21 Weeks & Still Pregnant!
Y’all, I cannot believe I am still pregnant. This all feels so surreal to me. I’m truly taking this pregnancy week by week, day by day. As I write this post, I am 21 weeks and 4 days pregnant.
Thankfully, my uterus has been staying nice and quiet for the most part. I still get Braxton Hicks occasionally, but only when I need to have a bowel movement.
Passing the Halfway Mark
My next appointment is in less than two weeks, when I’ll be 23 weeks. My MFM will check on the baby and make sure my cervix is still long and closed. Then, in about three weeks, I’ll visit my regular OB to check on the baby and take the glucose test.
The glucose test requires drinking a very sugary drink and having my blood drawn an hour later. This test checks for gestational diabetes (GD) or the risk of developing it.
I’m praying I pass with flying colors—Lord knows I love sugar. I drink a spinach and fruit smoothie almost every single morning. If I don’t pass, I’ll have to take the three-hour glucose test, which involves blood being drawn after three hours.
If a woman is diagnosed with GD, she has to change her diet and check her blood sugar after every meal. GD can be dangerous for the baby and may lead to excessive birth weight, preterm birth, breathing issues, low blood sugar at birth, and even a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Current Symptoms
At 21 weeks, our baby’s kicks are getting stronger and stronger—and I absolutely love it. Feeling those movements reassures me that our baby is doing just fine. Hubby has also been able to feel the kicks, which always makes me so happy.
Aside from baby movements and occasional Braxton Hicks, my constipation has slowly improved. I’m now going to the restroom once or twice a day. In the past, it was more like once or twice a week—yikes!
My appetite, however, has declined quite a bit. It feels like I barely eat, and when I do, I get full very quickly. By the end of the day, my stomach often feels tight and uncomfortable, and I sometimes skip dinner altogether.
I know that doesn’t sound great, but don’t worry—I take my prenatal vitamins every single day, so the baby is definitely getting the nutrients he or she needs.
I’ve also been seeing a chiropractor for about a month and a half due to lower back pain and stiffness in my right hip. My chiropractor specializes in the Webster Technique, which is great for pregnant women. It helps create proper pelvic balance and optimizes space for the baby in the womb.
Clearing the Air & Sending Love
Just to clarify—I was not the reason my hubby missed two games. My husband experienced three deaths within his close circle of friends and family, all within a two-week period. The 49ers graciously allowed him time off to grieve.
He is healthy and ready to get back to work. We’re sending prayers to our family members and friends who are grieving during this time.
Thank You, Jesus, for giving us the strength to get through these losses. And thank You, Lord, for allowing my body to carry our baby.
Happy 21 weeks to me!
With love,
Mrs. Goodwin
