I can’t decide if this pregnancy is going super slowly, or super quickly at this point. The weeks fly by, but when I say I’m ‘only’ 31 weeks pregnant, I feel like I have forever-and-a-half to go. My physical therapist laughed at me last week because I told her that I was finally feeling ‘legit pregnant’ since I was beyond the 30 week mark. I guess it just takes me a while to process things!
I’ve mentioned it before, but this pregnancy is so similar to my first pregnancy that I basically feel like I’m re-living everything again. I mean, my life is very different, but the physical aspects of pregnancy seem the same. The first trimester was tiring/nauseating. The second trimester was awesome in (almost) every way. The third trimester… well, it’s going downhill in a hurry.
The only thing that keeps me in a good mood every day is knowing that it’s only going to get worse! How’s that for some pregnancy inspiration?
Even if my calendar didn’t (constantly) tell remind me that I’m in my third trimester – I would definitely know.
I Know I’m in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy Because…
- This bump is starting to not only feel large, but a bit heavier, too. (I guess Baby Beni is 3 lbs now, or the size of a coconut.)
- I’m tired (again).
- When I attempted to reach over a table (to plug in a printer) at the tax site I volunteer at, at least three people jumped up and told me to “STOP! You’re going to squish the baby!” This type of chaos doesn’t happen to moms in their first or second trimester!
- Also at the tax site, my manager told me to go ahead and grab “the largest volunteer shirt you can find” before they put them into storage. I guess that means my size small is getting a little snug.
- I’m nauseous in the mornings and at night. Is this a third trimester thing? Is it because of the iron supplements I’m taking? I’m not sure, but it just started and I’m not a fan.
- I can no longer shave my ‘bikini area’ without mirrors, assistance, psychic powers, turning into a contortionist, etc. Right now I just kind of slash around down there and hope I don’t cut off anything essential.
- Sitting comfortably is not that easy – especially with a toddler on my lap!
- And Clara (and Ozzie) really can’t sit on my lap anymore, because there’s already a baby sitting there all day, every day.
- The other day, a driver stropped at a green light to wave me across the street at a crosswalk. I’m not sure if he was just very friendly in general or if he’s really considerate towards pregnant women, but it was a nice gesture and made me feel very large.
- I can’t cross my legs when I’m sitting in a chair.
- I also can’t easily put on shoes and socks.
- Sleeping on my back is for sure not happening.
- Even maternity shirts are getting too short. Unless they were intended to be crop-top maternity shirts, which I’m hoping don’t actually exist.
- My jackets don’t zip anymore. (Thank you, maternity coat, for saving me!)
- I can’t lie on my back for long before feeling shortness of breath and generally not-great.
- Strangers are beginning to comment that I look ‘so cute’ pregnant. Which means I must look very, very pregnant. (Also, a kind woman who was standing behind me at church told me she couldn’t tell that I was pregnant at all until she saw my belly – does this mean I’m having a girl? People said the same thing when I was pregnant with Clara.)
- My fingers are swelling a bit, so my wedding rings may need to come off soon.
- I’m actually starting to think about what needs to get done before the baby gets here. So far on my list includes buying a dresser and washing some gender neutral newborn clothes. I’m sure I’ll add more to that list as time goes on.
- Baby Beni’s kicks & movements are even more awesome now, because Tim and I can see and feel little body parts poking around my bump and we love watching him/her roll around in there.
- I just made all of my doctor’s appointments for the rest of the pregnancy! Yikes. (And yes, there is a 41 week appointment on the books that I hope I won’t need to use, but my OB seems to think I’ll hit 41 weeks with Baby Beni, and I don’t disagree!)
I’m sure this list will get longer and longer as the weeks pass by. Right now I’m very thankful that I don’t have much rib pain (yet) and that I’m feeling great overall. I hope it continues on this way for quite a few more weeks! I love that people notice my bump and say such kind things to me. I also love that I continue to have energy to do most things I want to do. Even though the third trimester is not-so-comfortable sometimes, I really can’t complain.
In about 2 months (actually, my due date is exactly two months from today) we’ll be meeting our newest family member.
YIKES.
few more weeks girl and it’ll all be over! i remember when i couldnt cross my legs and i was super uncomfortable ha. you’re doing great!
I’m not sure I want it to all be over yet… I’m fairly certain I’m still more comfortable now than I will be once I’m sleep deprived and breastfeeding a newborn with a toddler crawling all over me! In about 8 weeks, though, I’ll probably be ready for the baby to come OUT. 😉
Wow I feel like it’s going super quickly, can’t believe only 2 more months! I definitely had the crop top issue, ugh — I guess that’s where the pants with the belly part come in, but I just gave up on tops and wore dresses + leggings (except when I had to wear scrubs… And my bare tummy definitely made several appearances at those times!!).
