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"Pregnancy is the only time you can do nothing, and still feel productive". - Evan Esar
Our Pregnancy Journey
I became pregnant in late June, but didn't find out until early August due to some strange symptoms I was having. I was becoming extremely fatigued, I was 3 weeks late on my period, I had a horrible ear infection, loss of appetite, and cramps. A friend of mine suggested for me to take a pregnancy test, so I did. Honestly, I took 6. I couldn't believe that they were all positive, especially because we had stopped trying for a few weeks. The first thing I did was book an appointment at a local Ultrasound Spa - that confirmed and eased my mind even though I know 8 (+) test were not fakes. The second step was to find an OBGYN, which one of our close friends recommended -- we were able to get an appointment the following week.
Aug 6, 2022 - Positive Urine Test 9:21 PM
Aug 8, 2022 - First Pregnancy Selfie
Aug 13, 2022 - First Ultrasound
Symptoms
First (0-13 weeks) trimesters' main symptom was wanting to sleep anywhere and everywhere, but still wanting to maintain my 'normal' lifestyle. I found myself going to 3 concerts in the span of 1 month, going on jogs, maintaining my regular workout routine -- trying to juggle it all as a first time pregnant person. My sleep schedule was adequate, but the level of fatigue was beyond. I was craving a lot of spicy foods -- no heartburn, no nausea, no mood swings -- just a need to eat and sleep and workout. Honestly, I felt like I had the energy of a teenager with a bad case of narcolepsy.
Things shifted when the second (13-26 weeks) trimester hit -- At the beginning, I had the sudden urge to eat sweets, sleep by 8PM, yet somehow still managed to be able to workout every day as well as jog. My belly wasn't growing significantly, until the end of my second trimester. From weeks 20-21, I noticed that I was unable to fit in any of my jeans, and most of my shirts. I had to do a Winter cleanout, and purchase some essentials, which I've listed on my LTK here. This trimester is when things started to get real -- I had to start planning a baby shower, start nesting, tell my boss I was pregnant, knowing that my future had been altered.
There were so many noticeable changes that started occurring in my body; musculature, respiratory, dermal, hormone levels, and body weight.
My musculoskeletal system was changing - noticing significant muscle loss when it came to being able to weight train. It started with leg day - I realized that I was decreasing the amount of weight I would add on the squat machine, how much my running was impacted and the ability to do a full yoga session. There are limitations that pregnant women must take when they are performing any moderate / vigorous workouts, which I knew that, but I didn't really believe it would happen to "me".
To be frank, I've been an active runner since middle school - nothing intense, but I would enjoy going on long runs with my dad on the weekends. He kind of introduced me to it, even though he wasn't the fittest man ever. It's something about being interconnected with your mind and body allowing the release of the 'happy' hormone: endorphin. After my dad left, I didn't really have a passion for it, yet I remained on the track long-distance team the last two years of my high school career. My life completely shifted after graduating high school, and running was not a part of my routine anymore. As I am writing this, I am realizing that the hardest years of my life didn't include things I enjoy doing: movement, running, working out, reading, and going on walks. I was in survival mode. Understanding my passion, and my desire to enter my wellness era took some time.
It was a vicious cycle - I would start the beginning of my healthy lifestyle, life would happen, so I would stop, then again continue the process all over again. This went on for a good 4 years. Until I met my now-husband. He slowly was helping me crawl out of this little hole I had built - it wasn't easy, but I'd say he's the best human that I've ever met. He taught me patience, how to love myself again, how to slowly get back into my routine since I felt like I had a purpose.
With this awareness, I put my body to the test of running a half marathon. My first one ever. There's so much to think about, and consider when you're training / competing in a long distance run. I found myself thinking about the physiological changes of my body, my respiratory system, and how uncomfortable I would feel with the Texas heat. Luckily, I understand how to regulate my body through breathing techniques while exercising.
