Relieving Pregnancy Related Heartburn

Throughout the second and third trimester when pregnant with Blake I suffered with heartburn. 

I am not alone either Gaviscon says that nearly three quarters of women suffer from indigestion and heartburn in the third trimester. 

There are two main reasons that heartburn and indigestion happens more frequently at this time. 

" 1. The surge in the hormone progesterone causes muscles to relax. This includes the sphincter (ring of muscle) at the entrance to the stomach. When this relaxes, stomach acids are able to travel back up into the oesophagus (food pipe) causing heartburn.

2. During the latter stages of pregnancy symptoms can also be caused by the baby physically putting pressure on the woman's digestive tract."

Although it is harmless it can be painful and leave you feeling quiet uncomfortable. 

There are simple ways to help ease heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy

1. Eating a healthy diet

and 

2. sitting or sleeping in a more upright position. 

If like me failing that then you can take an ingestion remedy I chose to go for Gaviscon double action mint flavored liquid as it got straight to the problem very quickly and eased the burning sensation at the drop of a hat plus tasted much better then the plain one that Gaviscon does. 

Did you suffer from heartburn/indigestion when pregnant? 

If so did Gaviscon work for you? 

Pelvic Floor Muscles: How they are affected by pregnancy

After Blake was born I was constantly being reminded in hospital and also by

both my midwife and health visitor once we were home the need to do pelvic floor exercises. 

I was told that just even though I had a C-section and that even though I didn't push my baby out I had still

had a baby jumping on my bladder for 9 months.

I was aware that your pelvic floor muscles can be affected thanks to pregnancy and that exercising them

was important but lets be honest how many of us actually remembered to do them? 

What are your Pelvic Floor Muscles? 

 Your pelvic floor muscles basically hold all your pelvic organs in place. 

They support your bladder and your bowel and give you control when you need to urinate. 

As you get older they tend to get weaker and pregnancy doesn't help the matter. 

As above I mentioned  that pregnancy can have an affect on your pelvic floor. 

  After all you have the baby, amniotic fluid, placenta, etc resting on your pelvic floor muscles with great pressure which causes them to become weaker too. 

To strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, you have to squeeze said muscles in and hold it there for about 10 seconds before letting go and doing it again (do not hold your breath or tighten your stomach whilst doing these). Repeat this about 10 times. It is advised that you do this a few times a day.

I did try to remember to do my pelvic floor exercises but it was hard when you've had a C-section so your in pain from that and then your baby needs your undivided attention. 

So as at some point the future we would like another child I have thought it is a good idea to

make doing pelvic floor exercises a part of my life. 

I was sent The Elise Pelvic Floor Exerciser which is an easy to use pelvic floor exerciser 

providing relief from stress, urged and mixed incontinence.

It is recommended that you give the pelvic floor exerciser a go for at least 12 weeks as that's 

the time its recommend to take to notice any difference. 

So I am going to give it ago and let you know how I get on in 12 weeks time. 

39 Weeks Pregnant

This week I had my 38 week midwife appointment which as usual went well. 

Midwife told me baby is a good size and definitely grown since she last saw me. 
I will next see her at 40 weeks and 1 day if I've not had baby by then and 
will have a stretch and sweep. 

How far along? 39 weeks today 

Symptoms:  I've been feeling tired all the time, also had cramp like pain around my tummy, lower back and pelvis since Thursday.  

Sleep: I feel like I could sleep all the time at the moment. 
I'm still waking up during the night though. 

Miss anything? Feeling comfortable 

Movement: Loads of wiggles as usual

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy 

Looking forward to: 
- Meeting our little one really don't want to go over due. 

What's In My Hospital Bag

With my due date getting closer and closer I have decided to share with you what I have packed in my hospital bag. 

I have had my hospital bag packed since I was 36 weeks, since this was recommended 

to me by a few people including my midwife. 

I looked through a lot of blogs and helpful lists that I have found to make sure I have everything I feel we will need. 

