Well, my little guy has definitely hit another growth spurt. I didn't think I could possibly get any bigger, but lo and behold I have. I have gained about 5 pounds in 2 weeks! I can tell he's already in a head-down position with his head over my left hip and his feet up into my right ribs. It's hilarious to feel knees and feet push out, and even funnier to be able to see it in the mirror! His jabs are fairly gentle, but sometimes a foot seems to get stuck up under my right rib, which does not feel so good. (Sitting here right now, my belly is rolling from side to side quite vigorously.)
As for exercise, I can definitely feel myself slowing down. I've gone for two two-mile walks in the last week, and each one had issues. I start out trucking along, feeling strong, and then I round the first bend (only about 50 feet out the door) and realize this pace is never going to happen. I immediately have to slow down, while the dogs look over their shoulders thinking "seriously??". I went for the first walk last week in what I didn't realize was a slightly dehydrated state. After we turned around at a mile, I started sweating like crazy and feeling light headed. Scott had to take both dogs, and I just tried to make it home. I guzzled water as soon as we got home and felt much better. (All the while I'm thinking "I've never sweat so much on a walk. This is embarassing!") I made sure I was well hydrated for walk number two. It turned into an ab workout, though, when my back and pelvis started hurting so bad. The only thing to relieve the pressure was squeezing my abs really tight and waddling...haha!! Yes, I waddled for two miles. I have arrived.
Today I did a TRX workout. WAY easier than the walking, funny enough. I spent an hour of dynamic warm-up, various TRX and body weight exercises (push-ups & deadlifts), then lots of foam rolling and stretching. I'm glad I still have most of my strength. I've noticed my hip flexors and adductors (inner thigh/groin muscles) have gotten ridiculously tight, mostly due to my pelvis being tilted forward from the weight of the baby. When I take care to foam roll and stretch these muscles out on a daily basis, my back and hips feel much better. Much of the pain is just inevitable, I'm afraid.
Some funny observations: I've had to completely change my technique for putting shoes and socks on. Shaving my legs is incredibly difficult. I can no longer be a slob and eat on the couch. My plate will not fit on my lap anymore, so we now eat at the dining room table for our meals (which is probably better anyway). Leverage has become my friend for maneuvering myself in/out of bed and off the couch. And I must laugh at myself for the amount of involuntary grunting that takes place when I change positions.
I'm getting really excited to have this little guy next month (hopefully!). I'm excited to see how my strength and fitness level helps me through labor and then the recovery process. I'm hoping for the best outcome, but I know that when all is said and done I'm not as in control as I'd like to believe. We'll see what trials and trauma God decides to challenge me with.
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