Slowing Down, Listening In, and Preparing for What’s Ahead - 29 Week Bumpdate

It feels a little surreal to write this, but I’m now 29 weeks pregnant.

Pregnancy has this strange way of making time feel both incredibly slow and unbelievably fast at the same time. Some days feel long and full of thoughts, while other weeks seem to pass before I’ve really had time to process them. Reaching this point feels incredibly significant to me and it’s not something I take for granted.

Overall, I’m doing well and my baby is continuing to grow away, which is the most important thing. Every new week still feels like a milestone that I hold quite tenderly. Anyone who has followed my journey will know that getting here hasn’t been the most straightforward path, so I continue to move through this pregnancy with a mixture of gratitude, excitement and a healthy dose of cautious optimism.

A Few Unexpected Trips to Maternity Triage

The last couple of weeks have been a little more eventful than I had hoped for. I’ve had a few visits to maternity triage after experiencing some spotting and a couple of occasions where I felt my baby’s movements were reduced. Those moments can feel quite frightening when you’re pregnant. The second something feels a little different, your mind can quickly start running through every possible scenario.

But the most important thing I want to say is that everything is okay.

Each time I’ve been checked, baby has been doing well and growing exactly as they should. Because of these little visits, I’ll now be having a few extra scans going forward which will help keep an eye on things and also provide me with a bit of extra reassurance. For that, I feel incredibly grateful.

Anterior Placenta & Baby Movements

One of the things I’ve learned during these appointments is that I have an anterior placenta, which simply means the placenta sits at the front of my uterus. For some women this can act a bit like a cushion between baby and the outside world, which can soften or muffle the movements you feel. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong, but it can sometimes make those little kicks and wriggles harder to detect depending on how baby is positioned.

Because of that, there have been moments where I’ve questioned whether what I’m feeling is normal or not, which is what led me to contact triage a couple of times.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this experience, it’s that reduced movements should always be taken seriously and you should never feel hesitant about getting checked if something doesn’t feel quite right. You know your body and your baby better than anyone else.

The Kindness of the Maternity Team

One thing I really want to say is just how wonderful the team at maternity triage have been. Every time I’ve called or gone in, they have been incredibly kind, patient and reassuring. Not once have they made me feel silly or like I was wasting their time. Instead they’ve listened, checked everything thoroughly and made sure both me and baby were safe before sending me home.

They’ve also helped put a plan in place so that if I do feel unsure again, I know exactly what to do and that I will be supported. That level of care and reassurance has honestly meant the world, and it’s helped ease some of the worry that naturally comes with pregnancy.

Taking a Step Back From Leading Rambles

If I’m being completely honest, the past couple of weeks have left me feeling a little more overwhelmed than I expected. Pregnancy brings so many beautiful moments, but it can also bring a lot of vulnerability and worry, especially when you’ve worked so hard to get here. Because of that, I’ve made the decision to step back from leading rambles for the time being. I will still be behind the scenes organising and answering emails but for now, my focus needs to be on slowing down, resting, nesting and looking after both myself and my baby during these final months of pregnancy.

Cornish Ramblings Is In Safe Hands

The good news is that Cornish Ramblings is in incredibly safe hands. My friend and fellow rambler Debbie has been amazing and is continuing to lead the rambles while I take this break. Her support throughout this season has meant more than I can properly put into words. Knowing the group is still getting out there, exploring and walking together brings me so much joy.

When I started Cornish Ramblings, it was always about creating a space where people could connect with the outdoors and with each other. Seeing that continue even while I take a step back reminds me that it has grown into something really special.

A Slightly Slower Season

That doesn’t mean I’ll be disappearing from the outdoors completely. Being outside, walking and breathing in that Cornish air has supported me through so many different seasons of life and it’s still something that means a lot to me.

I’ll absolutely still be getting out for gentle walks when I can, they just won’t be organised rambles that I’m leading for the time being. Right now, this is simply a slightly slower season. One that’s focused on preparing for the arrival of this little life and learning to listen carefully to what my body needs.

Looking Ahead

My hope is that once baby arrives and life settles into its new rhythm, I’ll slowly find my way back to leading the occasional ramble again. Only this time…I might just have a tiny little mini rambler in tow.

As always, thank you for the love, kindness and support so many of you continue to show me. Whether you’ve walked alongside me on a ramble, sent a message, or simply followed along quietly, it truly means more than I can say.

If you’ve been following my journey and would like to support me as I prepare for this next chapter, I’ve included the link to my GoFundMe below. There is absolutely no expectation or pressure at all, but I know some people have kindly asked how they can help, so this is simply one way to do that if you wish.

As always, thank you for walking alongside me through this journey, both on the trails and through life’s many twists and turns. Your kindness and support truly mean more than I can ever fully express.

Support my journey here: Fundraiser by Jody Woolcock : A Dream Come True: My IVF Journey to Motherhood