For Mummy

Here is what I have packed for myself, I chose to use a small suitcase as originally my items were taking up two

bags so I thought it would be much better as a small suitcase has more room plus it's on wheels. 

From top left: 

1. Breast pads and nipple cream 

I have packed some Nuby Breast Pads and a tube of Boots nipple cream

2. 1 x  Nighty from Peacocks and x1 old top both are for labor I'll see which 

I feel more comfy in. 

3. x2 nursing bras from M&S 

4. cheap comfy slippers from Primark 

5. Pj's my mum brought me a set of Amazon which is a breastfeeding vest, mini dressing gown to keep warm and under the bump pj bottoms. 

6. Lightweight dressing gown which is longer than the one that came in the pj set just

 in case

7. Towel and flannel was told its best to pack them 

8. Going home outfit

I have packed some comfy leggings and a nursing top but also a loose fitting top as a spare 

9. Socks I have packed a thick pair for when I am in labor as well as x2 pairs of my normal socks

10. Knickers

11. Ok so the nappies are obviously for baby but i couldn't fit them in the bag I am 

using. I have chosen Aldi size one nappies. 

12.  Maternity Pads

13. Make up bag which fits : 

-  hair bands

- hair brush 

- cleansing wipes

- foundation

- mascara

- lip balm 

- toothbrush and toothpaste

- hand gel 

and my little bag of shampoo, shower gel and moisturizer. 

14. Deodorant 

15. Charger

16. Baby record book (health visitor told me I need to pack this) 

17. Go ahead bars and Isotonic drinks 

For Baby 

I am using my bag from Pink Lining for putting baby's little bits and bobs in and am

surprised how much I could fit in there. 

1. Hat and mittens

2. x4 vests: x2 in newborn and x2 in 0-3 months 

3. Cotton wool pads and wipes 

4. Blanket 

5. snowsuit 

6. x4 sleep suits: x2 in newborn and x2 in 0-3 months

7. x2 bibs 

8. x2 Dummies. 

Things to grab:

- Medication 

- Maternity Notes

- Camera 

- Spare clothes for Stuart 

and my mum will be bringing the car seat as she is also being my labor companion. 

Hopefully we  have got everything that is needed. 

38 Weeks Pregnant

Nothing really interesting has happened this week.
We chose not to go to the Christmas light switch on this week as it generally gets packed.
We did however go to the local church crib and craft fair although we didn't buy anything there.

How far along? 38 weeks today 

Symptoms:  Tiredness, still breathlessness when out and about, not had much braxton hicks this week,,  my feet and ankles are still a little swollen and pressure is still there when I walk also suffering from lower back and pelvic pain this week.

Sleep: waking up a loads and then laying there not being able to drop off for ages 
so am napping during the day.

Best moment this week: Ordering a present for baby in case baby arrives before Christmas.

Miss anything? Feeling comfortable

Movement: Loads of wiggles especially when I started listening to Christmas music yesterday. 

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy 

Looking forward to: 

- My next midwife appointment tomorrow

- putting up the Christmas tree at the weekend

- wrapping up presents and writing Christmas cards

- meeting our little one soon 

B-Sensible Waterproof Bedding

  On Wednesday I turned 37 weeks pregnant which makes me Full Term, meaning baby could come at any point from now onward's eek! 

Now that I am classed as full term one of things I have done is put on the B-Sensible breathable and waterproof fitted sheet on our bed. 

This is just in case my waters decide to break during the night or when I have a little nap during the day. 

The 2 in 1 fitted sheet and protector has a range of great features
- First of all its Dermofresh which means the technical textile acts like a second skin. 
- It's waterproof and breathable.
- Its a dust mite barrier. 
- It's silent which means your not hearing the rustle like some waterproof sheets do. 
- its made from natural and sustainable fiber.
- Its machine washable and tumble-dryable. 

The sheets come in a range of sizes so that you can find one that fits your mattress. 
The one I received is 135 x 200 which is a perfect size and fit for our small double. 
The sheet fitted on our bed without coming loose and pinging off like a previous brand 
I have owned. B-sensible also fits all depths of mattresses too! 