During the second trimester, I noticed that my breath counts were a lot shorter than they previously were. My heart rate would rise quicker. My blood pressure had a small change due to the increase in of cardiac output. The ability to engage my core, while running, was suddenly difficult. Cramps would appear a lot faster, especially in my lower limbs. I knew that it was time to stop running all together, and just try to jog, or go on long walks. Doing some of cardio helps me clear my mind, ease my nerves, and it's a form of meditation. I truly wanted to be one of those pregnant people that can do just about anything. I wanted to run a half marathon, again. But by this point, I knew it wasn't achievable, and that changed my outlook in pregnancy. I had limitations, restrictions, and more changes started to appear. That is okay.
Because of the sudden enlargement of my belly bump, the epidermis aka skin started to have some color changes, dryness, and began to itch. My skin was something I've taken for granted - my entire family had acne, but I was the only one that developed a severe case of dry skin with many moles. Because of this, my skin routine consisted of the basics: POND's cream, Aloe Vera, and Sunscreen. I didn't take the time to understand my skin texture, but after doing trial-and-error on many products, I knew I had to make this change when I became pregnant, and that's when I started exploring new creams / oils that worked for my belly -- here's my Belly Skincare routine.
Hormone level changes in predominant physiological estrogens in the nonpregnant state versus the trimesters of pregnancy.Note: The levels of the estrogens estrone, estradiol, and estriol (E1, E2, and E3, respectively) drop rapidly to nonpregnant levels at parturition. Graphed from published data tables.Source: (Watson, 2013); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2971739/
Third (27-40 weeks) trimester is here, and I am all about it. My baby shower was at the beginning of my third trimester, which if I would change something, I would've had it a lot sooner. My hormone levels were all over the place, which is extremely normal during this time. My mood never truly changed during my first two trimesters, but I started to notice a shift of energy, lack of motivation, and an extreme case of mental fog. Punishing myself for not completing a simple task was a mental overload, and continues to be. I try to be extremely mindful about the fact that so many aspects of my body are changing every minute of the day. There is a book that was recommended and allowed me to understand different pregnant peoples' perspectives: Under Maternity Ideas. Told by a midwife, this book, Mindful Birthing, enhanced the way I meditate, empathize, and truly understand what it takes to be pregnant. There was one specific character in the book that I can relate to -- I am used to having control over my body, whether it's knowing what to expect, how a situation will make me feel, and how to maintain my body weight. Suffering with an ED can affect you in many ways -- the comparison has always been present in my life, and so has the inability to feel comfortable in my own skin. As my pregnancy grew longer, my body weight increased drastically. This was something that affected me deeply, and I wasn't sure how I was going to get through it. My feet, my hands, my body are extremely swollen. Nothing fits anymore. My maternity jeans don't fit. Most of my maternity shirts don't fit. Sometimes, I look back at other pictures, and I don't recognize myself. Mentally and physically, this was a low moment for me. Yes, I understand what it means to be pregnant. I understand the symptoms, the weight gain, the hormone levels, the physical challenges. I wasn't warned about the mental aspect of it. I didn't feel like myself for a very long time - I didn't think about anything else, but my own experience. How my journey was being altered. How my life was going to change. I was in a state of shock, and denial for a long time. As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I was terrified. I was scared that I was never going to be the same person I was, physically and mentally. That I was not going to be a good mother. That I wasn't going to have this bond. I couldn't discuss this with anyone, because I was afraid. This was something I had to figure out on my own.
Having an amazing partner is a luxury - the empathy, the love, and the change that you see within them is mesmerizing. You are seeing them become a better version of themselves. A father-figure in the making. These are the little joys in pregnancy that would make me think positively, and motivate me into becoming me.
Pregnancy is all about the unknown, yet knowing that somehow a human being will come out of you one way or the other is a blessing. You don't know how you're going to feel, react, cope, and deal with whatever scenario is placed in front you during your stages of pregnancy. I know it will all be worth it at the end.
My body has changed completely. That is okay. Friendly reminder that you are growing a human inside of you.
3 - 130 lbs
3 - 130 lbs
6 - 150 lbs
6 - 150 lbs
9 - 184 lbs
9 - 184 lbs
Last few weeks of pregnancy....
I understand what it's like to feel anxious and extremely excited at the same time. There is nothing that compares to the fact that a little human being is ready to explore this world, and you are going to do your best in teaching them how to navigate. I don't know what it's like being a mom, yet, but I do know how much I've learned to love myself these past few months. My body is strong, powerful, and beautiful. I have felt the insecurities disappear slowly but surely. The negative thoughts have diminished. The motivation level has increased. Not only do I have to be the most confident woman in the world, but I must be the most intelligent, loving mother anyone could ever ask for. This is my mantra.
