The Bean: Week 29

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(Does the size of this squash terrify anyone else? Or is it just me?)

I am in my third trimester! Where is time going? Honestly, this pregnancy is flying by. The Bean is bigger than ever and kicking hard these days. Good job, Little, you are getting so strong!

At my last appointment, my midwife was measuring my stomach growth and feeling the baby's position when Beansy kicked her right in the hand. It was a good strong kick too. I felt like such a proud Mama. My Little was showing off. The midwife was pleased too that the baby is getting nice and strong.

Me and Phil started our antenatal classes last Tuesday. It was good and informative and there was a roomful of other couples who were also pregnant with their first. I'll be honest though. I found it all a little bit awkward. They had everyone introduce themselves, which is a good thing! It's nice to get to know everyone but I fear speaking to a roomful of randoms with a passion. I got all red in the face and stammered a bit and I felt like the room shot up to 100 degrees. Ah well. BUT then they had these games with the purpose of equipping everyone with basic pregnancy/birthing terms. It reminded me of the games in youth group ... but for pregnancy. I hated youth group games. Ah well.

During the class, we got a tour of the birthing center. It was so nice! I'm pretty stoked on the place and I am looking forward to maybe meeting the little Bean there. Also, Lonestar caters for the mum. Awesome!

The overview of labor scared me silly. I left feeling a bit overwhelmed and nervous. I talked with my sister and my midwife about my fears and they both really encouraged me. My midwife discussed which birthing options are available to me. Because of my hip problem (SPD) certain birthing positions aren't recommended, but I have plenty of options available! I am facing my fears and am starting to put together a birthing plan and in doing so I am becoming more and more excited about the birth and the process.

Confession*:
In the US 90% women get an epidural, but in NZ they typically only do them if they are medically needed, more like a last resort. To be honest, I have never really considered birthing without one. I just thought that's what you did? So, in considering my options, thinking about birthing without an epidural was a big step for me. My midwife has been super helpful in this area! She is really sensitive to my fears and is really encouraging that I can do this and that God designed my body to do this.
(*Disclaimer: I know this is a touchy subject, but I'm blogging about my thought process and fears. xo)

So, in short, I am doing my homework and doing my research on alternative and natural pain management. I've got my big girl decision making pants on and I'm really excited!

I still have hip pain but it is becoming more manageable. I've seen a physiotherapist who gave me some exercises to work on and a brace to wear when I'm doing a lot of walking. I also wear it in the mornings when my hips are at their worst. Keeping up with correct posture has helped SO MUCH. To anyone who suffers with SPD during pregnancy, keep up with your posture! It won't feel like it is helping at first but it will! Trust me on this one. It's worth it.

Little Bean, we are so excited to meet you! Me and your Dad talk about you all the time. We pray for you constantly and we dream what our lives will look like with you in it. I can't wait to hold you and kiss your face until you get fussy with me. I can't wait for your Dad to teach you things and give you big bear hugs. We love you. A lot.

xoxo
Talia Christine

The Bean: Week 25

We're in the six month, folks! I can't believe it!

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The Bean is moving and throwing punches quite regularly. The other night the Bean kicked so hard that it woke me from my sleep! Ask Phil or any of my family members... I do not wake easily. Good job, Beansie! You're getting so strong!!

I have been putting lotion on my tummy and drinking copious amounts of water to see if it helps with preventing stretch marks. I realize there is not much you can do to stop them, but I feel like I have to try! So far so good, but I'm pretty sure that I will get them. At the end of the day, it's okay. They will be battle scars!

Earlier I mentioned that I was on a sort of bed rest so I thought I should explain. I had been having intense lower back pain and limited movement in my hips. When I walked or moved my legs they would click and pop at the pelvic joints. It's extremely painful, but I thought that it was just normal pregnancy back pain and decided to try and power through it.
It got worse and I couldn't walk very well. I shuffled sort of like an old lady, so I mentioned it to my midwife and she diagnosed me with having SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction). When you are pregnant your body produces this hormone called 'relaxin' which does exactly what it sounds like. It relaxes the ligaments to prepare your body for birth, which is a good thing! However, in my case it relaxed things too much and I have extra space in my pelvis which is causing everything to grind, and click, and pop together. It hurts. Because of this I am not allowed to do excessive walking or carry heavy things, or even push a shopping cart. I have to sit up straight like a lady and I can't cross my legs.

I've learned a lot about pain management, posture, and proper movements and it has definitely helped! I've seen an improvement in my mobility but I still have to take it easy as it will be a lingering thing throughout the rest of the pregnancy. Phil sent me to go get a pregnancy massage and it was amaaaaaaaazing! It helped so so much and I immediately gained more mobility after that. I also learned a few tricks where to apply pressure to relieve the tension. It was awesome.

So! The good news is that I'm feeling a lot better and I am not shuffling like an old lady! I'm also off pain medication for now. I still waddle like a duck and I'm pretty slow, but things are definitely better! For those of you that I had talked to about this, thank you for your prayers! They are really appreciated.

So, I've started the countdown to meet this little Bean. I can't wait to hold and snuggle the baby. I can't wait to see if it is a boy or a girl! I can't wait to announce the name.

I can't wait to be at the finish line with the prize of a sweet baby.

xoxo
Talia Christine