As I approach the final stretch of my pregnancy, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on how I’m feeling mentally and physically. At 38 weeks, the emotions and physical changes are definitely becoming more intense, and I find myself torn between excitement and exhaustion. Here’s an update on where I stand at this point in my pregnancy:
Mentally:
At 38 weeks, I’ll be honest I am really, really tired of being pregnant. The weight of the wait is starting to take a toll on me. My patience is running thin, and I’m not sure I can make it until 40 weeks to hold my little one. The good news is, I made it past 37 weeks, which was a huge concern for me earlier on.
Being able to make it to term feels like such a relief. I was really hoping to get through the 37-week mark, as anything earlier felt a bit too soon. Now that I’m at 38 weeks, I feel like it’s the perfect window not too early, but also not too late. 39 weeks would feel ideal, though I can’t deny that I’m ready now. It’s such a strange mix of emotions, but I’m doing my best to stay patient and allow things to unfold naturally.
Physically:
Physically, things have been a bit of a struggle. I feel like a different person from the energetic woman I was earlier in pregnancy. I’ve noticed my energy levels plummeting, and I just don’t have the drive to do much anymore. My body feels so heavy, and walking has become a challenge. It’s hard to move around the way I used to, and I feel like a turtle slowly making my way through each day. As the baby grows and my belly expands, I just can’t seem to find comfort in anything.
Sleeping is another challenge. I can only sleep on my sides, which has its own set of discomforts. I experience pain between my legs, which makes it hard to get comfortable or even walk properly. There’s a constant aching feeling, and it’s hard to escape it, even during the night. On top of that, I’m experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently now. Sometimes they’re mild, other times they’re a bit more intense. Occasionally, I also get what feel like period cramps, which is a reminder that my body is definitely getting ready for labor. It’s a strange mix of discomfort and anticipation, but I know it’s all part of the process.
OB Appointment:
I had a regular check-up with my obstetrician recently, and things are moving along. She checked my cervix and confirmed that I’m 1.5 cm dilated. Honestly, checking for dilation wasn’t as bad as I expected — I barely felt a thing. After the check, my OB asked me if I wanted a membrane sweep. I thought about it for a moment, considering the fact that if I said no, I’d likely be waiting for another week or more. By then, I’d be almost at 40 weeks, and that felt like an eternity to wait. So, I decided to go ahead with the sweep.
Let me tell you, the membrane sweep was uncomfortable, to say the least. It wasn’t painful in my case, but it was very sensitive. It felt similar to the “lightning crotch” sensation that’s so commonly talked about during pregnancy, except it lasted much longer. It wasn’t the worst thing in the world, but definitely not something I’d describe as pleasant. Still, it was worth it if it helps move things along. As for how long it took me to go into labor after the sweep… well, that’s a story for another post. Be sure to check it out!
Knowing that labor could begin any time now, I’ve been mentally and physically preparing myself. I’ve been packing my hospital bag (last-minute, of course), washing baby clothes, and doing what I can to arrange the house in the event that things happen quickly. I’m trying to stay calm but also stay ready.
Everyone’s Experience is Different:
I know that every pregnancy is unique, and not everyone experiences the same thing. Some women feel great right up until labor, while others feel tired, emotional, and ready to be done long before they actually go into labor. It’s important to acknowledge that we’re all on different journeys, and our bodies react to pregnancy in different ways.
I’m tired, yes. But despite the aches, pains, and discomforts, I know I will miss having my belly once my baby is born. It’s a bittersweet feeling — part of me is ready to meet my little one, but another part of me will always cherish these final weeks of carrying them inside me.
It’s all worth it in the end, and I can’t wait to meet my baby and start the next chapter of this incredible journey.
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