Now that we’re just a few weeks away from my due date, I wanted to write a quick update here on the blog! I also wanted to share a few maternity photos. I’ve really never thought of myself as a “takes maternity photos” type of person, but I seriously underestimated how much third-trimester moms need to feel good about the way they look. It was a really positive experience to have some pictures of me taken during pregnancy where I actually look nice! (I’m basically like Aly during that one episode of New Girl; if you don’t know what I mean, you should definitely watch New Girl, it’s hilarious). We took all the photos ourselves in our home, which was a relaxed experience and made for some special photos. Finally, I wanted to share a few of my pregnancy favorites: a few things that have been must-haves for me during this pregnancy!
Pregnancy Update
As far as symptoms go, I think it’s been a pretty easy pregnancy! I’ve certainly had some uncomfortable symptoms, but have felt pretty good and mostly normal so far. I had some nausea and lots of tiredness in the first trimester. More recently, I’ve had some carpal tunnel, hip/pelvic discomfort, and acid reflux. I also had a mega TMJ flare-up from having to sleep on my side all the time – my chiropractor has been a lifesaver in that department! (More on that later!) We had a very minor scare at one of our recent appointments and had to do a non-stress test and ultrasound biophysical profile, but everything checked out ok (and we got the cutest 3D ultrasound photo out of the whole ordeal). Otherwise, it’s been smooth sailing!
We aren’t quite done with the nursery yet, but we’ve been making tons of house progress during this pregnancy! We only have a few more projects to finish up before the baby comes, like painting the nursery, adding baseboards to our house, and finishing the drywall in our kitchen pantry. For me, nesting has consisted mostly of wanting to get rid of all the extra junk in our home, so we’ve also been actively decluttering. Have to make room for all the baby stuff somehow!
I haven’t had any major cravings (at least, not anything that I don’t crave when not pregnant), my wedding ring still (pretty much) fits, and we haven’t picked out a name yet (although we do have a few ideas). I think that’s pretty much it – Scott and I can’t wait to meet our baby boy!
Pregnancy Favorites
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Books
I’ve been trying to consume as much labor/delivery/parenting information as I can during this pregnancy. (Note: I use the Libby app to check out ebooks and audiobooks for free with my library card!) I’ve found that I love natural birth books full of factual information (some can be pretty biased against medicine and offer only anecdotal advice). I also enjoy parenting books from a variety of perspectives. Here are a few favorites:
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
This book is written by a Bradley Method instructor who has utilized the Bradley Method while delivering her own children. It’s packed full of TONS of helpful information on what the stages of labor look like (physically and emotionally), the physiological process of delivery, and how to be an effective birth coach. Scott and I have been working through it and practicing all the exercises in the book. This has really helped us both feel more prepared for birth! I’m the kind of person who likes having all the information before I get into something, so this book has helped me feel equipped and empowered when it comes to labor and delivery!
Natural Hospital Birth
This is another natural birth book, written by a doula who has lots of experience with natural birth in the hospital setting. (She’s also has had 2 natural deliveries and 1 C-section herself.) I think it’s a fantastic companion to the Bradley book; it offers some additional information and tips that have really filled out my understanding. I especially enjoyed learning more about what hospital procedures are like and what to expect during each stage of labor.
Brain Rules for Baby
I’ve joked on several occasions that if I were ever to write a book, I’d call it “Evidence-Based Parenting”. (Is it just me, or do all parenting books seem completely biased and only about personal experience, not the facts?) Then, I discovered that someone had already written that book. It summarizes scientific evidence in a way that’s incredibly easy to understand and digest, and it answers the questions that people really want to know. The book breaks down what you can do during pregnancy to keep mom and baby healthy, and how to raise a smart, happy, moral child (according to science!). There are excellent chapter summaries and practical tips available online, but the whole book is worth a read! This may be my most-recommended book ever, because I think it’s perfect for any parent, regardless of parenting style.
Clothing
I’ve tried my best to avoid buying an entire wardrobe for the 5 months where I actually need maternity clothes. Honestly, I’ve been happily surprised at how much of my normal clothing still fits (at 8 months pregnant). I try to be strategic when buying clothing, making sure things I buy will work both during and after pregnancy! I bought a few dresses that look good with and without a bump (try wrap dresses or maxi dresses), and it’s definitely possible to find non-maternity leggings that will fit well into your third trimester. (For comfort, I think maternity leggings are very nice.) I also have a few pairs of non-maternity pants that are stretchy enough and sit low enough that I can still wear them under the bump. A few things that you’ll definitely want maternity versions of are jeans, dress pants (if you need them), and basic tops. Here’s where I’ve been buying my maternity clothing:
- Basic t-shirts and tank tops: Old Navy
- Blouses and jeans (get the inset-panel ones): Gap
- Dresses and leggings: Target
Chiropractic Care
As I mentioned above, I’ve had some pelvic pain and pretty significant jaw pain throughout this pregnancy. I started seeing a chiropractor who is certified in the Webster Technique and has lots of experience working with pregnant women. (If you’re local, I see Dr. Katie at Pura Vida Wellness.) Not only have I learned a TON from my chiropractor so far, but regular visits have been keeping me feeling good!
I was interested to learn how important pelvic alignment is for pregnancy. Not only can chiropractors help get babies into the optimal position, but they can also help correct misalignments that actually decrease your pelvic opening. (For example, at my first appointment, I had a 1” rotation in my pelvis – which meant there would’ve physically been less space for baby to travel through!) My chiropractor has also given me some really helpful exercises that are getting my hips, core, and pelvic floor in shape for labor. I honestly can’t imagine how anyone makes it through pregnancy without chiropractic care! I consider my chiropractor to be a vital part of my pregnancy care team!
Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment
This is my favorite chapstick I’ve ever ever used! I had a stuffy nose every single night for the first half of pregnancy, so I was always waking up with chapped lips. I started applying this lip treatment from Burt’s Bees every night before going to sleep and it has been life-changing. It’s really effective, and I’ve been loving using it through these dry winter months!
Letterfolk Pregnancy Passport
This cute little passport-sized book has helped me remember to keep a record of this pregnancy. The prompts are short and simple, so it’s totally reasonable to fill out each week in just a few minutes! (That’s about as much time as I have most weeks.) I’ve been printing my bump photos using my hp sprocket printer which has made them really easy to keep up with! It makes me really happy to know I’ll have this book to look back on. It’s already so much fun to read entries from weeks early on in my pregnancy! Letterfolk also makes a baby passport to keep track of milestones (I already have one ready to go!).
Pillows and Sleeping
Sleeping is TOUGH when you’re 8 months pregnant! I’ve been pretty lucky in that I can sleep through the night most nights, but it took me awhile to get a good setup! I wanted a smaller and more versatile pregnancy pillow, and settled on this one from Boppy that has worked well! (Scott also loves it and may claim it post-pregnancy.) I also had to switch from my beloved Casper pillow to this memory foam hybrid one which offers better neck support for side sleeping.
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