Still Pregnant!

Embracing Patience and Managing my Exhaustion!

Being 42 weeks pregnant has brought me to a place of both anticipation and weariness. This phase of my journey has stretched beyond expectations, leaving me feeling physically and emotionally drained.

I have gone over my due date twice already, however this is a big stretch for me.

I imagine having my baby WAAY before my birthday. And my birthday has come and gone!

It's almost Halloween, and I don't want to go into the 11th month of the year STILL Pregnant!

Embracing Patience

As I approach the 42-week mark, patience has become my daily mantra. Every flutter or movement feels like a sign that labor is imminent, yet the waiting continues. I move all day long, up and down stairs, doing physical exercises like 'Miles Circuit' to help this little girl engage. And acupressure points to help my body progress naturally. I would begin contractions, and by 12:30am then would slow down and I convince myself to get some sleep.

Last night I petty cried myself to sleep, because I work hard everyday, I'm physically exhausted, the contractions I do get, leave me feeling drained, and I go to sleep with this cycle that I know I'm going to repeat these steps tomorrow and even more so.

Did I mention, I'm raising 5 Young boys at the same time?

I remind myself that each passing day brings me closer to meeting my little one. And this extra time, is what she needs, and it's what I need, to make sure we are stable enough for her to come. I've dedicated time to self-care l, to keep me going, and so i dont emotionally break down all day long.

• At 5:30am i take a soothing bath,

• then at 8:30am I'm reading my favorite book,

• At 10am I go outside to exercise

• 11am i am on the edge of my bed bouncing.

• by Noon, I'm simply resting

• At 1pm, I'm back to taking a bath,

• 2pm i go outside again for exercise,

• and at 5pm, im back in the bath again.

• dinner is at 6:30pm,

• and at 9pm, i turn on the bath.

Managing Exhaustion

Physically, these final weeks have been exhausting. My body is carrying the weight of this prolonged pregnancy, making sleep elusive and everyday tasks more challenging. I've learned to listen to my body and allow myself breaks whenever needed. Seeking help from my support system has been invaluable. I love it when my sisters call me, just to see how I'm doing, and I get to chat with some other adults, while my husband is at work!

My husband has been helping me teach the boys responsibility. And their assistance with chores has lightened the load.

The Younger three boys have got So much energy inside, It's actually exhausting, just to watch!

I do make sure I get outside with those boys as often as I can, it helps baby descend and more fully engage.

Consulting with Healthcare Providers

As I passed the 42-week mark, I have considered a check-in with a healthcare provider. I wanted to see how my body was doing and monitor the baby's health. Discussions about possible induction for a safe delivery have been on the table. I started taking Evening Primrose Oil right before getting a check up. I heard that it helps. Hearing what the nurse had to say, was definitely reassuring during this uncertain time. She highly suggested I came back in sometime this next week tog et induced, because hitting the 43 week mark can lead to more challenges.

However she did say, the baby looked and sounded great, I am doing well. And there are no serious issues to induce, except the simple fact that they don't like to see mama's go past 41 weeks.

"She is my Crock-Pot baby!"

I took it, and determined, I will be 43 weeks on November 1st. If I don't have this little one by Halloween, then on Halloween, we will go get induced and have this baby in a Hospital.

Final Thoughts

Being 42 weeks pregnant and feeling exhausted has tested my patience and strength. Yet, it's a reminder of the incredible journey my body is going through to bring new life into this world. I hold onto the hope that soon, I'll be cradling my little one in my arms, embarking on the beautiful adventure of motherhood.

While the waiting might seem endless, I remind myself that this phase will soon transition into a new chapter of love, joy, and priceless moments with my newborn.