The Last Leg (cramp).
Well, I’ve almost made it. Another week and she’ll (maybe?) be here. So annoying that you really can’t predict much of anything in these last few weeks, besides crippling waves of anxiety and adrenaline. At my appointment two weeks ago I had actually progressed some (nope, not gonna share that here, TMI), but no contractions yet. I have another appointment tomorrow and hopefully get some idea of what’s coming. I just wish I knew how much time I have left to get all my list done!
Anyway. Third Trimester. It’s no joke. It’s a weird one. It was crazy watching the weeks fly by meanwhile the uncomfortable days and hours got slower and slower. I started out this trimester feeling pretty great, especially most of December. I stopped exercising beyond short distances of walking on the advice of my doctor and it made a big difference. Holiday candy and two weeks vacation may have had something to do with it, too.
January was ok, I guess. Nesting mode hit me like a freight train so I was really productive with pregnancy stuff, but really tired and procratinate-y otherwise. I finally felt like “pregnancy brain” hit me – I locked my keys in my car at school and The Beard had to come rescue me. Twice I actually checked my blind spot to change lanes and somehow failed to see there was a car there, luckily both parties noticing before it got too dangerous. I left my leather jacket in Mi Rancherito and had to run back in for it. I woke up at 4 am in pain one time and took a Tylenol PM (!!!!) instead of the regular Tylenol. Super fun day. I wore a (tagless, thankfully) sweater inside out for an entire day of school without noticing. I’ll ask The Beard the same question 5x and still not listen or remember his answer. Lord beer us strength.
First and only real craving happened last week… pancakes. (???) I don’t do breakfast food. I don’t do pancakes but MAN did I CRUSH those IHOP pancakes like it was my J-O-B. I still want some.
The main focus of this trimester, as you’re about to see with my 3rd Trimester Faves is total comfort. It just kind of seems like the level of discomfort in your life increases at a slow and constant rate during this last stretch, and you need to do whatever you can to combat it!
Comfy, Plush Robe – I actually got this one from Victoria’s Secret during my first trimester and have been wearing it the whole time, but MAN. Treat yo self to a nice, grown-up robe ladies.
Lightweight, Drapey Hoodies – I have two, both from Old Navy, and they are the best. Giant hoodies make me feel like I’m swimming in lava after about 5 minutes and my cutesy, half-zip Pink hoodies stretch and strain around the belly. These are perfect for throwing on and feeling comfy without being gross.
Post-it Notes – EVERYWHERE. I even have the cute little flag ones that counted down my remaining days of school, remaining weeks and now days of pregnancy! Having them on my mirror helped me remember that every day counts. They’re also great for remembering all the stuff you’re gonna forget to do. #pregnancybrain
Wunderlist – I’m obsessed with this app now. Multiple lists, prioritizing, adding notes and due dates for tasks… it’s a Type A dream! With so much to do in these last few weeks this became absolutely necessary and so helpful, as I could access it from the app or on the web.
Shaving Cream – I refuse to give up on shaving my legs, even if it’s winter and I can’t touch my toes. Now that doesn’t mean they are all that smooth. I have resorted to shaving cream in the bathtub, and the acrobatics that come with it are just insane. Still, it helps me feel feminine and in control of my body… at least a little.
Loose Combat Boots and Slippers – The Beard got me the shiniest, prettiest red Hunter boots for Christmas and they just make me smile. Squeezing my bloated, fat, pregnant legs into them just makes me cry. Same goes for many of my usual knee-high boots. I can handle them for a few hours, but they are by no means comfy and they make me feel gross. No. Thanks. I’ve been opting for my loosely-laced combat boots and rubber-soled moccasins/slippers.
Prenatal Massage – I went to Amara Day Spa this week and it was pretty awesome. I mean, it’s embarrassing that this chic blonde masseuse has to see (and TOUCH) my crazy cellulite and super fun stretch marks. It was really, REALLY nice though to just loosen up and feel like a human being for an hour, instead of the baby factory identity I assume most of the time.
One thought on “3rd Trimester: The Final Stretch(mark)”
I wish I had had a prenatal massage…make sure you also get a postnatal massage…you’ll want one (I still want one!)