I have not been avoiding blogging--I just stockpiled my entries for one publishing. The following are my
reflections on the first trimester of pregnancy. Prior to finding out about the pregnancy, I
wondered how it would impact my ability to be fit and maintain a healthy
lifestyle. Read on for my observations through Week 15.
Prior to Week 5:
I had no symptoms and really no idea that I was pregnant. In fact, I was
working out frequently, and lost 5lbs using the Renaissance Periodization plan.
I felt amazing as the end of the summer neared.
Week 5:
I had
a few “empty stomach” moments that I thought were odd since I had just eaten. I
was also finding it a bit harder to wake up and work out in the morning. My
crossfit motivation dipped a bit due to lack of energy. I still did not think
anything of this other than maybe I needed more rest.
Sunday- Yoga
Monday- Walk
Penny/ PM Crossfit
Tuesday- AM Spin / PM Yoga
Wednesday- PM Crossfit
Thursday- AM Spin / Walk Penny
Friday- Rest
Saturday- AM Jog/ Walk
Week 6:
Midweek, I had a beach day with my best friend. I commented that it was odd
that just this week I was absolutely disgusted by my usual chicken, veggie,
healthy carb meals. Sadly, I had to throw out much of my CSA share in the 6th
week. As far as exercise, I had a somewhat successful week, but noticed a shift
in my energy level. I decided to do a home pregnancy test because I
felt like I was not myself. It was positive! However, I decided to retest the
next week—just to be sure.
Sunday- Walk Penny
Monday- Jillian Video/Walk Penny
Tuesday- AM Spin/ PM Yoga
Wednesday- Rest
Thursday- AM Spin
Friday- AM Crossfit
Saturday- AM Spin
Week 7:
In
week 7, I confirmed our pregnancy with a second test on our 3rd wedding
anniversary. I had already let Mark know with the first test, but this was a
unique way to celebrate our 3rd year of marriage. My energy
completely dropped in Week 7. I found myself vegging out on the sofa. I was
also nauseous and the protein/vegetable aversions continued. I ate a lot of
NutThins and soup. I was gaining weight fairly quickly since I had deviated from my
usual healthy habits. However, I lacked the energy and stomach to do anything
differently. I also met with my PCP in Week 7 to discuss options for who to see
during the pregnancy. More on this to come in later weeks. I only made it to crossfit
once during Week 7. This was disappointing, but I did what I could. Spinning
was easier to commit to because I knew I could slow the pace at any time.
Sunday- Hike with Penny
Monday- Rest
Tuesday- AM Spin
Wednesday- Rest
Thursday- AM Spin / Walk Penny
Friday- AM Crossfit / Walk Penny
Saturday- AM Spin
Week 8:
Early in week
8, I continued to struggle with lethargy and nausea. It was a challenge just to
get up in the morning to workout. Nevertheless, I pushed through and got in as
many spin classes and crossfit classes as possible. I’ll admit that I am
worried about weight gain at this point as I know I am not making great
choices. I am eating more dairy for protein since I can stomach it. I’ve been
able to tolerate quiche and sweet potatoes. Generally, I still want the
crackers, mac and cheese, ramen, and Chobani yogurt snacks. I discovered
Preggie Pops for the nausea and those have been somewhat helpful. On Thursday,
I had the timing ultrasound and it determined a tentative due date 4.24.16 and I saw
the heartbeat. I am optimistic as I head into week 9; I
was able to get in a second crossfit workout in week 8. I also managed to host
a cookout party at our house and was busy from basically 7am-7pm with that and
survived with no major sickness/nausea.
Sunday- Rest
Monday- Walk Penny
Tuesday- AM Spin
Wednesday- AM Jog/Walk and PM Crossfit
Thursday- AM Spin
Friday- AM Crossfit
Saturday- AM Spin
 |
| First pregnancy pic. I'll miss those flip flops! |
Week 9:
For the first portion of the week, I again struggled to get in intense
workouts. I did walk the dog quite a bit (which she is always happy about!). My
food choices continued to be problematic though I did finally make some protein
headway with scrambled eggs. I came to the realization that for the next three
weeks, I am just going to have to find something that works with what my body
will tolerate. It may not be the nourishment I want (or want to pass to the
baby), but it is something. I am going to revert back to something I did in
college which worked well to slow down the weight gain (believe me, I am not
trying to not gain weight, but it does need to slow down as I am up 10lbs from
pre-pregnancy weight) . I have a long way to stretch the remaining 10-15lbs!
