Hello Second Trimester!

 

My husband, Luke, and I are delighted to announce that we are expecting our first child in late September! I am excited to be able to share in my pregnancy journey, through a weekly blog, with all of our Pure Barre Dallas friends and family. Officially 14 weeks pregnant and in my second trimester, here are some things I learned during the first. 

What to Eat: 

Kale & Blueberries are super foods. 

Organic is important. 

Grapefruit juice, organic and pasteurized, is a must. 

How to Avoid Morning Sickness: 

EAT! Starting with breakfast, one egg, an english muffin, fresh berries, and a glass of juice works well. Think protein, dairy, and carbs. Eat often. When you get hungry, the nausea will settle in. I am guilty of waking up in the middle of the night for a bowl of cereal! 

What to Read: 

What to Expect When You’re Expecting & What to Expect During the First Year 

As cliche as it sounds, I have really enjoyed these books. Written week by week, and month by month, they’re practical and easy read-as-you-go books. I suggest starting What to Expect During the First Year during your pregnancy. The first couple of chapters have great recommendations on what to register for, what to bring to the hospital, and helpful tips for breastfeeding (if that’s something you plan to do). The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy and Mama’s Big Book of Little Lifesavers: 398 Ways to Save Your Time, Money and Sanity have also come highly recommended. 

More Helpful TidBits: 

Exercise! Here’s where Pure Barre comes in. During the first trimester, you will be exhausted, I promise, and this exhaustion is like no other you have experienced. Nap if possible, 20-30 minutes works wonders, and exercise. Even if you don’t think you have the energy or motivation to do so, regular exercise will increase whatever energy you do have and help regulate the inevitable weight gain that comes with pregnancy. Remember, growing a baby is hard work! Take care of yourself. 

Believe in the healing power of Vitamin C, hot tea, and chicken soup. At 13 weeks, I came down with a terrible cold. While there are plenty of medications on the “safe” or approved doctor’s list, being the anxious momma-to-be that I am, I avoided them all like the plague. I did take Tylenol twice, to keep a low-grade fever down, remember a high fever is more dangerous than Tylenol, but I suffered through with plenty of liquids, rest, and saline nasal spray, and I got better! 

Lastly, other moms are your new best friends! Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. You will quickly learn that hardly any question is too personal and other new moms will be your biggest advocates and support.