What To Expect

  • Thicker hair
  • Stronger nails
  • Tiredness

Your Baby This Week

Your baby is the size of a CD, weighing about 550g.

Dear Diary

I kind of want to start this post by talking about Saltwater sandals. If you were to ask me what my number one pregnancy buy was, it would be these. I've always wanted them and last year my husband surprised me with a gorgeous pale pink pair.

They were the absolute dream on holidays, but I think they work so well for pregnancy because the material kind of grows and shrinks with your feet which would be ideal if you experience swelling. I found them amazing on holidays, but I've also just been living in them for weeks now. So yes – Saltwater sandals for the win. Glad we had that chat.

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We are back in the land of the living after a blissful week in Fuerteventura. I must now return to normal life and put an end to the facade of me being some kind of fancy jet-setter. It's been an amazing few weeks where trips happened to fall side by side and I just feel majorly grateful for the experiences and family time they have given us.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it here yet but I am a massive believer in the Law Of Attraction. Things in my life have worked out in so many ways when, quite frankly, they shouldn't have. It's how we ended up buying our house (long story) and how certain job opportunities have come my way.

I day-dream and nearly live my dreams before they happen and then they usually just kind of do happen. I know that will sound a bit "out there" to a lot of people but it's honestly been life-changing. Anyway, I'm mentioning it because last year I remember being on holiday visualizing being pregnant and returning with a baby bump, so it was a bit surreal to actually experience that last week.

We had a fantastic holiday. Billy and I were still feeling a bit sick, but we just didn't put ourselves under too much pressure. I expected the worst weather-wise, but we got really lucky considering it's February. The sun shined and it was never too hot for my pregnant-self. I loved being able to just throw on a stretchy sundress with my sandals and sunnies. There is a lot to be said for comfort when you are pregnant and my summer wardrobe really delivered in that department.

I'm not a big drinker at all but I missed the holiday cocktails. It was no big deal, but it was a different experience this time around. I looked forward to sleep, strolling along the beach and most importantly the food. I loved not having to cook for a week and I've been slowly weaning myself back into home-cooking and healthier eating since we returned home.

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For anyone looking for a lovely family-friendly holiday destination I truly cannot recommend Caleta De Fuste enough. It's in Fuerteventura but it's the quieter part. Highlights for me are the weather, the fact that it's only a ten-minute taxi ride from the airport (ideal with kids) and it's a really buggy-friendly and clean resort. We've been every single year since before Billy was born and at age five, he's still adoring it. It's a special place for us!

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I'm twenty-five weeks pregnant now and I think this is the part where I'll actually start to wind down a bit. It's been all go but for the best reasons. I love being out and about but after a busy month, I am looking forward to being at home a little bit more. I want to start getting a few things organized for the baby and I have a feeling it's a bit of nesting starting to kick in. The sinus infection has finally left the building and all in all I am feeling really good.

A Partner’s Perspective

This has been an expensive week. Nappies - check. Cleaning essentials - check. Baby vests and sleepsuits - check. Hat, mittens and other bits - check. Moses basket & baby monitor - a large cheque! The baby monitor was on special offer, so that was great. Only the car seat and pram to decide upon.

We had worked out a budget for all of the essentials so that certainly helped the bank balance. Now to plan a paint of the new nursery...

Our Midwife’s Advice

Your baby is busy starting to put on some fat and fill out a little bit. The fine lanugo hair that has covered your baby's body begins to disappear. If you are lucky, depending on your colouring, some baby's can have lots of darker hair on their head, on their back and shoulders or even on their ears.

An old wives tale suggests that lots of hair on a baby gives you more heartburn, but there is no scientific evidence to support this. I had the world's worst heartburn and my son was bald as an egg!

When you are pregnant your feet really take a beating! So like Tracey, wear comfy, well-fitting shoes. It's very common in pregnancy that your feet grow a whole size (and like me, never get smaller again!)! This is due to those pesky hormones, stretching everything, coupled with extra weight gain.

As you get bigger, the flush of energy you felt at the start of your 2nd trimester will begin to fade and you will find yourself feeling more tired, more quickly. Listen to your body, try to avoid doing too much and take breaks and naps where possible. Despite your tiredness, do try and get some activity in.

Week 25

Our Wellness Tip of the Week

You're over halfway through your pregnancy now. It might be a good time to begin to wind down and practice some mindfulness. This could mean staying off your phone for a portion of the day or sitting with a cup of tea and watching the world go by. Even if it's only for a few minutes a day, the benefits are endless!

Recommended Reading

MINDFULNESS IS HELPING ME BE A BETTER MUM

11 PIECES OF PRACTICAL ADVICE ALL DADS-TO-BE NEED TO READ

5 NOT SO EXCITING THINGS ABOUT PREGNANCY

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