Pregnancy Update

Hello lovelies,

Just wanted to post a little update about my pregnancy since I updated last.

So I have had quite a few hospital appointments since my last update. I passed my 3 hour glucose tolerance test which is great, so naturally I celebrated with some chocolate! I also recently had my 28 week check up, which revealed that baby is lying transverse breech. This means baby is flat on its back with head at one of my hips and legs at the other hip.

At this stage of pregnancy, it was hopeful that baby is in a better positon getting ready for birth. While there is still time for baby to turn, a C-Section is on the cards. But we'll know more at my next appointment check up at 32 weeks.

Sleep has become a major problem for me since hitting my 3rd trimester. I find it difficult to fall asleep, toss and turn all night, and wake several times to pee (I didnt miss that early pregnancy symptom. Devo its back!) I have also taken up snoring, much to my husbands dismay. And I dont mean cute snoring either, I mean full on roaring, wake-myself-up snoring. So attractive!

How come no one explained that while sex gets you here in the first place, pregnancy can be SO unsexy! Seriously!

Another early pregnancy symptom that has returned is tiredness. This could be due to the poor night-time sleep, but im finding myself needing naps in the afternoon and getting pretty emotional if I dont get one. Overtiredness perhaps!

My belly is getting pretty heavy to lug around with me, but have been enjoying long walks to keep active, as slow as i might be. Waddle much?!

Myself and the hubbers went to visit Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort last weekend and it was beautiful. We had such a great weekend away. We visited the beach, walked the golf course at the hotel and took a tour of Russborough House which was great.

We got dressed up and went out for dinner and a couple of Mocktails and a catch up, which we rarely get to do. It was so enjoyable. And SCORE, my Louboutins still fit! Hubby had to put them on and take them off, but still...

You can keep up to date with goings on on my Instagram and facebook Facebook here and Instagram here

Until next time, Conni x

Birth Plans- yes or no?

Hi guys,

So at last weeks yoga class we discussed birth plans. When suggested, my exact response was 'Do Irish people actually write these?' I always thought there was no point in writing one as no one can ever determine how their labour would go... I had visions of crazy women planning out each part of their labour like it was within their control; But then I realised that that isnt the point of a birth plan!

It is there to include anything that you feel strongly about with regards to your labour/ delivery/ aftercare, should you be unable to commumicate it at that time.

So, while birth plans are not a necessity, they can be useful. You also need to remember, that depending on how your labour progresses, your birth plan may not be possible.

10 things to consider when writing a Birth Plan:

1. Who do you want to be present; husband, partner, parent etc?

2. Pain relief preferance. Are you against having an epidural? Do you want to have an epidural as soon as is possible, or would you rather try all other methods of pain relief first?

3. Do you wish to be as mobile as possible or do you wish to stay in bed? Studies suggest that maintaining mobility during early stages of labour can help in the progression of labour, leading to less complications and less chance of having a caesarean section. Just think about it, gravity!

4. Do you have a preferance to a certain birthing position? Squatting, hands and knees, semi-reclined.

5. Do you want to use a birthing pool?

6. Do you want to listen to music during the labour?

7. Do you want your partner to cut the cord? Most hospitals will offer this, but often times if there has been an emergency delivery, it may be forgotten and the doctor or midwives will just cut the cord. If you feel strongly about it, write it down and they will do their best to carry this out.

8. Do you want 'delayed cord clamping'? This refers to the practice of not clamping or cutting the umbillical cord until after it has stopped pulsing or not before 1-3 minutes after birth, as babys blood circulation is still being transferred from the external circulatory system it has maintained in utero (umbilical cord and placenta) into the baby itself, unless the cord is clamped or cut before this transfer is complete.

9. In the event of caesarean section, do you have any requests? Sometimes, you are unable to carry out skin-to-skin after having a C-Section, but while you're being stitched, it is possible for your partner to do skin to skin when you cannot.

10. Do you want skin-to-skin after giving birth, and do you want to initiate first breast feed at this time?

The KEY to writing your birth plan is to keep it in short bullet points, and to be willing to go with the flow. As I said earlier, none of us know exactly how the labour will go, only baby will determine that, so keep in mind that while having a birth plan can be helpful, it is not always possible to carry out each point on your plan!

I will certainly write one up to bring with me, but I dont feel that it will be used. I have no idea what labour has in store for me, what the pain is like, what positions will make me feel most comfortable etc., It is my first baby after all!

All I know for sure, is that I'm getting more and more excited as time goes on to meet my little one and nursery preparations are well and truely underway. Keep up to date with me on Instagram @Theaverageirishmammy

The Average Irish Mammy

Until next time, Conni x