Week 17

How far along are you? 

17 weeks.

I went to see the midwife today for a routine appointment and found out that I am actually a bit further along than I thought. At the 12 week dating scan we were so focused on getting our wiggly baby into a good position to be measured that we completely forgot to ask about the due date! We thought it was August 10th, but it turns out the little one is expected on August 5th. Dave's mom, Pauline, was born on this date. It also happens to be the day after Dave's birthday. 

How big is the baby? 

The baby is the size of an onion. It is 5.1 inches long and weighs about 5.9 oz. 

How I’m feeling: 

Good. I'm still a bit tired but exercising definitely energises me. My moods has stabilised again. 

Healthy eating? 

I have fruit covered but need to eat more vegetables. I'm still working to keep my sugar intake under control. 

Food cravings: 

This isn't really a craving but we've had hot ham and cheese (the gruyere I mentioned in the 16 week post) several nights in a row. 

Food aversions:

None. 

Exercise: 

So far I have taught five yoga classes this week. I also went to Zumba on Monday night and pregnancy yoga on Tuesday. 

Total weight gain/loss: 

+ 9 pounds 

Sleep: 

I still wake up regularly. Last night I was awake from 2:30 - 4:30am. I did sleep really soundly from 6:30 - 8:00am. 

Maternity clothes?

Aside from the tank tops, not really. 

Stretch marks?

No. 

Best moment(s) this week: 

Finding out my actual due date. It was also kind of fun to fast forward and suddenly be 17 weeks along. And, it made me feel a little less crazy about the kicks and punches I swear I've been feeling. 

Movement: 

The midwife asked me about movement and I described the poking or tapping sensation I've felt occasionally for a week or so. She confirmed it probably is the baby. Yay! 

One of the nice things about waking up in the middle of the night is that there is very little to do besides rest and connect with the baby. So far that's when I feel him/her most clearly. Clients have warned me the baby's movement will eventually keep me awake but I don't think I'll mind. I am just grateful to have this kiddo around. 

Belly button in or out? 

In. 

Symptoms: 

The same skin changes of the past few weeks. 

I've had a few stretching pangs in my abdomen. It passed quickly and isn't very uncomfortable. 

My belly is getting rounder and the lower abdomen feels harder and heavier. 

Gender:  

Last night I had a dream about the baby. I was in Kansas hanging out with Claire at a house. I felt the baby move and asked Claire if she wanted to feel it. I showed her the spot - located right behind my (non-existent in real life) tattoo of a cartoon rabbit. Of course, right? Then we just happened to have an ultrasound machine and pressed the transducer over my belly. Guess what we saw? A little boy with a full head of dark hair, wearing a hat, completely dressed. Ha, ha, ha! I woke up and smiled because it was so funny to me. 

Labor signs: 

No. 

What I miss: 

Nothing, really. 

What I'm looking forward to:

The paint chips arrived today. Hopefully we'll pick a colour for the nursery soon! 

More movement.  

Weekly wisdom: 

Trust your gut! 

Milestones: 

I went a pregnancy yoga class as a student, rather than a teacher, for the first time. There were three other women in the class, all of whom are due well before me. I bet some others closer to my due date will join soon. The teacher has seventeen years of experience as an Active Birth educator and doula. I am excited to work with someone with such a wealth of knowledge. Personally, I loved having two hours to focus on myself and the baby. Although, I must admit I always become a bit self conscious as a professional attending another teacher's class.  However, I was pleased to see that a lot of what she teaches is similar to what I offer. Now I need a few more years of experience under my belt! 

Dave's take: 

This week he told me about an article he read in the Economist about how to develop children's language skills. Before I was pregnant I don't think this piece would have registered with him in the same way. I love that he's taking an interest and it reminds me that I'm not the only one expecting!

I also mentioned something pregnancy related to him (I can't remember what exactly) and he responded in a way that seemed really well informed. I suspect he's been doing some covert reading about all this baby business! 

Week 16

How far along are you? 

16 weeks. 

How big is the baby? 

The baby is the size of an avocado. It is 4.6 inches long and weighs about 3.5 oz. 

How I’m feeling:  

Honestly, I was a bit tired and grumpy this week. I felt easily annoyed and have a feeling it's those pesky hormones. 