I was also sent a waterproof Moses Basket Sheet ready for when baby gets here. 

The waterproof moses basket sheet is great and fits our little ones mattresses perfectly, without being too big or too small.

I had been having issues in finding a suitable waterproof sheet for little ones moses basket and am extremely pleased with the B-sensible one. 
With the same features as the waterproof sheet for our bed I feel my mind is at ease.

I love that the sheets are not plastic looking and feel soft , comfortable and luxurious  without making a sound when we roll over in our sleep. 
For that and many reasons I believe that B-sensible sheets are great value for money 

The sheets come in fab packaging as you can see in the images above the sheet for our bed comes in a box. What you can't see is that the box arrives in a little tote bag.

The moses basket sheet comes packaged in a little clear zip up bag.

The packaging makes the items even more luxurious. 

  

As for the service from Sensible Sheets I found them to be very helpful and my

item was dispatched promptly and arrived within a few a days. 

Have you used waterproof sheets ready for when you went into labor? 

or for your baby or children's moses basket/cot/bed? 

37 Weeks Pregnant (Full Term)

So as of today I am officially classed as Full term. 

This means that I could give birth at any point from now onward's. 

This is a scary thought but also exciting knowing that I am getting more and more

closer to meeting our little pickle.

How far along? 37 weeks today 

Symptoms:  Tiredness, still breathlessness when out and about, braxton hicks are still painful and frequent,  my feet and ankles have also swollen up now and its also getting harder to walk due to feeling pressure.  

Sleep: waking up a lot more often during the night and also getting comfy this week has 
been more of a nightmare.

Best moment this week: Sorting out Christmas presents for family. 
I need to work out if we are going to get present/s for baby in case they arrive in time.

Miss anything? Feeling comfortable and being able to go out without being breathless and feeling pressure.

Movement: Loads of wiggles and kicks are still going strong 

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy 

Looking forward to: 

- My next midwife appointment which will be next Thursday 

- feeling more Christmas'y 

36 Weeks Pregnant

This week I have a cold yet again which sucks. 
We have played around with baby's travel system and sort of know how it works,
but the main thing is we know how to fit the car seat.
We also took over a ton of baby washing  to my mum's who will
be bringing it back over at some point to put all away.
I have also got around to packing mine and baby's hospital bags which are
almost done. 

How far along? 36 weeks today 

Symptoms:  Tiredness, still breathlessness when out and about, braxton hicks are still painful and frequent,  my feet and ankles have also swollen up now.  

Sleep: been waking up even more this week than usual

nights I wake up at 3am and then 6am. I also have to nap a lot more.

Best moment this week: Baby's cot and furniture all being built up it looks fab :)

Miss anything? Feeling comfortable

Movement: Loads of wiggles and kicks are still going strong 

Happy or moody most of the time: Moody well so my hubby tells me but i guess I have been quiet a bit this week

Looking forward to: 
- Being classed as full term next Wednesday 
- Having a relaxing pj day at some point this week
- putting the rest of baby's clothing away 

35 Weeks Pregnant

This week we have managed to get quiet a bit done. 

Stuart has a week off atm so we have managed to go to Ikea and 

get a wardrobe and chest of drawers ready for baby's room. 

The cot also arrived yesterday which will need to be put together. 

Oh and the travel system has arrived over at my mum's and we will be testing it all out at the weekend. 

On top of that I have started packing baby's part of my hospital bag and am planning to make sure that the rest is done by next week fingers crossed. 

Today was also our second and last antenatal class which wasn't as eventful as last week

but still we learnt a bit. 

How far along? 35 weeks today

Symptoms: This week has been the usual symptoms but today I have had braxton hicks a lot more frequent. 

Sleep: Sleep is ok again for the moment still getting up in the night.  

Movement: Loads of wiggles and kicks as usual

Food cravings: Nothing in particular this week

Happy or moody most of the time: both

Looking forward to: 

- The cot being put together

- Seeing and playing with the travel system 

- getting the hospital bag all sorted