I cannot actually believe that I’m even writing this post already! How on earth did I reach the end of my second trimester so soon? I know one thing is for definite, I’m really enjoying this beautiful journey of pregnancy. To be honest, and it sounds like a weird thing to say but I will be quite sad when I’m not actually pregnant anymore, but I guess I will be too busy cooing over my little bundle of joy to notice. If you missed my first trimester recap you can read all about it here. I feel that so much has happened in the second trimester that it’s quite a lengthy post, sorry!
Obviously the most exciting thing about the first trimester is the initial scan and seeing the baby for the first time. It’s such a magical moment and I was so excited to go to my second ultrasound at 20 weeks where we found out that we were having a beautiful and healthy baby boy. I’m still buzzing over the fact that we are having a boy and feeling him kick and move around inside me is a constant reminder of how incredibly lucky I am. I do get a lump in my throat when I think about our little family and future together or even when I see my friends and others with their babies – I cannot wait to meet my little man.
So far so good with my little lentil’s progress, he’s doing so well and I couldn’t be prouder of him. His measurements are on track and always presents with a strong heart beat at my midwife appointments. Apparently he’s lying oblique, which means his head is on my right and he’s positioned across my belly. This little boy moves around a lot and sometimes I feel him move at one end and then the other in quick succession, which perhaps is a result of his position. Some days he’s totally hyper and on others he can be rather quiet. In reference to my previous pregnancy paranoia, the quieter day’s do freak me out a lot. I’m so in tune with him now that I can track his movements and he seems to have some sort of schedule already and on normal days he seems to move every few hours, even early in the morning. He’s obviously letting me know what I’m in for with his night-time feeds.
So now I’ve reached the epic milestone of the third trimester. The relief to know that everything is going well so far is immense and I generally feel well within myself and have never felt better. Taking the time to enjoy my pregnancy has been so important to me and I think I’ve settled into it quite well so far.
Eating
To be fair there isn’t that much to report here, but since it was such a prominent factor in my first trimester I would include it anyway. I’m still taking my prenatal vitamin tablet and will continue to until birth. Thankfully, I am back to my normal eating habits with no particular food aversions in sight. Initially I was worried that I had gone off my vegetables, salads and green smoothies – I couldn’t stand them at all. However, now I can’t get enough of them which I couldn’t have been more pleased about as one of my main priorities is wanting to be as healthy as possible throughout this pregnancy, food aversions and cravings included and I think I have achieved that so far.
As mentioned in my Changes During Pregnancy video I haven’t had any serious food cravings in my second trimester, although I have been on a summer berry and avocado kick over the last few weeks. Some of my previous carb cravings have returned and I just tend to go with the flow where they’re concerned, but make smarter choices, such as having soda or rye bread instead of white. There have also been times where I’ve eaten lots of cake and chocolate too, but I’m fine with this as now everything is more balanced out in the second trimester. With these more sweeter cravings I’m not using the old excuse of ‘I’m eating for two‘ so I can go completely mad as I know that I wouldn’t feel great afterwards. The freedom of my eating is bringing me so much enjoyment at the moment and I’m so happy about that.
Fitness
Maintaining my fitness levels throughout my pregnancy has been vital to me as it’s supposed to facilitate labouring. Over the past few months I’ve had to adapt and be more flexible as my body changes. I’m still going to the gym 2-3 times a week for 20 minutes of cardio and a quick strength routine, but now I’m much stricter with incorporating more yoga and walking into my routine. The hot weather has made me feel super tired on some days which means that I have been going to bed early and sometimes during the day I can feel tired, but my routine is so adaptable now that I can swap my planned workout for something else. Being able to move feels so good and I wouldn’t want to do anything that is detrimental to me or the baby. I’m just taking things slow and doing what I can and on the days that I can’t exercise I don’t feel guilty about it, but feel grateful for the workouts that I’ve managed to achieve that week.
