36 Weeks

© 2012 Brian Adams

Somedays, it's hard to believe that we're really in the home stretch of this pregnancy and that soon, we'll be holding our son for the very first time. On other days, of course, it feels like pregnancy lasts forever and that my son and I are destined to fall through our future as though strapped in the same parachute for the rest of our lives. Happily, I know that now that we are officially at the 36-week mark and will be considered full-term next week, we will, indeed be in our own skins very soon, looking at each other at last.

I will save my overall reflections on pregnancy until after my son is here and I've had a week or so to get used to having a lonely body again, but for now, I thought I'd share some of the items (and one person) that have been invaluable to me throughout these long--however blessed!--months:

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. This book is so empowering, and I have to believe that regardless of whether you decide to have a natural childbirth or not, its messages, facts, and overall sentiments will help, in part, to quiet all of the harmful, negative things we as Western women have been told regarding our bodies and childbirth. It is an eye-opening read for men and women alike, so even if you're not expecting, I'd recommend it.

Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method. This, like Ina May's work, is a book that challenges societal norms when it comes to child birthing and looks back to a time when women were not afraid to give birth but embraced the birth process as a celebration of life. Although the accompanying CD's are more than a little cheesy in part, Brian and I have enjoyed practicing them together all the same.

Gap's 1969 Demi Panel Always Skinny Jeans. After month four of pregnancy, my little 23" jeans were more than a little snug and I reluctantly began browsing various maternity stores for daily denim options. If you've never looked at maternity clothes before, trust me when I say that if you care about fashion at all, you will hate nearly everything you see in a maternity store. If you're used to buying quality designer denim that lasts for a few years, you might be inclined to order a pair of Paige Denim's maternity jeans for over 200 bucks, but you might also be like me and reject buying something that expensive when you're only going to wear them for a few months. This is how I found Gap's 1969 skinny maternity jeans; I never shop at the Gap, but after no luck finding what I was looking for anywhere else (namely, something that fits and is at least a little stylish), I game them a whirl. I picked up one and then two pairs of the same jeans in size 0 ankle (short women, this is another bonus!), and they still fit me even in this last month of pregnancy. Boo to the yah.

A Pea in the Pod's Long Sleeve Crew Neck Lightweight Maternity T-Shirt. This shirt was another godsend, and it was another purchase that I happily made twice. Soft, long, and fitting, this shirt was perfect with dark skinny jeans, a scarf, and boots or heels. (If you've seen me out and about anytime during the last five months, you've likely seen me in that exact ensemble.) Size XS has lasted me since the beginning of my second trimester, and I will likely be sporting one of these shirts for at least a week or so postpartum. Sixty bucks well spent!

Asos Maternity Dresses. Although the simple black shift I purchased from the UK-based apparel store is no longer available, there are so many adorable, affordable options on this site. The biggest annoyance with most maternity tops and dresses is the U.S. is the "scoop" neckline craze, which, on a widening woman only broadens her more, but Asos knows what's up (and what's flattering!). While purchasing my dress, I also purchased two simple tank tops for my yoga classes and our trip to Florida in December, and again, no complaints!

"Tall" T-shirts. Early on in pregnancy, I realized that most maternity t-shirts were not going to fit me, just like most shirts don't fit me when I'm not pregnant; let's face it--I'm small. And so I had to be a little creative in order to be thrifty. I bought a few non-maternity basic t-shirts from various places (Gap, Old Navy, etc) in "Tall," size small, and these have been easy to wear around the house and while exercising. (This won't work on women who aren't short, of course.)

Long Quilted Down Puffer Coat like this one from Kenneth Cole. Winter clothing for pregnant women is a cruel joke; almost all of it looks like a tent somehow. So instead of spending more on something I like less, I decided to go with a long, S-sized women's coat (I'm normally an XS, so women who are normally an S could go with a M, etc) that was made of down, which means that it would feel thin yet warm for all of the long walks I knew I'd be taking in the absence of running. It will certainly be too big after Elliott arrives, but at least I know I'll be able to hand it off to someone or keep it around for visitors. We bought it on sale for just a little over $100, which makes it the most expensive maternity item we've purchased, but I use it everyday and several times a day, so it's been well worth it.

Lululemon Yoga Pants. I've had a few pairs of Lululemon's yoga pants for a few years now (yes, they last!), so I didn't have to buy them after getting pregnant, but I was so happy that I'd invested in them a few years ago. They stretch enough to accommodate my growing belly, roll down if they need to, and always wash back to their original size. I've worn them for everything from biking to cross-country skiing to yoga class to sitting around the house since pregnant, and I'd recommend them to any newly pregnant person who, like me, stays pretty active.

This brings me to my next bullet: My Bike and Cross-Country Skis. For me, running was off the table as an activity after month four; I felt imbalanced and uncomfortable by then, so that my runs weren't even worth it anymore. And so, I turned to other cardio activities; I rode my bike at least ten miles a day in addition to my 6-8 mile/day walks until the snow fell, then I turned to my skis for cardio in addition to my walks until Elliott dropped three weeks ago. (Now, I'm down to just yoga and walking 6-8 miles/day.) Staying active has made this pregnancy so much easier; my baby is active, I'm happy, and I've haven't over-gained. So although biking and cross-country skiing might not be your thing, my advice to any pregnant woman is to walk and spend at least a little time everyday getting her heart-rate up. (And yes: have lots of sex with your partner, too.)

Brian. Not everyone has a Brian in their lives, but if you do, hold him close. I could not have made it through the past 36 weeks without his constant love and support. He ties my shoes for me, helps me get my boots on, washes the dishes, carries the groceries, sits with me, walks with me, massages me daily, laughs with me, and loves me (even and especially when I don't deserve it). He is my rock and my best friend, and I am so, so blessed that he is father of my son.

Oh, and he is an amazing photographer, and perhaps the only one that will ever photograph me naked (especially while pregnant).