Common sx: Build-up edema in my LE, Low back p!, BP is stable, Resting HR is 66 now, 187 lbs (65 +), Mental fog present, energy level is not high, wanting to deep clean everyday, extreme thirst, craving cereal every minute of the day.
What I am doing to relax the last week before my due date?
Eat whatever I want - I love burgers, fried chicken, strawberries, beet juice, salads, ice cream, and most importantly: cereal.
I wrote a positive affirmation list on my Notes that I glance over it every so often to remind me that everything will be okay at the time of birth
Disconnect yourself - shut down social media after 7PM, family members (if necessary), friends (if necessary), and social gatherings. No need to bring stress at this point of life.
Writing this blog - I like to track my journey, and share it with others. I was never a huge diary person, but I was really into Tumblr back in the day. lol.
Food prep - I truly enjoy cooking, and understanding what whole foods I should be consuming during different stages of my pregnancy. There are wonderful food services out there, and if there are friends / family who want to send you a meal, by all means take the gift -- it's one less thing to stress about.
Meditate everyday - it can be 5 minutes of alone time. Practicing your breathing techniques, reading your fav book, watching your fav movie, sit in a quiet room. I enjoy sitting/laying in my room listening to Classical Music (Chopin), or 528 Hz playlist in shavasana / side lying pose.
Acupressure points stimulation
FOCUS on the natural release of Oxytocin - allowing yourself to feel safe in an environment, relaxing your body and mind for your brain to stimulate oxytocin. This hormone is a natural birth stimulant that allows your body to prepare for birth -- you may find a prenatal massage, pedicure, bath, spicy time to assist you the release with oxytocin.
Listen to positive birth stories / podcasts - great recommendation here, and Parenting for the everyday
The Birth
The Birth
March 25th - I got a whiff of energy, where I decided to clean the entire house, last-minute shop to prep for post partum at Target, and have a hip mobility workout. Basically, I went all out.
Rolling into midnight, I noticed that my belly dropped - my mom had mentioned that if there is more than 4 fingers of distance between the bottom of your breast and the top of the belly, then the baby will be here any minute. Guess what? I was at a 6 finger distance -- I knew baby boy was coming tonight.
After lying down, I started to have menstrual cramp-like contractions -- they would last about 30 seconds, and were spaced out 7 minutes (I downloaded an app called Contractions). The cramps became a bit longer, fluid kept coming out, as if I were holding in my pee for hours -- when the pain was a bit stronger, I stood up, and a gush of fluid came down. TW - with hints of blood. I started to panick in a very calmly manner. I knew something was going on -- that's when I decided to wake my husband up, and get our packed bags to rush to the hospital.
As soon as we parked, I felt a rush of water come out -- unable to control it. It truly was like the movies. Good thing I decided to bring and sit on a towel.
Overall Birth Experience: 10/10
Pain level: 9/10 without Epidural - Epidural was placed at 5cm - I decided to do an epidural, because I kept throwing up after every contraction. I knew I had the possibility of dehydration, and I knew that my condition may worsen. Best decision of my life.
Sx: Skin was pale before epidural, becoming dehydrated -- I was able to use breathing techniques to focus on my contractions, which was magical. Focusing on exhaling / inhaling was my lifesaver, until they weren't. After epidural, I was able to breath normal, and feel pressure during each contractions - 10 cm dilated caused me to have the "shakes".
The Pushing Stage: I was actively pushing for 2.5 hours - I was trying different ways to feel comfortable while pushing. Holding my legs while curling up, propped up while curling up -- none were working. I decided to use the squat bar and use a bed sheet to pull myself up, but my husband noticed that I was focusing more on my upper extremity rather than focusing on the pushing. I needed to switch things up again. By removing the sheet, keeping the squat bar, I focused more on being able to push while doing an arm workout. That was successful.
ENJOY YOUR PREGNANCY. EVERY PREGNANCY JOURNEY IS DIFFERENT.
How I am taking care of myself postpartum...
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