Weekly Update: 33 Weeks Pregnant

Fig 1: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/33weeks/

Baby size at 33 weeks: 44 cm long.

Baby weight at 33 weeks: 4+ lbs

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What an absolutely awful week. I cannot tell you how much pain I’ve been in with SPD. I wrote a post on how I’ve been suffering, here>> Woe is me… I have SPD. I do feel slightly better today. But the pain in my coccyx is still there… being all resilient.

I didn’t manage to get to sleep until 5am this morning with Braxton Hicks. Pretty sure Baby Boy is ready to come, he’s moved really low down and I keep feeling a lot of pressure downstairs. But he’s not fully cooked yet, so he’s being warned (daily) to keep put… at least until 37 weeks anyway 🙂

 

So what is happening to baby boy this week?

You may be able to tell the difference between a jab from your baby’s elbow and a nudge from their knee these days. And you may sometimes be amazed at how much your bump visibly moves.

Your baby’s sleep patterns are similar to that of a newborn now and they spend more time in REM (short for Rapid Eye Movement) sleep than older children and adults. In REM sleep our eyelids flicker and we dream so it’s possible that your baby is spending much of their time dreaming!Your baby’s skull is still quite pliable.

The plates of bone that make up his skull have not completely fused. This is so he can ease out of the relatively narrow birth canal, the passage between your cervix and the opening of your vagina. But the bones in the rest of his body are hardening. Your baby’s skin is also gradually becoming less red and wrinkled as fat builds up underneath.

MM.

Weekly Update: 32 Weeks Pregnant // My birthday!

32 weeks on my birthday evening out 🙂

Baby size at 32 weeks: 42 cm long.

Baby weight at 32 weeks: 3+ lbs

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Today is my birthday! Which also marks 8 weeks until D-Day! HECKERS.

Another tough week I’m afraid! I’ve had such a busy time with work, I just don’t feel like I’m resting… in fact, I’m not resting. As I write this I have just 9 more (non-consecutive) days left in the office. And they cannot come fast enough. I’ve had increased back pain this week – with aching low down on my coccyx. Ouchy! I also had to visit the doctor on Monday for Hayfever relief! I didn’t even think about not being able to take my usual tablets (Zirtek). So was prescribed Piriton, along with my usual nasal spray and eye drops. But aside from this, I’ve felt not half bad!

Tonight we’re going for a curry at our favourite Indian restaurant; Tayaabs. Let’s hope it doesn’t set anything off, because I *still* haven’t packed my hospital bag! *WRISTS FIRMLY SLAPPED*.

So what is happening to baby boy this week?

Fig 1: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/32weeks/

Although his lungs won’t be fully developed until just before birth, your little one is busy inhaling amniotic fluid to exercise his lungs. From 32 weeks, babies born early have good chance of surviving and thriving. His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

Some babies have a head of hair already, others have only a few wisps. Thick hair at birth doesn’t necessarily mean thick hair later on. But children with fine hair in childhood also tend to have fine hair when they’ve grown up.

MM.

Weekly Update: 28 Weeks Pregnant // Third Trimester!

Fig 1: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/28weeks/

Baby size at 28 weeks: 38cm long.

Baby weight at 28 weeks: 1.1 Kg+

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Happy Final Trimester (to us!)!!

Had a rough week this week – been feeling quite emotional and fed up. Fed up with commuting, getting work, working, I’m just really tired and so ready to start my Maternity Leave! (Not long now).

Had my second Midwife appointment with my local Midwife this week. After last time, I was slightly anxious to see her again. I was greeted however by her student first, both Midwives were jolly enough. Urine was completely normal. Blood pressure great. I hopped onto the couch for them to listen to Baby Boy, who’s heart rate is also perfect. But then they measured my tummy. They both looked confused. *Here we go again* I thought. What are they going to sodding say now?

“So, your baby boy is measuring up quite large…”

“Oooooh, right!”

I didn’t actually notice that I was looking like a beached whale very very pregnant lady. To be honest, the majority of people are pretty surprised when I say how long I have left to go… Being a touch over 5’ft makes my bump look bigger… I’m sure of it!

So basically Baby Boy is measuring 30 weeks – they explained that it could just be that he’s had his growth spurt early and he’ll start to slow down with his growth as we get further along. Or he could just be a ‘tall’ boy. Or he could actually be older than the due dates dictate currently (I wasn’t sure on my LMP when we found out we we’re pregnant….). I’d love it if he was further along, we can’t wait for him to arrive! But something tells me that he’s just going to be a little fatty instead!

