Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Runnin' against the wind....


Last Saturday I finished another 5K. I have to say that even though I was 34 weeks, it was one of the most comfortable runs of this whole pregnancy! I ended up finishing in 30:50, which still feels ridiculously slow to me.....can't wait until I am running *normally* again. According to my midwife, assuming no tearing, stitches, etc. I could start running again 2-3 weeks post-delivery. Here are crossed fingers for a healthy baby and a natural delivery!

I'll have 35 weeks down tomorrow. Even though I am able to run comfortably, I feel so uncomfortable the rest of the time! I think running really clears my head and distracts me from how big I am, the everyday aches and pains of pregnancy, etc. The Braxton-Hicks contractions that I've been having for weeks have developed from being painless (just feeling tightening) to downright uncomfortable at times. I don't think sitting at my desk all day helps- although I do make sure to get up and walk around frequently. I am staying VERY hydrated as well, because I know that can contribute to BH as well. I have also noticed that sometimes the baby gets in this awful position that pushes against my belly button! I do everything I can to reposition him or her- it drives me crazy and is super uncomfortable.

I can't help but shake the feeling that this baby is going to come sooner rather than later, and that my body's gearing up for it. Of course, this could all be wishful thinking- it seems like every first-time-mama I know went AT LEAST 40 weeks. I'll try to remember to take a tummy pic after my run tomorrow.

PS- When this baby is born, I am soooo investing in some awesome new shoes!

4 comments:

Kacie said...

You look amazing! OH, what I would give to be able to run a 30:50 5k today.

I love how you and Sally Ann are in such great shape. I used to be a competitive runner, and wow, do I wish I was in good shape when I had my son. Or now.

Maybe I can improve my fitness level for next time around.

The way I understood it, BH contractions were just the utereus's way of exercising, and it was ok.

Lastly, I delivered at 38.5 weeks. And I'm a first-time mom. Just sayin'. :)

Emily said...

Hey Kacie!

Running is the best. It keeps me sane. I think it's important (especially as a mom!) to have an outlet for stress, and running is definitely one for me. That's why I've been trying so hard to keep up with it!

And you're right- BH are like exercising for your uterus- my midwife is always reminding me that they're a good thing. But just because they're good for you doesn't mean they're fun!

And I would be pretty happy to deliver at 38.5....thanks for that little bit of encouragement!

Denise said...

You continue to inspire me!!! Next pregnancy (if I get that chance!!!) I will definitely exercise through it! I can't help but think you're going to have one amazing birth story. :)

I think what you say makes sense about running clearing your head. When I did my Bradley exercises, I was not concentrating on how achy/big everything was, and instead just felt the baby and me were One working toward a goal. I hope you're at least still sleeping moderately well? Once 38/29 weeks hit, I was almost feeling like there was no point at night in "sleeping". And boy was it fun to start sleeping on my back again!

Remember that your baby isn't "late" or "early" - it's on its own time schedule and will arrive perfectly when it should.

Unknown said...

Hey Em! You look fantastic! I agree with Denise though when she says that baby will come when it's ready. Don't wish for an early due date b/c now the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) is saying that a baby even 1-2 weeks early is still at much higher risk for respiratory issues and other complications later in life. That's why they won't let people schedule early C-Sections anymore, I don't know why people would want to do that anyways. Just let that little baby "cook" and he/she will come out when he/she is good and ready. Enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy b/c pretty soon you will be getting NO SLEEP!! Good luck with everything, I'm sure you will have a wonderful labor and delivery!!!!