What To Expect

  • Acne
  • Stretch marks
  • Round ligament pain

Your Baby This Week

Your baby this week is the size of a TV remote control.

Dear Diary

It's Disney Land week and I can't quite believe it. I feel like I have a bit of a habit of going on big trips when I'm pregnant at this stage. During my first pregnancy, my boyfriend (now husband) had surprised me with a trip to Las Vegas for my birthday and a couple of days later we found out we were expecting a baby.

We still went on the trip despite me being about twenty-eight weeks pregnant and we had an absolute ball. Disney Land was another big surprise. You see, we had been saving for years for a house deposit and my husband casually told our son that when we bought a house he would take him to Disney Land. I didn't think too much about it at the time but that is exactly what he did.

We bought our house in October just a couple of weeks after we found out about this pregnancy. Within weeks of living here myself and the little man were following clues around the house that eventually lead us to a Pinata that had an envelope (and tonnes of sweets) inside.

The envelope revealed the big surprise that we were going to Disney Land in January and myself and our son could not believe it. Let me tell you that emotional treasure hunts and a pregnant woman are not a good mix. I was a blubbering mess and so very excited. We are very lucky to have this man in our lives.

So, we are heading to Disney Land this week and I just cannot wait. I've picked up some matching Disney t-shirts and some toys because I've heard things are pretty pricy once you get over there. The weather is quite cold in Paris right now and we've been advised to pack thermals which my husband is looking after.

I'm really really looking forward to it. My husband booked it for January on purpose. He knew that at about twenty-two weeks I'd be more than likely feeling quite well and the sickness would have passed for the most part. I'm also experiencing that second-trimester burst of energy that will serve me well on those long days of walking.

As for the rides? I am a total chicken and it's entirely possible that I won't go on anything at all. I'll force myself to go on a few things for the little man's sake, but I am all about the shows, parades and taking photos of my boys in this magical place. It's such a dream come true to be going at all and I feel seriously blessed! We've got another trip planned in a few weeks and then life will be a lot calmer for the foreseeable.

I am really starting to feel the movements now and it's an incredible feeling.

I've been doing some research about visiting Disney Land while pregnant and there are some really good tips online. Firstly, there are lots of toilet facilities and they all appear to be extremely clean. I was most impressed by the prospect of being able to jump the queue though. I just need to take something official from the hospital confirming my pregnancy and then they'll give us a special pass which will entitle us to privileges around ride and attraction queues. I think this is absolutely brilliant!

I've also picked up some fantastic tips along the way such as taking a little pocket-size cordial with us as well as bottles to fill. Apparently, the parks are full of water fountains and this is a much cheaper way to stay hydrated as a bottle of water costs about €4 otherwise.

In terms of symptoms this week, I'm not feeling a whole lot different than last week apart from movement. I am really starting to feel the movements now and it's an incredible feeling. It stops me in my tracks throughout the day. With a second pregnancy, it can be easy to almost forget you are pregnant and while I'm going about my day these little rolls and kicks remind me that life is growing within me. It is such a special feeling and is making me so excited to meet our little one in just eighteen short weeks.

I'll be back next week to fill you in on our trip!

A Partner’s Perspective

My partner and I have started to look around at Moses baskets, cots and travel systems. It is a minefield. There are so many options and potential mix and matches with baby accessories that I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed. This is not as straight forward as I had thought it would be.

I have a little better idea though on a direction to take.

Our Midwife’s Advice

Your baby's fingernails have started to grow. Your baby is now more in proportion - up until now the head grows at a faster rate than the body but now the body starts to catch up.

By this stage, you'll probably be feeling lots of movement. It's such a lovely reassuring sign. Over the next few weeks, your baby will fall into a particular pattern of movement. For example, it might be quieter during the afternoon but busy moving in the evening and night-time. Try to become familiar with your baby's pattern.

As with Tracey going to Disneyland, a very common question from pregnant women is it safe to fly? The answer is that up until and even sometimes into your 3rd trimester, as long as you have had a normal healthy pregnancy, then yes for short-haul flights it is generally safe. You should always check with your care provider before you go just to make sure all is ok.

Some airlines have stricter rules and may require you to have a letter from your doctor so always check before you go. It's important that you would wear flight socks and keep really hydrated. Also, try and avoid taking two flights on the same day as pregnant women are much more prone to swelling or oedema.

Week 22

Our Wellness Tip of the Week

This week, try your best to find a delicious caffeine-free alternative. Caffeine makes it difficult for your body to absorb iron, which pregnant women are usually low on anyway. Grab a (decaffeinated) cuppa tomorrow morning and reap the benefits for both you and your baby.

Recommended Reading

I REGRET BRINGING MY SON TO A PREGNANCY SCAN

WHAT IS THE PERFECT AGE GAP BETWEEN SIBLINGS?

WHAT MAKES THE PLACENTA SO AMAZING?

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