My Pregnancy Journey: Week 16 Pregnancy Update & Body Image Anxiety

Today marks 16 weeks pregnant and the beginning of my 17th week. CRAZY!  I decided to couple the first few weeks of my second trimester into one pregnancy update, because I think weekly updates may be a bit…much. Maybe it’s because of the arbitrary first four weeks when I didn’t even know I was pregnant, but it feels like time is flying by so fast. Wrapped in with trying to sell our house, putting the finishing touches on my coaching business (stay tuned for some exciting announcements), studying, and my full-time job, it has been non-stop action in these parts.

Currently, Pistachio is the size of an Avocado,  or a Philipine Tarsier if you’re using the Ovia app. (see below for reference).  Man, that little NUT is growing up so fast. HAHAHA.  Pun totally intended. Little ‘stash is going through so, so many changes ..but the coolest change, in my humble opinion, is that he or she can now listen to me! Thank goodness I have the voice of an angel.

Symptom Check-In

As for me…that “weight loss” that happened in the first trimester is a fleeting memory. I’ve gained my appetite back, although still dealing with the occasional nausea, heartburn, and other fun gastrointestinal calamities (hello Colace). The food aversions are still present…specifically chicken sausages, plain grilled chicken, and those dang sprouts. Taking a glass half full mentality, these aversions are forcing me to try different foods that typically never make their way onto my plate.  I’m eating more plant-based sources of protein, like beans and consuming more whole grains. AND SOUP!! I forgot how much I love soup. It’s been a saving grace, and surprisingly appropriate given the monsoon-like weather we’ve been experiencing lately. Matt and I made a bomb Minestrone soup on Saturday, and I used it for lunch/dinner through Wednesday. Clutch. I’ll be posting the recipe soon, so be on the look out. If you’re all about the gluten, I’d recommend pairing with a nice rustic bread (I typically go for a whole grain sourdough). If you aren’t, that’s cool. I also pair with a nice crisp salad.

Dealing with Weight Gain/Body Change Anxiety

I had my 4 month check up this week…and it was pretty uneventful. We did get to hear Pistachio’s heart beat again, and the little bugger is beating at 155 bpm.  Heading into the appointment, I already knew that my belly had grown a little and clothes are starting to feel a little…snug. The medical assistant, who has yet to pronounce my name right, confirmed that I had put on some l-b’s., making my husband and midwife really happy. So far, this pregnancy I’ve gained a total of 3 lbs., with a 25-35 lbs. weight gain goal.  My midwife would be happy if I averaged about a pound a week moving forward.  

When I first found out I was pregnant, Matt and I had a long talk about not letting old habits rear their ugly heads when my body started changing. Theoretically, I felt totally ok with it. I convinced myself that there was no way it would even bother me. I’m pregnant, so of course that’s going to happen! Then…reality hit. Psychologically, I’ve had a hard time with the weight gain and body changes.  Even when I wasn’t gaining weight, my body was changing and I didn’t feel as “fit.” I had moments when it didn’t bother me, and other times that I stressed out about “gaining weight too fast” and not being a “fitspo mom-to-be.” I felt the body image anxiety starting to pop up again, and then it hit me. IT’S NOT ABOUT ME. What!?! It’s not about me?! But I thought it was all about me?! Kidding. But in all honesty, when I start focusing on the baby and keeping the baby healthy, regardless of a little healthy weight gain, it’s quite a relief.  My baby is healthy. I’m providing it with the nutrients it needs to thrive. The changes that are happening are creating an optimal environment for nourishment and, ultimately, delivery. Now, I’m not saying that I’m going to go knock down a couple big mac meals and/or not pay any mind to my health. Nor am I saying that I’m not going to take self care practices seriously. But, it’s not worth obsessing over changes that I have no control over, specifically those happening for a very important reason.  I’m almost ready to post a belly shot. Almost.

For any mama’s-to-be out there who are struggling with anxious feelings concerning your changing body, try utilizing the simple “It’s not about me” method. 

So, now what?: Making a list, checking it twice. 

I feel like I’m planning a wedding again. My list of “to-do’s” continues to grow and there are so many things that need to happen earlier than I anticipated. Below is a run-down for all those mama’s-to-be that want to stay on top of their game, or for anyone just interested in the mountain of tasks populating my Baby-Planning Trello board.

1. Daycare: Um…it BAFFLES me that in order to get an infant into (a reputable) daycare around these parts, you legit need to start looking the minute you find out your pregnant. Matt and I did so, after receiving a few tips from some close parent-friends, and we JUST made it onto the waitlist for a March 2019 spot at a center in Baltimore. Then, we decided to move. The new daycare Pistachio will be attending can’t guarantee an opening until Sept. 2019, so we’re still trying to figure out what to do in the interim. Readers, if you have any recommendations or experience with in-home daycares/nannies, comment on this post or message me. 
2. Registry: And I thought registering for a wedding was challenging. This takes the cake. Maybe this is a first-time mom/ I’ve never been around an infant longer than a day thing, but the number of choices out there for bottles, swaddles, and everything in between is insane. Even the number of places you can register can be slightly overwhelming. I’ve narrowed my list down significantly (Amazon, Babylist, and Target), but still not 100% sure. To be honest, I’d rather just do Amazon and Babylist, but I feel like certain people will shun the idea of ordering products online. Pro-Tip: To help me navigate through the plethora of “not-so-unbiased” advice out there, I pinged a few of my close mama- friends who have already gone through this and asked for some feedback. This is definitely helping me narrow down and divide my “must haves” and “nice to haves” lists.
3. Birth/Breastfeeding classes: Our mid-wife brought up to us in the last appointment that it’s important to start thinking about our “birth plan” and looking into different classes/methods. Because, you know, we need more choices to make. To be honest,  I’ve avoided the whole “thought of giving birth” thing for a while because it’s a little terrifying. But, alas, it’s time to start thinking about how we’re going to prepare. I’m a nerd, so of course I don’t just settle for doing the hospital class and calling it a day…I’ve been researching a bunch of different methods. Conclusions? Zero at this moment. My goal is to deliver as naturally as possible. But, above all, I want a healthy baby and will do whatever is medically necessary to ensure that. My sister-in-law let me borrow the Hypnobabies Childbirth Education course, so I’m going to give that a go,  and we’ll probably do that in tandem with the birth education and breastfeeding classes offered by the hospital. I’m also forcing my husband to read The Birth Partner because he’s axed the idea of having a Doula. I will now be referring to him as my Doula, Matthew.
4. Maternity/Newborn Photos: I should have known. Similar to wedding photographers, these people book up fast! Since my most favorite photographer in the whole world is up in MA (if you’re getting married, you should definitely check out my girl Rachel Kate), Matt and I are scoping out some Maryland area photographers. Suggestions? Awesome. Leave a comment below or on social media.

Of course, I’m constantly pinning and adding to my list of nursery, maternity photo,  and baby name ideas, because that’s just fun. I’m working on some sweet pregnancy nutrition and fitness ideas to add to my repertoire. 

There you have it folks. Christina at 16 weeks. As always, if you have any requests for preggo-related topics for this pregnancy series, feel free to reach out!

Until next time,

• Xtina