By Shanna: Pregnancy Post #2

Is it hard not knowing the gender?

It's so weird...in the beginning I thought about it a lot. I always tried to envision my son or daughter and different activities I would be doing with them, or different conversations I would be having them. However, now as it gets closer and closer to my due date...I literally don't think about whether it's a boy or girl AT ALL. It is the furthest thing from my mind. I am constantly worried about the baby being healthy, having a safe and easy delivery, and all of the really big things. Whether it's a boy or a girl just couldn't matter less to me. My husband...he's a different story. (Just kidding...kind of). My whole life I always pictured having a boy first... maybe that's why in the back of my head I think it's a boy, but other than that I don't have any real reason to think one way or another.

What weird pregnancy things have you had happen lately?

I will for sure think of more things to add to this question immediately after it’s posted, but there are two things I can think of off the top of my head. I've started getting Braxton Hicks contractions- which really scared the sh** out of me when they first started happening. They still don't know if the first time it happened if it was a Braxton Hicks contraction or just severe round ligament pain, but I was unable to stand up straight because of the pain. It scared me so much that I went to the doctor. Of course they immediately did an ultrasound to check on the baby and checked to make sure my cervix was still closed.

Braxton Hicks contractions aren't real contractions - they are a sudden tightening or hardening feeling in your belly and they can range from uncomfortable to pretty painful. They are known as "practice contractions" that are made to prepare you for the real event.

The other weird thing that I can think of off the top of my head, is I've developed that line down the center of my belly that lots of women get during pregnancy (Linea Nigra). It's still pretty light and only from my belly button down, but I'd imagine its going to get darker as more time goes by. It really doesn't bother me at all, and I've read that it fades pretty quickly after pregnancy. If it doesn't, I wouldn't care!

Have you chosen a name?

Nope. Every time I get my heart set on a name, I change my mind two weeks later. And then I think to myself...wait you can't do that when the baby actually arrives! Any and all suggestions are very welcome! No seriously...DM me! Here are the things I look for in a name. For a boy- I would love a strong, one syllable name if possible. I would love to think of my future son as being athletic (if he's not, that is fine too!!) so I try to think of names that would sound good in that respect. I also like to think of boy names that would sound good in the business world, which has eliminated some of the names that I used to love. For a girl- I used to love boy names for girls, but, now that I am pregnant, I picture my future daughter being very feminine. Those names no longer seem as fitting. My mind can, and probably will, change ten more times until my due date, so don't hold me to anything! I would love a sweet, girlie, semi-trendy (but not too trendy) name. AKA not naming her Apple or Orange. SEND ME SOME SUGGESTIONS!! After the baby arrives, I'll tell you guys my list of top contenders that I may or may not use for future kids.

Are you planning on breastfeeding?

Yes, if I'm lucky!!! I've read about all of the benefits for the baby and mom (and losing pregnancy weight quickly because of breastfeeding is just an added bonus). I know lots of women struggle with breastfeeding, so I would absolutely love to be able to do it. If it's too hard or my baby isn't getting enough milk because of it, I am not opposed to formula at all.

Will you tell everyone how much weight you gained?

Yes- in my last pregnancy post (which will be live in a month) I will for sure. While it’s not a secret at all, I just don't love hearing from everyone that I've gained too much or too little.

How many kids do you plan on having?

I would LOVE to have 3 kids, but we will see what happens!

Who are you planning on having in the delivery room?

In the actual delivery room- just my husband. I have so much anxiety as it is, that the less people in there the better.

What's your favorite part of pregnancy?

I never thought I'd say this, but I love being kicked all day long :) It's the coolest feeling in the entire world! Sometimes when I'm going about my daily routine, I actually forget that there's a growing human inside of me - and it's the best reminder. My least favorite part (even though none of you asked) is that I officially don't sleep more than 2 hours at a time without having to wake up to pee or to change positions due to being uncomfortable. I can only imagine how much worse this is going to get over the remaining weeks!

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