25 Week Update

How far along?  25 weeks and 1 day! OMG this feels a little like a milestone for me, not sure why but 25 weeks just seems like a lot!!  Only 15 weeks to go - TERRIFYING! 

Total weight gain:  I feel pretty much the same as I did last week but bump has grown a little, mainly just outwards (I am probably going to topple over at this rate sometime soon if it carries on this way)

Maternity clothes?  Still nothing new, I am hoping I won't really have to buy anything else as what I have bought should allow for some growth and if it doesn't then work better get used to me coming in in my dressing gown..

Stretch marks?  None yet.  I am so paranoid that they are going to make an appearance soon as it does feel like the skin on my tummy is a little sore!!?  Using up the last of my Mama Mio Tummy Rub this week though which is highly upsetting as it has been fabulous!  I have used the Cocoa Butter Original formula a few times this week (the hard stuff that turns oily in your hands) and I have found its actually lovely on your bump and sinks in really well.  It makes your skin feel really firm as well as moisturised and of course it smells gorge 

Sleep:  I am feeling really tired again now which really really sucks as I need all the energy I can get for when we move house (if we ever bloody get an exchange date ggrr) Again I am hoping the tiredness is just down to a very busy, stressful week of work and a couple of late nights 

Best moment this week:  Mr H's sister showed us some VERY cute little gifts she has bought for Harry (which I was meant to look at and then forget I had seen whoops) but they are so so cute and it is making me excited for seeing all of the lovely things we get and what we have bought for him!

Worst moment this week:  Nothing really bad with pregnancy, the bladder infection seems to have gone which is great news.  Work has been horrid though and I actually can't wait for the break from it now!

Miss anything?  I don't think I really miss anything this week you know!

Movement: The little bugger is going to be a gymnast I think as it feels like he is constantly on the move!  Hes started to keep me awake at night now as he feels its acceptable to start doing almighty kicks at 11pm when Mummy is trying to drift off!!  When I am at work he keeps moving his whole body right up to the top of my uterus so he is practically under my boobs which feels really really weird and totally uncomfortable!  I am so happy that he moves a lot though as this helps me not to worry about him and I know there are other preggo ladies out there who are dying to feel their babies move

Food cravings:  Cold Coke and again I can't drink it now because of the bladder infections!!!  Waaaaaah!  I also keep wanting to eat stilton on burgers like everyday

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nothing!

Gender: Boy!!

Labor signs: None

Symptoms:  Again, back ache and not being able to get comfortable.  Scott and I have started to try and go for a walk every evening now as I think this will help my back and keep me active, laying around all the time doesn't really help!
I don't know why I haven't mentioned this before as it has been a symptom through my whole pregnancy so far, and that is nose bleeds!! I have had TONS!  Probably at least once a day my nose will bleed and its grose!  Apparently this is perfectly normal and its to do with all the extra blood circulating around your body.  Does anyone else have this??

Belly button in or out?  Still slightly in and slightly flat

Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy most of the time but quite moody too as I am just so tired!!

Looking forward to:  Still can't wait to move house and it feels like its really dragging on :(  I hope it doesn't take too much longer as I really want to be able to decorate and build furniture and shop for things!

Bump:

Pregnancy Survival: HELP!

When I first fell pregnant I didn't have a clue what my body was about to go through and what I should/shouldn't do, eat, buy or anything!  I am so lucky and have a big sister who knows everything about babies and gives me lots of advice however I have been speaking to other preggo ladies recently who don't have that support system around them.  This post is to help those in need of some advice on their pregnancy or how to care for a baby and these are all the avenues I explored to gain all my information!

Resources for baby information

Your Midwife - This will most likely be the first contact you have when you find out you are pregnant.  You'll have a booking appointment where you will be weighed and measured, you will discuss health and medical history and fill out a billion forms!  At this point your midwife should ask you if you want to discuss any aspects of the pregnancy that you aren't sure about.. This is when I turned around and said "UMMM EVERYTHING!!".  My midwife was great and told me the basics of what I should and shouldn't eat and activities that I can still continue in.  She also outlined roughly when I should make appointments to see midwifes or GPs for the whole pregnancy which was amazing

Bounty Packs - You should received a Bounty Pack at your booking appointment.  It is jam packed full of information, samples and coupons and I loved mine!  It comes with a really factual book which has a week by week page explaining what's going on with you and your baby and has loads of useful advice.  You are also entitled to receive 3 more packs during pregnancy and after the birth

