I’m not someone that enjoys being pregnant – it’s fine, but I wouldn’t say I enjoy it. Most days I forget I’m pregnant (until I bend down) and rubbing, or talking to my bump is just not me at all. Is that awful? I also really hate the thought of people treating me differently – just because I’m pregnant. I do however think it is utterly magnificent that my body is growing something cell by cell, without me being fully aware of it. I sometimes say to Jared when we’re both sat down: “You’re just sat there, but me…I’m sat here and growing a baby!” – it’s miraculous and totally blows my mind.
Pregnancy puts a lot of additional strain on the body – parts swell, bones soften, skin changes, veins grow, breath is shorter (and so much more), without even considering the additional weight of a baby and all the fluid that goes with one. Before each pregnancy I try very hard to get really fit and strong. I truly believe it has helped me cope with labour far better both times, and to cope with day to day life once they are here.
Before getting pregnant with Ru I booked myself in for a marathon (although I didn’t realise I was actually pregnant when I ran it), and before getting pregnant this time around I booked myself in for a half marathon to push me to get fit and healthy. I also made sure I made time to go to the gym when I could which provided me with head space – so healing after a difficult day.
This pregnancy I was completely wiped by 7pm every day for the first three months (actually 4pm is probably more accurate) – so any chances of exercising were gone. I decided to cancel my gym membership last month (I cried) because I knew I wouldn’t get my money’s worth during the remainder of my pregnancy.
To be honest I have been a bit of a slob this pregnancy, which is why I am extra thankful to have Win and Ru to keep me busy. I can’t really get motivated to exercise regularly and I’ve started to enjoy my ‘downtime’ far too much (!) I try to walk with them whenever possible and on the days that Win is at nursery I always go on a little bike ride with Ru…but I have been known to have a sly nap too.
I’m telling myself – it’s all about balance!
E xx
I really love being pregnant with Cherry as it was such a novelty but second time round I really struggled as all it did was make me life with a toddler so much harder! I was so uncomfortable by the end, of course I’ve forgotten that now and would do it all again though! xx
Definitely much harder with toddlers! Too much bending over xx
Yeah I dont really enjoy pregnancy either, when I rub my bumps, its because of the straining muscles and achey feelings hahahahaha
Agreed! x
I have really bad diastasis recti from having my babies close and fast labours with additional factors… So before finding out with this baby I was trying to rebuild that for weeks and it all just went to pot for the first 14 weeks as I had been so un well with breathlessness, fatigue and just needing my bed when the kids had gone to sleep. So motivation is hard… I know what you mean though. I love pregnancy in the second trimester, and the miracle that surrounds it, I’m amazed I’m doing it for a fourth time. With my first, I loved the relaxing time. But it’s not possible with a toddler in tow, or then X2 and x3 lol
Xxx
Toddler x 3! Oh my! It must be crazy. I think that’s why making an effort before getting pregnant is really important. I’m sure you’ve made a difference with the work you did before. Second trimester is definitely the best xx
It is all about balance! I have found both my pregnancies completely different – I ran a half marathon during my first but went to bed nearly 9pm every night with my second haha (having toddlers to run after whilst pregnant is so much more exhausting too I think) x
Definitely way more tiring! x