Third Trimester

The arrival of Wednesday signified that I am now 36 weeks pregnant which means another blood test. I don't know about you but during pregnancy between getting anti-D injections (because I have a negative blood type) and the various blood tests, my capacity to be able to be okay with needles is definitely taking a toll. So I'll probably put it off for as long as I can before I go get it done which is pretty much a week.

As she gets bigger I never knew all the different aches and pains that would accompany it all. The worst I'd have to say at the moment is the hips. They say to sleep on your side while pregnant and I toss and turn from side to side because every time I spend too much time on one side it gets sore. Between that and the the need to get up to pee often means I don't get much sleep during the night! I don't get much back pain thankfully although my heels are starting to get sore if I am on my feet for too long.

Movements

When she moves it is like she is a kick boxer half the time. Since she is growing in size her movements are starting to get a little on the sore side, mainly where her back rests and her head. I'm starting to feel the movements lower down and my partners mum has already pointed out that it looks like my belly has dropped! She moves in regular cycles throughout the day, generally morning, noon and night. It kind of makes me happy feeling her move when I wake up, almost as if she is waking up with me.

Things I didn't know (Read on if you don't want to be grossed out)

Reaching 36 weeks has shown my body do all sorts of new things and I have to say it is hard to accept some changes. The first that came was my poo. Yes I know it's gross but it's very normal for you to get a bit of diarrhea when it gets closer to your due date and you also might be looking out for signs that could mean your labor is fast approaching like I did! The next wonderful thing that happened was the leaking boob. Before becoming pregnant I did often struggle with the way my body looked and now it is very hard to accept all of the different changes your body goes through when you become pregnant. The first time I noticed my breasts were leaking honestly I felt a little embarrassed by it. Thankfully my partner is really supportive to help me get through these feelings. The other part that I struggle with is the extra weight you put on and what doesn't help is looking at photos of everyone's postpartum bodies! Let me tell you as a person that struggles with body image that does you no favors at all. It just scares you even more. That and the birthing videos of all the women screaming and crying. Try to avoid these watching one or two is fine so you get an idea but watching a bunch is not a good idea. Especially if you're like me and can't get an epidural.

Emotions

The other day I cried because I couldn't cook a pancake. My pancakes were turning into scrambled pancakes and I couldn't figure out how that was happening. So, my thought was how was I going to be a good mother if I couldn't cook a decent pancake. That was a good start to the morning, my partner thankfully did the rest of the cooking. Sometimes I find myself wandering if I am going to be a good mother. I guess the fear sort of sits in everyone, the question: Will I be a good mum? It's a wait and see thing I guess.

For now I'm going to try and take it easy as my due date gets closer. Everything is almost ready for her arrival just need a car seat for my car. We do have one for my partners car which is good at least we have one car seat. I'll try to keep everyone updated as my pregnancy progresses. I am slightly scared about the whole thing but trying to keep a calm head about it. Take it easy everyone!!