But, to update:
Seriously, this is not my body. Well, it is, in its most extreme form. I've always had issues with circulation, so I kind of saw some things coming. And, other things..well, they're just par for the course, I suppose.
Apparently carpal tunnel syndrome (which is common in about 20% of all pregnancies) has reared its ugly head. I saw my chiropractor this morning, and he informed me that it is a matter of circulation, and where there is normally a very small opening for circulation in the wrist, the fluid retention is causing that to be next to nil. Needless to say, some yoga positions have been painful to the point of nearly collapsing within a pose, and sleeping on my left side (the side recommended in pregnancy) causes enough tingling and numbness to wake me up several times a night, due to the fact that it's worse on my left side than my right. My left thumb is pretty much in a constant state of tingling/numbness throughout the day.
My feet are up to a size and a half larger (according to shoe sizes). I used to be comfortable in 7 1/2 - 8, and now 9's are standard issue. And, any constriction - any whatsoever - is so uncomfortable! I have a pair of sandals that are relatively comfortable, but they have straps that are somewhat binding...well, an hour (if that) in those shoes, and the fluid in my feet puddle up and around the straps, making my feet look like a play-doh fun factory. And, the bottoms of my feet are always hot and tight. Always.
Other than the circulation, I'm finding that the size of my belly (already!) is making maneuvering difficult, particularly in bed. I really do feel like I'm carrying around a basketball (a very heavy one) on the front of my body. My tummy isn't necessarily the size of a basketball yet, but apparently my uterus is, and I can definitely feel it when I'm laying down, trying to get into a comfortable position, or getting out of bed 3-4 times a night to pee. I can feel the weight in my lower back as well as on my pelvic region. That makes doing a lot of everyday activities difficult and tiresome.
I am the sweat machine! Particularly my armpits. No amount of antiperspirant works (I try to limit my use of that anyways), and it just isn't feasible to try and "powder" the pits - not only is it messy, it just doesn't stay dry for more than 10 minutes. Between my legs, my ass crack, where the boobs meet the belly..you name it, it's sweaty. Ewe.
My nipples are...not my nipples. They've tripled..maybe even quadrupled in size (the areola, that is), and since about the 2nd month I've had some crusties from leaking colostrum. Not enough to notice through the bra, mind you. Though, last night I experienced a leak on the bed for the first time. It may be time to pick up some reusable breast pads. Might as well stock up.
I am almost immediately affected by too much sugar, not enough water, pushing my body too hard, and nearly anything else involving my physiology.
Alas, with all of this extra blood circulating through my veins, I do have a nice, rosy glow most of the time. Especially with the weather being as warm as it's been. My hair is growing rapidly, making it difficult to NOT chop it again - which I may just do before mid Summer. But, if I decide to keep growing it, I'm off to a good start. And, my chubby little fingers just keep growing long, strong nails that I have to keep trimmed or they'll poke an eye out.
All in all, I really do love being pregnant. I love feeling this life in my belly, and seeing it grow and change the shape of my body. I'm enjoying learning about the process of birth, and may have even discovered a new path for myself, in the area of becoming a doula, or in some capacity attempting to educate women about the beautiful, natural process of birth and becoming a mama.
An update on other stuff:
Bradley Method Classes
Michael and I are nearly done with the Bradley classes (last class is July 6th). I'm so glad we took this course. We've learned so much, and having met our teachers has proven to be a beneficial addition to our lives. I think we may have a doula, or at the very least some long term friends, from this, as well as a better understanding of the labor/delivery process. We'll have over 2 months left until the birth once we're done, but we may go back for some refreshers toward the end. Having that time will allow us the chance to really focus on our birth plan and to practice the relaxation techniques we want to take with us into birth.
Birth Center Opening Up
There is a birth center opening up in St. Louis Park, and we're hoping to get into it if they're open in time. They were supposed to have been open already, and I'm not sure what the hold up is, but we're hoping to meet with the woman running it at one of Blooma's Monday night parenting/childbirth collectives. (currently, our Bradley class is on Monday's, so we'll have to wait just a couple more weeks) If you're unfamiliar with what a "birth center" is, it's more or less the closest thing you can get to the comfort of your own home, and anything but the typical "hospital" setting for giving birth. A nice compromise, considering they're far more likely to be covered under insurance than a home birth, because they're usually affiliated with a hospital.
Classes, classes and more classes!
We'll be attending plenty of classes pretty soon, and I'm glad we're starting now. Everything from breast feeding to child CPR to infant massage. I will, of course, be checking in with my local Le Leche League. And, we're doing a hospital tour of Fairview Riverside (just in case the birth center isn't open in time). This hospital is where the midwives at Fairview Womens Clinic (our prenatal clinic) deliver.
Yoga
The best thing I've done for myself, and I think, for the baby and birthing process. I heart Blooma! What a wonderful place, I can't say enough about it. Sarah Longacre has really hit something with what she's created there. She's a doula herself, having attended hundreds of births, and really understands the body and the birthing process. She is a phenominal yoga instructor, and very enocouraging of mama's to find their inner strength and wisdom for giving birth. I leave her classes feeling a little more empowered each time.
I feel I'm really ready - kind of excited, even - for the birth, thanks to yoga, the Bradley classes, and lots of research. I'm going to trust my body and my baby to do what is natural and whatever it is we're meant to do..together!
And, here's the bump at 28 weeks! Not much different than at 26, though I'm feeling much fuller, far earlier in the day. Once I start eating and drinking, I can really tell there's less room in there. Baby is continuing to move like crazy. Though, we did have a bit of a scare yesterday. Okay, I had a moment of paranoia that led me to realize just how overwhelmed I am by the idea of having this life depend on me. But my beautiful husband came through and helped me to calm down and not panic. I had been busy-busy for about a day and a half, hardly sitting long enough to really feel for Jellybean and watch my tummy like I typically do. I was convinced there was next to NO normal movement for close to 24 hours. Alas, today, baby is back in action.
The next time you see, or talk to, my husband, praise him for his patience and kindness, and tell him how wonderful a father he will be, for if he can deal with all my complaining about the above business (and then some - don't get me started on the heat!), and my weepy worrying, he'll shine as a parental unit.
