Book vs real life: 29 weeks pregnant

December 15, 2016

 

ras al khaimah babymoon mothership

 

Sorry to anyone who’s not in Dubai but… Isn’t the weather amazing? I just want to be outside all the time. And it bodes well for long walks to get this baby out come February, then long walks to get this baby weight off.

 

We spent the weekend in Ras Al Khaimah on a mini babymoon (more info to follow) and it was heaven. Mainly because we left Phoebe at home, so could ignore the sounds of children crying, safe in the knowledge that it wasn’t our child. Don’t worry though – it wasn’t like we locked her in the house and put some Cheerios on the floor in case she got hungry, she was with our nanny and some of our friends. And probably had more fun that she would do with us.

 

With blustery weather perfect for walks on the beach, Rob Delaney’s book, my weekly glass of wine enjoyed by the pool, dinner after 8pm and a lie in, I really couldn’t have asked for any more. Mini breaks, however, have definitely changed since having children; before it was involved outfit planning, looking my best at all times and romance. Now it’s chucking stuff in a bag, enjoying time to finish a chapter in our respective books and being told that my new (incredibly comfy) maternity bra looks like Mrs Doubtfire’s underwear…

 

Moving on.

 

At this stage most women will be experiencing some aches and pains, and I’m no different. The physio (Renee at Up & Running, who specialises in what my dad would call ‘women’s issues’) has sorted out my lower back, then I went back about really sore feet, especially in the morning and at the end of the day. Thankfully no swelling just – wait for it – overloading of weight. What an ego-boosting diagnosis.

 

Sleeping is becoming tricky too, not just because of waking up with an aching bump, but thanks to Phoebe deciding that 4am or 5am is a fab time to scream the house down until she is allowed in our bed, then merrily spending the next few hours jabbing us and chatting away. Last night she couldn’t get close enough to me, and eventually fell asleep with her little pointy chin painfully pressed into my cheek. Magic. Still, it’s good training for the sleeplessness that comes with a newborn. This is no consolation.

 

So as the 30-week mark looms, what are the experts saying about this growing baby, and my ever-expanding body? Parents.com share their insights, and I respond in the way only a woman with a butternut squash in her uterus can.

 

 

The book says…

Your baby’s hearing is so well developed by now that she will startle at loud noises. Soon she’ll start turning her head to listen to sounds outside your body.

 

I say…

When Phoebe was born I was worried about her waking whenever the dogs barked (eg whenever the front door moved a millimeter, food was around or someone took a step towards their leads), but… nothing. She didn’t stir. I firmly believe it’s because she became accustomed to hearing them go mental while in the womb, and as a result she’s a sound sleeper. Fingers crossed for the same again with this one.

 

 

The book says…

By now your baby weighs well over 2-1/2 pounds and most likely measures about 15 inches long. She’s beginning to store enough fat beneath her lovely pink skin that she may already have those baby dimples on her elbows and knees. If your baby is a girl, she’ll probably weigh less at birth than if you are carrying a boy; either way, your baby will probably weigh between 7 and 7-1/2 pounds at birth. If this is your second or third pregnancy, you can expect this baby to weigh more than your last.

 

I say…

As I said last week, this baby is a chubster, going by her latest ultrasound. Phoebe was born at 3kg, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Thing 2 (working title, but becoming increasingly appealing as a name) is bigger.

 

 

The book says…

As she runs out of room, your baby may bow her head down toward her knees, curling as she did when she was very tiny. She’s long enough now that you’ll notice her kicks more. Forget those little fluttery motions. This feels more like someone is elbowing you for space on the subway! Play “guess that body part” with your partner as you try to distinguish a knee from a heel.

 

I say…

Big time. And much more so than the first time around. It can feel a bit shocking at times, as she takes me by surprise. And it’s usually in the evening, which is a worry in case she’s nocturnal.

 

 

The book says…

During pregnancy you’ll experience a lot of surprising symptoms, and one that can happen during the third trimester is leaky breasts. The yellowish, thin fluid is colostrum, which is the precursor to breast milk. Usually you’ll notice only a drop or two, if any at all, but if the flow becomes greater, you can put nursing pads inside your bra to keep things under control.

 

I say…

Nope. Nothing to report. I had problems breastfeeding last time (read my breastfeeding must-haves here, from patience to products) and hopefully it will be easier with the second baby. But if it’s not, it’s not. And I’m not going to beat myself up about it, or take any insensitive, anti-formula comments to heart. Or I’ll try, anyway.

 

In conclusion…

Is there ever a good time to be pregnant? You’re either battling scorching heat or (at this time of year) party season with invitations, seemingly endless supplies of prosecco/mulled wine/dusty bottles of banana liqueur when the good stuff runs out.

 

Last night there was a party for OK! magazine’s ‘all-stars’ (which, I’m thrilled to say, I was included in). It was a fab night, and – even better – no hangover this morning. Massive thanks to Chloe’s salon for getting me red carpet ready. Check out the feature in the current issue, on shelves now. My interview was a little unusual, with lucky dip questions covering everything from superstitions to celebrity encounters…

 

My parents arrived yesterday to spend Christmas with us, and I’m so appreciative of their efforts to come to Dubai because a) the thought of flying at this stage in the pregnancy freaks me out and b) the thought of flying with a toddler makes my heart sink. We’re planning some nice, low-key days, some trips out with Phoebe and eating ourselves silly. And at least any holiday weight will be disguised by the baby…

 

You might also enjoy… 10 of the best stocking fillers

 


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