I’m going to focus on 3 reasonably sized meals in the day (eggs for breakfast,
soup for lunch, and a chicken substitute patty with salad for dinner). I have a
few go-to snacks such as jello, yogurt, cottage cheese, and fat free popcorn to
nibble on. It is a far cry from paleo, Whole 30 or Renaissance Periodization;
nonetheless, I think it will help. The second part of the week I had a
significant energy boost and did three spin workouts in a row and 2 crossfit
sessions. Additionally, I was a champ and helped my husband stack 2 cords of
wood. Soon, the leaves will fall from our huge maple trees and raking will be
added to my daily workouts.
Sunday- Walk Penny
Monday- Walk Penny X 2
Tuesday- AM Spin & Walk Penny
Wednesday- Walk Penny
Thursday- AM Spin, Walk Penny, PM
Crossfit
Friday- AM Spin & PM Crossfit
Saturday- AM Spin & 5 hours
wood stacking
Week 10:
Waiting…I’m sure that is how most of pregnancy feels. However, the
first trimester is full of waiting. Waiting to get various tests completed.
Waiting to tell friends and family the news. Waiting to be able to shout to the
world “I’m not getting chunky or lazy—I’m pregnant!” Waiting until it is
acceptable to admit defeat to your old clothes and go up a size or dive into
maternity. I did some maternity clothing shopping. I would really like to know
why maternity clothes are so ugly and so expensive? It is already challenging
enough—you would think designers could come up with some stylish and reasonably
priced options. So, in Week 10, I am just tired of waiting…I had my first
intake prenatal appointment with the midwife. It was such a different
experience than the doctor’s office—I feel confident in our decision to go the
birth center route instead of the typical hospital environment. I also got to
hear a strong heartbeat which was very cool! The midwife also assured me that
even if I am not eating up to standards right now—it is OK.
Sunday- Walk Penny X 2
Monday- Walk Penny X 2
Tuesday- AM Spinning
Wednesday- AM Crossfit
Thursday- Midday Elliptical / PM
Crossfit
Friday- AM Spinning
Saturday- AM Walk
 |
| Quick photo before heading to our friend's wedding in Maine |
Week 11:
I found out
at a wedding last night that a good friend of mine is 19 weeks
pregnant. It was so exciting to find someone who has gone through what I have
and that I can bounce questions off of. While I am not yet letting most know
about the pregnancy (I feel more comfortable doing this after testing is
completed), I was relieved I will not have to be on an island with this
pregnancy. Many of my friends have already had their children, so they are busy
with those kids! This week is the big reveal to our parents since my mom is
visiting from Minnesota (not because of this, it just worked out that way). It
seemed to be the most fair to tell her and Mark’s parents at the same time.
Once we have our genetic counseling session and complete tests, we’ll move into
the more general announcement phase. A few people who know me well have figured
it out just based on my eating pattern changes, but we are still trying to keep
it relatively quiet. I have goals for making 3 crossfit sessions this week, but
it may be a challenge with my mom’s visit. If it does not happen this week,
I’ll aim for next. The reveal to the family was fine. My mom was surprised but
happy. I was glad to have that off my chest. I can’t wait to get this testing
done and just be done with the secrets.
Sunday- Rest
Monday-AM Elliptical / Walking in
Boston
Tuesday- AM Elliptical/ Walking
in Portsmouth
Wednesday- PM Crossfit
Thursday- AM Spinning / Midday
Walk Penny
Friday- AM Crossfit
Saturday- AM Spinning
Week 12:
Week 12 started off strong with energy and exercise. My food choices
improved moderately with the incorporation of a bit more protein. We had our
genetic counseling session/testing and 12 week ultrasound. It was a lot of
information, but glad we took the time to understand the testing options. The
ultrasound tech guessed on the gender and we will get confirmation with testing
results—stay tuned!
Sunday- Jog w/Penny
Monday- AM Crossfit & Hike of
Mt. Major
Tuesday- AM Spinning
Wednesday- AM Elliptical
Thursday- AM Spinning & PM
Walk w/Penny
Friday- AM Crossfit / 2 Walks
w/Penny
Saturday- AM Spinning
Week 13:
I made it to Wednesday night of Week 13 before writing. I’ve had a lot
more energy this week and continue to add more vegetables to my meals. I’m
still not where I want to be protein-wise, but it will get there. I decided to
start training for the Galloping Gobbler 4 mile Thanksgiving road race. I
needed a fitness goal beyond trying not to become a beluga. I started our Babylist
registry organization—it is so overwhelming when considering all possible
options.
