Week 26 To 27

Thursday, 26+0
Getting ever closer to the 30 week mark and only 98 days to go in total! Now the countdown to the due date has gotten into double figures I'm feeling the end is getting nearer. I have been told though that the last trimester can drag so much and the last month or so will seem longer than the whole pregnancy put together. There's always someone who likes to come along and spoil it!

I'm meeting up with a midwife tomorrow to discuss starting antenatal classes in October. We're due to attend 4 two hour classes and I'm hoping they will be helpful and informative. Not so much for me as I've read just about every pregnancy and labour article I can get my hands on and scared myself by watching numerous birth videos, but more for Chris so he has an idea of what to expect. The thing is I don't think anyone can really prepare you for labour. It doesn't matter how much you read, how informed you think you are, every pregnancy and labour is different and I think we just have to relax and go with what feels right on the day. I'm also due to start some active birthing/yoga and relaxation classes in a couple of weeks. I guess it can't hurt.

Today we finally managed to get somewhere with the spanish healthcare system. We're trying to make sure all our paperwork is intact before I go into labour so we're not hit with a huge bill! Since I'm no longer working I'm no longer entitled to free healthcare, so we've just been and added me as a beneficiary on Chris' social security account so my healthcare costs will be covered. It was no easy task believe me! Finally though we are all set and don't have to do anything else now until after the birth when it comes to registering our baby. I can relax at last!

As far as the baby goes, she was so active for a few days and seemed to be kicking me all day, but as usual she is now going through her quieter two days where she just gives a few kicks a day. I guess this means yet another growth period for her and my tummy! Her heartbeat is still strong and regular. I don't know what I'd do without a doppler. It seems as though this is a weekly pattern now. Active for five days quiet for two.

Sunday, 26+3
I've had a few different aches and pains over the weekend. My bladder feels like it is maybe being squashed and also I had the stomach type pain which I had a few weeks ago when I thought it was an ulcer. I didn't take any medication this time, just waited to see if maybe it was the position of the baby and it has eased off now. I also had quite bad heartburn last night. The baby is still not quite as active as at the beginning of the week, although she does still kick a lot. Yesterday my tummy was moving out with the kicks even when I was standing. I think she must be in an odd position at the moment. I'm wondering if she's standing length ways on my bladder with her head under my ribs squashing my stomach, or the other way round with her head in my pelvis and feet by my ribs. I can't really make my mind up!

Tuesday, 26+5
Her movements and kicks picked up a level again yesterday and it was one of those non-stop kicking days. It feels like she had a foot behind my pelvic bone last night though and I have to say that those kicks aren't particularly comfortable. Today is very overcast and finally it feels like summer may be coming to an end. I'm quite relieved as the heat has been exhausting and not what you need when you feel pretty drained from pregnancy anyway. I love winter, it's my favourite time of the year and especially this year as it means we're getting ever closer to meeting our new arrival! I'm also looking forward to a change of season clothes as I'm so bored with what I've currently been wearing!