I’m feeling 22 | (weeks’ pregnant)

Being 22 weeks pregnant could not be further from being 22. At 22, the most planning I probably did was deciding what to wear to Tiger Tiger on Thursday, Friday AND Saturday evening with weekends spent nursing a hangover or drinking my way to one. Being 22 weeks pregnant means planning nursery, wardrobe, a ‘travel system’, CPR and nanny courses FOUR months ahead of the arrival of a baby – all while not consuming an alcoholic beverage!

Since my big announcement a few weeks’ ago, I have not really spoken about my pregnancy on the blog. I don’t think it has been on purpose – more because of time constraints – but I thought it may be a good idea to give an update and answer all the “typical pregnancy” questions in one space.

How was the first trimester?

Firmly into my second trimester I can safely safe that I have had an ‘easy’ pregnancy thus far; my first trimester was free of the dreaded morning (all-day) sickness and despite the zombie-like exhaustion – like nothing I have ever felt before – I made it easily through the first twelve weeks. My husband may disagree here but I think I also managed to keep my emotions in check for the most of that period (with the exception of a one bad blow-dry and consequential melt down).

Are you showing yet?

As of about 3 weeks ago, I am now the owner of a ‘proper’ bump making the whole thing feel real to me, and visible to the outside world. It also means most of my pre-pregnancy pants do not fit comfortably anymore. Despite the assurances to myself that I would resist maternity wear as long as possible it became a toss-up between buying pants one size up or the dreaded ‘M’ ones. My practical brain won over; based on the fact that another 20ish weeks ahead is a loooooooooong, growing 20 weeks ahead.

P.S. Pregnancy envy is a real thing. I get insanely envious of skinny pregnant girls. I just have to accept that is not the way I was designed to carry (or clearly, eat during this time).

How are you feeling?

Physically speaking, I feel completely normal 90% of the time. In fact, between weeks 14 and 19, before the appearance of the aforementioned bump, most days I forgot I was pregnant. My energy levels had returned to normal; I resumed a fairly rigorous exercise routine, a few intense work weeks before being struck by a bout of flu. I would not wish being pregnant and sick on my worst enemy but it made me realise I am not invincible! Growing a small human is clearly taxing on one’s body; all the body’s resources are being used/sent/devoured by the baby. Since then I have started taking it a bit easier on myself… although I am quickly falling out of a good gym routine!

Best thing about your pregnancy right now?

The best thing about being 22 weeks pregnant is being able to feel the baby move. It took me a while to almost realise what the movement; it is both re-assuring and stress inducing (like, hello, a baby is on the way!!!). And shopping for baby clothes, obviously.

And the worst?

Pregnant fat days. These days cannot even vaguely to compare to non-pregnant fat days – prepare yourself if you are planning on going this route! Pre-12 weeks I was so worried people had noticed my changed shape that I was extremely sensitive to wearing anything vaguely fitted over my middle. Now, should I dare wear something loose, I think I probably resemble the old-Oros man.

Do you know what you having?

We do – it is a boy. I knew from the start of the pregnancy that it was a boy; call it intuition. Initially I thought I would have it in me to not find out and wait for a surprise; in the end my curiosity won out.

That’s all I have for now on the matter 🙂 Hopefully next time I give you an update it will include the nursery planning (the fun stuff) and my upcoming baby moon to Namibia. And yes, a baby moon is a thing.

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