Category Archives: weekly update

24 weeks

Posted on by under pregnancy, weekly update

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We reached V day! Such a milestone. Still quite surreal to look down and realise that yes, it’s me that’s pregnant. This is happening to my body and it is real and a baby is coming.

I didn’t want to do the normal weekly update this week because I just have so many thoughts about this date. I remember when we were starting our first round of IVF, I would plug the dates into my spreadsheet (everything in my life is planned on a spreadsheet) and calculate when 12 weeks would be, 20 weeks would be, 24 weeks would be… viability as a concept and a date just seemed very alien to me.

And now, well. It still feels a little alien to me. All I wanted was to carry this baby and it still often feels like a strange lie that I am the one getting to carry this miracle baby. So many stars had to align to get us here. So many doctors and drugs and wishes.

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He is as big as a cantaloupe, and this past week has had the hiccups. He’s also getting really good at booting me in the ribs or the bladder.

He has fingers and toes and the beginning of fingernails, and hair and eyelashes. He has a fast, strong heartbeat and a sleeping pattern (obviously not my sleeping pattern, however) and is kept safe and fed and warm inside me.

I worried that pregnancy would be awful and in my stubbornness to “enjoy every moment”, I would just grin and bear it. But pregnancy has been wonderful. I have the most terrible GERD and dry skin and achey everything and I sleep terribly, but it has still been wonderful. I love my body for the first time that I can remember. I’m a bit ungainly and clumsy and it’s hard to sometimes get comfortable, but I don’t feel fat and gross when I look in the mirror and hate every bump and squishy bit I see.

I feel like this perfect mama growing this perfect babe and I’m just so grateful it’s sickening.

I’m still scared. I think I’ll always be scared. We may be past the point where babe can likely survive, but I still want to protect him and keep him inside as long as I can. There’s nothing to suggest he’ll come before he’s ready, but. In infertility, everything that could go wrong feels like it will.

That being said, I’ve had a textbook pregnancy so far. He is perfectly on size, my tests have all been great, and everything seems perfect.

I’m thankful for every step that got us here. Grow, baby, grow.

23 weeks

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Another update!

The size/what features:  The midwife says this is a period of high growth, and the internet says this is the time that he has the most room to move around and oh boy is he showing it. So good to get reminders of him all the time, even when they’re a kick to the cervix. He’s the size of an ear of corn or a barbie doll. He can hear us talking to him, his nails are growing and he’s getting fat.

Sleep:  Still rubbish but we’re doing fine.

Maternity Clothes:  I’m thinking I’ll need another pair of maternity jeans soon – thrashing my one pair! Still loving dresses and leggings though, so easy for work. Definitely feel like I’m growing a lot lately.

Food cravings:  These have backed off a bit but I definitely know now what I feel like eating each meal which is nice.

Food aversions:  Main issue these days is getting halfway through a meal and quitting. There’s just not enough room in there now!

– – –

Symptoms I HAVE:
Hunger – Stepped up a bit!

Heartburn – Still every day though the drugs etc do help. I’m expecting a very hairy baby.

Skin – Still dry and I’m sprouting hairs everywhere but otherwise no issues just now.

– – –

Stretchmarks:  None yet but I think this baby is about to start making me rather large.

Doctor’s Appointment:  Nothing this week but I’m all booked in for our 28 week growth scan, and my GP has upped my thyroid meds as I’m borderline normal T4 (though my TSH has been great). I think it’s all the antacids…

Movement:  Loads. He is always letting me know he’s there, I love it.

Belly Button:  Hasn’t popped yet but is definitely getting shallow!

Best moment of the week:  Maisie has been very cuddly lately though I still think she has no clue. I am also looking super pregnant which has been helpful with getting seats on the train, though not always. Otherwise all good, just enjoying pregnancy!

What I’m looking forward to:  The next scan, finishing work (3 months and a bit left!) and we have a brief holiday coming up in a few weeks.

What I miss:  Not aching, I guess?