Again this week, I’ve struggled with heartburn, pelvic and lower back pain. Had quite a few bouts of cramp in my right leg too. I think my Converse are just too flat. *SIGH*.

So what is happening to baby boy this week?

At about this time, he can open his eyes and turn his head in your uterus if he notices a continuous, bright light shining from the outside. He’s getting used to blinking his eyes, which now have eyelashes.

His fat layers are continuing to form and his bones are nearly developed, though they are still soft and pliable. His bones won’t harden properly until after he’s born.

Baby boy is also “breathing” with a regular rhythm, drawing amniotic fluid into his lungs and pushing it back out again with his diaphragm. This helps the tiny tubes and air sacs deep inside the lungs to develop, and builds up the muscles he needs to breathe.

Baby Boy’s lips and tongue are very sensitive and finger sucking is becoming a favourite pastime. However, it will take a few more weeks of practise before he’s strong enough to suck at the breast. That’s one reason why premature babies sometimes need to be fed via a nasal tube.

MM.

Weekly Update: 27 Weeks Pregnant

Another rare photo of me on the blog, here I am at 27 weeks pregnant!

Baby size at 27 weeks: 37cm long.

Baby weight at 27 weeks: 900g+

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Let me start off by saying that the number 27 is my favourite number. Today is the 27th April and I am 27 weeks pregnant with our baby boy who is due on 27th July 🙂

Ta-da!

I’ve had quite a bad week this week, I have to say. I’ve suffered really really badly with heartburn. Which to most people will probably sound trivial. But the ache and pain spread right around my body and settled inbetween my shoulder blades. I had a hot water bottle with me at work all week. To which I received the sodding Spanish inquisition for from my colleagues (people are so damn nosey).

Towards the end of this week I’ve also been struggling with Round Ligament Pain. It absolutely kills hurts to walk. So this weekend I will be laying in bed, being waited on by OH 🙂
Baby  Boy wise, he’s still as active as ever. Really noticing a pattern to his activities throughout the day. I noticed that he enjoys chocolate – so he must take after  his father in that department! I also had a episode during the week when he was kicking me loads at work and the entire department ended up crowding around my desk watching my tummy move – some in amazement, most in shock and horror. Phahahaha. I love it.

So what is happening to baby boy this week?

Fig 1: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/27weeks/

His eyes open and close, he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals and he may suck a finger or thumb.

Sweet dreams, little baby! Some experts believe that babies begin to dream by week 27. What do they dream about? No one knows for sure but your baby’s brain is certainly active now. The characteristic grooves on his brain’s surface is starting to appear and more brain tissue is developing.

You may be detecting rhythmic movements, which is simply your baby having an attack of the hiccups. They are common this week and throughout your pregnancy. A spell of hiccups usually passes in moments. The sensation for you may be strange, but rather comforting.

 

MM.

Our GroCompany purchases: Swaddles, GroBags and GroEgg.

We first came across the Gro Company when researching cot’s and moses baskets. We completely fell in love with the pretty patterns and prints of their now-famous Gro Bags (baby sleeping bags) and decided that on that alone we would definitely purchase a few for baby boy bump! The Gro Company are the original, and only company to be recommended by the FSiD.

So I signed up to the mailing list and received a lovely catalogue through the door. The designs are so lovely we could have bought them all! We had decided that we wanted to swaddle baby boy bump when he arrives – so went straight to the GroSwaddles section.

We’ve gone for the ‘Woodland Friends’ and a twin-pack of the ‘Wish Upon A Star’ print.

Woodland Friends GroSwaddle £11.50. Click here to purchase exclusively online at JohnLewis.com.

We also opted for the ‘Day/Night’ twin pack and a ‘Little Trikes’ sleeping bag. Absolutely love the Little Trikes print. It looks and feels really vintage – but in a good way!

Click here to purchase GroBag sleeping bags exclusively online at JohnLewis.com

From the catalogue you can receive a massive 25% off when you order over £40 – so we thought ‘Sod it, let’s buy a GroEgg while we’re at it!’. So we did. Looking forward to using it! Had a trial run in the bedroom last night…turns out that bay boy’s bedroom isn’t a bad temperature! The GroEgg will also make for a great nightlight too!