Bounty Website - It was in my Bounty Pack that I discovered the Bounty Website!  I now have this saved as a fave on my Ipad and look at it on a daily basis.  It is fantastic for information but also has some great deals on baby related products and even holidays!  I have used it a good handful of times for purchases for Baby H!  I also have the Bounty App on my Iphone and spend every Saturday morning reading my weekly update :)

NHS Website - I constantly use the NHS website when I am out and about and I'm not quite sure if I should be eating something.  It came in particularly handy at a recent trip to Café Rouge where I really fancied Muscles and Camembert and wasn't sure if I could eat either.. it turns out as long as both are piping hot and well cooked then you can indulge in them as much as you like!  Its also really good for checking what medicines are ok to take

What to Expect Books - There are tons of baby books out there but I don't think you can get better than the What to Expect series.  I mentioned both books that I have here and here  and I cannot recommend them enough!  They really are the bible when it comes to pregnancy and babies

Connecting with other mums

Bounty Website Community - I joined the Bounty website forum pretty early on in my pregnancy and I am so glad I did.  It is full of mums in all sorts of situations, some with so many years of experience and knowledge and some just like me who are first time mummy's!  It is catergorised so well and its great to join a group according to your due date (my group is Due in November, come and say hi if you are on there!!)  or you can join a group/discussion according to your problem or situation.  I have found it one of THE best ways to connect with other mums and to get a little guidance in what I should be doing in the pregnancy. I have also had advice on bleeding, baby names and what to buy all of which were really helpful

 

Twitter - Following baby care brands and support networks on Twitter is another great way to connect with other parents.  Its also a good way to get your blog noticed if you have one of those, and you can enter loads of competitions via Tweeting too!  (Follow me on twitter if you like Lucie_xoxo)

Bloglovin - I have found some of my favourite Pregnancy/Parenting blogs via Bloglovin and  I have made some great friends already through it!

Instagram - Its amazing what a little hashtagging can do!  I post a lot of my blog updates on here so that my friends and family can read them but I get people from all over the place "liking" my pictures and reading my blog through it as I will always hashtag them! I now follow a whole bunch of other #preggo ladies or parents of little ones and its a great way to keep up to date with their progress as well as your own

I hope this helps and first time mums who don't really know where to start when it comes to being pregnant or having a baby!

Do you have any useful tips for first time mums??

24 Week Update

How far along?  24 weeks

Total weight gain:  Bump has grown again this week and as I said last week I feel like my bum and legs are growing to accommodate the weight of the tummy I guess!

Maternity clothes?  Nothing new at all this week.. still trying to get the most wear out of my stretchy dresses whilst this heatwave is still here!

Stretch marks?  None still but I know 24 weeks and up is quite a crucial stretch mark period so I am expecting to start seeing some soon if I am going to get them.  I mentioned in my last update that my belly button was really hurting and felt like it was going to stretch and pop out but the pain disappeared this week and my belly button has remained sort of in and sort of flat - so who know what its going to do!

Sleep:  I slept really well this week but I can feel the extreme tiredness I felt in the first trimester starting to creep back in which SUCKS. I am so not ready for it to come back there is so much I need to do!!  Hopefully its just because of the heat and busy days at work and my energy levels will be back to normal soon

Best moment this week:  Mr H felt the BIGGEST kick from Harry one night this week in bed!  He rarely feels him kick as he tends to stop as soon as he puts his hand there so that was a lovely moment.  OH and of course the Royal Baby's arrival was a big highlight!

Worst moment this week:  I had another little bleed which sucked! However this time it wasn't as much as was in my urine.  I took a trip up to the maternity ward and after a few hours wait I was told I had a nasty bladder infection!  Anyone who has had one of these before knows the agony you experience and how uncomfortable it is, well in pregnancy it feels 10 x worse!  I have been prescribed antibiotics so hopefully they will clear it up nice and quickly

Miss anything?  Again this week I am missing my old figure!  I miss some of my "skinny" clothes as much as i love my bump!

Movement: He moves like crazy constantly now!  When I was at the hospital and the midwife was listening in with the doppler he was kicking it loads!  So cute

Food cravings:  Cold Coke but I am now not allowed to drink it due to the bladder infection which SUCKS!  I guess it is good for me not to be drinking it but I can't help what I crave!!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nothing this week

Gender: Boy!!

Labor signs: None

Symptoms:  Much the same as last week, pretty bad back ache and not being able to get comfortable.  I am sure I have started to walk funny too!?  

