Wow the 3rd trimester and having low iron!

I was out walking yesterday and it started to rain and it was beautiful I felt the spots on my skin and I felt so alive and present. Then the weather turned without much notice and I was caught in a storm. I found myself running to get cover. I ran/walked into a panel beaters and asked it if I could wait out the storm here. They saw how pregnant I was and asked ‘would I like a coffee?’ and said ‘don’t worry we will drive you home’. The kindness and generosity was beautiful which I accepted. Note to self in future, I must check the weather forecast before heading out for my walk next time. lol

3rd trimester has been fun. Its very obvious Im pregnant, Im enjoying food and everyone getting excited about the baby. I had a baby shower with my close friends and we played some games and relaxed in a beer garden. I finished up work at 34 weeks as I was getting puffed out and was suffering from palpitations with some dizziness. Since finishing work things settle down and I have had a big clean out of my apartment. Donating clothes, throughing out paperwork, filing, fixing photo albums and getting the house as baby ready as possible. Ive also organise to catch up with friends and family to enjoy their time without any distractions. It really has been a very enjoyable and productive time. They say it is important to enjoy this time before the baby arrives and grieve your old life. Im guessing Il will get the full impact of why this is so important once our baby arrives.

We had our last check up with the physician and got the all clear at 36 weeks to continue to be looked after by the midwives. We had an ultrasound which showed that everything was normal, our baby had turned, the placenta looks healthy and the baby is a good size. Such a relief, I also had a blood test that day which showed I had very low iron. Which explains why Ive been crying at the tv, feeling very low in mood and getting super tired and puffed after my morning walks. I would highly recommend reporting these symptoms to your doctor or nurse sooner as this for me had been going on for atleast a few weeks untreated. Remember never self diagnose or take iron supplements without medical supervision as high levels of iron can be toxic.

So for treatment I was recommended to take ferro grad plus Vitamin C 1-2 tablets every second day for better absorption and to increase iron in my diet. So that day I went shopping and cooked up a big batch of spaghetti bolognese to help. Ive left you my recipe below! Ive also heard iron melts are also a good supplement. And for a natural alternative I also purchased natural mineral drink online for additional support, which I take 10mls three times a day.

Other helpful websites that have more information about healthy eating and good source of iron include:

the better health channel and

healthy eating during pregnancy; which gives advice on eating for mother and baby

And to support your symptoms during this time or if you need someone to talk too,

Panda; is a free counselling service for antenatal depression and anxiety, guys can call this service too and

Beyond Blue; is another helpful support guide for emotional health and wellbeing.

Im 38 weeks now so my baby is classed as term and Im now looking for ways to prepare for labour, the best thing Ive brought so far for this is my exercise ball. Its so comfortable to sit on and I can use it during labour. Remember gravity is our friend. Ive been advised that massaging your perineum with a little bit of moisturiser/oil can help to prevent tearing. It is now safe for me to start expressing and the latest research has shown that expressing is more effective at bringing on labour than sex or eating curries. However personal choice. Don’t forget that if you do start to express to label and freeze the colostrum. It is liquid gold and keeps for 3 months in the freezer and is good for 3 days at room temperature. For more education and support regarding breast feeding please visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association, talk to your midwife, your obstetrician or lactation consultant. Lastly taking care of your pelvic floor is so important, try to make a habit of doing exercises everyday to maintain good bladder habits and improve bladder control. If you are needing more support please refer to the continence foundation for more information, your midwife, obstetrician or physio.

Remember enjoy these last few days/weeks preparing, relax, treat yourself and enjoy your time as you will never get it back. I wish you a very safe birth when it happens and a healthy baby.

Lots of love

Sheridan x

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Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients:

500g of mince

1 tub of tomatoe paste

2 tins of tomatoes

2 carrots cut into small pieces

1 capsicum cut into small pieces

1 cup of beans/broccoli

Salt n pepper

Italian herbs

Two hand fulls of fettuccine/spaghetti pasta (put in boiling water for 13mins for al dente)

Grated cheese optional

Instructions:

Add cooking oil to the pan wait til hot then add the mince and cook until brown, drain off excess water, then add the tomatoe paste and the two tins of tomatoes. Break up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon to make the sauce and add the veggies, italian herbs and salt n pepper to taste. Simmer and stir for another 10-15mins. Cook the pasta for 13mins during this time. Then drain the pasta and grab a couple of plates and containers as you will have lots of left overs. Put the pasta on the plate, add the mince and veggie sauce and cheese to taste on top. Hope you enjoy!

Serves 4-5

Cooking/preparation time 25-30mins