Those two things stay on my mind pretty consistently right now. A cookies-n-cream milkshake, to be exact. And the hot showers? That's the first thing I do when I get home--it takes away the stress of the day, and the eases my achin' back. If I could have a milkshake in the shower, I would so do it...Thanks for all the lovely anniversary wishes! We had a very nice time at the B&B-nice to get away and have a change of scenery. We didn't have much planned, just wanted to enjoy a few days work-free: no phones, no computer=bliss. The one thing we did plan on doing was meeting up with Ms A from A Somewhat Ordinary Life. We saw each other this time last year: she was pregnant with M, and Mook and I were still deciding what steps to take next, so this year's meeting was different in all the best ways. Her son is adorable and it made me all teary after our lunch together to think about the roads we have both traveled. So thankful to have such great blogger friends!
Had my 22-week check up today, and it was uneventful. That's music to my ears. I still go back every 2 weeks at this point, and the next big milestones are my gestational diabetes test in 4 weeks, and then the next u/s will be at 28 weeks to check on the previa-keep sending me those MOVE IT vibes!
Today, I did have some questions I wanted to ask, like:
What can I do when I sleep on my side and all my limbs fall asleep? OB said just to put pillows everywhere--which Im already doing--I get nervous when I wake up on my back, but I'm doing what I can to keep switching throughout the night.
Can I take Tylenol PM for my back and cramped legs? I wouldn't trade these aches and pains for the world, but I started to get worried how much my back is already hurting--like a lot. I got one of those back brace thingy's and it helps some, but I may just be in for a heating pad each evening. The leg cramps: I have found a non-medical cure! My MIL told me to do this about 3 weeks ago, and ever since, my legs have not hurt as much: put a bar of soap (any brand) in bed with you--I put mine at the foot of the bed. Who knows why it works...maybe it's all mental, but it works. But yes, I can take Tylenol PM-this will help with that persistent runny nose as well...
Am I measuring on time? When I get up in the morning, my tum looks way different-sometimes too different for my liking. So I was reassured today when he told me I am actually measuring closer to 23 weeks.
The reunion this past weekend was really nice-a pretty small group came, but it was nice that I got to speak to everyone who was there. It was very heart warming to hear all the genuine good wishes being passed our way.
We have vowed to really start working on the room this weekend--after we give out $100 worth of Halloween candy Friday night...
Edited to add: Yes, I do have the lovely Snoogle--I think I just may need 2 to keep me cushioned in on all sides!
When I was pregnant, my ex-husband couldnt get anywhere near me in bed...I had pillows EVERYWHERE. One Under my belly, to hold the massive weight up(MY BEST friend, the little pink wedge) a GIANT body pillow the went from the top to the bottom and between my knees, that helped with the back pain, and one on the other side so that when I managed to roll over, it was ready and waiting. My side went numb as well, even with all the pillows. Oh and dont forget the one under my head. lol
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a nice anniversary & congrats on a good check up.
ReplyDeleteI used to get leg cramps all the tim... wake up screaming in pain, the muscle felt like there was a golf ball in there. Gabe would massage it, and it would go away. I think the soap acts like a good massage tool, sou don't actually have to bury your fingers into your own leg & massage it while your writhing in pain... all you have to do is rub the soap on it.. a mini massager!
I'm getting bad leg cramps, too. Once the cramp was so bad I actually started crying, it hurt so much. The soap thing is interesting. Gonna try that for sure. And who cares why and how it works as long as it works!
ReplyDeleteCheck out this blog post from Jen: http://www.jennepper.com/2008/10/19-weeks-i-dont-need-you-i-dont-need.html
ReplyDeleteMaybe you need a Snoogle, too.
Try a chiropractor. It is very gentle and can get you back into alignment and help with pains, especially back pain.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a Snoogle? I had no intention of buying one, and then got it as a hand-me down at 20 weeks. Holy Schlamoley! The difference as far as back pain was incredible. I have fibromyalgia and scoliosis and my back pain was like neverending back labor by the time I hit 20 weeks. The Snoogle, plus some PT exercises, plus a TENS units prescribed by my doc, fixed it up. I know people who swore by their chiropractor.
ReplyDeleteI had the leg cramps too, but no advice here. They suck.
