The bliss of the 2nd trimester!

Wow we made it through the first trimester and what a challenge!! Working full time, keep up appearances, keeping our secret, getting through the genetic testing, blood tests and scans. It’s a relief to be finally comfortable sharing our baby news. To say it was a battle would be an understatement, I was more sensitive, waking up dizzy in the mornings and feeling nauseated unless I ate every couple of hours. Preparation was key. Packed lunches, snacks and having my water bottle handy at all times was key.

13 weeks has flown by and we are very lucky to say that from this point on, it has been like a switch has flicked. Now I feel well enough to really look at what has suffered during this time…. Exercise was a clear one despite keeping up dancing commitments, gym and running has fallen away. We had our first check up with the hospital, it was very exciting hearing our babies heart beat and see our baby at our 20 week ultrasound. However the advice was to try stay active. I needed a way to get motivate and keep track of how much exercise I was doing so I re engaged using the remindmylife app to keep track. Walking for 45 minutes was more comfortable than running for 20 and doing light weights has kepted my muscles engaged. We also started swimming, its been nice for my partner to do this with us as he also gets to experience the baby kicking with some tummy to tummy time.

Its been really important to me to keep my partner involved as much as possible with how Im feeling and stay connected through this wonderful process. The baby kick all throughout the day. But especially early in the morning and late at night when Im lying down. They say an active baby is a healthy baby and a healthy baby will usually move at least 10 times in two hours when it is awake and can sleep for up to 40 minutes at a time, so ladies its time to be aware. And you should start to take note regularly after 28 weeks.

Im starting to show now, my tummy is growing and everyone is noticing. Be ready for all kinds of compliements and random strangers wanting to saying hi and to touch your tummy tho. Ive found its usually been, already grand-parents who also love sharing their stories of their children and their children’s, children. Its really sweet and another opportunity to acknowledge your baby, so enjoy.

Sleeping on my tummy is now impossible, some of you wont have this problem but for the tummy sleepers, there is heaps of maternity pillows on the market to choose from, to help you sleep side to side, which also can double up later as breast feeding pillows. I’ve managed so far with just our spare, it really is a personal choice.

From time to time, Ive also suffered from leg cramps. Possible from drinking too much water. So Ive introduced a magnesium supplement and 1/2 of a banana smoothie into my diet each day and this has really decreased the instances of cramps for me. My physician also reassures me that there is nothing else for me to do. Please note tho, you should always check with your doctor if you have any concerns and before starting any new supplements.

Preparing a for our future maternity leave is now a priority. Paying off debt, doing our tax and getting our finances in order which has required time and preparation and Il talk more about how we saved money in my next blog.

Til then enjoy your growing baby and keep active.

Much love

Sheridan x

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