We are excited to welcome our new family addition. I am now 39weeks and 4days pregnant, which means she could arrive soon. Am I ready? Yes (since this pregnancy is different from the past), but I also know the challenges for what's ahead could be daunting. The devotion this morning I was reading really spoke to me, 2 Corinthians 5:7 " Walk by faith, not by sight." The labor pains, postpartum, sleepless nights and taking care of soon 2yr old active boy. We don't have family close so it makes the transition a little challenging. I am thankful for my husband for his support and working hard so I could stay at home after spring break. I just resigned from my job of 4yrs at an elementary school. We thought it is best for me to stay home since we have no immediate family close and day care is super expensive. $50/day per kid is too much! Thankful for my awesome co-workers and kids for all the wonderful memories! Thankful for our many friends for their overwhelming thoughts, prayers, support and baby items! I also know that God is with me, gives strength beyond my ability and has amazing plan for our family.
1st trimester - I was physically active but nauseous a lot, tired and had mild headaches. Yoga, exercise, ginger tea and organic or dark hot coco (for nausea) helped a lot.
1st trimester - I was physically active but nauseous a lot, tired and had mild headaches. Yoga, exercise, ginger tea and organic or dark hot coco (for nausea) helped a lot.
Essentials since 1st trimester + skin care:
Coconut oil in clear jar
2nd trimester - The beginning of Braxton Hicks (mild contractions) and I failed the 1hr glucose test but passed on the 3hr. Some blood trace in my urine but no infection and no kidney stone after ultrasound. My existing injury (when I fell in my buttocks last year) started to get worst. Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle spasms and irritates the sciatic nerve. I started having Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction or pelvic girdle pain, caused by over producing of hormones, piriformis syndrome and misalignment of pelvis. It is like a domino effect and it's been hurting ever since. The SPD feels like crushing pain and stings in pubic bone area. All the pains are aggressive and bedtime sometimes is uncomfortable, even with pillow between my knees. Forget yoga and leg exercises because some poses are just unbearable. One time, I did some inner leg (vmo) workout but didn't know it could worsen the situation. I couldn't even get up, walk and had to have the childcare lady help me carry my toddler to my car. I was in tears. I went to physical therapy but it didn't really help. Chiropractic adjustments gave some sort of relief. I did a lot of at home therapies like mild stretches, stretching and massaging the piriformis muscle with a foam roller or tennis ball, tens unit, hot rice bag and cold pack. Homedics back massager w/ heat is helping a lot too.
3rd trimester - There were good days and painful days. On the good days by the end of 2nd trimester and beginning of 3rd trimester, I started working out again and focused on cardio (rowing) and lifting weights again (whole body and squats except vmo). By the end of 3rd trimester, I couldn't even do them anymore but walks outdoors and goes to the hydro-therapy pool 2-3x a week. I do mild stretches and the jets are also very helpful for my back and piriformis muscle. Essential oils specially diffusing lavender oil have been helpful. Braxton hicks and back / hip pains are getting worst, varicose veins on my left calf and hemorrhoid on top of it. Agrrrhhhh! Hemorrhoid is much better but the rest of body challenges are still there. So am I ready? Definitely yes!
My cravings are different this time. Asian and Philippine cuisine tastes delicious! Veggies, fruits, green juice and Raw Meal smoothies are a must, which are part of my eating habits anyhow.
Asian cuisine
Green and clean eating
Nesting - I have been preparing for a while but started to get serious since last week. From constant cleaning and grocery trips, prepping postpartum recovery, freezing meals (Filipino spaghetti sauce so far, lol!), nursing station and baby room.
Trying to induce labor naturally.
Today marks 39weeks and 4days as of April 10, 2017.
She could be here any moment now. We are excited! I just wanted to share my 3rd pregnancy journey especially to other moms or new moms out there and someone who might be going through the same experience. I just want to encourage you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong my friend. Best wishes!
