They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. Let’s hope that’s the case with my long absence. My pregnancy diary is definitely spread out but hey, that’s what happens when narcolepsy kicks in during the third trimester. Things are definitely becoming more challenging during this stretch so let’s review what’s been happening.
More Body Changes
The most obvious change is my growing belly. It’s still on the rounder side just a lot larger. In addition, that seems to be the only thing growing on me. Sure, my thighs and bust size has increased but not nearly to what I imagined. Since I have no idea what the sex is of our child, I turn to old wives tales. From what I’ve heard, if you are all belly you may be carrying a boy and if you’re having a girl your body widens. Who knows if that’s true but I do find it interesting.
Additional changes include the darkening of my skin. My areolas, linea negra, and underarms have seen the most change but it is very common during pregnancy. My navel has officially popped out but luckily no visible stretch marks have shown up, partly because of my belly care regimen. Want to see how the first 32 weeks went, click here.
My Belly Care Regimen
My mother had 5 children and proudly wears her stripes. I’m not sure if she had them from baby number one or if it happened later but I’m doing everything in my power to avoid them. I won’t be embarrassed or ashamed if I get them but if they can be avoided, I’m gonna try.
#SecretWeapon With Mustela
Around the second trimester, when my belly size increased, Mustela sent a few products my way to try out. It included the Mustela Stretch Marks Prevention Oil & Cream as well as the Bust Firming Serum. Twice a day, I apply the Stretch Mark Prevention Oil or Cream to my belly, thighs, and butt and I apply the Bust Firming Serum in the morning after my shower. To my surprise, this line has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly. It also has a fresh, floral scent that’s not overpowering and safe for baby. So far, not a stretch mark in sight and I’m hoping it stays that way. *These products were gifted to me free of charge as part of the Preen.Me VIP program together with Mustela.*
Must Have Clothing Items
As your body changes, so do the size of your clothing. My most important purchases have been soft bras with no underwire or sports bras. Unfortunately, I missed the boat on another necessity for your bras, bra extenders! Had I purchased one, I may have worn the bras for a longer period of time but I skipped them and went straight to a sports bra once I realized I couldn’t breathe anymore.
Another must have splurge were a pair of comfortable wedge slip-on’s. The extra weight has been killing my arches and heels and investing in a pair of flats with a small wedge has made all the difference in my work day.
Diet & Exercise
My appetite has definitely increased! During my second trimester, the baby was so high that anything I ate made me feel full quickly. It was extremely uncomfortable until the baby dropped a little. Then it was game on and I’ve been stuffing my face like a champ ever since. As far as what I’ve been eating, consider everything! I stay away from the usual suspects, raw meats, sushi, unpasteurized dairy, and deli meats but I do crave red meat and anything with peanut butter. I struggle to get my greens so one way I’ve included them is by preparing a smoothie in the morning with a banana, frozen berries and a handful of spinach.
Don’t Tempt Me, I Will Eat It All!!!
Staying in shape has been another struggle but I manage to get in a 30-minute walk a few times a week. If I really have time on my hands, I visit the gym to do weight training (with much lighter weights) a couple times a week. More recently, I’ve included prenatal yoga which has been a God-send for my achy body.
Hopefully, the next pregnancy diary will happen before the baby decides to arrive. It would be a shame to not update you all with the last few weeks, especially since that’s when all the fun happens (that was a joke). I’d love to hear from all of my pregnant mamas about how your pregnancies are going. Leave me a comment and tell me about your cravings and must have maternity clothing items.
Watch my latest pregnancy vlog here:
*The Mustela products were gifted to me free of charge as part of the Preen.Me VIP program together with Mustela. All opinions reflect my honest opinion and are based on actual product use*