22 weeks

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Here’s this week’s update!

The size/what features:  I don’t think I’ve ever seen/held a papaya, but hey, the baby is papaya-sized. He has his lanugo – a thin layer of baby fur! – and is working on his eyebrows and hair apparently. He is also more grabby now they say, possibly playing with his umbilical cord, and I tell ya, he is definitely more active.

Total weight gain/how much this week:  I keep bouncing back and forth around my pre-preg weight, but baby is on track so I’m not bothered. I don’t think I’ll track this from now on, to be honest!

Sleep:  Up and down. I have some good nights and then I have 2 or 3 really rubbish nights in a row which throws me off. My pregnancy pillow is excellent but I still get achey hips and lower back and moving around is definitely more difficult.

Maternity Clothes:  Might get myself some new jeans soon. Definitely leaning more towards comfort than style now.

Food cravings:  Nothing new!

Food aversions:  Garlic and parsley lately. Still off onion.

– – –

Symptoms I HAVE:

Hunger – Definitely ramped up which I’m grateful for. I wake up a bit hungry and I get hungry quick now.

Heartburn – GERD cough killing me softly with its song.

Skin – Not too bad.

– – –

Stretchmarks:  Nothing new.

Doctor’s Appointment:  Saw the midwife and wee boy is right on track in every way – perfectly on size. My BP is great, my fundal height is right on track, my thyroid levels are excellent and only being retested every 6 weeks now. Next appointment we’ll be close to my glucose test and we’ll have started antenatal classes! Next scan is 28 weeks.

Movement:  So much now and I love it.

Belly Button:  Still clinging on as an innie.

Best moment of the week:  Telling baby I loved him and being booted really hard in response. Seeing my midwife and feeling that all is going well and hearing that heartbeat again.

What I’m looking forward to:  V-day (viability), starting antenatal classes, getting the nursery together a bit more.

What I miss:  Getting off the couch without wiggling, sleeping right through the night.

Apparently babe weighs about 1lb! You’ve got a lot of growing to do, Bubs. My midwife said this is a period of rapid growth. Grow, baby, grow!

21 weeks

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The size/what features:  Banana like as usual, a “large carrot”, pomegranate, a “least weasel”??

Total weight gain/how much this week:  400g! Whoop.

Sleep:  A bit better!

Maternity Clothes:  Rotating the same mat. wear but I did find a couple of other dresses from my standard wardrobe that work as well this week. I’m happy to have quite a selection to go by at the moment.

Food cravings:  I’m starting to definitely have clear ideas of what I want to eat each day which is a huge improvement, and I’m definitely hungrier!

Food aversions: Nothing major. Kinda gone off onion lately.

– – –

Symptoms I HAVE:

Hunger – Increasing!

Heartburn – Still terrible but my antacids are doing the trick most of the time.

Skin – No change, trying to moisturise!

– – –

Stretchmarks:  Still no change.

Doctor’s Appointment:  Seeing my midwife Friday – looking forward to seeing her, it’s been a while (she’s been on holiday).

Movement:  He wriggles so much during particular times that when he’s quiet for a bit I hope he’s just sleeping and end up poking around. He’s pretty active though and it’s a really nice reassurance.

Belly Button:  The same.

Baby’s sex?:  In case you missed last week, we’re having a boy.

Best moment of the week:  Probably just his movements being so obvious now!

What I’m looking forward to:  D getting to feel him, getting to the 24 week viability mark.

What I miss:  Being able to bend over or reach for something when on the couch. It’s much harder these days!

20 weeks

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Another update – we’re halfway, baby!

The size/what features:  Lots of banana comparisons. Baby is now measured head to toe instead of “crown to rump” so the lengths are suddenly longer.

Total weight gain/how much this week:  Up slightly above pre-preg weight. Hurray!

Sleep:  Really depends on the day. Sometimes good, sometimes random insomnia for 1.5 hours, sometimes just turning a lot due to aches.

Maternity Clothes:  Still occasionally wearing pre-preg clothes but boy is that a pipe dream for most things now, though!

