It is amazing how time flies! I am 30 weeks pregnant when writing this, and I know it is long overdue, but this is my first and second-trimester recap and Healthy Pregnancy Tips, what to expect, and my best tips. I hope these posts help inspire or bring comfort to any other mamas or mamas-to-be.
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1st Trimester
Weeks 1-4: Things were pretty normal until week 3, I noticed my first pregnancy symptom as implantation cramping, which feels like period cramps, so I assumed it was because I would get my period soon. At the 4 week mark, I decided to buy a pregnancy test after being late. When I found out I was pregnant, I was so overjoyed when I found out the news-definitely shed a few tears, and again you can see my real & raw emotional reaction in this vlog.
Related: Pregnancy Announcement
Week 5-8: By week 5, I noticed a sudden drop in energy levels. By mid-afternoon, I was tired and wanting a nap. I also started to experience “morning sickness” I had nausea that lingered throughout the day. Drinking Ginger Ale helped me. I also noticed breast tenderness, some days my breasts felt hot and swollen. I really enjoyed taking off my bra and just relaxing in bed. I read that all of these symptoms result from your body adjusting to the surge in hormone levels of pregnancy.
Week 9-13: At two months pregnant, I scheduled a doctor’s appointment and had my pregnancy confirmed through the Health Department. I started searching for birthing centers near me because I wanted to see options for birth and delivery. That is how I picked my midwife, and my husband and I decided a natural birth was the best choice for our family. (I will talk more about this in my next post). The tiredness, nausea, and breast tenderness lasted until week 12. I remember not feeling normal in the first trimester, but I reassured myself that these symptoms were only temporary.
If you experience nausea, you can try:
- Get up slowly in the mornings. Eat a few saltines or low-fat crackers.
- Eating 5-6 small snacks a day- don’t go for long periods without food.
- Drink small amounts of ginger ale or ginger tea.
- If you find something that works for you, stay with it!
2nd Trimester
Week 14-17: And so grateful it was only temporary. What a huge relief when my appetite improved and I could tolerate more food instead of feeling nauseous after taking two bites. At week 14, I remember telling my sweet husband that I felt more energized and so ready to start moving my body again since physical activity is great for a healthy pregnancy and beneficial for labor and delivery. I found an app called Baby2Body and started to do some of the workouts with the app.
Week 18-21: I am starting to show at 6 months, although I look more bloated than pregnant. The most precious memory I have of the second trimester is seeing the baby for the first time. The ultrasound appointment felt so surreal, but the baby is healthy and doing well, and my due date is May 7th, 2021!
Week 22-26: Towards the end of the second trimester, I decided to change things up and enrolled in a Prenatal Pilates Class, and let me tell you, that was the best decision ever! Carrie is very knowledgeable and shared so many valuable tips and great resources for Pregnancy and beyond. I signed up for the 6 weeks live Zoom prenatal program, and each session was informative and empowering. I encourage you to check her out!
As baby grew and the belly got bigger there was some discomfort at night and just trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. There are pregnancy pillows online but I found that the straight body pillow I had worked for me. Try and see what works for you. 😉
PREGNANCY MUST-HAVES
Pregnancy Apps
I love reading about what’s happing to my little one each week. It’s also reassuring to hear what changes are going on with my body and reading tips on preparing for them. I have the What to Expect app. This app has videos and plenty of information for the pregnancy journey.
Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements
In case you are wondering what I have been taking for prenatal vitamins and other supplements, here is my full list! I have been taking the NatureMade Prenatal Multi + DHA, and I love that it is well-rounded, and you only need one capsule (win for me!).
- Prenatal Vitamin (I love this!)
- Vitamin D3
- Magnesium
- Fish Oil Capsules
- Probiotics
- Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (Start 2nd Trimester)
- Multi-vitamins for the whole family
Body Essentials
These are my go-to essentials for pampering my skin and avoiding stretch marks. I do have stretch marks from my first baby but I am not seeing any new ones this time around.
- Elastalift Collagen Cream (I love this!)
- Vitamin E Oil
Keep in mind that everyone’s body is unique, and it is always best to speak with your Midwife or Doctor to find out what will work best for you & your baby.
I am so excited to continue to share my journey of being pregnant with you! Hopefully, you enjoyed these Healthy Pregnancy Tips for the First & Second Trimester and found them useful! I am sharing frequent bump updates over on Instagram @the.brightsunshine so be sure to follow along for all the pregnancy content!
Also, I would love to know if you’re currently pregnant, or have been pregnant – and one thing that really helped you out throughout your pregnancy! Let me know in the comments!
♥ Blessings!
