Pregnancy Update: 17-19 weeks

I will probably start every update with the words 'I can't believe I am ... weeks', haha. Honestly... It feels like I just had my dating scan, but I am 19 weeks pregnant today! Whaaaat? My bump is growing and I can feel the baby move properly at least once/twice a day. It's just amazing and just as magical as the first time, although I have less time to think about it. Also... I am absolutely terrified of labour, because I now know what to expect. I don't think it can be worse than the last time though.... 

I keep having nightmares and panic attacks at night, dreaming about being in labour and dying. I know that it is a different experience for everyone, but I swear... when I was in labour, I was convinced I was dying and I can't even describe the pain I was in. Pain doesn't even cover it. It was unbearable (fiy, I have a high pain threshold). I promised to talk about it more in a separate post and I definitely will, but I just want to check my notes from Zachary's birth at my next midwife appointment to confirm my blurred memories. It didn't even feel real and I wasn't fully there. The only thing I know for sure is being in agony from 9 am to 11pm. Oh my...

Anyway... I am starting to feel a bit better after another long illness. Just when I though I was feeling better, my chest infection and sinusitis came back with a vengeance and I just recovered from it. Basically, I have been ill since Christmas, with only a couple of 'normal days'. The pregnancy is messing with my immune system, despite me eating lots of superfoods and all the good stuff... Zachary has been better for full 2 weeks, finally able to enjoy nursery for a bit longer and I was hoping we are now immune to every disease nursery has to offer, but my poor little boy woke up with a cough and a runny nose today again :( Boooo! I just hope it's not as bad as the last time.

How far along? 19 weeks.

Size of the baby? Baby is the size of a grapefruit.

Total weight gain: Nothing so far, although I noticed 2-4lbs changes. One morning I will be 2-4lbs heavier and two days later I am 2-4 lbs down again. Obviously it just depends on what and how much I ate that day, my water intake etc. I am still eating really well though, with occasional treats. 

Maternity clothes? Yep. Leggings and maternity t-shirts are my go to combo.

Stretch marks? No new ones yet, just hundreds of old ones.

Sleep? Ok, but it could be better. I normally sleep on my belly and it is becoming an issue. I keep rolling over onto my tummy, putting pressure on my uterus and bladder, waking up for a wee or just in discomfort :(

Best moments this week: Listening to baby's heart beat on my Angel Sounds monitor. We found it while clearing out the garage. I used it when I was pregnant with Zachary and it is just lovely! I might actually review it.

Miss anything? Same as last time - sleeping comfortably on my tummy. 

Movement? I am noticing it more now (once or twice a day), but I can't wait to feel regular kicks, turns and hiccups! I was feeling stronger movement at this stage with my first baby, so I am assuming that it's due to being much heavier this time and having extra fat on my tummy. I wonder if I will be able to see and feel as much movement this time. The last time was like having an alien inside me, haha. Seriously, it was freaky! And awesome obviously!

Cravings? I was craving a Polish cake called 'Krowka' so I just had to make it. I cheated though and made a lazy version.You can see it here.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not anymore :) Yay!

Gender? We will find out on the 9th of April at my 20week scan (well, I will be almost 21 weeks)

Labour signs? Nope.

Symptoms? My hips keep popping when I walk, especially during long walks!!! It's sooo weird! I really hope that it's my body preparing for child birth properly. I haven't experienced it the last time and my pelvis wasn't wide enough to push Zachary out and he simply got stuck. 

 Belly button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off?  Off.

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy.

Looking forward to: Finding out baby's gender! I can't wait!

Sandra xo