Dave bought some award winning gruyere cheese online as a treat and was really excited about it. The day it arrived he sliced a big piece for each of us to sample after dinner. It was a sweet gesture but for some reason it rubbed me the wrong way and I refused to eat it. Now, you know something is up when I get angry with someone for giving me cheese! Dave didn't mind. He was happy to eat my portion! 

Healthy eating? 

For the most part. I do seem to have a sweet tooth developing but I am trying to eat sugar in moderation. 

Food cravings: 

Okay, I must admit ice cream has been calling my name loud and clear this week. Cookies and cream to be exact. 

Also, I saw some Jello on the shelf at the grocery store and it sounded really tasty. I don't think I've made it since we lived in Sydney!

Food aversions:

Dave picked up some deli meat described as "full flavoured, intensely savoury German garlic sausage" that smells really gross to me. I can't eat it anyway so no problem! 

Exercise: 

I taught four yoga classes, went to Zumba and a prenatal conditioning class. 

Total weight gain/loss: 

+ 8.5 pounds 

Sleep: 

I had some restless nights that left me feeling a bit sleepy this week. 

Maternity clothes?

I received my maternity jeans. I'm not sold on them. They're still big and a little too long. I'm not sure if I'll return them or wait and see if I fill them out in a few weeks. 

A couple of my leggings are starting to feel a bit snug now.  

Stretch marks?

Nope. 

Best moment(s) this week: 

A few of my clients commented on my growing bump. It's nice to hear people can tell I'm pregnant. 

I started to plan the baby's room. It's so much fun! Part of the reason I struggled to sleep this week was because I kept thinking about all of the different possibilities. Even though we're planning to find out the baby's sex we'd still like the nursery to be fairly gender neutral. At this point we're thinking of painting the beadboard white and the walls yellow. 

I love this grey crib… 

And these rainbow accents… 

And this guy… 

We're planning to redo the room soon in addition to having a builder in to sort out some other parts of the house that need attention. I'll keep you posted… 

Movement: 

While I was wide awake one night I swear I felt four or five pokes on the lower left side of my belly. I know, I know… it's too early! I felt a couple more taps the next day but nothing since. Hmmmmm… It's a mystery! 

Belly button in or out? 

In. 

Symptoms: 

My skin is different. My arms are usually bumpy but they seem much smoother. At the same time my skin seems really delicate. I've had more cuts and scrapes than normal. Some blemishes have cropped up. And, I'm still very itchy! 

My expanding waistline. ;) 

Gender:  

We keep referring to the baby as "he". 

Labor signs: 

No, thankfully. 

What I miss: 

Runny eggs. Can you tell I like to eat? So far all of the things I miss are food related. Ha!

What I'm looking forward to:

I will attend my first pregnancy yoga class this week. The teacher is very well respected and I'm really excited to see what and how she teaches. There is an hour and a half of yoga and then 30 minutes at the end of class for tea, cookies, and a chat. I hope I'll meet some friendly preggos from our neighbourhood! 

Weekly wisdom: 

It helps to have a supportive partner who takes care of you (even when you're crabby) and makes you laugh. 

Milestones: 

A man gave me a seat on the Tube because of my pregnancy badge. That's a first!

Week 15

How far along are you? 

15 weeks

How big is the baby?

The size of a navel orange. It is about 4 inches long and 2.5 oz in weight. 

How I’m feeling: 

Very good! I am surprised I have so much energy. 

Healthy eating? 

For the most part. I did fall of the wagon today. I ate a croissant for breakfast and nachos for lunch. Oops!

Food cravings: 

Cereal and fruit. Rice Crispies and raspberries or strawberries in particular. 

Food aversions: 

No aversions to speak of. 

Exercise: 

I taught two Hatha yoga classes, a pregnancy yoga class, and three mother & baby yoga classes. I went to two Zumba classes and a prenatal conditioning class. 

Total weight gain/loss: 

I haven't weighed myself this week. 

Sleep: 

My sleep is still broken. However, I am able to sleep in most days since I generally start work late and finish work late. 

Maternity clothes? 

Only the two black maternity tank tops. I did order two pairs of maternity jeans. I’m waiting for them to arrive. 

Stretch marks? 

Not yet. 

Best moment(s) this week: 

I had a prenatal massage on Friday. The therapist was excellent and the treatment room was large and comfortable. It was very relaxing and a wonderful way to end the week. 

