trimester 2 updates + thoughts
The second trimester has been SO much better than the first, but has definitely come with new challenges, mentally & physically! The queasiness has gone away completely and my energy is back (yay!) but my body is stretching and growing, which has made it pretty uncomfortable to sleep at night and get comfortable laying down, walking around, etc. Also-my OB told me on week 20 that I could no longer sleep on my back, which since then has made me sleep even worse because I wake up paranoid that I am sleeping on it! I think it's finally time to order my pregnancy pillow! I have heard that this brings a lot of relief physically & mentally. I know I still have 4 months left, but the first 5 FLEW by, so I know I should probably start prepping the nursery soon! It all still feels so surreal. I can't wait to share nursery details with you in the next month!
physical symptoms + appearance
As I said, thankfully I am no longer nauseous, my skin is glowinggggg (it was SO bad trimester 1 due to hormones), my energy is back, and I am not having insanely weird dreams or cravings anymore! I am feeling and seeing baby girl moving around SO much, it's the BEST feeling! My bump is now visible and it's been really fun. But I will say, with the bump growing comes growing pains and feeling uncomfortable. I have gained a few pounds but am so grateful to be growing this little life inside me! Heartburn has been so bad this trimester (I have it all day long and all throughout the night ugh!) But taking Mylanta has been a LIFESAVER (tums too). Also random but, I have been SO out of breath! Walking up the stairs leaves me so out of breath! Just a lot growing and stretching in there, not as much room for air! I have been starting to think more and more about becoming a mom and how much our lives are going to change. It's been a lot on me emotionally, but I have been continuing to remind myself about how wonderful life will be raising this sweet girl. It is ALL worth it! And like so many people have told me, you're never really ready for kids. It all just happens and you figure out along the way :) There have just been a lot of stressful things going on in my life personally, that pregnancy has felt that much MORE difficult, mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It has been a very overwhelming past 22 weeks of pregnancy to say the least.
how I am feeling overall
At the end of the day, I truly don't feel prepared at all and find myself wondering if I will even be a good mom, will I truly be good at this? Do I have what it takes? What will life look like for Gabe and I with this little one, and no longer just the two of us? A lot of fears and doubts have entered my mind in this time to be completely honest. It is a HUGE life change, but at the same time we both feel that this is exactly where God wants us to be! Gabe and I are truly so grateful for this blessing and little life.
I am the kind of person who hasn't asked for much advice on Instagram, or honestly from others in my life, because each and every pregnancy and delivery is different. What worked for you may not work for me, vice versa. I really do care a lot about what others have experienced, but I am someone who overthinks everything and sets expectations that shouldn't even be an expectation in the first place! I had so many people telling me I would feel this or that, and I never did. I simply just want this to be my own experience, and to share encouragement along the way! :)
my advice + encouragement to pregnant mama's
People will have SO many things to tell you, scare you with, etc. But I just want to say this again, her experience is NOT your experience. Her birth story is NOT your birth story. I have personally felt like a lot of women have painted pregnancy + birth out to be this horrific thing, but honestly you guys it's truly so beautiful and not as bad as some women make it out to be. Trust me, pregnancy is a lot in many ways, but as women were created to do this! It's been a huge blessing and growing point in my life that I am forever grateful for! And look at what you get in the end, a precious life that God created, that looks and acts like you! The thought of it leaves me speechless. I think a lot of pregnancy has to do with your mindset and trust in the Lord. Don't listen to the opinions and experience of others, don't set expectations, TRUST in God's plan for this pregnancy and the development of the little one growing inside you, and truly just go with the flow! Not asking for much advice and not overthinking every little thing has been a game changer for me :)
Things that have helped me physically & emotionally this trimester:
1) PRAYER + WORSHIP MUSIC
2) Journaling what I am going through and my thoughts every day/night
3) Stretching daily (there are some great prenatal stretches on Pinterest!) CLICK HERE
4) Drinking a lot of water (if plain water doesn't sound good, add some Liquid I.V. (highly recommend the strawberry)! SHOP HERE
5) Diet is HUGE (the more natural/healthy things you put in your body, the better you will feel)
6) Self care (go get a massage, get your nails done, a facial, you name it. You deserve it!)
7) Walking daily + light exercise
8) Mylanta is a lifesaver for heartburn (I have heartburn all day every day nowadays!) SHOP HERE
9) Baths every night! Relaxes my entire body!
10) The support of family + friends (even though we lives states away). Make a phone call when you're having a hard day! You weren't made to go through this alone :)