19 wks Almost Half Way There!!!!

Half way there next week! I cannot believe it! This has all flown by soo fast I am still in denial most of the time. We hopefully get to find out what Baby M is in a few weeks, so, it will be strange, but nice, not calling the baby, Baby M. This all has been really making me realize how fast Baby M will grow when they arrive this summer too. Speaking of Baby M, Baby M has been moving quite a bit for Allen and I lately. They prefer Lic's ice cream put on a show for us. I have felt great except pelvic pain- I found out it is not just round ligament pain, but pelvic pain that I have been experiencing for the last 2 months. I found a clip from a website that explained pelvic pain through pregnancy last night, and, it was an ahhhaahh moment. I just thought that this was all round ligament pain, and that sometime, it would let up, but, unfortunately, it has not.


What is Pelvic Pain during pregnancy?
The joints of the pelvis can cause pain during pregnancy. Pelvic pain causes such pain that movement is limited and the ability to walk is impaired. As your pregnancy progresses, you may develop aches and pains in your hips and pelvic area. This is a normal sign that your pelvic girdle is preparing for childbirth.

What causes pelvic arthropathy?
The pelvis is made up of several bones that are jointed in a way that usually does not allow any movement. Under the influence of hormones produced in pregnancy, the cartilage of the joints becomes softer and allows the bones to move. It can occur towards the end of the first trimester or after delivery.

Many women notice their symptoms for the first time around the middle of their pregnancy. If you experience SPD in one pregnancy, it is more likely that it will reoccur in your next pregnancy.

Symptoms of Pelvic pain during pregnancy
•Pain in the pubic area and groin are the most common symptoms.
•It is common to feel a grinding or clicking in your pubic area and the pain may travel down the inside of the thighs or between your legs.
•The pain is usually made worse by separating your legs, walking, going up or down stairs or moving around in bed.
Self help tips for pelvic pain during pregnancy
•Move little and often. You may not feel the effects of what you are doing until later in the day or after you have gone to bed.
•Rest regularly by sitting reasonably upright with your back well supported.
•Avoid heavy lifting or pushing (supermarket trolleys can be particularly painful).
•When dressing, sit down to put on clothing such as your knickers or trousers. Pull the clothing over your feet and then stand up to pull them up. Don't try to put your legs into trousers, skirts or knickers whilst standing up.
•When climbing stairs, go up them one step at a time. Step up onto one step with your best leg and then bring your other leg to meet it. Repeat with each step.
Care while suffering from Pelvic Pain during pregnancy
•Sleep with a pillow between your knees.
•Rest as much as possible, applying heat to painful areas.
•Talk to your health professional about whether a safe pain reliever might help.
•When lying on your back, propped up on your elbows or a pillow, squeeze a pillow between your knees. This can help realign your pelvic bones and may give you temporary pain relief.
•Wear a prenatal belt or girdle around your hips, under your abdomen, to stabilize your hips.

Everything kind of fits together now, after I have read this. I just thought it was odd that I had been experiencing all kinds of round ligament pain, and everyone else I talked to had not. So, off to google I went. I always like to research everything before I call the doctor. I knew that I was fine, just experiencing more pain was all.

Anyway, I am feeling great other than pelvic pain that comes and goes. It feels like I have had my stomach shrink, since now, I can only eat very little at a time. I have only gained 6lbs through this whole pregnancy, so, I could not be happier about that! My goal is to keep eating as healthy as possible, and not go over the 30lb mark at the end. I am in no way dieting, or fasting. I have just been eating extremely healthy, it is uncanny how much healthier I have wanted to eat now, than before I was pregnant. I am getting pretty tired at the moment, I am going on only 2 hours sleep for the day, and exhausted, so, I will end this once again with Baby M's development progress report.

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:
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Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.

You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."

These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.