Sassy Southern Blonde

Y’all. The end is near, and I can’t believe (even after 9 months) that this baby will probably be here next Thursday! It’s so surreal, and I don’t think I’ll fully process it until I’m holding him in my arms. I really can’t wait to see who he looks like! We waited too late for the 4D sonogram photos, so we have zero clue. Lol! Baby B has been receiving great reports at my weekly doctor appointments, and he’s moving around like crazy! I’m sure he’s running low on room and ready to make his grand entrance! 🙂

What has been the hardest part of the third trimester?

The end of this pregnancy has definitely been the hardest and most exhausting! If I overextend myself, my lower back hurts SO bad. It feels like it could give out at any moment! Luckily, that has only happened 2 or 3 times. I know my limits at this point, and I’m enjoying doing the bare minimum! Haha.

Have you dilated at all or had any contractions yet?

The doctor checked me on Tuesday, and I was 1cm dilated! I don’t think I’ve had any contractions yet. I told my doctor I wasn’t sure, and she said then I probably hadn’t since they tend to be very uncomfortable! Lol. The bottom of my stomach has felt tight, though. Especially after I’ve been sitting down!

What are you doing to prepare for labor?

I have actually been trying a few things to prepare my body, and I will let y’all know if I think it helped post birth! I have been taking Pink Stork Labor Prep Supplements and drinking their Labor Prep Tea. They sent me some products to try at the beginning of my pregnancy, and then I ordered these from Amazon! The reviews convinced me to try, especially the Labor Prep Tea! I usually drink a cup each night before bed.

Without going into too much detail, I’ve also been doing perineal massages with coconut oil. I’m kind of cringing that I’m admitting this but anything to help prevent tearing! If you don’t know what that is, Google at your own risk! Hahah.

What are you doing to prevent swelling and stretch marks?

When I first noticed my feet and legs swelling, I did get a little worried, but my doctor said all my vitals looked great! It’s very normal and common at this point in pregnancy. I’m just glad I wasn’t swollen the entire 9 months! There’s really nothing I’m doing to prevent it besides propping my feet up because it’s inevitable until I give birth.

As far as stretch marks go, I have been religiously applying Bio-Oil to my stomach since I was like 18 weeks pregnant! However, I’ve always heard that stretch marks are hereditary, so I think that plays a factor too. My mom never had them with me or my brother!

Are you nervous to give birth?

Oh. I am TERRIFIED to give birth. And that’s still an understatement! Sometimes, I even make myself feel slightly ill thinking about it. As much as I would like to be fully sedated and just wake up to the baby, I’m going to try my hardest to deliver normally! (Unless my doctor advises me differently) Even though I’m so scared, I know at the end of the day that God made women to have children and that he’ll be by my side the entire time! I have been praying real hard for peace! 🙂

Favorite pregnancy self tanner?

My favorite self tanner that I’ve continuously been using is THIS brand! Obviously I’m no medical expert, so check with your doctor!

Why are you being induced?

Since I had thyroid issues at the beginning of my pregnancy, my doctor wants to induce me at 39 weeks! I think it has to do with the baby’s size as well. He has been measuring a week early, and I’m pretty small. The longer I wait, the harder he’ll be to birth because he’ll only continue to grow!

What’s in your hospital bag?

I already have you covered! 🙂 My hospital bag packing list is linked HERE for y’all!

Have you done anything to prepare for baby like birthing classes?

The hospital I’m delivering at offers free child birth classes, so I virtually tuned in to the April sessions! I think they were pretty helpful and made me feel slightly more prepared. I’ve also been reading Moms On Call and plan to follow that once we adjust to having a newborn! People have told me that you can read all the books and do all the things, but it will never prepare you 100%! Motherly instincts will kick in, though. At least I hope so! Lol.

What are you most excited about after you have baby?

This is a great question! I’m probably most excited to have a glass of wine or fruity cocktail, wear jeans and shorts again, and have normal sized ankles at the end of the day with minimal back pain! Hahaha. Oh and I can’t wait to start taking my CBD drops again!

How are you planning to do your maternity leave?

Since I’m a one woman show at the moment, I’m not exactly sure how “maternity leave” will look or if it will even be classified as that! Haha. Don’t get me wrong, I plan on taking it easy the first few days/weeks because I’m aware life as I know it will be drastically changing, but I want to continue posting and sharing. Even though this is my full-time job, I also just freaking love my platform, and I find joy in working every day!

Any symptoms in the third trimester that have been different from the others?

For me, the third trimester has been the hardest! I was even more tired these last few weeks than the first trimester. My lower back has also been aching at night if I don’t sit down and rest during the day! The baby is usually super active around bedtime, and my stomach will feel really tight. I’m pretty sure those are Braxton Hicks contractions because they don’t hurt just uncomfortable!

PS: I’ll link my First Trimester Recap and Second Trimester Bumpdate in case you missed those blog posts! 🙂

XOXO

Kels