Book vs real life: 19 weeks pregnant
October 3, 2016
It has been a funny week, full of ups and downs – and nothing to do with pregnancy, though I’m sure the hormones haven’t helped. From winning the Time Out Dubai Kids award for Parent Blog of the Year (hurrah!) to losing our beloved dog Lizzie, emotionally I’m absolutely wiped out. Of course, normal life goes on, from re-registering the car to work commitments, but I’m trying to be a bit kinder to myself and have a bit of a break to help me get over the loss of Lizzie. It’s like losing a family member, and we’re all heartbroken.
Luckily we also have this little nugget growing inside me, full of promise and hope. This week The Bump tells us what’s going on in there, and my (somewhat hormonal) response…
The book says…
Nerve cells for sense of taste, hearing, sight and smell are developing in baby’s brain.
I say…
I’ve started wearing my Ilado necklace, so that’s the hearing sorted, but I seem to have something of an aversion to fruit and veg at the moment, instead wanting cheesy carbs, so unless I want this kid to eat only beige foods (I don’t) I need to get some healthy food into me soon…
The book says…
At about 6.0 inches long and weighing in at about 8.5 ounces, baby’s getting there!
I say…
I’m massive, but have still only gained about 3kg, so at least it’s all baby. In Dubai you can always rely on the honesty of your waxer, and recently Lily said to me ‘You look good Madam. Not too big. Not like last time!’. Thank you…?
The book says…
At 19 weeks, you’re probably getting psyched for your mid-pregnancy ultrasound. Most parents-to-be think of this test as the chance they get to find out baby’s sex.
I say…
I’m really nervous about the 20-week scan. As a friend pointed out, it’s reassuring to have an in-depth look at the organs for peace of mind, but what if they find something at this late stage? It’s so hard to know what’s best, for both my baby and my sanity.
The book says…
Aches and pains in your abdomen, caused by your muscles stretching to accommodate baby. Dizziness or lightheadedness. Leg cramps. Enlist your partner for a calf (and back!) massage. Hip pain. If it bothers you at night, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees.
I say…
Wow. All fun and games, eh? There’s zero chance of getting a massage out of my husband so might book in for a pregnancy massage to sort me out. As for the ‘pillow between your knees’, The Bump clearly hasn’t discovered the magic of the body pillow – mine is the size of a 12-year-old, covered in soft jersey cotton and after years of deliberation, it might be the luxury I’ll take to a desert island when Kirsty finally invites me on Desert Island Discs.
Conclusion
I need a nap. Also, if this baby is a girl, would it be weird to name her after our dog…?
Had a good laugh… I feel that your waxing lady is rather tame compared to mine (who has absolutely no filter what-so-ever!) Sorry to hear about Lizzie 🙁
Trust me, I’ve had worse from Lily!!!!!
Hahaha am laughing at the last words I read. Wierd or not Lizzie is a nice name though.
We deienftily need more smart people like you around.
When I was pregnant (which feels like a hundred years ago now) I read a book called ‘Up The Duff’. Laughed out loud every week and shook my head in disbelief occasionally too, turns out she was pretty much always right. Only pregnancy book I turned to and just thought of it after reading your post. Needless to say your updates are (affectionately) reminding me of Kaz Cooke…X
I’ll take that compliment with glee! x