EAT. SLEEP. PEE. REPEAT.

So I’m now 26 weeks – almost at the seven-month mark. Bear is the size of a butternut squash and I feel like a potato. 

So what delights have I experienced this week?
 
Four of the less glamorous pregnancy symptoms I have enjoyed this week are:

1. The need to pee
2. Varicose veins
3. Heartburn
4. Appetite increase, also known as – I AM HUNGRY ALL THE TIME

 
1. The need to pee every half an hour started in the first trimester, settled a little and now is back with a vengeance. According to the Ovia app (would 100% recommend this app to anyone wanting to get pregnant and going through pregnancy), ‘frequent urination is a problem that affects women throughout their pregnancy.’ Mainly because Bear and my womb are pressing against my bladder and encouraging the need to pee. This can be particularly challenging when I am out walking the dog and I need to go. You may all judge me and this may be TMI (sorry mum), but I had to go in a bush a few weeks ago. The bush was in a very secluded area of a country park where nobody was around I must add but it was still a ‘what am I doing with my life?’ moment.  Especially when my dog thinks I am playing hide and seek and tries to find me. But when you gotta go – you gotta go….I have a feeling that will not be my last un-dignified moment during pregnancy. It is also a challenge throughout the night. Whoever designed the patch house we are living in at the moment thought it would be a good idea to have the toilet downstairs. Great when I am downstairs and need the loo – not so much when I am in bed and it’s 3 in the morning. Having to go 3 times a night is a joy. Especially as our bed is very low and because I now sleep with a pregnancy pillow and I am starting to resemble the Fat Controller from Thomas the Tank, I have to do some kind of commando crawl to get out of bed. So I basically look like a cow who has got stuck on its back and can’t get up.

2. Next symptom is varicose veins. (This is due to the massive increase in blood circulation throughout your body while you are pregnant – thanks Ovia!) A couple seem to have appeared on the backs of my legs, which make me feel and look even more attractive and sexy. To be honest, I shouldn’t complain – I’m just thankful I haven’t got haemorrhoids - yet. 

3. Heartburn. Not much to say here apart from no amount of Rennies is shifting this mother f****r. Drinking milk helps…a little. If you have any other tips – please share! 

​4. Being hungry all the time. I know people say when you’re pregnant - ‘you are not eating for two’, or 'you actually only need to eat an extra apple or day' – or something ridiculous like that. But I don’t see how that is possible. Yes, I know some women may not want to eat everything in sight – but I do. My appetite is insatiable. And if I get really hungry, I feel sick. I need to eat. I am basically like a Gremlin – I need food all the time. Yes, I am eating fruit, veg and trying to be as healthy as possible – but I am also eating a full pack of custard creams and a large slab of chocolate in one sitting (without breathing). It’s all about balance right? My appetite, although not every day, is pretty monstrous. Because you know what, I AM EATING FOR TWO!! 

Starting today, every week I thought I would let you all know my high/low of the week, product of the week and what exercise, if any, I have managed to do. So here it goes!
 
High of the week: Feeling Bear kick more. The other night it was like he/she having a little party in my belly. I know I whinge on about my pregnancy symptoms, but moments like that make it all worthwhile. And I feel very blessed.

Low of the week: Missing the hubby loads. But on to the home stretch.

Pregnancy Rage: I didn’t really have any rage towards anyone specifically this week – more a kitchen utensil. I really wanted tuna jacket potato and as I was opening my can of tuna – my can opener broke. WHAT THE? This tipped me over the edge. I put my head in my hands and actually yelled quite loudly – OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!! And then cried. I tell you – pregnancy rage is real – nobody is safe, even kitchen utensils. 

Product of the week: Pregnancy pillow – or giant tooth as my husband calls it. I got one of these early into my pregnancy and it has been a game changer, especially as I start to feel more uncomfortable.

Advice of the week: “Do not follow fit pregnant women on Instagram – they are not real.” I imagined (and secretly hoped) that I would be one of those women who has a neat little bump and is still toned everywhere else – but that aint happening. Following fit pregnant women on Instagram is a mistake. DO NOT DO IT. They make me feel like I am failing in life. Slightly dramatic – but true. P.s If you are one of those amazing fit pregnant women – I am not judging; just wish I was you.

Exercise: Saying that, I am trying to keep up exercising as much as possible. I have done yoga, CrossFit, as well as walking the dog every day this week. (Check me out!)

Cravings: Oranges (this has been throughout my pregnancy – can’t get enough) and Toffee Crisps.
 
Anyway, best dash – need a wee! As always, love to hear all about your own experiences - they won't go in the fuck-it bucket, I promise!

Faye x