GroEgg Room Themometer, £19.94. Click here to purchase at JohnLewis.com

 

All in all, we’re pretty chuffed with the quality of all the products now that they’ve arrived. We can’t wait to use them!

Have you had your little one’s in any Gro Company products?

MM.

 

Weekly Update: 26 Weeks Pregnant

 Fig 1: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/26weeks/

Baby size at 26 weeks: 36cm long.

Baby weight at 26 weeks: 760g+

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Feel like I’ve had a good week – all things considered! I started the week at the dentist on Monday, getting fillings and a gum guard for nighttime wear. I was very brave 🙂

Wednesday we were back at the Fetal Medicine Unit in UCLH for the re-scan of baby boy bump’s feet. We found that he does have Bilateral Talipes, but it’s extremely mild right now. So we were chuffed with that. Read what happened during the hospital appointment, here.

This week I’ve found that I’m getting really bad back ache. I can’t stand or walk for long before I need a sit down. So strange for me! I’ve also noticed that I’m going to the loo a lot more often and have had a few bouts of heartburn. But aside from that, I’m feeling pretty good!

So what is happening to baby boy this week?

His response to sound grows more consistent towards the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to her ears is complete. He may be able to hear you and your partner chatting. Your baby also continues to take small breaths, getting plenty of practice for when he’s born. It’s all preparation for when he takes that first gulp of air. Since your baby is now growing so fast, and brain development is so intense at this stage, your nutrition is very important.

This week baby boy’s eyes open for the first time and blinking starts. Until now they have been fused shut to protect the developing eyes. Depending on your baby’s ethnicity, their eye colour may be anything from blue to almost black. Baby boy can’t see much as it’s pretty dark inside your womb, although light will penetrate if it’s very bright.

Your baby’s hands are strong and mobile, and a lot of waking time is spent exploring with them.

Your baby can push quite strongly against the wall of your womb now and this may be uncomfortable at times. When your baby stretches, you may even be able to distinguish different body parts through your bump – a little foot or a hard, round head. In a couple of weeks other people will be able to see your bump moving too.

MM.

Weekly Update: 25 Weeks Pregnant

 Fig 1: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/25weeks/

Baby size at 25 weeks: 35cm long.

Baby weight at 25 weeks: 660g+

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Had another tiring week – it’s felt like I’ve been at work FOREVER. Certainly didn’t feel like we’d only been in for 4 days because of the Bank Holiday on Monday… SHATTERED.

I’ve also been feeling a lot heavier this week. My back and pelvis have been aching and it’s become gradually worse throughout the week. I’m sat writing this with a hot water bottle on my back – something I haven’t needed since my periods stopped! So it feels very strange… to the point where I’m feeling a little bit melancholy tonight 🙁

But on a brighter note, baby boy has been excellent this week. Kicking a tremendous amount again. Albeit, he did keep me awake all night on Monday – so I’ve not been able to catch up with my sleep really. I also woke up a few times throughout the week with numb hands – a sure sign that nerves around my spine are trapped and it’s causing me to have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A good few shakes and it turns into pins and needles… then disappears. We’ll have a sleep in tomorrow and be right as rain, I’m sure 🙂

I’m at the dentist on Monday 16th for my filling and gum guard – should be interesting! Then we’re back to UCLH for a re-scan of baby boy’s feet to confirm or exclude the Talipes. I’ll update as soon as I can with the results. He’ll be smashing, whatever the outcome 🙂

 

So what is happening to baby boy this week?

He’s beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he’ll start to look more like a newborn. His senses are becoming more sophisticated, too. At 26 weeks, fetal brain scans show response to touch. If you shine a light on your belly, your baby will turn his head, which means his optic nerve is working.

Your baby’s brain is in overdrive these days, as he’s having to control a huge number of activities and processes going on throughout his body.

Although your baby is starting to fill the space in your womb they are still incredibly active and you may find the non-stop somersaulting quite tiring. Your baby’s also very responsive to all kinds of stimulus, reacting with sudden movements, changes in heart rate and in how often they suck.

Your baby is now starting to get familiar with certain sounds, including yours and your partner’s voice. They’ll find these sounds comforting both now and after they’re born.

MM.

Weekly Update: 24 Weeks Pregnant

Fig 1: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/24weeks/

Baby size at 24 weeks: 30cm long.