I *can* tell you that iron often does cause nausea… It also causes constipation, and then the constipation can make you feel nauseous. I took iron for like a week post-hemorrhage, then I just gave up bc I felt awful haha — not recommending you give up, but there are some things to help! Taking with some food can help the nausea (and with oranges or orange juice actually makes it absorb better so it works faster! Some other foods can block absorption and then you end up having to take more of the pills in the long run – is worth it to look up the food lists, it does make a difference!)… Also taking a stool softener, drinking plenty of water, getting some exercise, etc etc can help things move through… If none of that helps, could also be some acid reflux going on?
How do you and I both have crop-top type issues with our bellies when we’re so short (well, me more than you…)?! Maybe it’s because our bellies go further out than tall people?!
I’m now going to look up foods that block absorption… I knew Vitamin C helps absorption so was eating oranges with the iron, but I still don’t feel great most days, especially at night. Now I’m wondering if it’s a heartburn / acid reflux problem, because I have both of those lovely symptoms, too. Thankfully, no digestion problems (wait, are heartburn and acid reflux digestion problems?!) – so that’s one less thing to worry about!
So exciting!! And I appreciate that I can get ready for what’s to come 😉 Haha- I’m still in the easy/great 2nd trimester but I know the 3rd is coming quickly!
The second trimester is a thing of dreams and it sounds like you’re enjoying it – which is awesome!! It goes by so quickly.
I’m 35 weeks today. I’ve been very ‘proud’ and refused to take off my wedding ring. For what reason? I do not know. But Tuesday, I woke up at 1AM with my finger SWOLLEN and purple!! I tried for 1.5 hours to get it off, then woke my husband up, and he tried for an hour. We ended up at the ER and the dr had to cut my ring!! So sad…
35 weeks – almost there! Of course I say that to everyone over 30 weeks pregnant, and I know it could still be a while! But ohmygosh that story sounds horrible! Maybe I should take my rings off soon – YIKES. Will they be able to fix your ring?!
I love reading your pregnancy updates but so sorry you’re overall pretty uncomfortable 🙁 As for that driver, he was just stupid. It’s not safe to stop at a green light to let someone cross, even for overly nice Seattleites, not smart.
Uncomfortable I can deal with… I’m not in pain and I’m praising God for that! And I agree, the driver was a bit crazy to stop for me, but since it was a mostly empty intersection it was pretty drama-free 🙂 I appreciate the (what I’m assuming was) chivalry, though!
I’m so sorry you’re getting to the hard (again) part of pregnancy! The good news is you won’t be pregnant forever!!! Your comment about crop top maternity shirts made me giggle!
This is very true, no matter what, I will not be pregnant forever! (Praise the Lord for that!)
I am so happy for you, but SO HAPPY THIS IS BEHIND ME. I’ve only been not-pregnant for five weeks now, but reading this…I feel fantastic haha. You’re a champ for doing it twice!
Hahaha I feel ya!!! This is definitely nature’s way of prepping me to be excited about labor & delivery / life with a newborn! I’m not quite there yet, but I know it’s only going to get more uncomfortable every day!
I can definitely relate! I’m due a week after you. The end feels so close, but then again it feels so far away.
Oh gosh, you’ll probably have your baby ahead of me, I’m assuming I’ll make it to 41 weeks. Congrats and I hope you’re feeling awesome!
waaaaah, so crazy how close you’re getting! last time, third trimester “ugh” only hit me at 36 weeks, but I have a feeling it happens sooner the second time around! for the record, I think you look super cute pregnant right now too.
SO CLOSE YET SO FAR AWAY! I haven’t gotten to the SUPER uncomfortable stage (I think I hit it at maybe 38 or 39 weeks last time? I don’t even remember) but I’m definitely getting into the “hmmmm my belly keeps running into things and I can’t sit comfortably for a long period of time” stage. It definitely doesn’t help that I have a demanding toddler on my hands. Thanks for the kind words, friend! <3
Hey, we have just about the same due date – I’m due April 17…well, of course, whenever he feels like it more like. But oh man, do I relate to all of this. I am so sore. My whole pelvis hurts…I don’t even know what or why, but somewhere in there hurts. And rib pain. Ugh. I am so. done. And so far to go…this is my first, and he’ll be lucky if he gets siblings.
Ohmygoodness, you’re just one day ahead of me! We’ll have to see who goes into labor first… I bet you’ll “win” if Baby Beni is anything like his/her sister 😉 And I will say that pregnancy (for me) has been harder the second time around… so I’ll let you know if it’s worth it in the end – hahaha! I never had pelvis pain with the first one but am feeling a little heavier down there this time around, so I’m hoping that means this baby is lower, which would be a good thing! Do you have an IG handle that I can follow so I can see any cute bump/baby pics?! I love following moms who are due around the same time as me!
@caylacarpediem12 ! I haven’t posted much pregnancy stuff lately, I have a few friends who recently suffered miscarriages and it just doesn’t feel right to be posting. Mostly it ends up being cat pics haha but follow away!