A Real-Life Pregnancy: Week 14

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Photo Credit: Dean Lipoff

The fun parts of pregnancy started shining through this week as some of the not-so-great symptoms are disappearing (finally!). Good-bye all-day sickness, see ya, sore breasts, and hello little Buddha belly. Oh, and my hair, nails, and complexion—they've never looked better!

Just Say

This week, after surviving the prenatal tests and appointments that left my husband and me slightly concerned, we spent some time talking and researching. We decided nothing we'd found out warranted me getting more dramatic tests, like amniocentesis (thank goodness, because needles freak me out anyway and that sounded like a long needle). So we are moving on. With all the big tests behind me, I'm ready to put my feet up and enjoy the rest of my pregnancy!

Me and My Bladder

On Monday, I was sitting back enjoying a good book and a cold drink when all of a sudden I had to go. I got myself off the very comfortable couch and made my way to the bathroom. Nothing unusual, right? I got back into my comfy position and kept reading. Not 15 minutes later, I felt like I had to go again! So, off I went. Return to couch, book, and drink. Within an hour I was up and in the bathroom again! At first I was worried and had visions of bladder infections I suffered in the past, but I wasn't experiencing any pain and I had promised myself I wasn't going to contact my OB-GYN every time I was worried about something, so I did some research on my own.

I found out most women have to pee more often during this time of pregnancy. Part of the problem is that your body retains more water. I know I'm drinking a lot of water. I mean a lot of water. I lose track after the first 64 ounces before 2 p.m. But I'm also thirsty all the time, and the liquid is starting to move right through me. I just didn't expect it to go through me this much! I know it's important to drink lots of water to stay hydrated—pregnant or not. A large part of my day is spent outside and on my feet, so I find that I do drink more than most. If you aren't a big water fan, find something that you like that doesn't have a lot of sugar in it to enjoy. Sugar is just going to add excess weight to your already expanding tummy and drinking lots of sugar can lead to diabetes. Not fun!

So I'll admit it: I use the bathroom any time I feel the urge because one thing I want to avoid is a bladder infection. If you haven't had one in the past (and trust me, you don't want one!), I'll try to describe it for you: You feel like you constantly need to urinate but when you finally get to the bathroom it feels like burning when you pee. Usually, I end up needing to see my healthcare provider before I can get rid of it.

But on the bright side, the interesting part of this new situation is I get to visit the restrooms of all the different places I frequent around my town. In most of them, I've never seen the bathrooms before. My new theory is that you can tell a lot about your favorite restaurant or store by using its restroom. Sometimes I find the best hand soaps and lovely towels—or fun things to try like perfumes or lotions. Other times I am disappointed to find unclean sinks (or worse) that don't make me excited about a return trip.

Taking Time for Me

After a stressful couple of weeks dealing with doctor's appointments and test results, I've enjoyed reading a couple of books this week—even if I have had to visit the bathroom several times before the end of a chapter. I've also started to ask my husband to help with some things around the house, which makes my life much easier, and he really seems to happy to help.

Sarah's Stats

Waist measurement: 34 inches
Weekly weigh-in: 157 pounds
Pregnancy symptoms: I'm finding I need an "afternoon nap" that sometimes is solid sleep for about an hour, or at least an hour or so of lying down with my feet up.
My pregnancy advice for the week: Put your feet up! Rest and relax! Get your significant other to get you something to drink and pamper you a bit. Take it while you can! ☺
Pregnancy "first" of the week: Starting an area of the house to dedicate to Baby.
Doctor's visit: Thankfully, no.

About the Photo: The above picture of the author was taken during her 14th week of pregnancy by Dean Lipoff.

Read the next installment: week 15