So it finally happened yesterday. My very first leg cramp of the pregnancy. Oh. My. Goodness. It was every bit as bad as I remembered leg cramps to be. It took place at 7am in the morning, just as Rick was brushing his teeth and getting ready to leave the house for the early morning service at church. I could vaguely hear Angus and Pete in the hallway, chatting quietly to each other – mostly likely discussing the pros and cons of heading downstairs to watch ABC2 on television. I can only be thankful that Rick was still at home. “Help me! Help me! Help me…!” were the only words that I could scream get out. Within seconds, Rick was out of the ensuite and massaging the cramp out of my left leg (that sounds ruder than it did in my head). Unfortunately for me, my right leg decided to join the party so it started cramping as well – and not just in my calf, but all the way down to my foot! Yes, did you know that feet can cramp up as well? How fun! Luckily, between the two of us, we managed to deal with the entire cramping situation in a matter of minutes. I’m not quite sure what the moral of this story is, but let’s just say that I’ve been diligently stretching my legs for the last twelve hours, and I’m planning to eat a banana every day for the rest of this pregnancy. Apparently, they’re a great source of potassium and magnesium, which according to some medical experts, help to prevent leg cramps. These experts had better be right, is all I’m saying.
Apart from the leg cramp situation (and honestly, unless you have experienced them, it’s near impossible to understand just how evil they are), these last two weeks of the pregnancy have been going as well as I can hope for. I’m sleeping a lot better at nights, now that there are no more heat waves and I’ve finally gotten a handle on which sleeping positions work best for me. My pelvic girdle belt (so glamorous, right?) has been doing wonders for my pelvic pains, and this past week, I’ve even managed to keep my glucose levels under control – proof that a bit of discipline and self-control can go a long way.
We are definitely getting closer now. My induction date is only five weeks from today. This last part of the pregnancy is simply flying by. Before you know it, I’ll be packing my hospital bag, revising my birthing notes and taking out my EPI-NO. What’s that, you ask? That’s a whole other story, my friends…
(Dress by Soon Maternity; sandals by Tony Bianco; bangles belonged to Rick’s Aunty Al.)
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29 comments
Oh yes, the leg cramps….ouch, ouch, ouch. I particularly did not like the wake up in the middle of the night ones…scared both myself and my husband. Poor dear…once the cramp would stop, I would instantly fall asleep again whilst mr k would lie there wide awake, heart still pounding by being woken by my screeches! And yes about the EPI-NO, would love to hear your thoughts. A few girls in my mum’s group SWEAR by them.
I personally think that the EPI-NO is indispensable. I’ve had four babies (4.5kg, 4.1kg, 3.3kg and 2.7kg) and I haven’t had a single tear or episiotomy (even with the use of forceps during my first birth with Cam). I know it’s not cheap (I think they cost about $160) but for me, it’s totally worth the peace of mind knowing that I’m doing everything I can to help prepare for THAT part of birth (the thought of episiotomy still freaks me out). I think also it’s becoming more mainstream – when I first used it five years ago, hardly anybody knew about it but I think obstetricians are more aware about it now than before…
Ronnie xo
good on you for using the epi-no! I just couldn’t bring myself use it. annnd you are looking super radiant. gorgeous photos x
You’re looking gorgeous Ronnie! Re: leg cramps, coconuts are good too, and yummy.
I’m wondering about the EPI-NO… I’m in a trial for them, but if I get put in the control group I won’t get one. If that happens, I’m weighing up the benefit vs cost… Do you really think it’s worth it? It’s just SO expensive! x
Coconuts! I never knew about that – will have to remember that for the future. I think using the EPI-NO is a very personal decision. I have sworn by using it for every birth. Some of my friends don’t mind the idea of episiotomy and have told me that they’ve recovered really quickly from it. Another family relative once told me that perineum massage did the trick for her.
I think the other benefit of the EPI-NO which might be less talked about, is that it actually familiarises you with the sensation of the moment of crowning. Obviously, it’s not exactly the same but it’s kind of similar to it and so it means that when it actually happens at birth, it is not as frightening because you’ve already experienced something similar AND you already know that it’s possible for you to push out something akin to the size of a baby’s head without tearing….
Not sure if that is too much detail, Gaby! Feel free to email me if you want to discuss further. :) Here’s hoping you don’t get put into the control group, so you don’t have to make the decision yourself!
Lots of love,
Ronnie xo
You look so pretty, good luck for the last 5 weeks . Hugs.
