When I was younger it was the ‘Glenroe’ theme tune that marked the end of a Sunday night and signaled bedtime. As soon as I’d hear the familiar music, I knew it wouldn’t be long before my mum or dad started roaring at me to get into bed.
Those memories came gushing back this week, when I realised I had fallen into the habit of being in bed before the news anchor on the RTÉ News had even said “good evening.” And so, it’s back with a bang, that fatigue I felt in the early stages of pregnancy. I am EXHAUSTED. I’m sleeping at least 10 hours at night but I still wake up feeling like I’ve partied until dawn. My midwife’s advice is to get all the rest I can before the baby comes, as apparently there won’t be much downtime then!
We’re now in the third and final trimester of pregnancy and the countdown is truly on. Our baby boy now weighs over 2lbs and is around the size of an eggplant. As with all other pregnant women, my visits to the doctor must now take place every two weeks (until week 36 when it becomes every week).
Our baby clothes are still lying in bags in the spare room and I’ve promised myself that I will have everything ready by week 32. I’ve already started nagging my husband about fixtures and fittings and see loose wires or sharp corners more acutely now than ever. I’m ready to concede that our house is neither child-friendly nor child-proof and there’s a lot to tackle in the coming weeks. I’m already lamenting the fact that I’ll have to give up my spacious wardrobe and share one with my hubby, but given that I won’t be fitting into any of my beloved designer clothes for quite some time again, it’s not as difficult to let go.
I feel the weight a lot more these days and find that sitting for long periods aggravates my back. I have a desk job so I know I must be driving them mental getting up every 30 minutes or so to move around. Luckily most people are understanding, and if not I just point them in the direction of the bump, where I now apportion blame without a moment’s thought!
Stay with us every week for more from ‘Big Belly’ as she continues her pregnancy adventure.
