Week 22

Wow, today is the beginning of my 22nd week of pregnancy. So what’s new or newish??

Edema: The mild swelling, that's so common during pregnancy and thanks to the laws of gravity, is particularly noticeable in my feet and ankles (and ring finger – due to restriction of my wedding band). It can vary by the hour and by the weather. My care instructions include drinking water and elevating my feet (to hip level) while resting.  I tend to simply lie down on the couch when I get home and rely on Rick for dinner. Thank you honey bunny for the good eats J

Leg cramps: Thought to be caused in part to a shortage of calcium or magnesium in the diet. I was told to reduce the frequency of these painful spasms by taking my prenatal vitamin every day. I’m trying to follow this, but sometimes my stomach can’t handle any and other times I simply forget.

Belly button soreness:  My uterus has now stretched to such proportions that it extends up past my belly button which is causing some tightness and minor aching. This is mostly due to natural and healthy development and growth but a little due to my scar tissue from the removal of my appendix as a teen. I did have some soreness with Guin too, but had no serious pain and no complications at all due to this. With G, though I remained an innie to full term my belly button is stretched open and became shallow (while pregnant). I expect the same this time around.

Fatigue continues… I am having trouble sleeping well for a variety of reasons, including heartburn/indigestion, leg cramps, neck/backache, breast tenderness, baby’s movement, and especially the need to pee frequently. The last few nights we had the added night time disruption of a screaming toddler sometime between 3-6am. Not sure if she is having nightmares or is half asleep and trying to figure out this whole potty by herself thing. None-the-less she needs comfort and care and I need a nap!