Time for another pregnancy update. I have gone back and forth on how often I want to share updates, and after looking through some other blogs I have decided to go with monthly posts. Sure, seems like a lot, but I prefer this over writing just one update for each trimester. There is so much that goes on that one post per trimester would be so long!
Like my first trimester, I have continued to take notes in my phone week to week. Friendly reminder: every pregnancy is different! Just because I have experienced certain symptoms does not mean you’ll experience the same thing. It can be easy to compare ourselves to others in similar situations, but that is not my goal here! I want to share my journey and open up the conversation to others that would like to share their own experiences.
Some tidbits from each week:
14 Weeks
I didn’t take any notes this week, but we did manage to get a picture of my profile. Compare this picture to the one above. Amazing the difference two weeks makes! Baby definitely popped.
Dress: Nordstrom | Earrings: Kendra Scott | Letter Board: Target
15 Weeks
I’m craving sweet and salty. I bought some chocolate covered cashews and pretty much inhaled the bag.
16 Weeks
The constipation has subsided, thank goodness. Not sorry for the tmi. Still loving sweets. All of the stores have Halloween candy out and I just can’t resist. I bought a bag of mini airheads and ate the entire thing within a week.
I’m still experiencing some mood swings, but not near as intense as I did in the first trimester. However, if something makes me mad, I get real mad! So watch out, lol.
I’ve started to experience some lower back and tailbone pain, mostly due to my uterus expanding. Baby is about 4.5 inches long and the size of a dill pickle. Some women feel movement around this time, but I have yet to notice any kicks. Earlier this week baby’s heart rate was 157 bpm. Some may say that means it’s a girl (over 140 bpm), but I think it could go either way!
17 Weeks
Sleep is rough these days. My belly is out for good, and growing at a rapid rate. I think this is mostly what keeps me from sleeping more than 3 hours at a time. I have yet to cave and purchase a maternity pillow. I’ve been using a small neck pillow in between my knees at night.
I’m still (for the most part) fitting into my underwire bras. Sports bras on the other hand, bye bye. I can barely put my old sports bras on anymore! Sure, I love a tight sports bra for jogs, but they’re beyond tight at this point.
Exercise
I’m working hard to pick up the physical activity. When the weather permits, I like to go on a 30 to 45 minute walk along the sea wall. If I am feeling good, I’ll sneak in a few bouts of jogging. I keep a small stepper at work and like to do five minutes on it throughout the day. This week I plan on going to a yoga class. I have heard great things about prenatal yoga and its benefits. In my next update I’ll be sure to share the way yoga has made a difference during my pregnancy (if any).
Symptoms
My gums have become rather sensitive, which is common during pregnancy. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been to the dentist. Adding that to my to-do list right now! Along with lower back pain I’ve started to experience a little bit of round ligament pain. Read more about it here at BabyCenter.com. Worst symptom this month: acne! My face has not been so bad, but I have had some serious acne on my chest and my back. I started using Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash and this brush to gently scrub my back and chest. I only use the brush a couple of times a week. For my face, I’ve started using Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser. I’ll use this on my chest some as well.
Weight Gain
Remember: every pregnancy is different. Since the beginning of pregnancy I have gained a net four pounds. During the first trimester I lost a few pounds due to lack of appetite and a little bit of muscle loss. As of now, we are back on the up and up. Doc says I have nothing to worry about, and there is plenty of time to gain!
Maternity Clothes
I have not bought many maternity pieces yet. I’m trying to make my regular wardrobe last as long as possible. Dresses are the easiest thing to wear to work these days. They are the most comfortable, and still look professional. I have bought these maternity tank tops to wear with leggings and a kimono or long cardigan. My FAVORITE leggings right now are the Align Pant from Lululemon. The waist band is maternity friendly, and they’re extremely light weight. I did buy these maternity leggings from Nordstrom, but have yet to wear them.
Looking forward to
We find out baby’s gender in just 10 days! My intuition says boy, but I could be completely wrong! I’ll be posting the gender in a post next week.