Progressing into the third trimester will most probably mean that things will have to change again and become even more relaxed, hence me striving to be more accountable with my yoga and walking. If pregnancy has taught me one thing it’s that things change quickly and with each new change I have to realise my new fitness limitations to maintain a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Body and symptoms
The extreme tiredness of my first trimester has gone completely and I’m sleeping so much more better as my body has acclimatised to having all of these extra hormones. Like I said, I have been suffering from heat exhaustion and tend to be ready for bed by 8pm, so rock and roll eh? Talking of sleeping, on several occasions now I have been waking up in the night with horrible cramps in my right calf, my midwife assures me that these night-time cramps are normal in pregnant women and they seem to subside after massaging them out of my poor calf. Another pregnancy symptom that has become the norm for me is achy hips and legs, some days I just wake up with them like that. I think it’s just my body getting used to my growing bump, hopefully the soreness will calm down soon.
Over the past few weeks there has been a noticeable change in the size of my bump, it’s really popped out! I’m so in love with my bump and I tend to stroke it as if I’m comforting the baby and talk to him a lot. I do get envious sometimes of other pregnant ladies at the same stage who have bigger bumps than me. Of course, I realise that each pregnancy and bump is different and that is what makes this process even more uniquely beautiful. My baby boy is healthy and so strong and that’s all that matters. On the contrary, there are days where I feel massive all over, but Alfie is always quick to reassure me that I’m not and I get over it. For now my belly button is still in, just. I can tell that it has started to creep forwards. Currently, I have no stretch marks on my boobs or belly and I can still see my feet and see my lady bits, but I realise that I still have a long way to go in these departments.
Labour and birth plans
My birth plan has been playing heavily on my mind over the past few weeks and I will blog about it soon. Labour is one of those things that you want to be totally blissful and perfect and so my birth plan has been bugging me as I don’t want to get it wrong. I know that I want to labour naturally for as long as I can, hopefully through the entire grand event, but I know that labour can take many twists and turns and not go according to the all important birth plan. I think I’m just going to draw one up based on my idealised vision of birth and labour, but make room for flexibility. If it comes to the point where I can’t cope then I will take the drugs, but I want the midwife’s and doctors to know that I want it to be my choice if I go down this route and I don’t want them to be forced upon me. Nevertheless, Alfie has assured me that the doctors won’t push the drugs on to me. I won’t feel ashamed or like a cop-out if I need drugs, at the end of the day I’m praying that I will be blessed with a beautiful and healthy baby. I want to ensure his safe delivery without any distress or alarm bells, which will ultimately turn a magical and serene experience into something wretched and horrible.
Despite some of the negative reviews I really enjoyed reading The Kind Mama. Fair enough some of it is far too extreme for me, but I’ve taken quite a lot from it in terms of preparing for birth, postpartum care and breast-feeding. I will be doing a full review on the blog soon as I’ve found it very interesting, but it has highlighted the importance of preparing for the birth both mentally and physically and talks a lot about toning your pelvic floor muscles, which will help during labour. Moreover, my postpartum care isn’t something that I had contemplated until now. I’m going to take it slow to regain my figure and lose the extra weight, I’m in no rush there, but the book has emphasised how sore it can get down there after birth. I’ve been looking at products to soothe the afterbirth soreness like some of the products from Earth Mama Angel Baby, anything is worth a try right?
Looking ahead and getting organised
There is so much to consider when having a baby, so much to get organised. Slowly, but surely we are getting there and are making progress. There are times when I do feel overwhelmed by it all, last Thursday morning I totally freaked out that we hadn’t cleared out all of our storage space yet, but my midwife calmed me down and gave me a firm talking to, love her! I still have 3 months to go, but he could come early which I was reminded of when my hospital bag was delivered the other week. Luckily we put a system in place already for his clothes very early on and have them organised in storage boxes. We have a wish list of things that we have left to buy and a baby budget on an Excel spreadsheet that has been working wonders. There is always that fear that you haven’t prepared enough, but I know that you can never be prepared with a newborn, it’s all a learning curve. When it comes down to it all of this preparation won’t matter as we will be so obsessed and in love with out little boy that we would have forgotten about it all.
I’m so ready for this baby, even if the house isn’t quite there yet. The thought of our new little family fills me with so much joy, I never thought it was possible to feel so much love, especially for someone who I haven’t actually met yet. I already feel so connected with him and I’m looking forward to nurturing that bond when he finally arrives. One of my favourite things about the second trimester has definitely been his little kicks and stretches and feeling them get stronger as the weeks go by. I love it when I am lying in bed or on the sofa with Alfie and he holds my belly and feels the baby wriggle inside me, so he is as much part of the pregnancy too. Even though I’m carrying the baby, he is still our son and I would hate for Alfie to feel left out and involve him as much as possible. He talks to the baby a lot and they even have a special Father and Son song that he likes to play over and over, he’s going to be such a great dad!