Belly button in or out?  As above, slightly in and slightly flat!

Happy or moody most of the time?  Really happy now we know what the bleeding was about and my little boy is safe and well

Looking forward to:  AGAIN.. moving house!

Bump:

A Royal Baby: Kate Middleton's Maternity Wardrobe

I don’t know if it was the pregnancy hormones but I almost burst into tears of joy when I saw this image on my TV screen!  To be honest I seem to cry at the slightest bit of news of a baby being born and don’t even get me started on when I watch One Born Every Minute

I for one was adamant that Kate would have a boy.. it is the year of the boy after all!!!  I am not a massive fan of the name George but it is rather regal I guess.. I really wanted them to call him James!!

So as the Royal Baby has finally arrived I thought it only polite to dedicate a post to the Duchess herself as she looked bloomin’ marvellous throughout her entire pregnancy - including the day after she had given birth (I MUST have that blue polka dot dress!!)

Here is Kate pictured at Windsor Castle sporting a teeny but noticeable bump and wearing a gorgeous Mulberry tweed coat.  This is a prime example of not having to buy all maternity clothing when you're pregnant and that normal clothes can work perfectly well.  I love her nude accessories  they really make the pastel colouring of the coat stand out and the shoes make her stick thin legs even longer

The Princess wore this Sophia dress by Erdem when her bump was getting a little bigger, which is another non-maternity style.  The print is stunning and you can find some really similar dresses from Isabella Oliver for a lot cheaper than this one

Kate wore this stunning egg shell blue dress to The National Portrait Gallery.  The dress is a piece by Emilia Wickstead and is actually a maternity version.  I think this pale blue shade and the shape and cut of the dress flatters all pregnant ladies

How cute is that bump??!  At 7 months pregnant here the Princess looks incredible!  This white polka dot Topshop dress has been said to have sold out in minutes after Kate was pictured in it, and it is no surprise as to why!  It looks great with the blazer and is a look so easy to recreate

Looking stunning again in a light peach ensemble and those lush nude shoes.  Kate went for a dress designed by one of the Royal dress makers and a cotton twill coat by Tara Jarmon.  I think pastels really suit her and give her a real pregnancy glow!

Congratulations to Wills and Kate!!!

What to Expect When You're Expecting.. My Version

We all know about the now infamous book series "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and its great!!  Its realistic, factual and fun to read however I still don't feel that it really prepares you for what to actually expect!

So here is a summary of what I expected my pregnancy to be like, or what its like in the movies anyway!

The Glow - That radiant, "I am going to be a mummy and I am fabulous", appearance that is meant to be there from day 1 of pregnancy actually turned out to be more of a fade!  My skin was drier than ever, I was riddled with spots (and still am!), my freckles appeared where no freckles ever were and it was hard to see any face under the dark circles around my eyes

Cute Bump - You always see a perfectly round, tanned and blemish free bump in films and on supermodels so I couldn't wait to get mine!  Instead I have a pretty funny shaped, hairy tummy that I am scared to show anyone in case they think I have turned part gorilla!



Yoga - I expected to be on my yoga mat at least a few times a week, doing elegant pregnancy stretches and movements, preparing my body for labour.  There was no chance of my doing anything physical in the first trimester due to extreme exhaustion and now my bumps over halfway I wouldn't be caught dead on a yoga mat as my back would most likely give way



Healthy Eating - I imagined nutritious fruit and veg filled meals, smoothies and healthy snacks.  Instead, fruit and veg actually made me feel SO nauseous until halfway through the pregnancy and my cravings turned out to be mostly carb related, fizzy drinks or chocolate!



Coffee Chats - You always see pregnant mummy's discussing their cool new baby purchases and perfect bumps over coffee in Starbucks or in a chic cafe!  The smell of coffee made me gag if it was anywhere near me.. no chance of me being cool and sophisticated as I couldn't get within a few metres of a coffee shop



Luscious Hair - I have always been pretty proud of my hair, its thick and wavy and pretty does what I want most of the time so when I heard that pregnancy can make your hair look shiny and amazing I was excited!  As soon as I got pregnant my hair went SO dry, my colour faded immediately and the fall out was extreme - not to mention the grey hairs!  Yes, my hair grows like crazy but it really is not as bouncy and glossy as they said it would be



Boobs - I have never had a good rack.  I'm not ashamed to admit it!  I just never seemed to sprout in the chest department so I was actually really looking forward to getting some sort of cleavage! However this was short lived when the pain kicked it!  Jesus, they hurt A LOT and I think this will only get worse as it nears Harry's arrival.  I would be perfectly happy going back down to an A cup if I can get rid of the aching


As much as it probably sounds like I am moaning about pregnancy, I'm really not!!  I love it really and I cannot wait to be a mummy!  I just think its good to be really honest about how you feel and look and there is nothing wrong with feeling rubbish or sometimes wishing someone else could be carrying this baby for you - its hard work!

