I’ve popped! Although I’ve had a visible bump for a couple of weeks now, I am growing more by the day and feel this week has been her biggest growth spurt yet. Yesterday, I was laying down at an appointment having my eyelashes done, and I felt a tightening in my abdomen. At first I was convinced it was her moving around or kicking, but after doing a little research, I found that it was Braxton hicks. These contractions can begin as early as the second trimester, but commonly known in the third. Braxton Hicks also known as “practice contractions” prepare you for the real event and give you the ability to practice breathing exercises that you’ll be taught in childbirth classes. I definitely had a moment of panic and found myself breathing deeper when it happened, but as I mentioned before, I thought it was her kicking so I didn’t think too much into it.
Could these have been caused by the pedicure chair? On Sunday, JJ, Lexie, Bran and I all went for pedicures. A rule in pregnancy is not to use the massage chair when you go for a spa treatment. whoops! Was this the cause for Braxton hicks? Anyone have any insight?
Tomorrow, JJ and I will be going to the doctor for our 18 week ultrasound/anatomy scan. I am so excited yet a little nervous. It’s a big one! Wish us luck!
Due Date: October 25th
How far along: 18 weeks
Size of baby: 5.6 inches and 6.7 oz., current status is the size of a sweet potato
How many days to go: 154
Total weight gain: 7.8 pounds
Maternity clothes: I still can fit into some jeans and pants that I wore before but finding myself the most comfortable in looser fit pants and leggings.
Stretch marks: None
Sleep: Sleeping 8 hours, hop in bed at 9pm every night.
Best moment of this week: Catching up with friends this past weekend. Having great food and going on a long hike!
Miss anything: A hard workout, sushi
Movement: No movement
Food cravings: Skittles, Fruit
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing.
Have you started to show yet: Yes!!!
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: Experienced first case of Braxton Hicks this week.
Belly button in or out: In but its moving it ways out (big eye emoji)
Wedding rings on or off: Unfortunately, off. This pregnancy has made me have a terrible reaction to my wedding rings.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!!
Looking forward to: Our big ultrasound tomorrow and a trip to Austin this weekend for a Dollhouse Bachelorette party
Be Kind,
Lola