Pregnant with a Peppercorn // 35 weeks pregnant

It’s been a rather eventful week for Master Peppercorn… the start of the week began slowly, with nothing exciting to report other than sleepless nights (and let’s face it – they’re pretty dull), but as the week drew to an end it seemed as though Baby might be thinking about making an early entrance into the world.

I saw the Community Midwife on Thursday, which you can read more about here, to book my Home Birth. To my surprise (and slight horror) she said Peppercorn was engaged, and talked me through the protocol if he comes early – I can have my Home Birth from 37 weeks, but any earlier (even 36+6) and I’ll have to go into hospital to labour. Boo. Hiss. Anyway, Thursday left me feeling excited and buoyant once more about bringing this little chap into the world.

I woke up in the early hours of Friday morning with rather painful lower back cramps; the only way I can describe them is that they felt like period pains, and any pregnant lady in the late third trimester will know that these are considered one of the early signs of labour. I got up to pee and to read to Busby (who had woken up around the same time), and then tried to get back to sleep. I finally managed to drift back into dreamland about 7am, with fitful dreams about my waters breaking, and continued to have these cramps. They eased a bit in the morning, but came in fits and starts throughout the day. Nick came home from work so I could have a rest as was feeling rather sick and dizzy by lunchtime, and was a little concerned that I might collapse in front of Busby. I’ve had periods of these cramps on and off over the weekend too, but nothing like Friday. Every day I wake up, panicking that my waters have broken over our new mattress, so I really need to sort out a protective cover…!!! Baby hasn’t made his arrival yet, but I’ve got a feeling he will be here sooner rather than later. Fingers crossed he doesn’t decide to make his grand entrance at the wedding we’re attending next weekend!

This week Peppercorn is approximately 46cm long and weighs about 2.4kg – the same as a honeydew melon. I certainly feel bigger this week, and my bump is on the increase! I’m measuring on 36 weeks according to the Midwife, and I’ve definitely got my waddle-on now.

I’ve been craving pineapple juice this week, which is all good for cervix softening and labour preparation! I’ve also wanted yoghurt, cherries, strawberries, mango and salmon (not together), and my hand has been delving deeply into our fridge fruit and veg drawer regularly during the day!

We still haven’t built the Snüzpod crib we’ve (very kindly) been gifted from Little Green Sheep, nor have I written my birth plan, or bought anything in preparation for the Home Birth… We’re calling next Monday Maternity Monday in our household and are going shopping to buy everything we’ll need e.g. newborn nappies, maternity pads, shower curtains, soft fluffy towels for Baby etc. I also need to plan the cakes I’ll be making for the Home Birth, get Nick to paint my toe nails, and book a haircut! All equally as important as the prior, of course.
Hannah

Nominations for the MAD Blog Awards are still open until Wednesday 27th May 2015, and I would love a cheeky vote in the Best Pregnancy Blog category (pretty please)! Just click the button below to nominate, and I shall repay your kindness and generosity in adorable newborn photos once Peppercorn has arrived!