Sissi with baby bump: 26th to 27th week of pregnancy

In Winter 2018, our LILLYDOO midwife Sissi Rasche is expecting her third child! Despite her expertise in pregnancy, these nine months with a baby in the belly remain simply magical for Sissi. And the best part: she takes you along on her exciting journey! Every two weeks, she provides an update on her pregnancy in our LILLYDOO magazine and shares her very personal experiences with you. In addition to five consistent questions about the current state of affairs, Sissi answers a special additional question in each column. We wish you lots of fun accompanying Sissi with her (growing) baby bump in the coming months!

1. What is your current waist circumference?

In the last two weeks, there hasn't been much change in my waist circumference. It's currently 90 cm.

2. How are you feeling right now?

My mood is still good, fortunately there are no new developments. I just keep realizing more and more how quickly time is flying – I am already in the 7th month! We and my family are not quite yet fully prepared for the baby. ;)

3. What does your body tell you?

I am currently feeling quite exhausted. However, this is due to an iron and vitamin B12 deficiency that has developed in me. To counteract the resulting fatigue, I am now taking plant-based supplements and vitamin B12 tablets.

4. What cravings are you currently experiencing?

Much different from the beginning of pregnancy, I now really enjoy fresh foods again. Right now, everything has to be cold for me, including the drinks. Whether sparkling water with lemon or juice spritzers – I prefer everything ice-cold.

5. What was your most beautiful moment?

I had mentioned in my that we were on vacation. Therefore, the recent time was simply very nice overall, without being able to pinpoint a specific highlight. We spent a lot of time out on the boat, went swimming, and enjoyed the time together as a family. But I have once again realized that as a midwife, it's really difficult to take a vacation in your own city because you still receive constant calls in the end. To truly disconnect from my profession, I probably need to go away.

Where and how do you go for prenatal care as a midwife?

Currently, I have an appointment with my midwife every four weeks. She comes to my home for care and can also draw blood if necessary. The only thing she cannot do are ultrasound examinations. According to maternity guidelines, three are planned: one in the first trimester, then between the 19th and , and another between the 29th and 32nd week. I have already completed the first two. Since I would like to give birth at home, I went to a specialist in detailed diagnostics for the second ultrasound. An abnormal finding could have influenced this decision. The last examination in the will then take place again with my gynecologist. After that, prenatal care by my midwife continues as usual. If no abnormalities occur, she will visit me every two weeks starting from week 30 of pregnancy. Of course, I can also contact her in between if anything should happen.