It’s been a tough two months. With my two previous gestations, I experienced varying levels of sciatic nerve pain and pelvic girdle pain. It wasn’t fun by any means but I got through it. This time around, it progressed into full-blown symphysis pubis dysfunction, something I’d never heard of until now and that I won’t soon forget. Let me tell you, the pain was breathtaking. It was excruciating to even stand up or take a simple step, let alone climb stairs, drive, lift something, or to even sneeze. My level of pain and immobility was becoming frightening as I was largely crippled in every sense of the word. I couldn’t do anything for my children; I could barely even take myself to the bathroom. I don’t know what I would have done or how I would have gotten through it if I didn’t have the Husband for support, and that of relatives that stayed with me for several days to help.

I was thisclose to being issued a walker, a handicap parking tag, and being put on bed rest. But thankfully, through several weeks of physical therapy, maternity braces and kinesio tape, and making ergonomic adjustments at home and at work, much of my pain has been alleviated, and I can better deal with and work through the flare-ups that remain. And I am just so thankful because those few weeks were truly painful. I don’t know what I would have done if it had lasted the entire remainder of my pregnancy. Just this small window of incapacitation that I experienced has left me with a profound respect and admiration for those who suffer every single day from chronic debilitating conditions. It truly does completely change the quality of your everyday life.

So anyway, glad that’s over with, although it’s always something. Seems like almost the moment this issue disappeared, my nausea returned out of nowhere. And fatigue is hitting hard as I’m not getting much sleep due to never-ending nighttime bathroom trips. None of this has been a walk in the park either, but I’m dealing ok with it all. I’m fortunate enough to have a great support system and I accept that these ailments are just part and parcel of bringing forth baby. And it could always be much worse. At the end of the day, I am still filled with excitement and joy as we count down these final weeks until our new addition is here.