Then, Dave and I went to the Northall for Valentine's Day. We'd never been there before but were impressed by the grand dining room, excellent service, and delicious menu. It was perfect for a special occasion.

Movement: 

I occasionally have a tickly sensation in my low belly, especially after I eat. I’m not sure if it is movement but maybe? Probably not but how do I know for sure?

Belly button in or out? 

In. 

Symptoms: 

My skin is still itchy.

Gender: 

I still don’t have a strong feeling one way or the other. 

Labor signs: 

No, thank goodness. 

What I miss: 

Goat cheese and raw fish. Not together! 

What I'm looking forward to: 

Identifiable movement. I’m hoping for some stronger flutters soon! 

Weekly wisdom: 

I think staying active is helping me to feel good during pregnancy. 

Milestones: 

In this modern age one of the biggest milestones in pregnancy is sharing the news publicly on Facebook. I posted the news along with the photo of my TfL "Baby on board!" badge.

Week 14

How far along are you? 

14 weeks.

How big is the baby? 

The size of a lemon. It is about 3.4 inches long and weighs roughly 1.5 oz.

How I’m feeling: 

I feel great! I know that isn’t necessarily the case for all pregnant women and I’m so thankful to feel healthy and strong.  

Healthy eating? 

Mostly. 

Food cravings: 

At the moment I love sour, acidic foods and drinks. I put a squeeze of lemon or vinegar onto a lot of the foods I eat. I can’t get enough of Luscombe’s Sicilian Lemonade or Lime Crush. They’re such refreshing beverages! 

Food aversions:

Not really. 

Exercise: 

I taught two Hatha yoga classes, a pregnancy yoga class, and three mother & baby yoga classes. I also went to two Zumba classes. Keeping busy and feeling good! 

Total weight gain/loss: 

+ 7 pounds 

Sleep: 

I keep waking up between 2 - 4 am. I had a couple of weird dreams this week. I need to lay off the Law & Order episodes I listen to while I do admin for work! That certainly isn’t helping me sleep soundly! I toss and turn for awhile and I struggle to get settled then I surf the web on my phone for a bit. I always fall back to sleep eventually.   

Maternity clothes?

I live in stretchy yoga clothes most days because of the type of work I do. My favourite pieces of clothing right now are two black stretchy tank tops that Claire recommended I get from Target. They are awesome! Thanks, sis!   

The trouble comes when we go out to dinner on Friday night I want to dress up. I wore leggings and a tunic dress this week. The dress was starting to feel a bit snug! And my jeans? Forget about it! They’ve been retired and I need to get some maternity pants STAT! 

Stretch marks?

No. 

Best moment(s) this week: 

Telling family, friends, and clients about the pregnancy. People are so encouraging and supportive. My Zumba friends kept turning around to check on me throughout class which was really sweet. 

Movement: 

I had a very realistic early morning dream around 13 weeks that I could feel the baby kicking. So, now I a find myself concentrating really hard to feel something when it’s quiet and I’m resting in bed. 

Belly button in or out? 

In. 

Symptoms: 

Itchy skin. 

Gender:  

We don’t know and I don’t have a strong feeling one way or the other. However, Dave did nickname the baby Zebulon 4000 or Zeb for short. So, maybe a boy? Or, a robot?

Labor signs: 

No, thank goodness. 

What I miss: 

There was a cheese trolley at the restaurant we went to on Friday. It had a huge selection of soft, oozy, stinky cheeses. If I hadn’t been pregnant I would have consumed the lot! 

What I'm looking forward to:

I have a prenatal massage scheduled for Friday. I am really looking forward to it! On a personal level it is always a treat to experience some R & R at the hands of a skilled bodyworker. Professionally, it allows me to see how other therapists work and learn new tricks of the trade. 

I always planned to make the most of pregnancy as a learning experience. I want to test lots of prenatal yoga classes, try alternative therapies designed for pregnancy, and check out active labour and hypnobirthing. I'm an experiential learner by nature and can't wait to acquire more knowledge through the next five and a half months. 

Weekly wisdom: 

Things, particularly in pregnancy, are changeable. So, I try to take time to be grateful for feeling so healthy and happy in the present moment.

Milestones: 

I picked up my “Baby on Board!” TfL (Transportation for London) badge yesterday. Now, when I wear it on public transportation other commuters will know I am pregnant and as a courtesy should offer a seat or assistance as needed. It feels like a badge of honour!