Those pesky scales!

I weighed myself the other day. BIG MISTAKE. I vowed not to weigh myself until after the baby was born as I had a mini-meltdown during my first trimester when I stepped on the scales. And yes, my weight gain should be the last thing on my mind as it’s all about a healthy baby – but I would be lying to say that I have not struggled with the changing shape of my body. They say if you were classed as a 'normal weight' pre-pregnancy, on average you put on one-and-a-half to to two-and-a-half stone throughout your pregnancy. I have passed that and still 7 weeks to go! But I’m thinking my boobs must weigh about one stone each – so really I’ve put on a stone. That’s not too bad. There is just so much pressure on women to look a certain way during/after pregnancy – especially when you see pictures of gorgeous celebs with a tiny bump who snap back into shape in weeks shoved in front of you on daily basis. But at the end of the day, as my husband said – “you are carrying a baby!” I haven’t just had too many pies. I have been exercising, staying as active as I can, eating healthy – but also giving into my cravings at the same time. This is obviously just the way my body responds to pregnancy. Some women will put on a huge amount of weight, some women won’t. And it’s all okay. It’s an amazing thing my body is going through – and I feel so lucky – but it doesn’t stop the tears or the days where I look in the mirror and think – JESUS CHRIST. But I am determined to just keep on exercising, be as active as I can but still eat chocolate when I want and just enjoy the rest of my pregnancy. If there is one time you cannot feel guilty for putting on weight – it is when you’re pregnant. So pass me the cake!

I’m waddling into my 33rd week now and baby is the size of a cauliflower. I can feel the little rascal booting me in my ribs now. I had a midwife appointment last week and all is well and Bear is growing nicely. I’m lucky as living in Scotland, they have introduced a baby box which I have just sent off for. It really should be something all women get - wherever they are in the world. It’s fantastic and full of some much-needed items and the premise behind it is that all babies are given a good start in life, so I’m excited for that to arrive.

My husband and I also attended out first antenatal class this weekend. I go to relaxation classes separately but these classes are specifically to talk about Labour, the Early Days and Breastfeeding. This week was on Labour. What was great was the midwife really focused on what the partners should be doing throughout each stage of labour (feed, water, emotional and physical support, make sure I go to the loo). Most of the men to start with looked like rabbits in headlights but they seemed to be reassured along the way. My husband said, although I knew some of the answers to the questions the midwife was asking, I didn’t come across as a 'know-it-all twat', so that was nice of him to say. We also had a look round the labour suite and saw the birthing pool; which was exciting. I have decided that I will be (as long as baby is healthy) having the baby at my local hospital (five minutes from me) – which is completely midwife-led. I felt to start with I was (not intentionally) made to panic a bit from others who made me think – ‘what if something goes wrong and you have to be transferred to the nearby hospital where doctors are on hand?’ Also, what happens if I want all the drugs? (No epidural available at this hospital). But I feel calm, excited and want to remain positive. A short ambulance ride will not be the end of the world. And plus, my husband (as long as he makes the labour!) will be able to stay the night with me and the baby in my local hospital, which I think is amazing.
 
We’ve been thinking about names along the way and have a few ideas for boys and girls – but still seem to be more stuck on a girl’s name than a boy’s name. One of the baby name books I have offered some advice on picking a name:

1. Fall in love with the names you’ve chosen.
2. Try it out – e.g. Keep saying the name out loud
3. Don’t listen to other people – We are not telling people our chosen names as it is a lot harder for someone to say they don’t like a name when the baby is here. And some people are so forthright with their options on names I know I’d get pregnancy rage and end up punching someone if they didn't like a name we liked. 
4. Find a name with meaning - We have told people the chosen middle name if we have a boy. My husband would like the middle name to be after a Marine friend of his who passed away last year.
5. Don’t pick the name of an ex. As if? I have already fully stalked my husband’s past girlfriend’s so that won’t be happening.

 
So what are my highs and lows of the week?

High of the week: Last weekend we had a little going away party/baby shower for one of my friends on the patch. We all had great fun playing this game - Porn or Labour? My husband got them all right in seconds. Have a go! (Mum don't be traumatised).

Low of the week: Getting on those scales…never again.
 
Pregnancy rage: Remember when I said my husband was drinking last weekend? Well he woke me up at 2am lying on the doorstep, covered in mud. That was fun.
 
Product of the week: I could not resist this! ​https://www.patpat.com 

Advice of the week: 'Do not weigh yourself.' Need I say more?
 
Exercise: Mainly walking this week - been so tired and really out of breath. 
 
Cravings: Pancakes - I had six for breakfast yesterday. With fruit I may add.

So that's me for this week! If you have any ideas for baby's names - please let me know - especially girls! TIA.

​Faye x