Life Update: November 2020
It’s my baby’s birth month and my due date is 14 days away! Today I wanted to update you guys on what’s been going on lately including my first COVID scare at 9 months pregnant and what that means for me and the baby, nesting, upcoming maternity leave and more!
Yes… at 9 months pregnant, I had my first COVID scare this past week (via direct contact, I have no symptoms). I was absolutely wrecked when I found out (I’m not sure how I’ve made it this far in my pregnancy without having a scare like this) and even more wrecked when I informed my doctor and they told me they couldn’t see me for the next two weeks. Even with my negative test result that I received on Saturday, because of the exposure and the 14-day incubation period, I’m not allowed to get in-person prenatal care (unless it’s an emergency) for 2 of the final 3 weeks of my pregnancy and I’ll be quarantined for that time also. This news was, and still is, heartbreaking to me, as these appointments provide a lot of reassurance and safety, especially this close to birth. This means a lot of things, including no weekly cervix checks to see how I’m progressing or not progressing, no urine samples to check for protein and possible development of preeclampsia, no growth checks, etc. The risk of potentially developing COVID during this 14-day period is also scary, though I’m hopeful that I didn’t test too early (I tested 3-4 days after exposure) and that I’m in the clear.
Even though I have been diligent about mask-wearing and protecting myself throughout my pregnancy (I’m kind of psycho about it), I was devastated over the thought of me/my baby being in danger and the thought of my birth and bonding experience with her being altered (the hospital encourages much more separation for moms with COVID than I’d want). I felt like I failed my baby and hated myself for allowing myself to be exposed, especially this close to my due date. I had quite the emotional breakdown over it and cried more than I have in a very long time. I felt like I failed at my first motherly duty: protecting my child.
With all of this being said, I feel compelled to share a warning with you all: please, please, please be diligent about mask-wearing and protecting yourself/others. Don’t shake hands with people (I always deny everyone that tries to shake mine and it’s shocking to me that people still try during a pandemic) and practice social distancing. If you feel anxious about going to a social event, listen to your gut (unlike me). Even if you don’t think twice about not going, maybe you should if you’re pregnant. It’s just not worth the risk, especially this close to the end of your pregnancy. Please stay safe.
Okay, enough of that before I start spiraling again. In other news, the nesting queen over here (me) has been tackling every closet in our house this week. Our coat closet, linen closet and pantry/laundry room have been totally cleaned out and revamped and it feels GOOD. I have to do it in spurts because I get so tired and sore so quickly, but I enjoy that it gives me something to do and helps me take my mind off things. The goal is to come home from the hospital to a clean, organized and chaos-free home from top to bottom, as I’m sure adding a baby to the mix will add a new form of chaos.
As for working and maternity leave, I’m not taking on any freelance/blog work until 2021 and I’m currently working from home until the baby comes, which gives me a lot of peace of mind knowing I’ll likely be in the comfort of my own home when I go into labor. Thursday last week was supposed to be my last day in the office, but I had to unexpectedly leave Wednesday afternoon instead when I got the COVID exposure news and immediately went to go get tested when my doctor ordered the test. Since Justin was exposed too, his school requires him to work from home for 14 days, so he’s teaching virtually. I’m trying to look on the positive side of things and remind myself that this is time together that we should cherish and take as a blessing before we add another member to our family, regardless of the unfavorable circumstances.
As for how I’m feeling these days, I’m pretty uncomfortable at 38 weeks. Sometimes it feels like my new “normal” and I’m able to carry on with my regular tasks at a slower pace, and other times I have to take so many breaks that it’s not even funny. I feel as heavy as a bus and have been experiencing lower back pain, tons of weight in the front lower part of my belly, nerve pain and I feel stretched to mass capacity. I’ve been having Braxton Hicks contractions too and I think I’m not alone in worrying whether I’ll know the difference between those and real contractions. I’ve been working from my bed with a heating pad this week and waiting for when beeb decides to make her appearance.
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Those are the big things going on over here! Thanks for catching up with me and continuing to follow along with my pregnancy journey. I’ll be bouncing on my birthing ball and playing the waiting game until further notice. Our baby will be here so soon and I can’t wait to share that journey with you also! Again, remember to stay safe, everyone!