Food cravings:  Still Fanta. Obsessed. It’s like the most satisfying thing in the world having one at the end of a busy day.  Also really wanting fruit – oranges especially. And peanut butter on toast.

Food aversions:  None really but I seem to have my sensitive nose back, and my heartburn-y cough occasionally makes me gag.

– – –

Symptoms I HAVE:

Nausea – A wee bit, mainly from coughing or poop. Maisie, stop pooping in the house! (luckily rare!)

Hunger – Not ravenous yet but I have noticed a slight increase!

Heartburn – Still an issue that I think will remain til baby comes.

Skin – Dry and a bit flakey and itchy especially on my chest and back. No real belly itch yet, but I’m trying to moisturise.

– – –

Stretchmarks:  All the same.

Doctor’s Appointment:  We had our scan! I’ll put some pictures below, but all looks well – large head (greeeeeat), moving like crazy and the most important thing – all on track size wise.

Oh, and it’s a BOY.

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Legs and puku (belly)!
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Wee face!

I thought his feet looked long like his Dad’s. I’m expecting a son who will be taller than me in no time. I think there’s a lot of sports attendance in my future.

Movement:  Finally! Lots! I started getting wee thumps every now and then, and now they’re much more frequent.  He’s active first thing in the morning, about 3pm he has a wee party, and then is more awake at dinner time and bed time. It’s really exciting. I’ve only caught one movement from the outside so far, so that’s my next goal – for D to feel him too.  I think D was a bit blown away by seeing him moving so much on the scan.

It’s so reassuring during the day to get these regular reminders – I am so happy knowing he is okay and bouncing around.

Belly Button:  No change.

Baby’s sex?:  BOY!

Best moment of the week:  The scan and those kicks, for sure.

What I’m looking forward to:  D feeling him kick, buying him more things, getting the nursery sorted, and well, finishing work!

What I miss:  Sleeping soundly, but I’ve basically farewelled that for however many years, anyway. Also constantly thinking about what I can and can’t eat can get a bit tiring.

Oh and I miss my brain working as it used to! It’s starting to get a bit foggy around the edges. It’s a strange feeling.

19 weeks

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Here’s your weekly update!

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Dinosaur baby!

The size/what features:  A mango! A Gameboy. A “four-toed hedgehog”. Oh boy.

Total weight gain/how much this week:  I’m up to pre-preg weight. I’m trying to eat more often because y’know, I’ve kinda been eating whatever I feel like and it’s not putting the weight on. I think the increase in my thyroid meds combined with extra walking and smaller portions has lead to this, and my fundal height was on target last appointment, so. I’m just hoping babe is getting all they need.

Sleep:  Still crap and if one more person is all, “get a maternity body pillow!” I’ll… be less polite I guess? Like I know they exist, people. Also very tired of the “just you wait til the baby comes before you talk about lack of sleep!” – like, really? Are new parents sleep-deprived? I’ve never heard that before.

Working full-time on no sleep seems harder to me right now, mainly because it requires looking nice and being polite and leaving my house…

Maternity Clothes:  In full swing. Just got some work trousers for the bump and boy are they comfy. Trying to switch up my dresses though so I’m not just wearing the same maternity dresses in the same order every week…

Food cravings:  For some reason, wedges and sour cream. Not had them yet. Still obsessed with Fanta. Trying to rein it in.

Food aversions:  Nothing specific, but still not particularly hungry. I’m doing better at making myself eat more though.

– – –

Symptoms I HAVE:

Nausea – All gone.

Hunger – Higher but not ravenous, trying to eat regardless.

Heartburn – Better this week!

Skin – Dry and itchy and weird but getting better at moisturising.

– – –

Stretchmarks:  No change.

