I recently hit 24 weeks of pregnancy, and these first few months have been a complete whirlwind of emotions and everything else! I haven’t written a ton about my pregnancy because I have still been trying to navigate sickness and everything else.
First Trimester recap
My first three months were absolutely awful. I’m not going to sugar coat anything at all. While I was blessed not to be diagnosed with hyperemesis this pregnancy like I did in three of my previous pregnancies, it was still pretty rough.
Traveling during that time was also difficult. While I had a blast at Mom 2.0 in California, the plane ride there and back, as well as some of my time at the conference was hard. Baby A was determined to make things as difficult for me as possible! It was great being able to get away from the kids for a week and to have some me time in the process, even if it meant I was hugging the porcelain throne.
Working in the first trimester
This was another unexpectedly difficult thing for me to do. In all honesty, I still haven’t quite gotten back into the groove of things. Being tired and sick all of the time was expected, but it felt as if there was literally no reprieve from any of it. This meant I was working a lot less, thus causing my income to suffer. Which when you are pregnant, is not the best time for that to happen.
Eating
There were a few foods that I found comforting to eat while in the first trimester. Chicken Salad Croissant sandwiches were one. I know that chicken salad is supposedly a big no-no while pregnant, but I couldn’t resist it. During this time I couldn’t drink anything other than water, which was miserable, as I suffered major caffeine withdrawals early on, and was definitely craving either a coke or a sweet tea.
Exercising
Yeah, I tried. And failed.
What did I buy
Nothing during this time. I really wanted to wait until we found out the gender of the baby before I started purchasing items, however, I did make a list of things that I wanted to purchase and items that I was curious about.
2nd Trimester…how’s it going?
How I am feeling
I am still doing a lot of traveling, and it’s still pretty miserable! Now that my back is hurting more frequently as well as sciatica, It’s getting harder and harder to ride in the car for long periods of time. Although for the most part, I don’t really have a choice. Around 21 weeks, I started having contractions and had to go to L&D where they stopped them, and I was subsequently placed on bedrest. So needless to say it’s still been a bit tough.
Also, I lost my grandmother two weeks ago, so emotionally it’s been just as rough as it has physically. I just started getting somewhat back into a work rhythm (while it’s not great, it’s there), and now there has been a bit of a setback. Since it’s the summertime, this also means I am at home with all four kids all day long; and well you know kids!
While we have had an exciting summer thus far, I can’t wait for school to start!
What I am eating
Finally a little bit of everything! I am so thrilled that my appetite has come back. I am still vomiting on a daily basis (boo), so I haven’t gained much weight-I have lost about 10lbs total since I have been pregnant. The good news is that baby is growing just fine! This trimester thus far, my favorite foods have been crab legs! Something about melted butter has been driving me crazy and I absolutely have to have it.
How I am sleeping
Barely. So there’s that.
Excercise
Nothing there really this time either. Unless you count the leg lifts I do in bed. But that’s just so I can practice holding my legs up while in labor.
What have I bought
I nearly have everything I need with the exception of a crib! I have purchased or have been gifted so many things that I am much more prepared early on, unlike in previous pregnancies. (I’ll admit that’s pretty sad).
I have had a blast learning about lots of new gadgets (such as the Willow Breast Pump) and rediscovering brands that I loved in my previous pregnancies, but may have forgotten about.
I am looking forward to the next few weeks and what it has to bring! I’ll be back with an update at 30 weeks!
Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.
