35 Weeks Pregnant

35 weeks pregnant, 35 week update, 35 week baby bump, baby boy bump

The countdown is on, but I am guessing I still have plenty of time left until Pretzel makes an appearance as I don't seem to be in a rush to do much at all!  This fortnight his movements have definitely changed and it feels like he is running out of room.  I feel wiggles and nudges more than kicks and I can often make out a limb pushing against the front of my bump.

I never had Braxton Hicks with the other two boys, but I have been having them quite consistently for the last week or two, sometimes all day long and sometimes just in the evenings.  I don't find them painful at all, but my whole tummy goes hard for nearly a minute before relaxing again.  It was this that spurred me to actually start putting together a hospital bag as whether I was ready or not, it seems my body is getting ready to birth this baby.

I still haven't finished it, but the essentials are in a bag along with a list of what else I need to pack.  I have also hung up the new clothes we have bought for him in the wardrobe, despite the fact that you can't really get to his wardrobe because of all the other 'stuff' in the room.  Next week's task is to clear it out, build some furniture and start making it a calm space for us both. 

My wardrobe has moved more towards leggings that jeans as I am finding under bump don't stay up thanks to the heavy low bump, and overbump dig in so uncomfortably thanks to the sheer size of me.  I remember hitting this stage with Archie and digging out the summer dresses to then cover in layers as they were the only thing that fits.  

My bladder is not coping as well in the day times and I think little pretzel sees it as some kind of squeezy toy.  Some days I seem to be popping to the loo every 30 minutes but thankfully I never have to get up in the night.  In fact, other than the fact I am not going to bed anywhere near early enough, I am sleeping well thanks to the right pillow combination.  

As for cravings, the need for cheese is dying down and being replaced by chocolate - mostly creme eggs although I will take anything!  I certainly haven't lost my appetite and can still eat as much as ever.  

At my 34 week midwife appointment bump was measuring on the larger side and my personalised growth chart predicted he was around 7lb that day.  I am not expecting a small baby but it will be interesting to see how accurate it is.  I had my whooping cough jab as well which was thankfully not too bad and we are all set for another delivery at the midwife led unit providing baby stays put until at least 37 weeks and things keep progressing well.

I am definitely finding myself more inclined to sit on the sofa in the afternoons that run around after the boys and they are watching more TV than I ever imagined, with a film going on most afternoons but I am finding the hormones make me extra stressed, especially when I am tired, and everyone seems happy with our new routine.  Every afternoon we curl up on the sofa and the boys fall asleep on me, their heads resting on their baby brother - hopefully we can find something more comfortable when he arrives!

Despite this pregnancy definitely getting harder as I get bigger, I am in no rush for baby pretzel to arrive.  I love my big bump, feeling him wriggle and imagining how he will look and who he will be.  I like having the right number of hands for children and our life as a family of four.  I am so excited for our new addition but he can stay inside a few more weeks.