Book vs real life: 33 weeks pregnant
January 12, 2017
After my doctor’s revelation at last week’s scan (read it here) I’ve had the words ‘very big baby’ haunting every waking moment. And a few dreams too. Thanks to everyone in the Facebook group who was so encouraging with their stories about inaccurate measurements – the reassurances were much-needed!
This week has been rather bruising for one big reason. She weighs about 14kg and doesn’t sleep.
I have no idea what’s going on with Phoebe, but since New Year’s Eve she has refused her cot. Our usual bedtime routine is (get ready for the smugness) is bath, PJs, milk, book and cuddle on the single bed in her room. Then I ask her if she wants to get into her bed, she replies with a super cute little ‘Yup!’ and I pop her in, and walk out the door.
Not anymore.
Since 2017 started, she has acted as if the cot is full of venomous snakes, scary clowns and rats, clutching to me as I try to lower her down. And so we’ve been getting her to sleep on the big girl bed, complete with the ugliest barrier you’ve ever seen ever. EVER. And then transferring her to the cot later. Inevitably, she wakes up and screams until we give in, exhausted, and let her sleep in our bed, where she sleeps perpendicular to us, her head rammed up against mine, her feet kicking my husband in the throat.
It’s a rodding nightmare. Co-sleeping = no sleeping, in our house.
The other night we let the dog sleep in our room (“He looks a bit sad” said my husband) so by morning in bed we had: me, him, Phoebe, dog, bump and pregnancy pillow. The misery.
Anyway, I suspect that she knows change is afoot and is acting accordingly. Sleep training starts tonight. Send strength. And Super Nanny.
On the pregnancy front, at this stage it becomes a countdown, and shopping mission, even though the last place any woman in the final weeks fancies doing is a mall trawl. As per last time, I’m trying to stay in control of the situation by stocking up on Dr Brown bottles and maternity bras. That’s pretty much all I’ve bought.
I still don’t know what to do about a double buggy.
I still don’t know where she’s going to sleep.
I still am in denial about having another child.
It’s going well…
So what do the experts at Bounty say about being 33 weeks pregnant?
The book says…
Your baby is now around 3-4lbs in weight and around 44cm long, in these last few weeks it’s possible they will grow another inch and will be putting on about half a pound a week.
I say…
Well, this scares me. According to the measurement, this chubby monkey is already over 5.6lbs. And with around six weeks to go, she could end up being close to a nine-pounder. Shiiiiiiiit.
The book says…
They might already have a head of hair, and will have perhaps shifted position and gone head down in your womb, with their little legs folded up to their chest. This engaged position readies them to move further down into your pelvis in preparation for birth!
I say…
Yup, she’s head down. Phoebe AKA The Monkey Princess was born with head of hair, and shoulder, and ear, and back…
The book says…
The levels of amniotic fluid is now at its lowest as your baby continues to grow and take up space. With less fluid it’s likely that kicks could feel a bit sharp!
I say…
She’s kicking seven shades out of me. More squirming than kicking, really, which looks weird and feels… disconcerting.
The book says…
You are probably really feeling (and looking) very pregnant now, and might have adopted the pregnant lady waddle thanks to your growing baby’s position!
I say…
I’ve been looking pretty pregnant for about five months now, guys. And yes, there’s a waddle. Stop mocking me with that exclamation mark.
The book says…
You might be feeling pretty exhausted quite a lot of the time, and finding you get out of puff and worn out more quickly than usual. Trying to keep as active as possible is still really encouraged though, even when you are at this late stage. You could also give yourself an energy boost with nutrient and iron rich snacks when you feel yourself flagging (much better for you than chocolate!) – and of course, get lots of rest and feet up time!
I say…
Oh bore off. There’s minimal activity at the moment as I fear this baby might fall out if I walk for more than 15 minutes, I’m having chocolate pretty much daily, and you try resting with a toddler…
The book says…
You might be having real problems sleeping now, not only because of your mega bump, but also because of the weird dreams which can occur in late pregnancy! It can be infuriating not being able to nod off – or nodding off then waking lots in the night – but try not to stress over a lack of sleep too much. Instead, just try and make it up when you can (and don’t feel guilty about it!).
An afternoon snooze on the sofa, or in the sunshine in the back garden will do you the power of good – and you really do need to make the most of every opportunity to put your feet up and rest now!
I say…
See above about Phoebe ‘Three Bed’ Farmer, and lay off the exclamation marks, I beg you.
Conclusion…
My husband is going out tonight, so I’m going to eat two portions of pasta bake, watch First Dates and go to bed at 8pm, saying a silent prayer to the toddler gods that The Sleep Thief gives me a break.
I remember when I went on maternity leave the first time, and experienced mums told me to enjoy it. To relish the pottering, nesting, napping, reading and cooking, because ‘Next time you’re pregnant there will be another one to look after’. And I didn’t appreciate those last few weeks of quiet. Oh, I just want some quiet…
Any advice for a knackered mum, with another on the way?
Oh, and my Winging It jumper can be bought here.
You might also enjoy… Listen here – The Mothership on The Learning Curve podcast
