Ok, so things are definitely getting more difficult as this pregnancy progresses.  I’ve gained just over 20 pounds, my Dr. is happy with the amount of weight I’ve gained, he says it will be easier to lose after the baby comes if I don’t gain too much.  I’m happy I’ve only gained that much because let me tell you transfers and everything are getting much more difficult, even just getting dressed is a huge chore, I have to take a break in the middle and catch my breath. 

Normally I’m pretty fit and active, but as this baby grows, let me tell you even just trying to get into my car is a workout.  This week I went to speak to a class and had to push up a big ramp into the school and had to stop halfway up to rest, its crazy!  At least I have an excuse, but man I have certainly learned the importance of keeping fit and staying in shape in a chair, otherwise life gets really challenging.

The baby should be just over 4 pounds now.  It still amazes me that there is a living being in my belly.  I still laugh when it gets active and starts moving all around.  We saw the Dr. last week and he is really happy with how everything is progressing.  The baby was head down, which the Dr. said is great, not that it won’t move again, but it’s good to know that the baby can get in the head down position.  The Dr. said that will really increase our chances of having a vaginal delivery, which would be terrific.  I do know that anything can happen and I am working on trying to accept that I might need a C-section, but it would be wonderful to have a traditional vaginal delivery. 

As I mentioned, everything is definitely getting more difficult, I have found myself on the ground from failed transfers more times than I can count.  It’s so frustrating because rarely do I ever miss a transfer and fall, but with this additional 20 pounds in my belly, transfers are much more difficult and to make it even more challenging, I don’t have any brakes on my wheelchair.  I’m changing that for sure, and getting wheel locks put on both wheels, in hopes that it will make the transfers easier and safer.

My husband herniated a disk a few weeks ago which has been really fun.  It’s sad when I, a T 5/6 paraplegic who is 8 months pregnant, am the mobile and functional one in our house.  Jeff’s back is pretty bad and really hurting him, he can’t even bend over to tie his shoes.  I commended him on his timing.  I think it’s the worst time that this could happen, but isn’t that Murphy’s Law, if it can it will happen at the least opportune time.

Oh well, we laugh and try to make the best of a not so great situation.  I just hope his back heals fast and he doesn’t need surgery, that would be the icing on the cake.  I might as well be a single new mom, because if he needs surgery, he really wouldn’t be able to do much for awhile. 

People think I’m kidding but I have told him that if he becomes disabled, I’m outta here!  One chair is enough in any relationship, at least for me.  Now you can think I’m really insensitive, but just think about the logistics of simply getting into a car with 2 wheelchairs and a baby, it would take us half an hour just to load up.  Now I’m all for challenges, but that is just too much work for me! Hopefully his back will heal and he will do his therapy, cause I really love him and don’t want to have end our marriage because he becomes a gimp, too! (ok, so I probably wouldn’t leave him but man, I really don’t need to add that challenge to my life right now!)

We started our childbirth classes this week.  We are taking a 4-week course that meets weekly for 2 hours.  I have a friend who is due 2 days before I am and she has already taken all the childbirth classes.  She said they are great, but also unnerving, because you learn so much and finally realize all you didn’t know.  I her words, “Ignorance was bliss! Now I know how much I don’t know!” 

Our first class was interesting.  I wouldn’t say I learned anything new, but meeting other couples who are going through what we are at the same time was fun and supportive.  We did have some excitement during our class, one of the women fainted when the instructor was talking about the placenta and showing some pictures.  I guess she has a very weak stomach and just couldn’t handle it all.  It was kind of scary, but the instructor, who is a nurse, was great and got her to the floor, got her some juice and a fan, which really seemed to help.  I just have to thank God that I don’t have a weak stomach like that, I can’t imagine adding fainting to my list of challenges.

Our tasks these next few weeks are to get the nursery put together and to buy a car seat/stroller.  I can’t believe we still haven’t done that.  If I were to go into labor tomorrow we couldn’t bring the baby home until we have a car seat.  It’s just that there are so many choices and styles, we don’t know which one would be the best for us.  I don’t think there is an easy style of car seat for someone in a chair.  They are all so heavy.  I still have no idea how I am going to carry the baby around in the car seat, I can barely lift the car seat with just 8lbs in it.  I guess you just end up figuring things out and improvising, kind of like living with a disability, you just do it! 

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Check out Muffy's previous pregnancy blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 10 - Week 30.

Follow up on Muffy's pregnancy in, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 12 - Week 35.  

For more information on Muffy, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.