Finally, at 38 weeks the final stretch was here! I was more than ready to get pregnancy over and done with by this point. I was so excited to meet my baby boy after all those months of growing him and waiting. The constant pain, discomfort and tiredness made me keen to just to the end goal!
baby bump
Baby #2: Bump Pictures and Weeks 12-20
TW: Miscarriage¦ I’m now half way through my pregnancy and half way through the second trimester! Sadly, I don’t have the energy people told me I’d have once the first trimester passed. However, the good news is that I have found the energy to write about the first half of the 2nd trimester today. Bizarrely, I’ve been able to write it in one go, which is virtually unheard of these days (hooray!) So, here’s how it’s going, as well as some bump photos!
Baby #2: Bump pictures and the trials of my first trimester
TW: Miscarriage¦ It feels a little odd writing this blog post now, as I’ve now reached 19 weeks! However, I didn’t dare to write it when I was in my first trimester. I’d started writing about the first trimester with my second pregnancy, when it ended in miscarriage. This time round I’ve been cautious and perhaps a little superstitious. Nevertheless, the time has now come to reflect on those first 12 weeks and share them, along with some early bump pics!
How to make a cast of your baby bump
When I was pregnant with Autumn, I saw lots of photos on the internet of women who had made plaster casts of their pregnant bellies. I thought it would be a lovely reminder of my bump and thought it would be amusing to wear in the future to see how big my bump was, (it was HUGE, I can barely believe it when I place it against myself now). Lots of women online also paint beautiful designs on theirs. Mine is still just plain at the moment, but I’d like to do something with it in the future.
Lots of places online sell kits for doing this and they often retail at around £15, but you can do it much more cheaply! All you need to do is buy some plaster of paris bandage rolls and some petroleum jelly. We managed to get these rolls from our local craft shop for a little over £1 each roll. I’m petite and two rolls just about made a cast of my bump, so for most women I’d probably recommend getting three rolls – you’ve still probably saved about £10!
Postpartum body – a husband’s perspective
After having a child, I think many women have body confidence issues. Even if you fit back into your pre-pregnancy jeans soon afterwards, it’s unlikely that you’re the same body shape. I’m not convinced anyone goes back to being just the way they were. That’s okay though, we’ve delivered our babies, which is a wonderful thing. However, when we look at extra pounds and stretchmarks in the mirror, it can still make you feel rather down! Often, though, the men in our lives don’t seem to mind too much. I asked my husband to write me a letter about my postpartum body and his thoughts about it. All being well, I can read this in the future if I’m ever looking at my reflection and tearing myself to shreds again!