23 weeks. Yes, already. Yes, I know how big I am. Thank you.

by Veronica on May 6, 2012

in Pregnant. Finally.

23 Weeks

New this week:

My uterus reached the level of my ribs and has been pushing on them steadily, causing all sorts of havoc and mayhem. Namely dislocated ribs that either cause me to throw myself at Nathan’s feet wailing “FIX ITTTT”, or leap to my feet to relocate the ribs under my breasts so that I can continue to breathe. Fun times, fun times.

The rising level of my uterus is also promoting large amounts of reflux, extra nausea and a need to sleep propped up on four separate pillows, and that’s not counting the pillows supporting my hips. Which also hurt.

Have I mentioned pregnancy when you’ve got Ehlers Danlos is not much fun?

On the flip side, no symptoms of pre-term labour, or bleeding. So really, all the important bits are happening how they should.

Isaac finally felt his sister kick – but only because she kicked him in the head while he was trying to get a cuddle. I laughed. He wasn’t impressed.

I expect most blogging from now on will be done from bed with a laptop however, sitting up in my computer chair is getting progressively more uncomfortable. My blood pressure insists on regularly bottoming out, meaning that my feet need to be raised most of the time and it’s just miserable.

I’m holding onto the fact that at the end of this, I get a baby, all going well. I’ll be happier once I hit 27 weeks and happier again to hit 34. Til then, day by day.

And now I need a nap.

Sharon A. May 6, 2012 at 2:42 pm

Oh, hang in there, babe:) I hope this time passes quickly and uneventfully for you

Oscar June 10, 2012 at 7:59 am

Hello there! I just came across you and your blog via Twitter’s susggetions of people I should follow. Bless your heart! I have fibromyalgia, migraines and chronic depression/anxiety. I have been bed ridden a number of times over the years. I was totally bedridden in 2002/2003. I could easily let myself go there again. I do end up in bed by about 3:00 every day. If I don’t have to go back out for anything I usually just stay in bed. Anyway, I wanted you to know that I can identify. I look forward to following you on Twitter and here at WP. Feel free to come by my WP.com blog anytime.

river May 6, 2012 at 8:28 pm

You don’t look too big to me, you’re perfectly 23 week sized I’d say.
And look!! Only 17 weeks to go!
Do you have enough pillows?
You could put one under the foot end of your mattress to keep your feet raised while you are sleeping. (Or trying to sleep)

Veronica May 7, 2012 at 11:44 am

I have lots of pillows – thank goodness for small mercies!

Caz May 6, 2012 at 8:59 pm

Such a lovely bump. Sorry it’s all such hard work for you – but you seem to have your focus on the important bit 🙂

Marita May 7, 2012 at 9:30 am

Just keep swimming.

I hated the low blood pressure during pregnancy thing, that living life constantly feeling as if I was going to faint (and frequent brief blackouts), so not fun.

Laney @ Crash Test Mummy May 7, 2012 at 9:32 am

Look after yourself, you’re doing well. Whilst not EDS myself, I understand, having had similar experiences. 34 weeks will rock around before you know it (which for me was full term!). Get plenty of rest and take care x

Hayley May 7, 2012 at 10:43 am

Lovely bump, I don’t think you look that big. I hope the rest of your pregnancy is not to hard.

Carley May 7, 2012 at 11:32 am

Oh my god! Me too! I woke up with something that couldn’t be defined as acid reflux, but more like shaking my husband asking why he poured hot sauce down my throat while I slept. It was miserable burning worse than anything I’d ever taken Zantac for perviously. And the breathing… Impossible. If I want to eat, forget breathing. If I have to pee, forget eating. The only place I find solace is in my half mile swim each day. Thank goodness for buoyancy! xoxxox hang in there! half way done!!

Veronica May 7, 2012 at 11:43 am

YES! I can see now why people go to the hospital thinking they’re having a heart attack, only to be told it’s reflux. Miserable.

Carley May 7, 2012 at 8:46 pm

Last night. A lady told me “Get OVER it, Just GET OVER IT!! You have no right to complain, It’s only going to get much worse. Crazy, What do you think?!!!” When She asked me how I was feeling, and I told her I was working on the lava waterfall in the back of my throat. Last night I swore I woke up having Strep Throat symptoms… and this morning, I am realizing it’s acid… Get over it… wow. Way to make someone who already feels emotional, defeated, and in pain… guilty too. Oh… and the woman who said it… has no kids.

Signe May 7, 2012 at 3:26 pm

Awwhhh, you look so nice. What a good display the body can put up – it looks absolutely peaceful in that picture.
If you get bored lying down, I was thinking you could ask us for ideas to entertain yourself – good books, websites, movies etc. But maybe you just need to sleep 🙂

Patricia Issberner May 9, 2012 at 8:11 am

I am a 47 year old attorney, married with three kids–also have Ehler’s Danlos (benign form) I am so sorry you are having these complications. I am just realizing now that I had similar symptoms-but three happy healthy children–all with Ehler’s Danlos!

Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot May 9, 2012 at 9:14 am

Congratulations Veronica! It looks like you have many more sleepless nights ahead 🙂

You look fantastic – just the right size. I find the pregnant form fascinating and beautiful – except on me although I enjoyed it at the time.

Look forward to watching you grow and seeing the new baby.

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