Good evening! I hope you all are having a great week. I’ve been focused on work this week as I made the transition out of relaxed, vacation mode. Starting with this update, I am going to share weekly baby updates capturing my experience. In addition to the weekly updates I will also do a few posts throughout my pregnancy sharing favorite items, reader recommendations and reflections on running and working out through pregnancy.
Baby Size: Peach
Weight Gained: We don’t currently have a scale at home but I have probably gained around 12 pounds. At my last doctor’s appointment, my doctor cautioned me to watch my weight gain carefully. To be honest, I was surprised and caught off guard because unlike many women, I have craved lots of healthy foods during pregnancy and felt as if I was taking good care of myself. While I understand her concern, I have also read and heard from others that early weight gain is common in active women due to the reduction in exercise during the first trimester. In fact, now that I am working out again and feeling good, I feel as if I lost a few pounds over the holidays.
Workouts: I was craving workouts this entire week. In fact, I went for two long walks with my mom while we were home and then once we returned to New York I enjoyed Soul Cycle, prenatal pilates, Bar Method, yoga and two runs.
Cravings: I continue to crave La Croix sparkling water, fruit and Italian food. I requested pizza one night when we were home in Savannah and then once we returned to Brooklyn we made homemade spinach and mushroom lasagna.
Food Aversions: Brussels Sprouts or any other vegetable with a strong smell when cooked, like broccoli, don’t appeal to me.
Symptoms: Unlike many women, my hair did not become thick and beautiful during pregnancy. In fact, it became weaker than normal. After getting split ends and fighting with my dull, lackluster hair I had two inches cut off and switched my shampoo and conditioner to a gentler formula. If we’re being honest, my other symptoms are gas and constipation. The only thing that works for my constipation is eating a few prunes followed by hot lemon water. Luckily, the gas is worst in the evening so I’m not embarrassing myself in public though I do feel badly for Bo.
Sleep: During our vacation, Bo and I both went to bed by 10pm each night which allowed me to enjoy at least nine hours of sleep each day. I slept pretty well, though I woke up every single night around 4 AM to use the bathroom and I was up with bad dreams two nights.
Wearing: So far my daily wardrobe is a JCrew tissue turtleneck, AG maternity jeans and a wrap sweater or vest. I bought five turtlenecks on Black Friday in a size larger than normal as I knew they would be a perfect Winter pregnancy staple. Even though I’ve never worn AG before, my friend Elizabeth gave me a pair of hand-me-down AG corduroys and the fit was so perfect that I ordered jeans in the same style during A Pea In the Pod’s holiday sale.
Other random things from the week: Baby brain seems to be in full effect as I did a few very absent minded things last week such as searching the pantry for an item while holding it in my hand, purchasing three packs of corn starch at the grocery store and forgetting where I put something.
Your turn: Any questions? Anything that you loved during your second trimester or any tips?
