The Síle Seoige pregnancy diary: I adore my bump but feel like a baby elephant

At weeks 33 and 34, my bump is now at truly epic proportions.

I got my first bout of heartburn and my footwear of choice (as in, the only ones that currently fit!) are flip flops. I adore my bump but I‘ve started to waddle and I’m more baby elephant than fertility goddess these days. Honestly, it seems as though I have lost all definition from the knee down; my legs just melt into my feet. It’s extremely attractive! I think I simply need to accept that I will have elephantiasis of the feet until baby is born. I’ve been told that the fluid will drain away afterwards… here’s hoping! As the temperatures have been high again recently, I’ve been putting ice in everything, in my water, my (decaf) coffee, I even throw a handful of cubes into the basin I soak my feet in at night before bed to try and relieve the swelling. I have never loved pillows as much as I do now. For sitting or sleeping, I’m all about the comfort, or trying to get comfy these days. One night I had to sleep practically sitting up in the bed as heartburn was bothering me. Luckily it was only for a few nights though and despite having a few uncomfortable days with the dreaded pregnancy symptom, it went again. Fingers crossed it doesn’t come back. I found out that baby is currently in OP position or ‘back to back’ so I have been making an extra effort with some yoga positions to encourage baby to move into a more comfortable position and ultimately a better one for labour. Time will tell. I’ve also signed up to use the birthing pool in The Coombe; the only birthing pool in the three Dublin maternity hospitals. Right now, I still meet the criteria to use it (there are a number of conditions) so hopefully it continues that way. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much, just in case it’s not free when the time comes; I would imagine most other mums-to-be want to get into the pool room too. But I would absolutely love if I was lucky enough. Even now, being in water, be it my bath at home or the pool in my nearby gym, feels so good. Our antenatal classes wrapped up this week too and I have to say they were great each and every week. Kathy the midwife who ran them, was fantastic. Funny, warm, and full of great advice. The last two classes were all about breastfeeding, nappy changing and what to do/to expect, when you get home from hospital. Now, all I need to do is to remember it all! This week's recommendations 1) Check out apps There are so many different apps available and lots that are free; from weekly pregnancy updates to labour techniques and pelvic floor exercise reminders. As most of us already know, practicing meditation has so many benefits but if you struggle with silent meditation but you want to be more present, build your confidence and simply chill out, then this app could be just the thing for you. It’s called Mind The Bump, it’s free, easy to use and could help you relax and feel empowered about the upcoming birth of your lil bundle. 2) Be a bookworm As they say, information is power so I am lapping up all I can pregnancy and baby-related. I have gone from reading a myriad of pregnancy books to wanting to prepare for labour as best I can. I’m currently reading, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth given to me by my sis-in-law and I’m loving it. Ina May Gaskin is known as ‘the mother of authentic midwifery’ and all round legend when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, and this book is a wonderfully empowering read, filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice. A must read for anyone wanting to have a natural delivery. 3) Baby stuff We’ve started to get some big baby purchases and it feels good to finally get prepared. This week we got a pushchair with all the bits and we are absolutely chuffed with it. Seeing it in our kitchen makes the fact that we’ll be mommy and daddy in a few weeks all the more real. Right then, I’m off to make myself another pint of iced water! See you next week with my ‘can I get any bigger?’ 35 week update. Big love,  Síle xxx  PS Follow me on... Instagram Twitter