Reflections on the First Trimester

Phew. I sure am glad the first trimester is over. While in the middle of it, I knew it was rough. But now that I'm through it, I realize just how bad I felt. 

My prediction is that I'm pregnant with a girl. I know it's silly to try and read little signs, but with 50/50 odds, I might as well take a guess, right? 

At first I thought I was having a girl because the heart rate was on the high end of the spectrum the first two times we heard it (the third time it dropped down to the middle range, so who knows?). Henry's heart rate was always on the low end, which is part of the reason I predicted he was a boy. 

Also, I just felt sicker during the first trimester. Finally, I feel like I'm gaining weight all over instead of just a little basketball on my abdomen like Henry was of. Of course, perhaps my body looks different because a) I let myself eat way too much junk food over the holidays and b) I never got my body fully back into shape after Henry. 

But all of this speculating will come to a close on January 23rd. I'll keep you updated. 

Since we've gotten back from the holidays, I've done a much better job of embodying healthier habits. I haven't been eating many sweets at all, and I've been focusing a lot on my protein, calcium, iron, fruit, and vegetable intake. I started going to pre-natal yoga once a week. I'm still haven't trouble working walking into my routine (Henry hates being cooped up in a stroller), but I have a plan. I'm trying to coordinate walking with friends three times a week (with a stop at the playground for Henry afterwards) and a solo walk on two days a week. Having specific days and times for my exercise plan really helps me stick to it. 

Oh, I've also been going to acupuncture once a week to try and stave off the liver problems I had in my last pregnancy (along with taking nettle, milk thistle, and dandelion). The whole family started taking elderberry syrup to support our immune systems.

I know that parenting is going to be different the second time around, but I want to be as intentional as possible about those differences. When it comes to a healthy pregnancy, I want to try and replicate what I was able to maintain with Henry. I want to make time for daily naps and exercise, and I want to prioritize healthy eating. Reading back over my First Trimester Advice and Second Trimester Advice has been helpful.

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