Sunday, November 8, 2015

Fit Pregnancy? Reflections on the First Trimester from I Tri Training


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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