Book vs real life: 24 weeks pregnant
November 8, 2016
Welcome to the weekly update/whinge-fest, where I look at what the pregnancy experts are saying, then reflect on what a real woman, 6 months up the duff, is actually going through.
Energy-wise, I’ve hit a wall. I’m shattered most of the time. I’ve also ballooned, gaining 2.5kg in a week. HOW?!!!!
I’m living in leggings already.
People keep looking surprised when I say I’m due in February, warily taking in my bump (and bum), and I can almost hear their thoughts “You’re gonna be enormous…”. No, it’s not twins.
We had a scan over the weekend, and my usual scanxiety kicked in – quiet, irritable and worried before, then tearful afterwards. No idea why. Thankfully all is well with the little one, though I was really disappointed that we didn’t get to see her face.
Phoebe, now 21 months old, doesn’t really understand what’s going on, or why mama is so fat, but sweetly says ‘baby’ when I point at my belly. But she also sometimes points at her own tummy and says ‘baby’, which is just confusing. I’m thinking about taking her to a scan nearer the due date, but it might just scare her…
So what does Moms 365 say about this stage of the pregnancy? And does this whale-like woman agree?
The book says…
Your growing body at 24 weeks pregnant might have you feeling a little clumsy and awkward. Your center of gravity is shifting, which is making it more difficult to move around easily. Additionally, your posture might have changed.
I say…
I’m waddling already. Also when I’ve been walking or standing for a while my left thigh goes totally numb and fuzzy, which might be a trapped nerve, a hangover from the epidural I had last time, or perhaps my fate for the rest of my life. Note to self: go to physio.
The book says…
Many women experience a major unfortunate symptom when they’re pregnant at 24 weeks – hemorrhoids. If you’re having problems with hemorrhoids, increase your water consumption and make sure that your diet includes plenty of foods rich in fiber.
I say…
Confession: I don’t actually know what hemorrhoids are, and I’d like that ignorance to continue, please…
The book says…
While the chances of your baby arriving when you’re pregnant at 24 weeks are slim, it’s comforting to know that if your baby were born today, he would have a high chance of survival. However, he would require a lot of special care and would probably spend a great deal of time in the neonatal intensive care unit, which is why it’s best that he stay safe inside.
I say…
Please stay in there, little one. For anyone looking for support with their premature baby in Dubai, I urge you to get in touch with Joanne from Small And Mighty Babies. They’re holding a family walk on Thursday 17th November (World Prematurity Day) to raise awareness, with experts on hand, prizes and lots of advice. You can RSVP here.
The book says…
You’re probably experiencing a surge of energy. Take advantage of this to start shopping for baby gear you’ll need.
I say…
Surge of energy? No. Shopping? No thanks. I ordered a LOT of sleep suits online from Bonds (you can shop them here), and yes, some matching ones for Phoebe and the new baby, I admit it. And then a friend told me about Pure Baby in Festival City, a fab shop run by husband and wife team Rich and Bella. Full of gorgeous clothes made from organic cotton, from onesies to little outfits from newborn to age four, it’s a lovely little store for finding essentials and gifts. This has been my one shopping trip this week, then I got fuzzy leg on the way back to the car…
The book says…
Don’t neglect those Kegel exercises! While they may seem unnecessary, you’ll be glad you did them once the baby is born.
I say…
Fear not, experts, I’m doing them right now. At least I think I am.
The book says…
Your baby at 24 weeks is listening intently to every word you say. Encourage your partner to talk to your baby too to help speed up the bonding process once the baby arrives.
I say…
If there’s one way to make my husband shut up, it’s to ask him to talk to the bump. He gets all Hugh Grant, umming and aching. Awks.
In conclusion…
Not a fun week on the pregnancy front, folks. Emotionally, I’m a bit of a shambles, and cried at the end of Planet Earth, when the penguins were getting injured and killed, trying to feel their babies, heartbroken for them and in awe of their love. That kind of hormonal. There has been a lot of sighing, and sitting down on sofas, only to then lie down and close my eyes, with pudgy fingers prodding me awake seconds later. We went to Mattel Play! Town and I nearly had a nap in the Thomas The Tank Engine 4D cinema.
If you’re at a similar stage, how are you feeling?
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