34-35 Week Pregnancy Update

(Note: this post was written ages ago and I’m so sorry it’s so very very late, but I wanted to post it to keep continuity!).

Firstly I have to apologise, having said I would be updating once a week from now it just hasn’t worked out that way! As of this week I am 36 weeks pregnant but this is an update for my 34 and 35th week.

I’ve definitely found the last two weeks much harder, comfort wise and emotionally and although I have been very busy I have really felt like the weeks have dragged as I get closer to the end of my pregnancy. The temperatures in the UK last week were in the 30s for most of the week and at one point our garden peaked at 35 degrees- and our bedroom, 37!!! It was horrendous. I like the heat when it’s to be enjoyed, preferably with a lilo, swimming pool, watermelon juice and an air-conditioned house (!!, always dreaming), however, I certainly have NOT dealt well-being heavily pregnant in the heat with no air con, and a house that feels not dissimilar to a greenhouse. The evenings have been long and sweaty and uncomfortable and I have found myself sat in the car on a few occasions just to be in the air con! As a consequence my sugars have been a little more erratic with a lot more lows, so all in all, heat + pregnancy + type one diabetes = not good friends.

This week we have also have my 36 week scan coming up. We have both decided that no matter what happens, we are going to keep the induction date private, from everyone. Of course, we are still really hoping that the baby comes along naturally but as the days go past this is becoming less and less likely.

My actual “due” date is 24 August and I have just been finding it really hard recently with people constantly asking me when the baby will be born, when I’ll be induced and the phrase “not long”, “so soon” and “you look ready to pop” is becoming incredibly repetitive and not doing much for my self-esteem. Of course, people are excited for us and only want the best for us but I think it’s very normal to be feeling anxious, knowing that there’s just over a couple of weeks left of pregnancy and it’s not easy being reminded of it every single second.

As I’ve mentioned before, I am not worried about the pain or discomfort of a natural birth- however, I am getting increasingly more concerned about what could go wrong and it’s playing on my mind constantly. It’s very hard not to worry about the what if’s, especially when you are a high risk pregnancy and I am my own worst enemy when it comes to worry and indulging myself in way too many internet forums on type one diabetes (note to any T1D, or high risk pregnancy: ignore all forums and “support groups”, there are too many stories out there that you don’t need to read, just focus on you, your story and your journey and if you have questions, as your Dr or Midwife!). Of course, I realise that it’s safer to be relaxed and just go with the flow and at the end of the day I know that that’s what I’ll do, but at the same time, once your mind has set itself on worry, that’s all you can think about.

I am so very excited to meet this baby and I really do already feel so connected to them already. Everything is pretty much ready and waiting to be used and we are both incredibly excited to finally have the family we have spent the last few years working towards and dreaming about. I will certainly try to do at least one more post before the birth, if not two if I can squeeze it in, but as always, thank you ALL so very much for your kindness, support and good wishes, I am so lucky to have you.

Weight: 8lbs over pre-pregnancy weight

Gender: A lot of you have asked over social media whether we know the gender. We do. I took P for a surprise gender reveal scan at 17 weeks for his birthday and it was one of the most magical days and moments so far. We had decided that we were going to find out at the 20 week scan any way as the first trimester had been so hard emotionally and physically (blog here) that we both felt it would be a real treat to know. As side from a few people, we are probably going to keep it quiet as I’d love it to be a surprise for you  guys too! Feel free to guess though!

Symptoms / feelings:  

Breathing: so, having said I have had NO problems with breathing, the last 2 weeks have been pretty bad. Catching my breath has been impossible and I have been feeling out of breath a lot more. I feel very “full” with the baby- if that makes sense- and like there is literally no room left for any breath.

Anxiety: Emotions have been up and down and very erratic the last week or so. I have felt very overwhelmed by everything and the smallest things which really are so insignificant, have left me in a puddle of snotty tears.  I have also been feeling increasing anxiety towards the birth and the what if’s. A natural feeling, I’m sure.

Boobs: My boobs have definitely started growing again, which is a welcome relief! I am still producing colostrum which is exciting too.

Tiredness: I am feeling very tired again and having to have naps during the day, even if it’s only 10-15 minutes!

Back pain: The pain I was feeling in my back on both my left and right side is getting considerably worse. Driving is horrendous and I have to shove my wallet in-between my shoulder blades just to get through the drive, which I’m sure isn’t particularly safe!

Sickness: Nothing!

Cravings: I have been really loving frozen blueberries- and yes, they have to be frozen! The heat in the UK has been pretty torturous and so I have found myself on many occasions with my feet in a bucket of ice water, a frozen towel around my shoulders, munching on frozen blueberries. I can easily eat a punnet a day.

Scans: I have a 36 week scan this week.

Bump: Bump is feeling so much bigger than ever before now and like a rock! It also feels really really high up now, so much so that I can use my tummy as a tray for dinner, literally- I swore I would never be one of those women, but I am. The baby moves from one side to the other so it can look very lop sided at some points too.

Baby Movement: Huge amounts of movement still, usually less active in the morning but for the last few days I’ve had a lot more morning activity and the afternoons / evenings are usually one party of kicking. The baby seems to be very active when my sugars are lower especially, which apparently isn’t a problem, but does concern me a little. If I am busy and not thinking about the movement then I can suddenly think “oh God, have I felt the baby today”, but when that happens, I just take 5-10 minutes and lie on my left hand side and within a few minutes I feel lots of movement.

Stretch marks: None.

HBA1C: 5.0%

Belly button in or out? A slit, but in.

Maternity clothes: Well, let me tell you, the last week of sweltering heat has not been pleasant. When I have been out and about I have worn very loose dresses and sandals, and when I’ve been in the house, alone, it has been not much more than pyjama shorts and a crop top!! I have been incredibly sweaty most of the time which is just vile.

Exercise: Nothing

Blood sugars: Still as strict on myself as ever, I am checking every two hours through the night as I am waking any way to go for a wee so I just check at the same time.

Medication: Other than my insulin I am taking 75mg Aspirin a day (which is prescribed to help reduce chances of pre-eclamsia), I am also taking a calcium / vit D tablet (Adcal) and a pregnancy vitamin tablet once a day.

Baby buys: Lots of swaddle blankets and bedding from Snuz (Little Green Sheep)- for 10% discount on use SNUZMRSP10 

Hospital bag: For those wanting to know this is what’s in my bag so far-

For me: 3 nighties (2 with buttons down the front and 1 with singlet straps to just pull down for easy breastfeeding access). A pregnancy / nursing pillow, the one I use is by Theraline and it’s incredible. It was something I was sent to try out, but having tried it for the last few weeks for sleeping and for back support during the day, I can honestly say that I would certainly buy one and thoroughly recommend it to others. Antiseptic wipes, energy bars, almonds, 2 x toothbrushes (for P and I), lavender soap, hair bands, facial wipes, flip flops, intimate wipes (to stay fresh!), deodorant, big knickers, maternity pads for after birth, hand-held fan, camera, lavender oil, iPad, notebook, insulin pods, insulin injections (just in case), test strips, fruit pastilles for hypos. Oh and a going home outfit!

For the babe: I bought a beautiful new born outfit starter selection from Marks and Spencer (similar here or here) which is basically everything they will need for their hospital stay (hopefully!). I have some knitted selection of booties, a hat and jumper / cardigan from my very clever Mum! I also have water wipes, muslin squares, a cellular blanket, scratch mittens and nappies (although, the hospital will provide these until we leave).

Concerns: 

My 36 week scan!

As always, thank you for your lovely comments, support and for reading! Feel free to ask me any questions and I’ll answer in my next blog.

Emma & bump

xx