Walking Into Third Trimester: FAQ re Pregnancy
It's hard to believe that, in around 14 weeks, I will meet my baby girl, earth side. To my fortune, this pregnancy has been quite easy on me — it’s actually gone by quite quickly (although I imagine, come end of third trimester, it’ll feel like I’ve been pregnant forever!).I’ve had several pregnancy questions in my DM’s, and now that I’m heading into the final third trimester, I thought I would address a few of them in a blog — you know, for it all to exist in one place. Truly, I am just like any other first-time mom — I am winging a lot of this process, and largely, allowing my intuition to guide me. That said, I have a few things that have helped align me, physically and mentally, and I hope that even one of my suggestions resonates with one mother out there!So much love to you, my dear friends! xxPREGNANCY FAQ
HAVE YOU HAD CRAVINGS?
First trimester, I craved a little more fatty/protein rich foods—meats and dairy, specifically. Makes sense to me since this is truly the greatest “building block” phase of baby’s formation, and proteins and fats are what build and support cell growth. I typically eat little meat or cheese, so I took this as a sign that my body needed that nourishment.
Other than that window of craving, I’ve really craved wholesome foods from the earth (salad every day!). I am not the stereotypical pregnancy lady, I suppose — no bizarre cravings or intense sweet tooth.
WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED, MENTALLY & PHYSICALLY?
With each of my pregnancies, my first system has been racing thoughts and anxiousness — so strange, right? Mellows out over time, though.
Then it’s my boobs; they get big and hurt. I think I went up an entire cup size in my first trimester. To my surprise, I didn’t gain any weight in my first trimester, because I thought my boobs alone added a few pounds (ha!).
Also, I’ve had a bit of insomnia. I’ve had a very funky sleeping habit: I wake up at midnight, stay awake until 4am, and then fall sleep again until about 6am (I think this is nature preparing me for becoming a mom). Other than being tired and having one random hormonal cry fest (ahh, it felt so good), I’ve been pretty balanced mentally/emotionally. I do journal every day — big believer in writing therapy — and I think I will be happy I documented this special time.
In terms of exercise, I still run… sometimes. I ran two miles today, which is probably my max at this point, perhaps soon to be expired. I’ve done some yoga too, but mostly, I just walk a lot (sometimes with small added weights). I love my acupressure mat and foam roller for additional circulation.
Being extra gentle with myself during this time, but I still consider movement to be an essential part of my routine for my mental and physical wellbeing.
ANY CLOTHING MUSTS?
At week 19, I felt the first big shift in my body, and I tried my best to hold onto my pre-pregnancy clothes but became miserable. At around 21 weeks, I started to buy maternity styles.
I purchased three pairs of maternity denim to alternate between — I love denim, and I knew these would be staples for the next five months. I got two denim washes and one white pair.
I also bought three nursing bras because my boobs are NOT about normal bras right now. Makes a huge difference, and I will wear these into fourth trimester.
Living in my Jenni Kayne sweaters and boyfriend shirts (the oversized styles are working in my favor). Also, I just bought a long white tee, this nightgown, this robe (for now and later), and a couple of dresses I think will work as the bump gets bigger. Of course, Lululemon Align leggings are a staple as well.
Also just got this belly band for some additional back support (starting to feel a little back pain due to weight gain).
WHAT Vitamins/Supplements DO YOU TAKE?
I take Perelel prenatal vitamins and my Seed synbiotic. I’ve taken Seed for years, and truly, I’d probably be a constipated pregnant lady without it. It’s a must. (I have discount codes for both of these products, linked here.)
WHAT IS YOUR PREGNANCY Beauty Routine?
Keeping it so simple with just cleanser and moisturizer—not far off from my normal nontoxic routine! Been obsessed Osea products recently (especially this cleanser and body oil). Of course, always using Omorovicza and Vintners Daughter serum. I also dry brush regularly.
FAVORITE CLASSES, Resources, OR Books?
I haven’t signed up for any birthing/baby classes yet—and honestly, I’m not sure I’m going to. Aside from my own reading and research, I really trust that I have all the tools I need within myself. I believe, as women, we have an inner-knowing, an intuition, with how to guide our bodies and babies.
Plus, there’s always Google, right?
Books I love: Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives by Deepak Chopra, Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols, Feng Shui Mommy by Bailey Gaddis, and Nurture by Erica Chic Chodron.
DO YOU HAVE A Birth Plan?
Man plans, God laughs — a saying I love. My only “plan” is to have my husband and doula by my side, in the hospital with my OB whom I adore, and I’d like to not be medicated. I want to feel this entire process, and if I am able to do it (without needing any medical intervention, I mean), I would like to — but, as I mentioned, man plans and God laughs, and I trust in the unknown process.
I strongly considered a home birth, but given my previous complicated pregnancies (and love for my OB), I have chosen to birth in a hospital with a doula, naturally. I also desire an underwater labor, and they recently installed tubs in each room — yaaay.
DO YOU HAVE Favorite Baby Items Purchased?
I feel so lucky to be pregnant with one of my good girlfriends, and we’ve been sharing so. many. good. finds. I love all the knit dolls, floral jackets, and pointelle onesies!
I assume my favorites will be less cutesy and more practical once she’s here. For curious minds, my registry is linked here.
WHAT IS YOUR Favorite Thing About Pregnancy?
Without a doubt, feeling her move! I started to feel her move around week 20, but doubted it because it was so subtle (felt like a slight pulse). At 22 weeks, I knew it was her. I often lay down in silence simply to feel her move, to just to be with her. I think I will miss this once she’s on earth.
Also, everyone is nicer to you when you’re pregnant. :)
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
As cliche as it sounds, I feel being a mother is my absolute calling and purpose on this planet — to nurture and guide a child.
I cannot wait to see her look at the world through loving eyes (our natural state, I believe, but as we grow up, we become more callous and lose touch with this natural state).
I cannot wait to see Michael as a father, and I cannot wait to learn more about myself as a human being — for better and worse. I know my daughter will be my greatest gift and teacher.
Codes and discounts for Jenni Kayne, Osea, Perelel, and Seed can be found here.