38-Week Bumpdate
The Difference Between A First Pregnancy And A Second
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The countdown to meeting our little one is getting real! There are moments when it feels like I've been pregnant forever, and then there are times when I'm taken aback by the fact that in just two weeks, we'll finally get to hold our baby in our arms. The reality is setting in, especially when labor and delivery dreams start making their appearance. It's both exciting and a little nerve-wracking!
Reflecting on my first pregnancy, it was around week 38 that my water unexpectedly broke, leading to my son's early arrival. Looking back, I couldn't have been happier with the timing since my first pregnancy was quite the challenge. Just a few weeks before delivery, my legs were swollen with edema, and my mobility was limited. I vividly remember relying on motorized scooters during grocery shopping trips, earning curious glances from passersby. My legs were so swollen that I barely recognized them as my own. It was a relief when the edema subsided post-birth.
Full-Blown Pregnancy Edema With My 1st Born
Vegan Pregnancy Prenatal Vitamins
My Feet With My 1st
This time around, things have been remarkably different. I've been spared from edema, and I can't help but appreciate how much of a blessing that is. It's surreal to feel relatively comfortable at 38 weeks pregnant, a stark contrast to my previous experience. While "comfortable" might be relative, being able to move around without the challenges of severe edema has made a world of difference.
Have You Ever Seen Swelling Like This?!
What A Difference!
To keep my spirits high during these final weeks, I've added some adorable maternity pieces to my wardrobe. Olian Maternity has been my go-to for stylish tops that I can comfortably wear to the office. The fact that I can still fit into regular shoes and maternity pants has definitely motivated me to put in a bit of effort in terms of my appearance this late in the pregnancy journey.
Olian Maternity Mandy Trapeze Nursing Top
Tracking the ups and downs of pregnancy, my weight gain has been much more moderate this time. At 38 weeks, I've gained 35 lbs, a far cry from the 47 lbs I had gained by this point during my first pregnancy. Oh, those pregnancy cravings! Ice cream has been my guilty pleasure, and I have to admit that I've indulged a little more than I should have.
Feeling our baby's movements is a constant reminder that our little one is eager to make their entrance into the world. Despite being in the third trimester, I've kept up with my Barre workouts, maintaining a consistent routine of three sessions per week. While cardio might have taken a bit of a backseat, I'm proud of the commitment I've maintained.
As for my skin, no stretch marks so far! I've diligently kept up with my moisturizing routine, eagerly awaiting the day when I can bid farewell to the greasy feel. On the preparation front, we've made some thoughtful additions for baby #2, including a 4Moms Bounceroo, Lalabu Soothe Shirt, Finn And Emma Play Gym, and a new Spectra Breast Pump. We're also setting up a micro-nursery in our evolving space.
Sleep has been surprisingly kind to me lately, and I'm fully aware that this luxury is fleeting. Balancing work and pregnancy has been a juggling act, but I'm determined to tie up loose ends before my leave begins. Planning to work up until delivery day to maximize time at home with our newborn is a goal that keeps me motivated.
As the days inch closer to the arrival of our baby, we're in the midst of arranging a micro-nursery, mindful of the limited space while our house undergoes construction. A new challenge emerges as we consider how our son, Theo, will adjust to sharing a room with a newborn. It's a puzzle we're ready to solve, just as we've tackled every other twist and turn on this incredible journey. Another three days will mark a personal milestone, surpassing the length of my first pregnancy. But, ultimately, our baby will come when they're ready, and that's the most exciting part of all.