At this point I look down and can’t believe how my body is changing. It may be early, but I definitely have a little pouch, and things are starting to move in places they never used to. Some days my belly seems bigger than others, and some days I feel better than others. As my body expands and the baby grows, I am relaxing much more about everything and starting to just enjoy being pregnant. We were taking pictures of my stomach once per week, and then I realized it was like taking pictures of someone with severe gas. Not something I want to put in a baby book, so I’ll be taking a picture every 4 weeks now.
I will admit I am a bit obsessed with not getting stretch marks (the purple kind or the kind from gaining pregnancy weight, I am not interested in either). I have the traditional Palmer’s cocoa butter, as well as The Honest Company’s Belly Balm. I love them both and will keep trying new products throughout my pregnancy. If you are not familiar with the The Honest Company, you have to check them out. I get bundles from them monthly with both vitamins and household goods. It’s an easy and relatively affordable way to ensure you are making healthy options for yourself and your household. The Honest Company
I am still exercising as much as possible, though less than normal and less intensity (to my dismay). 4 days at the gym down from 6, and 3 mile walks with the dogs daily. I had to change the beloved LesMills classes that I take, Body Attack has too much jumping and impact, and CXWorks for abs just feels ridiculous. I am just listening to my body and letting it tell me when to slow down, or simply stop.
I am eating as healthy as possible, organic whenever I can, lots of protein and fiber, the best all-natural pre-natal and DHA vitamins I can get. I am admittedly having a strange obsession with sweets though! So different than my usual self, but I’m going with it and hoping it will pass. I am also finding all of my formerly beloved vegetables less appealing. I still eat them constantly for the baby, but I have to say they don’t have the same flare. Carbs are golden right now, but I haven’t had any cravings for anything in particular (yet). Cooking has unfortunately lost its luster for me, so I am making the quickest healthy meals that I can lately. It is unfortunate that our city has virtually nothing in the way of healthy take-out options, so we really are forced to cook at home constantly, like it or not some days. I find it overwhelming to try to eliminate all toxins from my life, and I think it is impossible anyway. I am doing the best that I can within my current environment. I drink only one cup of coffee/day and no other caffeine (besides dark chocolate, but there is NO way I’m counting that as a negative).
I recently posted a comment on Facebook regarding drinking while pregnant, and boy did the comments come rolling in. Overwhelmingly you ladies say NO to any alcohol during pregnancy. This was very hard for me when we first found out I was pregnant. I could not imagine 9 months without an amazing glass of red with dinner, or a cold Belgian beer with a burger. I am finding now that I don’t even crave it, and have had about three sips of Armando’s beverages in the last 13 weeks. What I do miss is relaxing and having a glass of wine with my husband, or sitting on the back porch and having a couple beers, just talking about nothing important together. I miss how you can just tune out, be silly, and just unwind. It’s not that I need other activities to de-stress; it’s just a social thing to have a drink, and one that I enjoyed. I have decided no alcohol for me, though if I actually wanted it, I would have a glass of wine.
Weight gained to date = 4.5lbs, and I’m fine with it!
