Second Semester Recap & My Favorite Pregnancy Items

Make sure you read my First Trimester pregnancy recap HERE, which includes the story of how shocked we were to find out we were pregnant.

As I type this, I can’t help but feel a little shocked that I am in my third trimester now…where has the time gone?! Maybe it’s because I didn’t have my pregnancy officially confirmed until I was 11 weeks or maybe because this is my second pregnancy, but time is FLYING. Recapping how I’ve been feeling, some health problems we’ve run into, and my favorite pregnancy items.

How I’ve Been Feeling

To sum it up. . .old. This pregnancy feels so much harder on my body than the last and it’s only been three years! I am a little later in my 30s now too, so maybe that is why it has been such a struggle, but realistically, I am not that old! I’ve been a lot more tired than during my first pregnancy (and I am a lot more busy), so I haven’t been working out as much as I did during my first pregnancy.

I’ve definitely also been a lot more stressed this pregnancy. Between the pandemic, having a toddler, and working three jobs I am exhausted! And my body just can’t keep up. I was sleeping really well until recently and now I have the hardest time getting comfortable, have to wake up to go the bathroom all the time, and keep having my hands go numb regardless of the position I sleep in. My body also feels really achy, which didn’t happen much at all during my first pregnancy. The worst is the nausea which I STILL experience 1-2 times a week. Luckily I do have Zofran I take as needed and try to take it easy, listening to my body as much as possible.

As much as I complain, I know it’ll be worth it in the end and pray that baby will be healthy and I know my body will recover in time.

Our Health Scares

At the 20 week ultrasound I noticed the tech was taking a lot of pictures of the baby’s kidneys, but the baby was also not positioned well for this ultrasound so I attributed it to that and didn’t think much of it. Fast forward to a few days later when my OB called me to tell me the baby’s kidneys are enlarged and I would need to see a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist. They told me to not be alarmed, but of course I was, I had no idea what this meant and was a little uneasy. After meeting with the MFM, it was explained to me that the baby’s kidneys are slightly enlarged, but that it doesn’t really mean anything beyond the baby’s kidneys being slightly enlarged. It is not indicative of any health conditions and I was assured the baby’s kidneys are still functioning. Basically, we have to wait and keep monitoring the kidneys, from time to time, and there is a chance they still may be enlarged when the baby is born.

Last week, my left foot kept swelling up significantly and it got worse as the week progressed. Since it was only my left foot and not my right, I was a little concerned. This resulted in my going to the ER as a precaution to make sure I didn’t have a blood clot. Luckily, I did not and baby and I are doing just fine. Now I just have to wear some stylish compression socks!

Favorite Pregnancy Items

This pregnancy I have been all about comfort and staying healthy. Sharing a few of my essentials, some of which were also favorites during my first pregnancy.

1 & 2-Two types of prenatal vitamins. Due to my bad nausea this pregnancy, I haven’t been able to handle swallowing pills that often. So I alternate between these gummy pre-natals and these ginger pre-natal pills. Both are great in terms of ingredients, but I prefer not to just take the gummies because they don’t have iron which is such an important nutrient during pregnancy for both Mom and baby!

3-I know it may seem weird to say underwear, but you’d be surprised (or maybe you know) how uncomfortable regular underwear gets during pregnancy. This 5 pack is made to fit pregnant bodies and honestly, I wore them in between pregnancies too. That how comfortable they are and they also stay put. The only thing is, the sizing is really off. I am normally a L and I had to get a XXL–which is never a size I have worn, pregnant or not. So be warned-order two sizes up and don’t look into it!

4-Bio-oil. Pregnancy has convinced me that body oil is 100x better than any lotion.I wish I had known about this Bio-oil during my first pregnancy. It is extremely moisturizing and actually relieves the itchiness of my skin. It barely has a smell and does not get on clothes or sheets.

5-Blanqi Everyday Maternity Belly Support Tanktop. A mouthful, but OMG these tank tops are amazing! I literally have been alternating wearing the two I have almost everyday of pregnancy (don’t worry I wash them frequently). The support is unparalleled, it’s supportive but also not too tight. Blanqi tanks also give me a nice shape under my clothes again without suffocating or making me feel uncomfortable. They are pricey, but worth the investment, especially with how often I wear them.

6-Pregnancy pillow. I normally sleep with a body pillow to help my knees and back and this pregnancy pillow is a little bit more than that. It definitely allows me to have my own space in bed and wrap up in a cozy cocoon.

7-These Zella leggings! These have been my favorite maternity leggings between both pregnancies. They have just the right amount of stretch, but are also very supportive. These Zella leggings do not have to be adjusted all the time; one of my pet peeves!

What were your pregnancy must haves?! PS-I can’t believe next time I post a pregnancy update, it’ll almost be baby time!