Well I feel like I’ve just brain farted a whole load of pregnancy stuff on you there, but there is seriously so much that goes on in such a short amount of time. Thank you for making it to the end!
If you have been pregnant or are pregnant how was the second trimester for you? Do you have any advice on birth plans, labour and postpartum care? Also, which baby products/brands did you find essential when looking after your baby?
If you aren’t expecting, have you ever considered any of the things that I’ve experienced in my second trimester? I know I hadn’t even given it a second thought.
You have such an exciting time ahead, I hope you continue to have a healthy and happy pregnancy xo
Fiona @ http://www.dollydowsie.com
I cannot wait, thanks Fiona!
Ur Alfie is gonna be a fab father for sure, Jemma(lovin’ the collage:.)!
Essentials pp washable breast pads & some healthy home-cooked meals are invaluable.
X
He’s going to be the best dad Karina, our baby boy is very lucky! Thanks for the tips. 🙂
This is such an exciting read Jemma, I can’t believe how quickly your pregnancy has gone! It sounds like you’re getting really organised too, those clothes and booties are just adorable. I’m a big fan of Excel spreadsheets for budgeting, I think they make everything so clear and you can tick everything off as you go through. All the best for the rest of your pregnancy!
Thanks Claire. Time is definitely flying, he will be here soon enough now. 🙂
Sounds like you are doing great! Have you tried magnesium oil spray for the leg cramps?
Thanks Lauren. No, I will have to check that out. 🙂
Your doing so well with your pregnancy! Hope the rest of it goes well! 🙂
Thanks Dana.
You sound like you are having the perfect pregnancy and I love how intuned you are with your little one. Your post make me so so broody! I also love you refer to him/her as “little lentil” – so cute!
When we first found out we were having a baby he was the size of a lentil and it kind of stuck. Apparently he’s the size of an aubergine now, which does’t sound as cute lol! 🙂
Awww, that little bump is so stinkin’ cute!
Aww thanks Amber! 🙂
I love when women workout while they’re still pregnant, I think it’s awesome!
It is quite an achievement especially as the pregnancy progresses. I just like to be able to move and stay active. 🙂
I love reading pregnancy stories! Yay for the third trimester! I didn’t do a great job of exercising during my pregnancy. I only walked and I have regretted that so much. Kudos to you!
I’m incorporating walking into my routine now. Don’t regret it, I’m sure it did wonders for keeping you and your baby healthy.
I kept a journal throughout my pregnancy (my son is almost 3 – in 3 months!) and I don’t really remember, but you’re doing great eating-and-fitness-wise. I hope to do better next pregnancy with all that, as I’m STILL working on losing all the weight I gained. 🙂 Hope the rest of your pregnancy is beautiful and blessed! <3
Thanks Shipra. A journal sounds like a lovely idea. I guess these blog posts are like my journal.
You look great! I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes wonderfully 🙂
Thank you Brooke! 🙂
Soon your little bundle will be here!! TIme seems to fly through pregnancy!
It’s going so fast. I can’t wait to meet him. 🙂
You and your bump look lovely! I had never thought of all the organising that needs to be done before having a baby but it sounds like you’ve thought of everything! x
There is so much, it’s overwhelming. Luckily you have 9 months to prepare lol.
You’re absolutely stunning….I wish you all the best with the remainder of your gestation.
Thank you Charlene! x
wow! sounds like you’re so prepared! good for you for working out throughout your pregnancy…i’m nowhere close to having a baby, but i’ve heard that maintaining an exercise routine is great for both mama and baby!
