38 weeks

Today I am 38 weeks pregnant, only 2 weeks to go!!! I keep giving bump pep talks to tell him not to be late!

Apparently bump now weighs about 3kg, he will not grow anymore in length but will continue to put on weight and build his fat stores.  He is about 50cm long (which is the same as a leek).

I think that my bump has definitely grown over the past week!! This was reinforced when I met 2 different friends who both commented that my bump was much bigger.  I also think it is rounder and fuller at the bottom, hopefully this means bump is making his way downwards.

I have been experiencing more Braxton Hicks, these seem to be more in the evening and night than any other time of the day.  I have also been experiencing a swollen right foot, this seems to ease when I have it elevated so I'm trying to keep mobile to get blood flowing but when I am sitting down put my foot up.  I am also drinking lots of water.  I am trying to use my exercise ball when I can to tilt my pelvis to help bump engage.

My sleep is still pretty rubbish, I now have to sleep upright in bed which isn't the best.  I can feel bump moving around but his movements have changed from forceful kicks to wriggles, probably due to the fact he has much less space to move about. 

We have the midwife on Thursday so I am hoping she will tell us he is more engaged and I had a visit from the breastfeeding support nurse today (see tomorrow's post).  Things are definitely moving along, I just want him here!

Lack of sleep

People keep telling me "make the most of the time you have to sleep before the baby arrives".  I have come to the realisation today that whilst sleep and I used to have a great relationship, we won't be seeing much of each other for a while (or the next 5 years)

My reasons for not sleeping vary as does the length of time I sleep.

With my ongoing problems with my hip and back pain this is usually the reason I can't sleep.  On nights where I am not in pain, I can't get comfortable - it might be because bump is kicking or lying in a funny position.  I have also experienced restless legs which can last for 30 minutes or hours at a time.  Last night bump was jumping on my bladder so I was up and down to the loo.

I have looked into aids to help me sleep, I use a body pillow to support bump and also put it between my legs for support.  I did use normal pillows but feel more supported with a body pillow.  I also get Mr M to wedge a pillow in my back when I am on my side so that I don't move or roll onto my back.  Over the past week I have also been taking the back cushion from the sofa up to bed with me.  I place this at a 45 degree angle behind my pillows so it props me up.  I must look a sight!!

I try not to drink too much before bed but I find I am more thirsty in the evening.  I also play solitaire on my phone, I know it sounds dull but it helps switch my brain off and because it is slightly dull it sends me to sleep quite quickly.

On a positive note I feel that the lack of sleep when bump arrives won't be as much as a shock to my system.  I do expect it to be difficult and Mr M & I will probably be zombies initially, it'll all be worth it.