Doctor’s Appointment:  Had an excellent appointment at the Maternity Assessment Unit at the hospital last week. Due to IVF/thyroid issues, I qualify for referral there, but as my thyroid is so well-managed (my TSH is the lowest it’s been since diagnosis! Yay!) they’re happy for me to continue seeing my midwife and letting my GP monitor my thyroid bloods which I’ll carry on doing every 6 weeks. Also IVF babies can grow a bit slowly and be a bit small, so I’ll get extra scans at 28 and 34 weeks (fine with me!), and will most likely not go very far past my due date, if at all.

Movement:  I think I’m getting my first proper movements! I had flutters or pops every now and then but now I’m getting a wee “thump” every now and then. Can’t wait til it’s  more regular.

Belly Button:  Regular old navel.

Baby’s sex?:  We’ll know in a few days…!

Best moment of the week:  Feeling those definite thumps. Can’t wait til D feels them.

What I’m looking forward to:  Feeling kicks more/from the outside, our anatomy scan this week.

What I miss:  Runny eggs still (such a simple weekend treat!), sleeping a full night.

I’ll update soon on what sex baby is – though I imagine we’ll still carry on getting a lot of gender neutral stuff. We started buying things which is very exciting and I’m feeling all motivated to get some work done on the nursery.

I often look down or feel a little wiggle and remember that I’m having a baby. Guys, I’m having a BABY. It is still so surreal and wonderful and I refuse to take it for granted.

18 weeks

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Here’s your weekly update! Apologies if you received a blank version, WP is trolling me.

The size/what features:  Apparently an artichoke? Or sweet potato.

Total weight gain/how much this week:  Still not much and I raised this with my midwife last week. She felt if I was eating okay, she wasn’t worried.

Sleep:  Still a bit tough because my hips get achey, but doing okay.

Maternity Clothes:  Rotating dresses and returning to sweatpants when I get home.

Food cravings:  Still just Fanta and fruit juice! English muffins with peanut butter.

Food aversions:  Still just not that enthused about food but that’s okay.

– – –

Symptoms I HAVE:

Nausea – All gone apart from a tummy bug I had earlier in the week!

Hunger – Still not increased but making sure I eat often.

Heartburn – Lesser, still an issue at night but I prop myself up.

Skin – Still dry and itchy, no glowing.

– – –

Stretchmarks:  No change there.

Doctor’s Appointment:  Had a good catch-up with my midwife team and heard baby’s heart, all sounding good. I don’t know how you’re supposed to just trust baby is still okay in there, but the heartbeat is very reassuring.

Movement:  A few pops here and there but nothing obvious yet. Looking forward to it.

Belly Button:  No change!

Baby’s sex?:  Find out for sure in 11 days. We’ve started buying some things though – girls can wear dinosaur onesies…

Best moment of the week:  Probably hearing that heartbeat again. Every week feels like waiting for movement so I worry less about the babe.

What I’m looking forward to:  Movement! Our anatomy scan. Getting the nursery sorted.

What I miss:  Sleeping comfortably in any position.

Getting closer to halfway…

17 weeks

Posted on by under pregnancy, weekly update

Here’s your weekly update!

The size/what features:  An apple, a white onion, creme brûlée, a “big potato”.

Total weight gain/how much this week:  Still haven’t really gained but I know it’s a-comin’. The bump is getting more of a roundness to it and despite being a bit overweight I always had a defined natural waist and that is definitely disappearing. Also by the end of the day I feel like I’m already waddling!

Sleep:  Not too bad but I do wake up a lot to move around and my hips and lower back ache. Most days I feel like I’ve done a big workout or something strenuous the day before to make my joints ache.

Maternity Clothes:  Started wearing a few more of the dresses I had ordered. Also found a new dress and some leggings and tops from H&M this week. I’m letting myself wear some clingy clothing which is new and strange for me, as someone who is quite self-conscious about her stomach. It’s really liberating to show it and I wonder if closer to my due date I’ll even wear a bikini for the first time ever? Would be quite a thing for me.

Food cravings:  Really sugary fruit juice still, and orange Fanta of all things.