Was pregnancy everything you thought it would be??

23 Week Update

How far along?  23 weeks

Total weight gain:  I think I am starting to gain a little more weight on my legs, arms and bum now :( Wahhhh!  It was going to happen though and I do need it to balance me out and stop me from toppling over with all the bump!  Harry must have had a growth spurt this week though as my bump is just getting bigger and bigger!  

Maternity clothes?  Again nothing new, but I did pop into Primark this week and get a couple of new tops both in size 10 to give me a little growing room!  You can't really go wrong with Primark as the price is so good that even if you only wear things a few times its still well worth the money

Stretch marks?  None but I can feel a bit of stretching pain in my belly button so I think I am going to get some there!  Still using Bio Oil and Mama Mio Belly Butter and I'm going to purchase some Burts Bees Mama Bees Rub when those have ran out

Sleep:  My sleep quality has been much the same this week, its very hot so I've been restless and waking up often and still having bizarre dream.  last night I dreamt that my sister bought GIANT rabbits like the size of tigers and that she was still breastfeeding my 8 year old niece!

Best moment this week:  We bought a few little things for our new house we will soon be moving in to so that was really exciting!  

Worst moment this week:  Aches and pains

Miss anything?  I am starting to miss being skinny!!

Movement: He doesn't stop moving from 8am to 11pm these days!  Its like he is having a party in there! He keeps sticking something out right over on my right side every so often which looks totally weird!  I think its either his head or his bottom and its so freaky to watch!!

Food cravings:  Cold Coke still and Terrys Choccie Orange.  I am also really enjoying stilton at the mo!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  When Harry is extra active and stick his head/butt out that makes my tummy churn a little!

Gender: Boy!!

Labor signs: None

Symptoms:  I have now started to get the dreaded bad back.  I have never had a bad back in my life but all this extra weight is definitely putting strain on it and I need to get myself a massage ASAP!  I think the heat maybe not helping and I can't find any position to ease it, it just constantly hurts!  I feel sorry for Mr H as I am just moaning all the time about it and demanding that he rubs it better!!

Belly button in or out?  Ahhh the belly button question!! My belly button has been easing its way outwards all week and today it actually feels like its going to pop!!  I think it may last another week or so but it hurts from the pressure and just wants to get out of its little inny-self!!

Happy or moody most of the time?  I have been feeling quite happy this week!  I love the sunshine, even if I am uncomfortable in it and I just keep getting little pangs of excitement about becoming a mummy!

Looking forward to:  Again I just cannot wait to move into our new pad!

Bump:

My Bumps 1st Festival

This weekend Mr H and I took our bump to his first festival!!  Yes, some may say we are crazy but it was fine and we had a blast at Wireless!!
I, in fact, felt better than the rest of our crowd as I drank so much water and ate so much food that I was nice and cool and full of energy!  The others were a bit worse for wear halfway through the day due to copious amounts of cider and too much head banging!

Sporting the Baby on Board badge!

I absolutely loved Tinie Tempah's and Jay Z's performances, not to mention a cheeky little special appearance from Justin Timberlake to round of the night!  Our inner hip hopper's came out and we danced the night away!  Harry was kicking along to the music so I think he was pretty happy in there listening to it all!

Me and Andrea

People were so considerate over me as well.. By now it is pretty obvious I am carrying a baby and I also wore my "Baby on Board" badge all day, and I found people did move out of my way when they noticed and I didn't once feel in danger of being crushed or pushed over

Wireless 2013

The only downside to this years Wireless Festival was the venue.  The Olympic Park was basically a building site!  The place was covered in gravel and dust and the only saving grace was the huge piece of astro turf covering the main stage area.  Not only was it a bit of a dump but the walk from the station to the site was a good few miles which is ridiculous for hundreds of thousands of people to do in the heat we have been having!  The festival was also far too spread out, with the main stage being another 2 mile walk from the rest of the smaller tents so we actually had to miss a couple of acts due to the distance between the two.  Not fun.

