Navigating Your Second Pregnancy: Health, Fitness, and Preparation
If you follow me over on Instagram, you probably already know by now that Chris and I are expecting baby number two!! Yes, we had been trying, but it took such a long time to conceive Kennedy that I figured the second one would be the same way. So far this pregnancy is not going as smooth as my first one – my morning sickness/nausea has been really bad and I’ve had a few spells where I feel like I’m going to pass out! I am just praying that it all passes soon, since I’m officially out of the first trimester.
Managing Physical Changes and Exhaustion
Just like at 34 weeks pregnant, I've been feeling lightening and pressure again this week from where baby is potentially laying on a nerve and/or pushing his head down. It tends to happen mostly when I'm up and about and it always serves as a reminder to me that I'm really not too far off of the end of this pregnancy now. It's been utterly exhausting mostly due to the fact that I have his two year old brother to run around after daily. After all, being pregnancy a second time around while trying to chase and take care of another baby or toddler can be quite hard since you are so focused on the health of this other little one.
I'm pretty sure that I felt my first braxton hicks a few days ago. I was having time of the month type cramps in my stomach and then around ten minutes later, the pain sort of intensified and my stomach tightened. This happened a few times and at the time it did strike me that it could have been the beginning of an early labour, but just as I thought they would.. the lightening's quickly faded away. I really am utterly exhausted, so I've decided to finish a little earlier at work, just to cut down on the amount of things I have filling my weeks up at the moment.
Fitness and Health Comparison
You might hate me, but with my second pregnancy, I found myself in better shape than I was with my first. With my current, second pregnancy, I would definitely call myself fit. I lift weights 5 days per week and walk on my incline trainer at a 5%-10% incline at 3mph for 30 minutes for 5 days per week. For this pregnancy, I wanted a solid plan and no excuses so after giving birth to my son, I built my own home gym so that I could get strong and lean prior to conceiving baby #2.
During this second pregnancy, I gained weight faster than with my son-I truly believe it was because I created lean muscle by keeping up my lifting routine. As far as my diet goes, I do not count calories and haven’t this entire pregnancy. Instead, I go based off of how I feel and my own hunger cues. You need strength to make it through pregnancy and you will need that strength during labor and after pregnancy.
Comparison of First and Second Pregnancy
- First Pregnancy: Gained 30lbs total; identified as a cardio bunny using weight machines; felt intimidated lifting in front of people.
- Second Pregnancy: Gained 23lbs by 36 weeks; focused on free weights and home pregnancy program circuits; focused on muscle mass.
Preparing for the Big Day
I've just literally finished receiving the last few bits and pieces for my hospital bag, so next on the list is getting it all packed. It's almost time! You never know when those Braxton Hicks turn into the real deal. I'll be filming a video and writing a blog post about what I'm packing, so if you're interested to know what I'm taking with me, be sure to keep an eye out for that.
Essential Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy
- LIFT WEIGHTS: Yes, if your doctor has given you the clear to do so, please lift.
- START PRIOR TO PREGNANCY: Ideally, you want to start a good weightlifting regimine PRIOR to pregnancy as pregnancy is usually not the time to start new activities.
- USE HOME EQUIPMENT: I highly recommend you purchasing a few pieces of gym equipment for your home so you can have that luxury and workout whenever I want.