Tag Archives: Pregnancy

Can pregnancy change things on a cellular level?

November 16, 2015 Zoe

It’s summer now, and normally it’s the season when I spend the bulk of my time trying not to scratch my skin open. Mosquitos always love me, biting me in my sleep and generally making me claw at my flesh until I bleed. Yeah, I seem to have no self control in that regard.

I always laugh, though, because while the mozzies love me, they have absolutely no interest in Dean. It’s so clear cut that sometimes if I hear them buzzing around me in the middle of the night, I’ll put his arm over me and they go away (until I get too hot, throw his arm off and end up getting chowed on anyway). This summer, I haven’t been struggling, though, and I was struck by a weird idea. Continue Reading

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Even an easy pregnancy isn’t easy

November 5, 2015 Zoe

The joys of getting pregnant, or even being open about wanting to fall pregnant, mean everyone and their mother will tell you their pregnancy stories. Most of them include vomiting, weight gain, stretch marks, heartburn and a myriad other issues and complaints. Sure, we were made to be able to procreate, it’s what our bodies are designed to do. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.

I’ve been quite lucky, I think. Compared to most other women I’ve talked to, I haven’t had horrific nausea. In fact, I’ve had no morning sickness and only mild nausea if surrounded by food that I know my body won’t tolerate. Until now, I’ve had pretty decent sleep, my skin and hair has been okay and I’ve felt pretty decent. Yes, I’ve struggled with heartburn, and my first trimester was basically a 3-month-long cold, but compared to what I’ve heard, I haven’t had a pregnancy from hell. Continue Reading

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Easy Pregnancy

“Just because you’re strong enough doesn’t mean you have to”

November 4, 2015 Zoe

I can’t stress enough how kind people are are to me here in Africa as a pregnant woman. It’s like everyone is going out of their way to be nice, to be thoughtful, and to make my life a little bit easier. Sure, there are still things that need doing, and there are still moments when people act like idiots, but I am just so happy to be carrying around the munchkin in this of all places.

At the store recently, I had bought a bunch of groceries, but not that many. They all fit in one bag and I was just going to carry it to the car. But I was tired and hesitated for a moment before lifting my bag from the bagging area in the shop. The woman who had helped me grabbed a trolley for me to put the bag in, and I said that I thought I could carry it. Her response was lovely, and something that I sort of want to live by for the duration of this pregnancy. Continue Reading

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No we won't Pregnancy Yes we can

A kick in the soul

November 3, 2015 Zoe

I haven’t been feeling much in the way of bonding with Harley the last week or so. Nothing was wrong, she was moving a lot and I had moments of feeling my heart swell for her, but I wasn’t feeling that same “holy crap I can’t wait to meet this human I’m growing” feeling.

I think part of it was the swollen feet and general tiredness that I’ve been going through. I just haven’t had the energy to get excited, even though I know that I should be. But today I went for my 28 week scan, and of course that all changed again.

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Kick Pregnancy Tae Bo

Pregnancy and a fear of commitment

November 2, 2015 Zoe

In my social life in general, I haven’t been afraid of commitment. I’ll make plans to see people days or weeks in advance without any anxiety. However, recently I find myself more wary of making plans, and it’s not because of my friends. It’s all my own fault, sorta.

You see, earlier on in my pregnancy, I could just tell people that I may or may not be up to eating, but getting together and hanging out wouldn’t be an issue. I was happy to chat, make jokes and be merry. In fact, at a few recent events, Dean and I were out way later than usual, enjoying the party until late into the night or early morning. But as the weeks have gone on, my energy levels have started to dip, my ankles have started to swell and I’m just less certain about making plans. Continue Reading

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Commitment Plans Pregnancy