I see absolutely no reason that you can't have a milkshake in the shower. Why not try it/blog it?
ReplyDeleteI did not use pillows and it seemed to work better, frankly. Waking up on your back--don't worry about it. You body will be able to tell you to turn over. Sleeping on your left side is best (I am sure you know that).
ReplyDeleteMeasuring--your tummy will look differently almost daily for a while. Its okay.
Glad you had a great anniversary!
I can 100% relate to being so uncomfortable. I was the exact same way with the last pregnancy...yet, I have no advice. Hang in there...it'll be over before you know it!
ReplyDeleteMy husband got evicted to the guest room starting around 24 weeks or so. I had a snoogle but still needed a ton of pillows to get close to comfortable. As for the back, I was also a fan of the shower as it was the only time of day my body didn't hurt and then I also used the heating pad each and every night on my back, hips, and across my belly. It would ease the pains enough for me to fall asleep.
ReplyDeleteoh...and yeah for boring uneventful OB appointments!!!
I was so worried about the amount of back pain that I had at about 20+ weeks. I ended up having to cut back on my excersize (which I hated) but it did help. I was good for a couple of months but now that I'm getting so big, things are starting to hurt again.
ReplyDeleteI am all for the pillows in bed. I've got one between the knees and one holding up my big belly and then one to support my back. Of course some of them usually end up on the floor in the middle of the night because I toss and turn so much from the discomfort.
Hope you find a comfy resolution!
I'm glad you had a good time!
ReplyDeleteI see absolutely no reason why you couldn't have a milkshake in the shower. Just have a top on it and keep it away from the direct stream...
It was so good to see you again and meet Mook! I know Baby M enjoyed meeting you guys while trying to grab everything the waiter brought. Just think what next time we meet will be like!
ReplyDeleteI had a Snoogle which I had a hard time with at first, but I eventually got use to it. Along with using the snoogle I used pillows everywhere else. I also got to the point where I propped a ton of pillows up behind me and just slept reclined. I don't remember when M moved to the guest bed, but eventually there were so many pillows he didn't fit anymore.
I also started doing a prenatal yoga DVD every morning and evening before bed and I really think that helped loosen stuff up!
That pillow thing is going to be a problem when I get there, someday! I already have doggies and husband squeezing me out off the bed!
ReplyDeleteGlad things seem to be going well for you!
I am so glad that everything is boring for you and that you had a nice quiet weekend!
ReplyDeleteI was always surprised by how much my stomach would change throughout the day-- stupid gravity :)
There are some good, gentle yoga poses that you can use to help with your back particularly, "cat-cow". Sorry I am not trying to unsolicited advice!!! ~Hugs~
i agree pillows pillows everywhere ...
ReplyDeleteSO glad you had a grat time
I have food in the bath all the time - on the side of the tub or on the counter and then I just reach for it. As long as you're already clean and just hanging out, it's soooo worth it. The perfect combo!!
ReplyDeleteMmmm... tat milkshake sounds so good.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your un-eventful ordinary appointment! Hmmm...and while I like milkshakes and showers, I can't help but think the two wouldn't last long together.
ReplyDeleteSorry you're having back pain--ugh.
oh man- I totally stress about the back sleeping thing. I found a super low cost body pillow- it is shaped like a candy cane and it is due to arrive at my house TODAY.
ReplyDeleteSo so so so beyond thrilled that things are going so well for you guys. About time, right!?
xo
I'm not pregnant (yet) but a hot shower and milkshake sound darn good to me. I am so glad your check up with uneventful. Get your extra snoogle and I hope your sleep is more restful.
ReplyDeleteGlad your most recent appointment was uneventful. Tylenol PM should be fine - the ingredient that makes you sleepy is Diphenhydramine, which is what's in Benadryl. Good luck sleeping!
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother slept with several bars of soap. She swore by that plan. She is very upset now because they won't let her sleep with her bars of soap at the nursing home. She used to make crocheted bags for all of her soap. (although she always said hers had to be unscented.) (I have also heard that pedialyte helps with the leg cramps. I don't get them very often so I haven't tried it but I have heard it works too.)
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that everything is going well with Ron. Thank goodness for uneventful appointments. Good luck on the gd test.
Dude, you could TOTALLY work out a milkshake/shower combo. Insulated cup, my friend...
