For those who want an honest and realistic picture of pregnancy, birth and raising three kids, then take a look at my #pregnancydiary and feel free get in touch with any comments, questions or suggestions.
I'm now in the last trimester of my third (and final!) pregnancy. After four months of morning sickness, I started to enjoy pregnancy and there are a few things I'm definitely going to miss:
Letting it all hang out
Pregnancy is the only time you can make a feature of your stomach. It's the only time I can wear Bodycon dresses without worrying about whether my stomach is flat enough.
Body confidence
I've never felt more confident about my body than when I am pregnant. I know some women feel the opposite but pregnancy is the only time I get curves in the right places. It's nice to experience what cleavage is...for the third time in my life! If only they stayed this way forever... sigh
Good hair
The pregnancy hormones are doing wonders for my hair. I'm really not looking forward to when it turns into two strands of straw after I have the baby.
-Hair Today Gone Tomorrow
Getting a seat on the tube
When I was pregnant for what seemed like two years in a row, I became so used getting a seat on the morning rush hour tube that I thought that was how life was always going to be. It was a real slap in the face when I went back after maternity leave and had to stand under someone's armpit for half an hour. Not looking forward to doing that again!
Making more friends
A baby bump is definitely an ice breaker. So many people ask about when I'm due and whether it's my first baby, and so on. Other mums and even dads are always ready to share their own birth stories and I'm always interested to hear them.
Being made a fuss of
I've got colleagues who offer to bring me a footstool to make me more comfortable, and friends who insist on buying me lunch because they feel they're "looking after the baby". Plus my husband goes on supermarket missions because I have a craving for Tunnock's Tea Cakes (if you don't know then get to know!). I don't really expect any extra attention from anyone but I have to admit it's nice being fussed over. Now bring on the baby shower!
Maternity jeans
I LOVE my skinny over the bump maternity jeans. There's an elasticated bump band that goes almost to under my arms. But it means no longer having to hold my jeans up with uncomfortable belts that cut into my tummy when I sit down. And no more worrying about builders bum situations when I bend over. Also, that elasticated band expands when my tummy does, unlike normal jeans that can't cope with the strain of Christmas dinner.
Eating what I like
I'm still on a healthy vibe because that's the kind of food I like eating and I don't feel comfortable about feeding my unborn child total crap. However, I have relaxed a bit and if I develop an obsession for almond croissants or Tea cakes then I go with it. Those maternity jeans are very forgiving.
Minimum body hair
Like many women, I spent a lot of time and money getting rid of unwanted body hair. During this pregnancy I've had my legs and arms waxed once and the hair has hardly grown back. Not sure what's going on with my bikini line as I can't quite see it but I'm hoping that's also under control.
No periods
It's nice not having to bother with pads, tampons and the cramps and grossness that comes with a monthly period. Of course contractions are a thousand times more painful than menstrual cramps but nine months without a period is an OK consolation I guess. By the time it comes to the birth I'll have forgotten what a period is. It'll be a real shock when I have to switch to disposable underwear after the birth and endure several weeks of bleeding!
Growing a life inside me
Its so amazing the way the baby develops and grows in the womb. Every time I am pregnant I feel quite goddess-like and empowered in the knowledge that I'm contributing to the miracle of life. And there really is no other excitement than waiting to see the person that you have been growing inside you for the past 9 months.
Taking my baby everywhere with me
Right now my baby has all the warmth and food it needs. It does what it likes when it likes and I can transport it around with me without worrying about nappy changes and whether or not it's time for a feed. I can't wait to meet my baby but I will miss keeping it cosy in my tummy and feeling it's little kicks.
