…
The book says…
At 11 inches and almost 1 pound (about the size of a spaghetti squash), your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. Lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and she’s even developing tiny tooth buds beneath her gums. Her eyes have formed, but the irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment.
I say…
I have no idea what a spaghetti squash is, but am guessing it’s like a gourd. Regardless, this baby is definitely making her presence known, with some movement in the evenings. I had some heartburn over the weekend, but then realised that I’d had two meals from Maria Bonita’s in 24 hours, so that might not have been pregnancy related… Worth it though.
The book says…
At this point, you may find your belly becoming a hand magnet. It’s perfectly okay to tell folks who touch your tummy that you’d rather they didn’t. And if people are telling you that you look smaller or bigger than you should at this point, remember that each woman grows – and shows – at her own rate.
I say…
It’s a tricky one, because I find myself touching other pregnant tummies without realising it, or checking first, and yet get annoyed when (some) people do it to me. The key is WHO. Random colleague in the office elevator? No no no. Friend you haven’t seen in ages? If they’re cool with it. As I said in my post on being plus-size and pregnant, bigger mums-to-be might not show until later, and be particularly self-conscious about their bump, so do show some sensitivity and keep your mitts to yourself if you’re in doubt. And yes, I know I’m massive. And we’re sure it’s not twins. Do not tell anyone what you think of their size, big or small, as it’s a fast way to irritate and worry a hormone-addled woman.
The book says…
You may start to notice stretch marks on your abdomen as it expands to accommodate your growing baby. At least half of pregnant women develop stretch marks by the time they give birth. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color). Although they most commonly appear on your tummy, stretch marks may also show up on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts.
I say…
I’m covered in Bio Oil and as slippery as an otter.
The book says…
Your feet may go up half a shoe size or more. Lax ligaments may make your feet spread a bit – permanently. Swelling can make your shoes feel tight as well, although it will go away after delivery. What to do: Buy comfortable shoes to accommodate your growing feet.
I say…
During my last pregnancy I got addicted to Flopeds, which are basically totally revolting flip-flops that offer good arch support, so you feel like you’re walking on marshmallows. But they aren’t pretty to look at. Because I was seven months up the duff for our wedding (check out the photos here, if you want to see me waddle up the aisle) I bought some Flopeds IN WHITE for dancing on our big day. Thankfully my dress was long enough to cover them. The shame.
In conclusion…
I’ve had some cracking headaches this week (apparently more common when you’re having a girl) and can do naff-all about them. I’m chugging water like never before, which is not helping the bladder situation, and have a really ineffectual roll-on essential oil thing that keeps on dripping painfully in my eyes. The doctor says if it ‘gets really bad’ I can take some plain blue Panadols, which are as much use as a chocolate teapot. If you have any remedies please let me know…
You might also like… A (pregnant) doctor’s guide to the three trimesters.