Baby weight at 24 weeks: 600g+

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Had a tiring week this week. I’ve tried eating lots of fruit to up my sugar levels, but ended up with really bad heartburn! The woes of pregnancy eh?

I also had my first actual midwife appointment with my local midwife at Brentwood Community Hospital. I left feeling quite worried however. I’m ok now… but I clearly had a lot of explaining to do with regards to our journey from Week 1 – week 24 so far. So much has happened. We’ve had a complicated pregnancy… But the midwife just looked really concerned with everything I was telling her. Bringing the journey right up to date, I explained that we had another scan at UCLH on 18th to confirm or exclude Baby Boy’s suspected Talipes of his left foot. She looked really concerned and said “Why? Why are they doing another scan? That *never* happens?”. To which I was alarmed and explained that it’s probably because UCLH is a Research Hospital and they’re being thorough. But it did make me think, what if there was something else that was suspected during the last scan, but not explained to us? Are they not telling me something I should know?

After to speaking to many on Twitter, we’ve concluded she’s probably just a midwife that hasn’t come across notes like mine in her (short, so far) career…

HMMMM.

Baby boy has been especially active in the past few days. His favourite song this week is “Something” by The Beatles. His version of ‘classic’ 😉 He gets extremely bouncing when I join in singing, which is amazing. I love it so much!

So what is happening to baby boy this week?

The spine is becoming strong now and supports the rest of the body as it grows. Thanks to this growth spurt he is starting to fill your uterus and can’t stretch out to their full length any more.

His nostrils, which have been closed till now, open and his sense of taste is becoming more sensitive. Baby boy may even pull an expression of disgust if something you eat gives the amniotic fluid an unpleasant taste.

Your baby is now said to be “viable”, which means if they were born this week they would have roughly a 40% chance of survival.

Though your baby still has little body fat and his skin is thin and fragile, he’s well-proportioned. His brain is growing rapidly, tastebuds have fully developed, and his footprints and fingerprints are continuing to form. Inside his body, his lungs are developing branches of the respiratory tree as well as cells that produce surfactant. This substance will help him air sacs inflate once he reaches the outside world.

MM.

Weekly Update: 23 Weeks Pregnant

Baby size at 23 weeks: 29cm long.

Baby weight at 23 weeks: 500g+

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So here is the first *actual* picture of me on my blog. It’s always just been ambiguous bump pictures! I’m still feeling really good. I went to the dentist yesterday and as suspected, I need to have a filling… but I was also fitted for a night gum guard. Has anyone else had this during pregnancy? I think I grind my teeth in my sleep anyway, but with everything else thats going on, my teeth are super sensitive.

Baby boy is kicking an incredible amount – getting much stronger too. To the point where it shocks me sometimes! I absolutely love it. I can’t get enough of him to be honest! OH and I get into bed on a night and lay for 10 minutes or so, with OH resting his ear on my tummy. He can now fully feel our baby kicking – AND hear when he does too! Which is amazing. I’m so so pleased he can finally feel him and share the experience. It’s just wonderful!

On an additional note, we played Enya’s “Orinoco Flow” to my tummy last night and baby boy had a really good kick. We’re convinced he’s definitely an Enya fan 😀

So what is happening to baby boy this week?

Fig 1: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/23weeks/

His hearing is established and around now he may be able to make out a distorted version of your voice, the beating of your heart and your stomach rumblings.

When your baby is born, loud noises he has often heard in the uterus (womb), such as the barking of a dog or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won’t bother him.

Some people swear by the theory that unborn babies prefer classical music. So in the coming months you could put on relaxing Bach or Mozart for his enjoyment – and yours!

MM.

Cath Kidston: 15% all styles, one day only!

Cath Kidston (UK)

I know a lot of you are huge fans of Cath Kidston, just a really quick one to update you all on the exclusive promotion that the brand are running! Until 31st March at 8am, receive 15% off all styles at CathKidston.co.ukicon with the below promotion code!

Offer: 15% Off all items
Enter promotional code: EGGS
Valid from: Thursday 29th March, 6pm GMT.
Expires: Saturday 31st March, 8am GMT.

Click here to take advantage and shop now at CathKidston.co.uk>>

Don’t forget to enter that promotional code at the online checkout!

Let me know what you purchase!

I’m off to the dentist now – so will be making my purchases upon my return.

MM.