When I was pregnant with O I had only the slightest understanding of the luxury of being pregnant without any of other children at home. I took naps, I rested, I read a ton of books on pregnancy and childbirth, and I walked and walked and walked in an attempt to keep myself in some semblance of shape throughout the pregnancy.
This time around though I find myself with a full-time job outside of the home and a toddler who requires (and deserves) a great deal of my time and so there are far fewer naps (although I did manage to sneak a glorious one in on Sunday - I think it was only my second nap in this entire pregnancy) and needless to say there has been no reading about pregnancy and childbirth. But most concerning for me is that I've had so little time to get my tiny bit of exercise in and so on those rare occasions when I do find a bit of time to walk, I find myself huffing and puffing (and sweating) like a mad woman. Quite honestly I feel like somebody who has signed up to run a marathon (aka labor) only to realize four weeks beforehand that they've completely forgotten to train. This can't be good.
I'm sure you're getting a ton of exercise every day with just living the life of a full-time working full-time Mom! The second baby is a sweet little addition and it's so cool seeing your family grow. I've been putting my old home movies on the computer and I am getting a few pangs seeing all kids as babies. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteBut at least your body knows what to do already right? My grandma said her second one just slipped out like a bar of soap!
ReplyDeleteYep, same happened with my second. I had gone to prenatal yoga every week with my first, but made it...twice?...with my second. But I did prepare mentally (read Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth twice) and between that and your body knowing what to do, I was ready. You'll be ready too - women are made for this! Can't wait to meet the little one!! :D
ReplyDeletethey always say labor goes faster the second time. it was true with me. i hope it will be the same for you!
ReplyDeleteSure, you're an old hand at this by now, right? Hope you get some more naps in before the big day!
ReplyDeleteOh hey, it's not as if you can voluntarily train up your uterus muscles. They are doing that all by themselves whether you are running a marathon or sitting on the couch!
ReplyDeleteI didn't exercise at all during my one and only pregnancy, and while it would definitely have been better if I had, I did start exercising afterward and now my kid is 2 and I am in the best shape of my life. You do what you can!
ReplyDeleteYou and your baby are going to do GREAT! Your body is absolutely amazing and will know just what to do. And you know what? Having the strength and energy to work full-time and look after a toddler means that you have what is most important during labor: patience and stamina. You'll rock it. :) Sending gentle birthing thoughts your way - so excited!
ReplyDeleteI had really bad sciatica during my pregnancy (and all signs point to it happening again this time around, sigh), so I could barely walk, let alone exercise. I was worried, but somehow it all fell together on that day. I agree with Jane - your body IS training, even if you don't realize it.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm useless at this advice because I ended up with two C-sections. (Which were not that bad, actually.) But everyone always says the second one is a piece of cake compared to the first baby, and I'm pretty sure we learned that in medical school, too. It comes faster, too, so no dilly-dallying at home while in labor unless you think your husband would make a good OB/Gyn.
ReplyDeleteMy first and second pregnancies were completely different! But I hear your woes. Try not to stress about it... and there's not much need to "train". I was amazed at how much "easier" labour was the second time around (it was like my body was saying, "Oh yeah, I remember doing this before...).
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to "meet" the newest family member! :)
I had such bad back problems with my second that I had bed rest for a lot at the end of it.
ReplyDeletejust fake being really bad off. people will go out of their way to make sure you rest.
as for the birth...
you.can.do.it.
xo