Pregnancy Journey: 35 Weeks & 3 Days

Today has been quite the journey at 35 weeks and 3 days with our little girl on the way. Every day feels like a new adventure, and this pregnancy has been unlike anything I expected.

Family Support and Pregnancy Challenges

With my husband away on deployment, things have been extra tough. I was fortunate to have my younger sister stay with us last month, though it was hard for me to accept help—I’m usually the one doing everything! Anyone else feel awkward accepting assistance? It’s definitely a journey in itself.

Physical Symptoms and Anxieties

Do any of you worry constantly about every little new pregnancy symptom? Lately, my Braxton Hicks contractions have been more intense, and I have this gut feeling our baby girl won’t wait for her dad to get back. As for that clicking sound when she kicks? According to Dr. Google, it’s normal, but I’m still bringing it up with my OB next week. Today, I’ve been dealing with uncomfortable stretching pains in the middle of my belly, right above my belly button. It’s fascinating how our bodies handle pregnancy in such unique ways!

Coping with Unexpected Health Issues

Let’s talk about unexpected health issues. I experienced excruciating gas pains in my back early on during my 1st and 2nd trimester that landed me in the ER—they initially thought it was gallstones! But I knew it was severe gas, and thanks to my amazing OB, we found ways to manage it. After a prenatal massage, which was a first for me and totally worth it. She was able to loosen up whatever trapped gas was in my back and the pains significantly decreased. It’s incredible how therapeutic self-care can be during pregnancy!

Managing Gestational Diabetes and Diet

Then there’s the Gestational Diabetes bombshell. Failing the glucose tolerance tests was a blow, especially when my baby was measuring behind. My OB assured me it wasn’t my fault—hormones from the placenta were the culprit. Learning to manage my diet and prick my finger to monitor glucose levels multiple times a day was overwhelming at first, but it’s become routine. Luckily, my levels have been stable, and I even got the okay to stop daily monitoring recently!

My diet has become a delicate balance of protein and fiber, with carbs being the trickiest part. Lettuce wraps have become my go-to, and I’ve learned that occasional indulgences in moderation don’t hurt. It’s all about finding what works for you and your baby, right?

Reflections on Food Anxiety and Support

Food has been a rollercoaster during this pregnancy. Earlier on, severe gas pains made eating almost unbearable, I was legitimately afraid to eat anything and it took time to find relief. Despite my fears, a prenatal massage turned out to be a game-changer, easing the pains dramatically. From there, I cautiously reintroduced foods, focusing on what my body could handle.

Conclusion

To all the mamas navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy, whether it’s physical discomfort, unexpected health issues, or simply the rollercoaster of emotions—remember, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, sharing our experiences and supporting each other through these incredible but challenging times.

P.S. Check out my TikTok for some meal ideas... I've only posted 1 of my "what I ate in a day with Gestational Diabetes" videos—I’m hoping to post more regularly, but you know how pregnancy brain can be!

I’d also love to hear your experiences during pregnancy, did you have gestational diabetes, and what kinds of foods helped you keep your glucose levels tamed? Have you had major gas pains like me? Tell me all about it!