Week 34 Pregnancy VLOG, baby 4 by Teresa Palmer

WHAT WEEK?
34

HOW BIG IS BABY?
Baby weighs about 4.5 - 5lbs this week (just over 2kg) and it about the size of a butternut squash!

WHAT’S SOMETHING NEW THIS WEEK?
Natural induction methods have begun! Because it looks as though I might need to have given birth by 39 weeks (I’ll know more this week!) I’ve decided to start a few of the regular things a bit earlier.

So far I’ve started;
3 cups of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea to prep my cervix.
30 minutes of daily exercise and tons of walking.
Clary Sage oil baths.
30 mins of daily figure 8s on birth ball.
Acupuncture starts Wednesday (at 35 + 1 weeks)
3 x dates per day
Handful of Pineapple pieces
I’ve also ordered evening primrose oil to insert near cervix starting at 35 weeks!
Oh and some hubby lovin too 🤪

MOST CHALLENGING MOMENT?
I’m really trying to get out of my own way in regards to how this birth will unfold. It’s easy to really get in my head about it. I’m such a planner and I would love to just know what’s going to happen. I’m still gunning for a homebirth and hope my efforts to naturally (and safely) induce between 37-39 weeks pay off, otherwise I’m of course happy to have the induction and go in and have my waters broken.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT?
Feeling some cramps and more frequent braxton hicks. I’ve felt as though bubs has dropped a little further down this week. All indications of her prepping to be with us so soon. Crazy to think in 4-5ish weeks she will be in our arms.

STARTING WEIGHT?
116lbs/52.5kg

CURRENT WEIGHT?
141lbs/63.9kg

EXERCISE?
SO MUCH! 4 sessions of F45 plus 40 - 50 minutes of exercise every day I’m not at F45. I’ve become obsessed with closing my Apple watch fitness rings and make sure I at least walk 10k steps per day. I’m

Currently closer to between 11-12k each day. I often hike up and around our property with our dogs, light jogging on the trampoline (which I find easier on my knees) or do an indoor workout if I’m cold. I just listen to my body and monitor my heart rate using my Apple Watch. I make sure it never spikes too high and try and average around 145-150 bpm for at least 30 minutes a day. Really enjoying the fitness regiment and hope to keep it up after bubby comes too.

MEALS:
I’ve been less strict on the meals this week, indulging a little more. I’m finding myself hungrier due to the amount I’m moving/exercising. Had some vegan yiros, a couple of sweet treats, loving the Asian noodles cooked by my hubby, still obsessed with avocado toast and enjoying my daily greens and Lovewell smoothies.

REFLECTIONS:
Leaning in to the notion of letting go surrounding this baby’s birth. She’s coming out one way or another! Luckily my titres have dropped back down which makes me feel confident that I could have the birth I want to. Liberating myself from expectations and enjoying this last month and a bit with her in my tum.