Sunday- Walk w/Penny
Monday- AM Crossfit / PM 5K
Training
Tuesday- AM Spinning
Wednesday- AM 5K Training / Walk
w/Penny / PM Crossfit
Thursday- AM Spinning
Friday- AM Jog / AM Crossfit /
Walk w/Penny
Saturday- Rest day (travel day)
Week 14:
I’m fairly certain Week 14 will go down as my favorite week of the
pregnancy. I travelled to Cancun, Mexico with a group of girlfriends for a week
of relaxation and indulgence at Paradisus
Cancun. We splurged for the Royal Service package which is most definitely
the way to go at this resort. The week was filled with beach time, pool time,
yummy, non-alcoholic beverages, Kindle reading, fancy dinners, spa sessions,
and great girl talk. I felt relaxed and terrific most of the time with the
exception of the nagging headaches I get in the morning. These seem to only be
cured by coconut water and tea. Also, Mark emailed me at the beginning of the week
to let me know all our test results came back low-risk and we learned the
gender of the baby. It’s a BOY! Yep, Week 14 was my favorite week.
Sunday- AM 5K Training
Monday- AM Walk / Yoga
Tuesday- AM Walk / Yoga
Wednesday- AM 5K Training / Yoga
Thursday- Rest day (travel day)
Friday- PM 5K Training
Saturday- AM Spinning
 |
| Yoga in front of the ocean? Yes, please! |
 |
| Welcome champagne and gingerale for me! |
 |
| Dinner at Bana! |
Week 15:
Week 15—the second trimester and time to share the news! We took our
baby announcement/gender reveal picture and started sharing it with close
friends and family. Once that was complete, we notified work colleagues and did
the Instagram/Facebook announcement. The overwhelming well wishes and support
have been awesome! I have solicited advice from friends on registry items—my
mind is spinning. This week I still have some energy, but don’t have that same
super relaxed vibe from Cancun. I think pregnant women just should be able to
hang out at the Paradisus Cancun until giving birth—it would make the process
so much easier! I am relieved that the news is out and now I am trying to get
to planning. The second half of the week, my energy dipped and food choices
plummeted again. I need to do a better job prepping over the weekend for next
week. This is a challenge in the fall with all the wood stacking and yard work.
On another note, for the duration of my 15 weeks of pregnancy, I have done 4500
pushups with my usual 5 sets of 10 for 6 days a week!
Sunday- Walk w/Penny
Monday- AM Crossfit / PM 5K
Training
Tuesday- AM Elliptical
Wednesday- AM 5K Training / Walk
w/Penny/ PM Crossfit
Thursday- AM Spinning / Walk
w/Penny
Friday- AM Crossfit / Walk
w/Penny
Saturday- AM Spinning / Yard Work
 |
| Penny may not be quite ready to give up her "Queen B." status. |
As a final reflection on my first trimester / early portion of second
trimester blogging, I am including my top pet peeves associated with being
pregnant. For all those who have recently had babies or are presently pregnant,
you may get a bit of chuckle or an “I remember those feelings” moment.
- Unsolicited parenting advice about everything ranging from feeding to sleep patterns (from anyone, friends, family, strangers, co-workers, etc.) Solicited advice is awesome and very welcome!
- Finding clothing that fits a petite pregnant woman
- Being told how amazing and wonderful being pregnant is by people who had children 30+ years ago! Do they really remember how awesome morning sickness felt? Or how finding clothing was super fun?
- Not being able to work out at full capacity / people questioning what you are doing for exercise (other than the midwife/doctor of course!)
- Being introduced to someone as this is “so and so”…”she is pregnant.” Really this is now my whole existence?
- Trying to find child care in smaller communities
- Making good food choices while being internally controlled by the “carb monster”
- Cheesy comments from people
- I have fortunately not had anyone try to touch my belly (yet) as I am only showing slightly, but it will not be a pretty scene if someone does. It is NOT appropriate to touch someone’s stomach unless the person says you can.
On the bright side, it is an
exciting time with many possibilities to look forward to. I am optimistic for the
journey, but do not wish to be told how I should feel and when I should feel
it. Each mother’s experience is different. My goal, over the course of the next 5-6
months, is to try to be as fit, healthy, and stress-free as possible. I am going to run a 4 miler for Thanksgiving and try to continue with spinning and crossfit as long as is comfortable. In the
long run, if I can maintain a healthy lifestyle it will pay off whenever Baby
Boy Beaudoin decides to make an appearance!
~Laura
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