Week 36 and we are officially getting VERY close.
Physically, I’m actually feeling pretty good. The lightning crotch and Braxton Hicks are very real, but I’m so grateful to not be dealing with the constant nausea and exhaustion that followed me through so much of this pregnancy.
Running has also been feeling surprisingly good. My mileage is low, but I have completely let go of needing to hit a certain number each week. I’m running when my body wants to run, resting when it wants to rest, and even went climbing this week. Right now, the goal is less about maintaining fitness and more about going into birth feeling as rested, strong, and restored as possible.
Emotionally, though, this week hit me.
I had this realization that very soon my son won’t be my only child anymore. I’m obviously incredibly excited to meet this baby, but there is also some grief around the end of this chapter where it has just been the three of us. I talk about those feelings, along with some of my anxiety about postpartum and returning to running when I know I’m entering this postpartum period less fit than I was the first time.
I also met with my doulas to finalize my birth preferences, shared my birth plan with my midwives, and I’m sharing some of the things I included in it.
And BIG NEWS: baby is no longer breech!
I also talk more about monitoring my blood pressure and preeclampsia, why I’m prioritizing stress reduction and recovery as birth gets closer, and, on a completely different note, why renting clothes through Nuuly has been one of my favorite pregnancy hacks.
The final stretch is officially here.
If you are pregnant and trying to figure out how you can keep strength training safely while protecting your core and pelvic floor, check out the ANDA App. You can get a 7 day free trial and 20% off with my code SERENA
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian
