Outfit Details:
I can’t believe I’m already 18 weeks pregnant. Last pregnancy seemed to crawl, while this one is flying by. I attribute that to having an energetic 17 month old who does not give me a break. Crazy to think that we will be adding a baby sister to the mix in 5 months.
Overall I have felt great this whole pregnancy. First trimester was much easier than it was with Jack, and even with him I thought I had lucked out. No morning sickness, very few food aversions and relatively high energy. I was worried about the pregnancy because of my lack of symptoms, but every time we go to the doctor her heartbeat is nice and strong, and the two ultrasounds we’ve had have been perfect. I’m anxious for the anatomy scan that I’ll have at 21 so that we can rule out any abnormalities.
Last time around we didn’t find out what we were having until the 20 week ultrasound, but this time I did a simple blood test (called Progenity) at 11 weeks that screened for any genetic disorders and also revealed the gender. That test wasn’t offered to me last time, so I’m not sure if it was around in early 2015 or not. I did not do CVS or Amniocentesis last time and will not do them this time either. They seem rather invasive and the thought of a needle being inserted through my belly into my uterus makes me anxious. But a simple blood test I can handle, so I jumped at that option. All tests came back negative (a good thing), and we found out we were having a sweet baby girl at such an early point!
WORKOUTS: I’ve been able to maintain my workouts, although I’m at the point now where I have to pee all the time when I run. (Sorry if that’s TMI.) That’s got to be one of the most annoying things about pregnancy. Most of my runs now are around 3-4 miles (with Jack in the stroller too), but I did go on a 7 miler by myself earlier this week and it felt amazing! I need to make sure I maintain some strength training, but I haven’t done a great job of doing that recently.
FOOD CRAVINGS: Like last time, I’m a cereal addict. I try to eat healthy ones, but more often than not Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Fruity Pebbles end up coming home with me from the store. I always have a healthy breakfast but will often have a junk bowl of cereal for a snack (or lunch, or dessert, or second breakfast)…needless to say I can’t ever get enough of it. Recently I’ve really craved the tang of balsamic vinegar. Weird right? One of my favorite non-green salads is a bunch of cut up cherry tomatoes, slices of raw sweet onion, and blue cheese in a bunch of balsamic vinegar (with a little salt and pepper). I started making this years ago when I came across the recipe in a magazine (it’s amazing paired with steak), but I’ve wanted it a lot more often lately.
BABY MOVEMENTS: I started feeling her move at the beginning of 16 weeks. Last time I didn’t feel Jack move until 18 weeks, but now that I know what it feels like it was easier to identify the movements this time. Tom hasn’t felt her yet, but I know that will come soon, which is exciting! Feeling movement and kicks is one of the neatest things about pregnancy. It’s so crazy feeling something move inside you that you have no control over! Such a sweet and miraculous experience.
MY BODY: So far I don’t feel much different. The round ligament pains bother me if I’m on in bed and sneeze, so when I know a sneeze is coming I’ll try to ball my body up a bit more so that the movement isn’t as dramatic. The sharp jabbing pain isn’t fun, but thankfully I only feel it if I move quickly, sneeze or laugh too hard. I don’t feel like I’ve slowed down any, although I know that will come pretty soon. I’m definitely much larger than I was last time, and I’ve gained about 11 pounds so far…the lack of food aversions and morning sickness coupled with increased hunger have lead me to gain weight more quickly than last time. I gained 40 pounds last pregnancy so I can only imagine how many I’ll gain this time. The goal is 35 pounds, of course, but I think my body just likes to carry a little extra weight while pregnant. We’ll see. Last time I thought I made it through the whole pregnancy without getting any stretch marks, only to find out after I had Jack that I had gotten some on my lower abdomen (that I couldn’t see because my belly was so big!). They are pretty visible right now (a bummer) but I’m diligent about using lotion and oil, so hopefully I won’t get any more. Fingers crossed.
CLOTHES: I’ve switched to all maternity bottoms, except for workout clothes. Last time I wore my more stretchy/high-waisted lululemon clothes the entire pregnancy, and plan to do the same thing this time. I just don’t see the need to buy maternity workout clothes when these work just fine. I’m finally at the point where I look more pregnant than bloated, so maternity dresses are fun to wear. The one I’m wearing in these photos is from Old Navy and is sold out in everything but XXL, but this simple black one is really cute and is the same style. (In case you missed it, I shared my recent maternity clothing purchases here on the blog a few weeks back.)
If anyone is interested in more pregnancy posts (like fitness recaps like I did last time, or anything else you can think of) please let me know! I like being as open as possible, but aim to share only what you all are interested in. Feedback is ALWAYS appreciated 🙂
I am so envious of your pregnancy! I'm also pregnant with my second and about a week behind you. This pregnancy has been so much worse than my first: severe morning sickness (we're talking averaging throwing up 17 times a day), IVs to treat my dehydration, expensive medication to keep food down, zero energy because of morning sickness even now at 17 weeks. I would sell all of my shoes (and they are nice shoes) to feel better at this point. You look fab, and I'm so thrilled pregnancy is being easy on you! Love you recommendations for maternity clothes (I'm not really showing at this point but my H&M cart is at the ready for when I need some cute striped tops)! Enjoy your trip to the coast!
I'm so sorry to hear that yours has been rough! My friend who has been here visiting is pregnant with her second and this one was way worse for her too. I can't imagine throwing up 17 times a day…no wonder you aren't showing yet! I hope things start getting easier for your soon, I can imagine it being so tough with a little one already at home. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment!
I am addicted to balsamic glaze, especially on tomatoes and avocado. But, if I am pregnant, I am going to be really mad! LOL You look great btw!
I am so so glad I stayed active during my pregnancy, to me it really made all the difference. You look great!
haha that would be a surprise, wouldn't it?! I love that stuff too. Trader Joe's has my favorite kind. We have some right now that has truffle in it, which is really good too.
It makes all the difference, doesn't it? And thank you!
Also a vinegar addict over here! Last time it was salt & vin chips, pickles, salt & vin almonds; thankfully this time around I'm on aa balsamic vinaigrette and salad kick. Too bad it's rough on the teeth ��. Don't stress if you put on more weight this time! I went over 50 with Holly and it just took a little (ok a lot of) patience and time to take it off.
You have me craving salt and vinegar chips now! Mmmm so yummy. Thanks for reading!