I feel for you with the leg cramps! I had terrible leg cramps when I was pregnant with Luella. I found baths with Epsom Salts helped. Bananas are a great idea x
Get out?! 34 weeks! You look so great…Oh the leg cramps made me giggle (sorry!) – I had forgotten all about that aspect of pregnancy. I have major rose coloured glasses syndrome when it comes to pregnancy I think! x
Oh the leg cramps suck! I had sciatica with both girls and that was horrible too! You look beautiful and I’m sure this birth will be a breeze xx
Gorgeous photos of radiant mum to be :) hate leg cramps,thinking itself hurts!
Definitely up the banana intake and lots of water…
Hmmm, going to research about EPI-no as didn’t know about it and had horrible natural tear during birth,still haven’t recovered from pelvic pain!
Wow, five weeks! Definitely will fly by :) hope these cramps don’t hurt you more xxxx
34 weeks already? Beautiful bump :) I didn’t ever have the cramps but I wish I had known about that girdle!
I am so curious about this EPI-NO you speak of. All three of my babies have been big and there was some..err..damage as a result. When/if there is a baby number four, I really want to look into it.
Bananas and lots of water usually kept the worse of my leg cramps at bay, but they are seriously so awful. good luck.
You should Rach! I don’t think it’s ever too late to give the EPI-NO a go…
Ronnie xo
you are so gorgeous….just loving your maternity series. so sorry about the leg cramps; hoping the bananas help.
There are leg cramps as part of the pregnancy? My best friend just gave birth and she’s been giving me the play by play – the good, the bad and the ugly. But she gave birth to the most beautiful boy and I couldn’t be happier for her :) Here’s to a smooth journey until you are ready to give birth! Love your bangles!
You look gorgeous! Love this outfit- there’s nothing like a simple black dress on a prego belly. I had some serious leg cramps while pregnant too- lots of water and bananas but nothing truly helped them disappear. xoxo
Leg cramps are TERRIBLE. I get them when I go skiing (dehydrated and higher elevations) and I feel like someone is just sawing my leg off. I hope the stretches work
Wow — only five more weeks, I can’t believe it! So soon.. :)
So sorry to hear about those leg cramps — I can’t imagine! Are they anything like charlie-horses? ..They sound just awful. So glad that the hubby was there to help you though! <3
Hoping this week treats you WELL!!
I so know how you feel about the leg cramps! When I had them in pregnancy I woke up screaming and then panicked that if I couldn’t withstand them then how would I fare in labour?? For me the leg cramps were twice as worse as labour!
you are looking gorgeous as ever xx
I’m well beyond pregnant, but I still get those awful leg cramps. Yep, bananas help a lot, and, as someone else said, LOTS of water! Happy last five weeks of this pregnancy!
I can’t believe how gorgeous and neat your lovely bump is, and it’s your fifth bump – amazing, mine was HUGE the last time and that was only after three full term bumps! I read your bedroom changes post the other day – I hope the boys have settled into their new room shares and beds … so cute – I haven’t dared put Elsie in a bed yet and she’s nearly 2 1/2, she’s such a terror I think I’m going to have to keep her behind bars for as long as possible!
xxx
Ouch! I HATED the leg cramps… :-( My OB suggested calcium (which doesn’t surprise me since I’m allergic to milk and don’t drink it) and that REALLY helped. If you think you might be low give it a try. Good luck!
Oh those are the worst. Only had one this pregnancy but OW!
Here’s hoping for no more for you. Especially if rick isn’t around.
Such a lovely dress. And I love it with those bangle bracelets.
I’m well aware of foot cramps and their utter agony! My husband is always a champ about massaging them out. ugggh, I’m shuttering just to think of them!
Hi gorgeous bump of yours!! You look ready, confident, glowing. The both of you are such fantastic parents – I keep remembering the Tealily portraits and am so thankful I’ve been given an “insiders” glimpse into your beautiful life.
And darn those dreaded leg cramps… the world would be a much better place without them ;) xx
oh no, the leg cramp!! that’s the worst.
you look amazing. happy and beautiful ;)
Oh my goodness… leg cramps were the WORST!! SOO bad. Personally, I think they were WORSE than the labor pains. Not even joking. I only had leg cramps in the middle of the night while sleeping, and I’d wake up screaming in pain, and my boyfriend would be scared out of his wits not knowing what was going on. It was awful. So glad that’s over.
So excited for you, though! Baby is coming soon :)
You look so beautiful Ronnie! Hope the leg cramps will not return, that sounds really painful!! Eat those bananas!!
Kristina x
Aww. I hope for no more leg cramps for you, Ronnie. I haven’t been pregnant but I have experienced super bad leg cramps before! Please eat more bananas and do stretching throughout the day. Take care!! :)