We’re getting there slowly Betsy! 🙂
I loved being pregnant there’s nothing quite like it, I found it really strange afterwards not have him wriggling inside me. That’s amazing your taste buds have gone back to normal and the 2nd trimesters you’ve been able to eat loads of greens 🙂
It was strange to me not being able to eat my greens as they are a big part of my diet. Glad to be back on them now though. 🙂
So interesting to read such an insightful post about someone’s personal pregnancy journey. Thanks for sharing, and you look absolutely fantastic 🙂
Glad that you found it interesting Lydia and thank you so much! 🙂
one of my gfs told me her second trimester was her favorite.. her first was awful because she was constantly sick.. but second was when she could eat whatever she wanted. 🙂 lovely photo of you two btw!
Thanks Esther, that pic has become one of my faves. The second trimester has been my favourite so far.
So sweet! I loved being pregnant, and many times catch myself wanting a baby bump something fierce 🙂 My oldest will be four at the end of July and I am yearning to be preggers again sooner than later 🙂
I’m definitely going to miss my bump, I love it so much! Fingers crossed for the pitter patter of tiny feet for you. 😀
So happy to hear that it’s going so well! And you are adorable!
Thanks Ashley! 🙂
Second tri was my favorite both times – first was full of morning sickness and third I was just ready for baby to arrive
Luckily I escaped morning sickness, but boy did I just want to sleep all the time in the first trimester!
I can’t wait to be pregnant and have a bump. =) Loved reading this recap about how excited you are! Having 12 nieces and nephews, I’ve heard a LOT about pregnancy so I feel like I’m as prepared as can be.
You will love it, such a blessing! Ha! You are probably more prepared than me. 🙂
What a great article! I was never as organized as you thats for sure, with EITHER of my kids! haha <3 i wish you the best!
Ha! Thank you Annette!
First of all, could you be any cuter? Seriously, I think you’re one of the hottest and cutest pregnant lady I’ve ever seen. And I say lady because not only do you look stunning, you glow! Like a true lady. 🙂 Keep it up, girl. You’re almost there!
StarrJoy16.blogspot.com
Awww that’s so nice of you to say! 🙂 *Blushing* Thank you so much Starr, you have put a smile on my face for sure! 🙂
I loved the second trimester, and honestly I felt really good all the way through the third except for some reflux (but our daughter was breech, so it was worse than usual!). At around 30 weeks I stopped going to the gym and started just taking long walks everyday…..kept that up until the day before she was born!
The second trimester has been my favourite so far. Good for you for going up to 30 weeks in the gym. I’m not sure when to stop, but I’m sure my body will let me know 🙂
Sounds like everything is going the way it should, God bless x
Thank you! 🙂
Kudos to you for staying fit and healthy during pregnancy! You won’t regret it 🙂
xo, Hima
Hima Hearts
Thanks Hima, I hope it will serve me well.
Yay!! I just love hearing about pregnancy!! I have had two healthy boys myself and I often reminisce about my pregnancies (even though I didn’t really enjoy them much, lol). But it’s such a special time! You look adorable, BTW
Thank you! It really is a special time 🙂
You’re so beautiful!!!!!
Awww thanks hun! 🙂
I’m glad you’re having a good pregnancy! It sounds like you’re all prepped and ready for baby to come!
Almost Amberly. 🙂
It sounds like it’s all going so well 🙂 I’m so pleased for you. You’ve got such a great approach to eating and exercising. It’s very refreshing. Sometimes all you hear on blogs are about how they’re going to get back to their previous shape. I can’t wait to be pregnant with a big bump. It’ll be so surreal! Well, a while yet for me I think…
Thanks Anna. I think it’s important to realise your limitations as changes occur. It’s such a beautiful experience, you are going to love it! 🙂 x
Awwww, you seem so happy 😀 I wish you all the best for this third trimester x
Thanks so much Laureen! 🙂 x
Oh goodness I didn’t even realize you were pregnant! You are so tiny!! Congrats!!
Hahaha! I get that a lot, thank you!
So great
So happy for you and your baby! Glad to hear everything is going great so far 🙂
Thanks Jess! 🙂
That wedding shot of you guys together – gorgeous!
So many exciting things coming up for you as you enter the third trimester!
Thanks Rachel!
You look so healthy and you are glowing! I love your photos!
Thanks! 🙂
You’re going to be such a great mom!
Aww thanks Ashley, I really hope so!
What a nice read! Looking forward to the next installment!
Glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Congratulations! Good luck getting everything ready 🙂
Thanks Annabel, almost there now! 🙂