April Round-Up Post
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May Already? It really does feel like the year is flying by! Here’s what I got up to in April…
I can’t believe it’s May already! Where did April go? My baby girl is due this month and it all suddenly seems very real, as if she could make an appearance any day now, which of course she could (although my official due date is not actually until May 21st)
April Round-Up Post
April hasn’t been a particularly easy month, I’ve had a lot of health issues which have meant lots of rest and not a lot of blogging or side hustling and obviously with the bump getting bigger it’s been harder getting out and about.
Luckily the health issues I’ve had have affected me, rather than the baby which is good but has also meant extra doctors appts, tests and waiting nervously for results.
At the beginning of April, I had a couple of episodes of fainting – I’d had some dizzy spells previously but had put it down to having low blood pressure – something I’ve had throughout the pregnancy but which was put down to being ‘normal’ for me as it was consistently low. Checked it out with my midwife and fainting and dizzy spells can be a normal part of pregnancy but for me, it made nervous to go anywhere on my own for a while. At my most recent midwife appointment, my blood pressure was up a little which was good news.
The next problem I had was severe itching and a rash on my legs, arms, hands and feet and bump. This can sometimes be a sign of a condition called obstetric cholestasis which is serious for both Mum and Baby. After waiting 24 hours for results it I was pleased to discover I didn’t have, it which was great news.
However, the itching hadn’t stopped and at my next midwife appointment she advised I see a doctor. Turns out I’ve developed a sensitivity to the Clexane blood thinning injections I take (due to previously having had a blood clot) As my due date is so close they’ve decided to keep me on them for now but treat the itching with steroid cream, special shower gel and antihistamines.
It’s not been all doom and gloom though – the lovely Francesca came to visit me earlier in the month and we went out for lunch where we chatted all things blogging and enjoyed the sunshine!
April Charity Shop Bargains
At the beginning of April my bump had really ‘popped out’ and I’d got to the point where none of my jumpers fit over it anymore. I didn’t really want to spend out on more pricey maternity wear so I went and raided the local charity shops for some long baggy jumpers that I could possibly wear even after baby is born, or that were cheap enough that it wouldn’t matter if they only got a small amount of wear.
I found some great bits – three jumpers and a lovely denim shirt and I only spent £16 on all four items. One of the jumpers was new with tags and another was from brand Crewe clothing – similar jumpers on their site are usually around £45 so I was really pleased with this!
Baby Stuff – Facebook Market Place
We’ve gradually been getting the last few things we need for the baby and this week I decided to look for some feeding bits I’ve been wanting. Although I do plan to breastfeed, I’m a great believer in ‘Fed is Best’ so if for whatever reason I struggle to breastfeed, I want to be prepared, rather than have dash out at the last minute and spend a fortune on new products.
I managed to get a sterilizer, bottles, breast pump and a load of other feeding related products for just £17 which I was really happy with. However, collecting said items became a bit of a nightmare when both parties I was buying from cancelled on me when I’d already left the house to go and collect! Facebook Marketplace can be great for a bargain but it certainly isn’t without its issues.
See this post for a round-up of my six best second-hand baby buys.
Couponing
I’ll admit I’ve been utterly crap with couponing in April. Although I did write a post on how to do a targeted coupon shop – for me personally this is how I prefer to coupon – in a separate trip to my usual weekly one. Being so poorly all month has meant I’ve struggled to get out and about on my own and I definitely think our food budget has suffered because of it. However, the new Co-op that has opened at the end of our road has been an absolute godsend!
Biggest Saving
April 22nd was my younger brother’s 14th Birthday and so my husband and I took him out for the day. Firstly was a trip to Go Ape – we’d actually been previously back in October and I’d had to cancel my place due to finding out I was pregnant. While they weren’t able to refund me they said my money would be kept on my account if we want to use it towards a future trip. I had to phone to get the money towards our new booking but being that it was almost 8 months later I was just really pleased it was there and we able to use it – the customer service were really helpful!
Another month where I’m super pleased we have a Tastecard. We chose Coal Grill restaurant in Exeter city centre for Elijah’s birthday meal where Tastecard gets you 50% off all courses for up to four people. This saved us over £50 – a brilliant saving considering Tastecard costs just £30 for the entire year. We didn’t even need to book. I was also recently pleased to discover there are more and more restaurants accepting it on a weekend – including big names like Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito.
My Best Posts From April
- How I’m preparing for our New Arrival with Latest Deals.co.uk
- Transform your wardrobe with this one fashion Item
- Getting your Garden Summer ready on a Budget
You have had a bit of a pants time but it is going to be so worth it soon! Not long till your little girl will be here and I can’t wait to hear all about it!