Second Trimester Update

My second trimester FLEW BY!!! I mean, we got married and traveled A LOT- so I didn’t really have time to enjoy what everyone calls “the best trimester”.

Between planning a wedding, our honeymoon in Italy, a vacation in Greece and my bachelorette in Paris, I can honestly say this summer has been the craziest yet. We really took advantage of our last summer before becoming parents and took the time to spend it one on one!

How I’m feeling:

I feel like I have more energy and can actually get shit done. I mean, there are definitely days when the couch seems more appealing than whatever I have planned, but compared to my first trimester, this one is a breeze. Migraines have been the most challenging for me and since I’m not a big pill popper, I’ve been relying on essential oils, cold compresses, temple massages, darkness and sleep. Gerolsteiner mineral water has really been a lifesaver for replenishing whatever minerals I wasn’t getting enough of and it really helped with migraines- I highly recommend it! Overall, I’m feeling pretty good and enjoying my first pregnancy!

Fitness:

I’m still working out- doing my normal reformer and mat pilates classes (skipping the ab exercises) and doing sculpting workouts, but avoiding jumping. FYI, this is because I started to get leg cramps after dance classes and my Dr. said it’s because my baby can’t handle so much movement, which resulted in her getting into these positions that would essentially cut off some circulation and cause my cramps. Everyone is different and I know some women who literally ran and danced until the very end! But, I would rather be safe than sorry and don’t want to push myself to an injury. I’ve been making of an effort to walk for a little extra movement- it’s fall in NYC, so I’m taking advantage of the weather before we all freeze and I’m stuck hibernating inside waiting to pop. Stretching has also been really important to me- especially because I started to get some lower back pain (due to my growing belly)- and I’m paying close attention to my posture- trying not to arch my back so much. The occasional prenatal massage has really helped me!

Nutrition:

My nutrition pretty much stayed the same, but I’m finding myself so much hungrier towards the end of the day. I’m craving a lot of simple Greek salads and traditional dips (hummus, eggplant, tzatziki), red meat- which I never used to eat, and lots of fruits. I’m also LOVING carbs right now and pizza has been a serious weakness of mine. I notice that when I’m not drinking enough water, I feel weaker and dehydrated, so I’ve added coconut water into my diet. As for supplements, I’m currently taking a prenatal, B-12, calcium, magnesium and probiotics. *This is my personal regimen and you should consult with your Dr. about your custom one. p.s using a cute pill organizer helps me remember to take mine!

Bumpdate:

I finally started to develop a bump at around 24 weeks that made me look pregnant, rather than awkwardly bloated and I felt more comfortable wearing fitted clothes. I did an entire haul for the summer of loose dresses because last years clothes officially didn’t fit me. My high waisted leggings still kind of fit- very snug- but my sports bras are out. I went from a small 34C to a full 34/36D, so I had to invest in some new ones. TBH, the most comfortable thing for me to wear are low-rise sweatpants and a larger t-shirt. Anything that gives me a little extra room for my growing bump.

Skincare & other products:

I made an effort to really evaluate my beauty products and switched to a lot of clean, non-toxic brands. I did some reading on the chemicals and hormone disruptors found in our everyday products and it really opened my eyes to how important it is to make the switch- especially growing a tiny human that absorbs everything I put in and on my body.

I worked with my friend, Emma, the creator of Talon Polish to formulate the perfect red color and it’s really the only one I’ve been wearing. I did some shopping at Credo, CAP Beauty and the Detox Market and even swapped my perfume (which I learned can be V toxic). A few basic favorites of mine- cleanser, toner, AM moisturizer, eye balm, PM oil, clay mask for breakouts and oily skin, body butter and my favorite make-up basics have been the Kosas tinted face oil (I wear color 4), Ilia mascara and creme brush & highlighter (I use 8th muse). *A more detailed post on my routine coming soon!

I invested in a pregnancy pillow and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s literally the best money I ever spent! Louis even tries to steal it sometimes and creeps up on it in the middle of the night!

I also bought new & comfortable bras for everyday and sleeping- total game changer. And sizing up in new and super soft PJ’s have helped make sleep more comfortable! Last thing I recommend is a humidifier- a weird hormonal symptom has been a very stuffy nose, especially at night.

I can’t believe I have one more trimester to go!! Stay tuned for more updates and pregnancy recommendations! xx