Trimester No. 2 - Why it Went By So Fast

The first trimester seemed to take forever because I found out that I was pregnant so early. The second trimester, however, flew by. It was as though I blinked and it was over. Why did it go by so fast? Three reasons:

1. I felt much better and we had our 2nd ultrasound.


2. Lee and I took 3 out-of-town trips


3. THE HOLIDAYS!!!

Let me share with you how each of these affected my pregnancy.

Feeling Better

The second trimester brought about a surge of new energy for me. I was no longer dependant on 12 hours of sleep to make it through the day. I also should point out that this is around the time that I started taking my eating more seriously and also had an impact on my energy level. Also, the bad taste in my mouth disappeared. At first, this almost scared me because the taste seemed to go away over night. It worried me that perhaps the pregnancy went away as well. Doctor's appointments calmed my fears and all was well!

Though I was feeling over all much better, I did start experiencing a few different pregnancy symptoms. The first was hip pain. I was surprised that even at such an early stage in the pregnancy my hips were already moving to prepare for birth. Secondly, I started gaining weight. I had not gained much over the first trimester, which changed dramatically once I entered the second. Finally, during the late second trimester, I started developing heartburn. At this point, Tums handled the job beautifully!

In addition to feeling better, I was also put at ease by our 21 week ultrasound. He looks just like my husband:

My #1 Tip for Feeling Better in the 2nd Trimester: Prenatal massage and lots of water will help the swelling and ease joint pain!

Our Three Trips

Lee and I took three trips out of town during the third trimester: One in September, one in October, and one in November. In September, we spent a weekend at the beach and had a great time. The sand and the water were still warm and it was so much fun to play in the waves. At this point in the pregnancy, I was starting to show, my appetite was increasing and I was still suffering with a little fatigue. Still, we had a blast.

In October, we went to West Virginia to make apple butter with my family, a tradition we have kept every year since about 1996. By this point, I was definitely showing and I was starting to warm up. What do I mean by that? I mean that since about the middle of the second trimester, I have had a constant hot flash. Now, this combined with the fact that for some freak weather system meant that we were stirring a hot pot of apple butter in 90 degree weather made the day somewhat miserable. But, we were in my mountain home and I could not have been more relaxed and rejuvenated.

Finally, in November we went on a Lutheran retreat, Via de Cristo. The trip was overwhelmingly powerful and life changing while simultaneously exhausting. We were up before 6:00 am and were often not in bed asleep until 11:00 pm. And, while we had bathroom breaks, they were not quite frequent enough. Between the sleep deprivation and the irregularity, I was physically not in great shape. But, spiritually, I was cleansed.

My #1Tip for Travelling While Pregnant - Bring snacks and drink lots of water. When at Via De Cristo, we were up for about two hours before breakfast - not good. I survived by eating a Kachi bar every morning.

The Holidays

Oh to be pregnant during Thanksgiving and Christmas! Don't get me wrong, I went easy on the fudge and the pumpkin pie, but I enjoyed the turkey, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes - yum! And, for the most part, I felt as though I was giving the baby healthy foods - foods that I would feel comfortable pureeing and giving it to the baby. This was definitely both Lee's and my last Christmas to be spoiled. Next year it will be all about baby Nathanial!

My #1 Tip for Being Pregnant During the Holidays - Watch what you eat. Fill up on the good stuff, not on the sugar. And, let people take care of you!

Thank you for reading, and come back for more!

GLYASDI,

Sara