I’m noticing some parallels between the first and third trimesters. For example, in the first few weeks, there was this otherworldly daze and exhaustion, and it’s creeping back in the last few. I’m still able to climb the subway stairs but it’s starting to be a challenge. Also, I think I’m starting to feel nauseous and I definitely need to go to the bathroom a whole lot.
Also, early on, I had one or two small scares in the shape of occasional cramps that had me worried about miscarriage. And, lo, yesterday I started feeling these almost sharp pains really low in the pelvis that had me picturing myself with a preemie. Cramps in the first trimester, indicate the stretching of the uterus. This new stuff, seems to be doing the same thing, some kind of stretching. It happens when the baby moves and his head pushes against me.
I called my midwife’s office and I got an immediate call back. She realized that I was worried about preterm labor and assured me I’m not in the middle of one. Other stuff signals that (lots of cramps and– sorry if TMI but — blood and watery discharge).
So we go on. I’ve been getting very excited about meeting my kid, I think for the first time. Up to now, I’d mostly been psyched about being pregnant and about the prospect of giving birth (the adventure!). But now I’m starting to daydream of changing his diapers, soothing his cries and wrapping him inside my winter coat before we go out. He’ll smell so sweet, I bet. And I suppose I’ll find him to be cute from day one, while the rest of the (maybe mostly non-parenting) world will wonder what I see in him. As for his dad, he may already be guessing this, but it will be insane when it happens: he’ll fall in love like never before. Now would be the time to say “I can’t wait” except that wouldn’t be true: I can wait and I’m loving the anticipation.
In the meantime: vegetables, fruits, protein (bring it on, sardines). No more sugar until California. We’re moving on.