Mr H, his nephew and I

Due to this walk, getting home was a bit of a nightmare!  I literally couldn't get on the tube there was far to many people, i would have put my little bumps life in danger as there was no chance of anyone noticing my "Baby on Board" badge.  We ended up having to wait a good hour until the crowd had died down which resulted in us getting the last train home and me waddling in at 3am!  Wild pregnant bird!

Mr H and I!

Despite the tiredness I felt yesterday and today, it was all well worth it and I am really glad I went and didn't miss out on a great day out!!  I hope if anyone reading this is pregnant and in doubt about going along to an event, that they feel a bit better about going after reading this.  Just remember to keep well hydrated, eat plenty, take rests when you need it and let people around you know all about your bump and you will be fine!

Pregnancy Favourites

  

Its been a while since I have done a pregnancy favourites mainly due to the fact they haven't really changed, but the list has expanded!  So here is a round up of things I have been loving during the last few weeks

1. A mug of cold milk -  This has been my lifesaver every evening since about week 18 of my pregnancy when I started to get the dreaded heartburn.  The milk neutralises stomach acid and really soothes that burning feeling and the reflux that comes with it.  I have a mug every single night before bedtime (approx 2 hours before so I am not busting for a wee all night)  It is a better and cheaper remedy than any medicine!

2.  E45 Original Cream - I have mentioned before that my skin has been a bit of a pickle since I fell pregnant and my usual skin saviours just haven't been working for me.  Scented moisturisers with complicated ingredients seem to irritate and result in spots, so I felt like I needed to go back to basics and use as little product on my skin as possible.  In steps the nations favourite and trusty E45 cream!  I have been using this instead of my night and day cream, under make up and alone and I have found my skin has been so much better!  Its not irritated, dry or rashy and spots have been much less frequent.  
If you are suffering from similar hormonal skin like mine I would recommend stripping it back and trying a dab of E45

3.  Una Brennan Superfacialist Tea Flower Puryfying Mask - Now this is one product I have been using on my skin that isn't irritating it in the slightest and I think is actually starting to help it glow!  I have got really into face masks in the last year or so, I find nothing more relaxing than popping one on whilst in a hot bubble bath and reading a book!  Plus i know that its doing my skin some good at the same time!  This clay based mask is not too thick and doesn't dry out completely, it is perfect for soaking up that excessive oil and drawing out pesky blackheads.  I like the leave mine on for my whole bath and then wash off using clean warm water and a muslin cloth and I feel so fresh and clean after using it

4.  Terrys Chocolate Orange - This is definately my MEGA craving.  I can't seem to go a day without one which is horrendous!! I have never been a big chocolate eater but this is one thing I have really been indulging in whilst preggo! 

5.  What to Expect The First Year -  I mentioned the What to Expect When You're Expecting book in a previous favourites post and the second book in the series is just as good!  I have only read around half of the book so far but it has excellent content and a great Q and A ssystem throughout the book to help you through the first year with your little one.  This book should be an essential that the midwives give you when you leave the hospital!!

6.  By Carla Pregnancy Pillow - I have been starting to get the aches and pains every pregnant lady tells you about, and let me tell you, it is no fun!!  Working in an office full time does me no favours as I am often locked into one sitting posistion (possibly with terrible posture) and by the dn of the day my ribs, back and bottom are in agony!  I decided to splash out on a pregnancy support pillow and lucky for me I found one on offer via the Bounty website from By Carla.  Since using it I have been sleeping a lot better and find I can fall asleep easier due to its comfy shape and cushioning under my tummy!

7.  Boots Cooling Headache Pads - I haven't been suffering from pregnancy headaches anymore but I have been using these as a cool down method in this muggy heat!  Our bedroom is currently south facing so is like a sauna from approx 2pm onwards so these patches have been a cheap and effective remedy to bring my temperature down

8.  NARS Sheer Glow Foundation - My favourites seem to be a lot about skin right now as I think its important to feel like you look great and glowing during pregnancy even if you actually look pretty rough!  This foundation is luxury to the max as it is not cheap but it fakes that glow and covers imperfections completely, whilst staying put on your face and not wearing down or going greasy.  I find all NARS foundations to be quite yellow toned but that's actually something I quite like in a base as it can make you look a little more tanned than pink toned foundations do, but go careful with your shade selection as you don't want to look like a Simpson!

What have your pregnancy favourites been??  Do you use any of these products??