At 31 weeks pregnant with her first baby, this mum shares an open and heartfelt Pregnancy Journal entry – from pregnancy after miscarriage to loving every single kick and somersault.
Guest Pregnancy Journal: 31 Weeks Pregnant – First Baby
Baby is the size of: The apps say a small-clawed otter, the crystal ball from Harry Potter, a fanny pack and a coconut… so who really knows! Average for this week is around 40cm and 3.5–4lbs. At my 20 week scan baby was in the 94th percentile for estimated weight and 76th for femur length, so I may have a big one in there.
My weight: Pre-pregnancy I was 70kg. I’m now 80kg, so I’ve gained 10kg so far.
Cravings: None at all. No cravings or aversions this entire pregnancy.
Symptoms this week: I am cranky. I’ve just started iron supplements as my bloods came back low, so the tiredness has started to ease. I miss being able to take a deep breath. Baby dropped low for a day which gave me pelvic pressure but it was worth it to breathe properly before they popped back up into my lungs.
I’ve been feeling: Tired and moody but so thankful and full of love and adoration for my little “Thumper”. Every somersault and dance move brings me so much joy.
I am most looking forward to: Having my baby snuggled on my chest. Placing my hands on my belly doesn’t feel close enough anymore. I know I’ll miss these movements, but being able to physically hold them turns me to mush. I also can’t wait to see my husband hold them – he’s such a softy and will be wrapped around their little finger.
I’ve been spending time with: Mostly myself. I’m enjoying alone time and focusing on me and my growing bubba. I’ve given my all to others encourages I’m making an effort to prioritise myself. I’m still working in a supermarket, so I get almost too much human interaction. When I need company, I see my mother-in-law or a retired workmate.
Advice I’ve been given: If using dome onesies, do the legs up first and slide them on like pants so you don’t have to fight wiggly legs.
The most uncomfortable thing: Physically, the breathlessness and reflux. Emotionally, strangers asking invasive questions. I hate when people I don’t know ask about my body or baby. This is personal. If I know you, I’m an open book. But complete strangers fill me with rage.
Life a year from now: Call me crazy but I see myself trying for another baby. I love being pregnant. Unless having an actual child throws me, I’d love to do this again soon.
Nicest reaction so far: Close friends and workmates being genuinely excited for us.
What I’m anticipating with apprehension: Someone announcing on Facebook before we do. We’ve kept this pregnancy very private and haven’t posted publicly. I worry someone else might.
What I would say to baby r