ReplyDeleteAnd I sleep on my left side pretty much all the time anyway (habit from the years of gall bladder pain- kept the pressure off that side of my body),and the only trick I have is the pillow-between-the-knees. An old chiropractor buddy of mine said that the most important thing for people who have back pain and are side-sleepers is to make sure your knees and hips are aligned top to bottom, and a pillow helps to allow that. I'm sure you're already doing tons of pillows, so I guess my advice would just be to consciously think of lining up your knees and hips as much as possible so that your lower back muscles can relax as best they can.
And YAY for an uneventful appointment. I can't believe you're 22 weeks already!!!
Hooray for an uneventful appointment!!
ReplyDeleteI have two pillows under my head, my snoogle (rests on top of the two pillows) and then a big pillow right behind my back so if I roll onto my back at least one hip is propped. Mr. W hasn't been able to sleep in the bed with me for quite a while, but it's a small price to pay for the comfort I get.
Happy Anniversary!
I couldn't stand all the pillows (I felt like I was being smothered) so I put a doubled up feather bed underneath me. It works quite well.
ReplyDeleteThis might seem silly, but if you're really worried about sleeping on your back too much, you could try putting a tennis ball in a large sock and safety pinning the top and bottom of the sock to your nightshirt. It'll be awkward when you roll onto it, and propmpt you to roll back over; after a couple nights you might not even have the tendency to sleep on your back any more! Sorry, no further assvice for the leg cramps. I'm glad you had a nice time at the B&B!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a great weekend a good appointment!
ReplyDeleteBack pain is the worst. I think you should try that shake in the shower. Why not??
ReplyDeleteI sleep with braces to help with my hands and they don't fall asleep so much. Also for back pain, I have actually become a convert to ice - I use a theraband to tie a flexible ice pack to my waist and then I can be up and about with ice right on it. Ice reduces inflammation without having to take ibuprofen. Heat helps relax muscles. So you could give ice a shot if the heat isn't doing it for you. Or alternate between the two.
ReplyDeleteMy belly is like an alien landscape - grow, shrink, grow shrink. I think it's mostly bloating.
Can I just say I LOVE hot showers and baths? Uh huh.
ReplyDeleteAbout sleeping on your back. ~IF~ you turn on your back, it's really okay. My OB said your body will tell you if you are pushing on that vein they don't want you to compress. You'll know.
ReplyDeleteGood luck though for sleeping. It took me 3 pregnancies to figure out what works best for me!
Yay!! 22 weeks already. my good lord. I can't believe we're so far along now.
i am sorry that you are having back pain. like everyone else says pillows!
ReplyDeleteyou can also think about seeing a chiropractor-they have ones for preggys.
i started sleeping on my couch. it was awesome.i could lean into the back of the couch and then lean into pillows.
i slept on my back until the very end, my ob didn't have a problem with it.
a warning-at about 25 weeks time starts to move at warp speed, so get that nursery ready! (of course at 36 weeks time stops and moves to a crawl. hahahahha)
i am so excited for you guys.
Well why CAN'T you have a milkshake in the shower? It's a free country!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea if this will help the leg cramps or not since I never made it very far in my pregnancies but another blogger recommended a banana whirled in a blender with enough milk to make a shake. She drank it every morning and said it kept her leg cramps away both pregnancies. (Jess over at daysgoby was that blogger, FWIW.) Might be worth a try.
Glad you had a nice anniversary and a boring checkup! Here's to many more of both!
I'm so with you on the hot showers...and the milk shakes. I ate a TON of ice cream (well, Goodberry's custard) while I was pregnant and it was HEAVEN!!! Glad to hear things are going well! Thinking of you. ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI also swore by my snoogle. The other thing that worked well for me was to do one of those prenatal yoga gentle dvd exercises right before going to bed... this calmed me down enough to fall asleep right away and stretched out my muscles so my back and legs didn't give me as much trouble. As for feeling like you're not big enough for how far along you are, sorry- can't comment on that since I was huge with my twins! Keep reminding yourself that your doc said that everything is just fine so no need to worry!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on another great appointment! My advice would just be to have all the milkshakes that you can. I think those were my favorite indulgence during pregnancy. :)
ReplyDelete