Food aversions:  Nothing in particular but I still have no appetite really and am just uninterested in most things. Most work lunch breaks I just wander aimlessly until something sounds remotely appealing. It’s weird not knowing what I want! I make myself eat for the baby but eh. Yeah. Being pregnant has shown me just how often pre-pregnancy I let myself go hungry for a while, too. Now I tell myself to stop being a doofus and eat!

– – –

Symptoms I HAVE:

Nausea – All gone.

Hunger – As above!

Heartburn – Still around, still awful, still needing tablets but I’m managing it okay.

Skin – STILL DRY AND UNFORGIVING. And itchy. I feel like I need to lotion myself all the time, or discreetly get my hand in my bra to itch my chest.

– – –

Stretchmarks:  Nothing new.

Doctor’s Appointment:  Seeing the midwife soon. Another doppler, yay! I love hearing baby’s heartbeat.

Movement:  Nothing yet though occasionally I feel like a popcorn pop or flutter in there.

Belly Button:  Seems less deep? I’ve never paid that much attention though.

Baby’s sex?:  Find out in a few weeks.

Best moment of the week:  Feeling pretty in my maternity dresses.

What I’m looking forward to:  Feeling babe, still!

What I miss:  Not worrying about what I’m eating and if it’s enough. The mum stress is beginning.

Nothing much else to share this week, I’ll be sure to update again after 18 weeks ticks over and of course with our next scan. We have our suspicions about what sex the wee babe is but it’ll be good to know what we’re expecting!

16 weeks

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I’m going to start those prompts. Because y’know, fun.

 

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The size/what features:  Apparently the size of an avocado! Ears in their final spot, eyes can sense light etc (though are still sealed closed), and growing some hair! 

Total weight gain/how much this week:  None and none. Not that unusual if you’re a higher BMI to start with as you may lose weight with the metabolism hike. I’m now about 1kg/2.2lbs below my starting weight. Who knows what will happen! Ideally I’d like to gain only what I need, but I’m also not going to obsess over it. 

Sleep:  Ugh. Insomnia is the worst. I go to bed at 9 or 9:30 though, to try and get loads of rest. I don’t know if it’s our bed or what but my hips get achey now, and I move a lot more than I did. 

Maternity Clothes:  Jeans and dresses so far. My normal leggings and trackies are still working though I’d like to get some actual maternity leggings soon. I’m also going to hit H&M for some new general maternity clothes, though a lot of my dresses are actually suitable.  

Food cravings:  Fruit juice. Like sweet tropical flavours such as apple, orange, and mango, or Just Juice. Not the healthiest but hey, it’s not the worst craving.  

Food aversions:  Strong-smelling meats? Weird things like dishes my husband makes that I love I don’t enjoy as much anymore. I also have had just a lack of appetite in general which has been weird. I’m trying to force myself to eat because if I get too hungry I then eat too fast and give myself indigestion.

– – –

Symptoms I HAVE:
Nausea – Not really, though pills are still a bit tougher to swallow, and strong smells are still the worst, and coughing makes me feel gross too.

Hunger – Definitely not the “ravenous” levels that so many others are? I eat smaller amounts than normal but am trying to eat more frequently, though. And I’ve asked D to feed me more vegetables.

Heartburn – Yes. A lot of the time. Managed better now though.

Skin – DRY AND UNFORGIVING

 – – –

Stretchmarks:  Not really – I had a few tiny ones on my belly anyway and haven’t noticed any yet. I know this is largely genetic and my mum/sister did get them so I’m not expecting to escape it, really.

Doctor’s Appointment:  Next midwife check is 9th August.

Movement:  Not yet but hoping every day to feel the wee babe!

Belly Button:  Still an innie, obviously!

Baby’s sex?:  Dunno yet! 

Best moment of the week:  Feeling like I’ve popped so much more. And getting our final NT results back – our trisomy condition risk rate is 1:21,000, which is awesome.

What I’m looking forward to:  Feeling the baby move, getting more energy maybe, the 20 week scan. 

What I miss:  Runny eggs and medium rare steak!