And 8 weeks later, things are much more different and just um, bigger. So far, the third trimester has been my least favorite. Starting my 28th week I was having immense back/hip pain that left me unable to walk for a day, and hobbling around with crutches for weeks. I have been going to the chiropractor 2 times a week and trying to keep a balance of resting and staying active. It's called pelvic girdle pain. The hormone relaxin is increasing and causing the tendons and ligaments to become flexible. Good for childbirth preparation, bad if something settles in the wrong place because it can be very painful. Some women have it for most of their pregnancy, some don't feel it until after their baby is born. I'm sure having scoliosis isn't something that's helping, but I was relieved when I found out it was something women can experience regardless of preexisting conditions.
I can gladly say that I think the worst is over. A couple weeks ago it was really scary. Mostly because I couldn't walk. I didn't know if that was how it was going to be for the rest of my pregnancy, I didn't know if it would effect having a natural birth, and it also put a wrench in getting stuff done. I wouldn't say I've been able to do a lot of the fun things I've wanted for our baby just yet. We've been focusing on getting our basement taken care of so that Myles could move down there. His room was the future baby room. So, my hip started acting up in a prime time. It was also an important week at work because my students were being inducted in NAHS, and we were going to the city museum. So, all of this combined made me a big emotional mess for a bit. It was frustrating because I was being told that I needed to stay active, but not too active. I wanted to do whatever it took to get better, but it was difficult to know what my boundaries were.
By now, I am almost to 8 months and I feel like I have most of it figured out. I've been good about allowing help when I know I need it, and I've gotten better about taking breaks throughout the day. I'm so close to being able to go without my crutches, but am trying to play it safe a bit longer. I don't want to revert back. Craig's been awesome with all the physical aspects of helping me, and dealing with my emotional roller coaster. It makes me feel confident for what's to come.
Next weekend is the baby shower. I have friends and family coming from all over Missouri and Craig's Mom, Dad, and sister are coming from the east coast. His family and my friends Rachel and Christie will be staying with us. It will be a full house, but with all the work we've done it will be nice to share our space and enjoy everyone. My mom and sister have been working a lot of the details of the shower. It's at a place called Honey Heaven and specializes in their homegrown local honey. We've decided to go along with the bee theme.
Some pictures from the past couple of months:
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| 6 months |
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| 7 months |
