I just found out about the workout App Aaptiv during the launch of their pregnancy program and stroller workouts.

They are launching workouts specifically designed to help you feel your best during all parts of your pregnancy.

Fitness was a HUGE part of both of my pregnancies and I wish they had this when I was pregnant because I totally would have used it.

The workouts are led by pregnancy and exercise guru Kira Kohrherr of FitBump and they have several other wonderful trainers that guide you through safe, effective workouts.

I remember feeling so sluggish during my first trimester but exercise always helped with my nausea and energy. During my second trimester I felt so much more like myself and that’s when I was able to workout more consistently. Their maternity program is great for new moms, current moms and moms to be that need to get moving!

A little bit about Aaptiv…..

Aaptiv just recently launched stroller workouts and workouts for each trimester during pregnancy. Each week includes both strength and cardio exercises specifically designed to prepare a woman’s body for birth. I think it’s awesome that they are guiding you through workouts during your pregnancy, but then they are with you to get that pre baby body back after you have the baby! Whether you’re a marathoner or novice runner, getting back into shape with a stroller or a busy schedule is a new experience for any mom.

I know the thought of getting in shape can be stressful and seem expensive but this app is affordable and the workouts are quick and effective!

Aaptiv offers audio fitness classes through your phone with real coaches guiding you every step of the way. They offer various cardio exercises and strength training routines.

The cost $$$$

The  subscription costs $9.99 per month, not bad!

I have done a bunch of their HIIT workouts and some of the workouts involving strength training. I loved the variety of classes they had to offer and the simplicity of the exercises plus as a trainer I got a break from planning my own workouts

Ready to get started? Log into the Aaptiv app and check it out!

If you want a FREE one week trial, send me an email or comment below.

I am totally that girl rocking the baby bump at the gym and I am proud of it. Sitting on the couch doesn’t make your pregnancy any healthier and safer! I have experienced the benefits from my first pregnacy, I was strong, I had good energy, and I was healthy up until the end of my pregnancy. I also had a quick and fast labor/delivery and I credit my fitness.

I figured I should talk about this topic today on the blog to fill you in on my fitness journey with BABY #2. 

Since finding out I was pregnant I continued to exercise as I normally would with a conscious effort not to push myself to pure exhaustion.

I have been able to maintain most of the current weights during my strength workouts (with a few adjustments here and there) this seems like a major accomplishment at this point considering I am 33 weeks. My doctor has given me the okay to keep doing what I’m doing with teaching classes and exercise as long as I’m staying hydrated, not pushing my body to my limits and I’m not getting crampy afterwards.

FIRST TRIMESTER EXERCISE:

During my pregnancy with Ava I backed off a bit from the weights during my first trimester in fear of doing something wrong or causing any issues, but I was being cautious and protective when really I could continue what I was doing.

With pregnancy #2 I didn’t have to alter any of my exercises during the first trimester. I kept up with all my classes and was able to get in some extra workouts on my own as well. I always listened to my body and if I needed an extra rest day, I took it. There was one day that I took off from work due to a migraine and that was my only issue in the 1st trimester.

Even on my most nauseous days I forced myself to work and exercise (or move). It was actually one of the very FEW things that helped relieve that torturous nasuea.

SECOND TRIMESTER EXERCISE:

As I started the second trimester, things started to change a bit. I was carrying extra weight, I was breathing a little heavier during workouts and for that reason I would say I started to scale back a tiny bit. By scaling back I mean, taking a little more rest if I feel winded, or lightening my weights to make sure I could complete the workout without over doing it.

My nausea started to go away around week 16/17 and this made working out more enjoyable and also easier. There were some days I had to remind myself I was pregnant and I couldn’t push 110%. That seriously was the hardest part. When I would see other people crushing their workout, I wanted to do the same, but knew I couldn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I was totally fine with that, but I just had to remind myself to take my time. I know it’s not a race and I’m not setting any new goals/records!! Pregnancy is NOT the time to push yourself to your limits.

Carrying the extra weight made bodyweight training a tad bit harder. My pushups got weaker, and planks became ridiculously challenging. Pregnant ladies are actually stronger though in reality because we are pushing and squatting extra weight…. Right?? Lets just pretend.

Each week I participated in 5-6 days of exercise. My workouts ranged from strength training, light weight training mixed with cardio, walking, elliptical, at home workout dvd’s such as (21 day fix, Hammer & Chisel, & insanity max30). During the second trimester I did less jumping and more modifying, but I was still able to move & feel good while doing it!

At the end of my second trimester I got hit with the stomach flu…. that was no joke. I didn’t exercise or work for about 7-9 days. I listened to my body and I took all the extra rest I could get!

THIRD TRIMESTER:

The third trimester started out okay. The weight started piling on and with a bigger belly it is inevitable that things get more challenging.

I am not able to squat or lunge as deep. I eliminated all core work with the exception of some plank variations.

I just recently stopped doing all jumping exercises or jumping jacks. I’ve basically allowed my body to slow down and I will have to stick to low impact training from here on out.

A few weeks ago I got hit with round 2 of the stomach bug, thanks Marc   I’m getting more winded and out of breathe quicker. That’s probably because my little baby boy is smooshing my lungs!

All in all, I can’t complain about fitness during this pregnancy. If anything, I think it’s the best thing I could do to keep my body and baby healthy, to keep my mind sane and to keep my energy up!!!

I’m happy that my doctors are supportive of my job and have no issues with me teaching classes at this point!! What I love the most is being active and helping others stay fit…. it truly is amazing!

For more posts about exercise & pregnancy check out these links below:

Exercise modifications during pregnancy

The benefits of exercise during MY pregnancy

Should you exercise while pregnant

Did you exercise during your pregnancy?

What do you think of pregnant ladies in the gym?

**I am not a doctor or physician. Please consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine**

As a health & fitness professional I constantly preach hydration and drinking tons of water throughout the day. I’m always carrying a water bottle and I’m always drinking.

For the second time this pregnancy I have experienced dehydration. The first time I had the stomach flu and to be honest dehydration is almost a given when you throw up 15 times and you can’t eat or drink for 2 days.

This time dehydration crept up on me and hit me hard. Last Saturday afternoon I spent the day playing outside with Ava, running errands and having fun with the sunny weather.

I drank water here and there but when I was looking for water on our errands my bottle was empty.

I didn’t think anything about it. We played and the day went on! At around 4pm I noticed I was dying of thirst and chugged a 16oz bottle. We ate dinner and then our night started to wrap up.

Around 7pm I was feeling tired & sluggish but thought nothing of it and laid on the couch while Marc played with Ava and gave me a break.

We went to bed around 10pm which is my normal bed time, but Ava kept us up all night coughing. Marc and I tossed and turned. I got up to pee a couple times and checked on her. Around 12pm we decided to give her some medicine and lay with her propped up so she would be more comfortable. We stayed up until 1am and I peed again. I thought it was weird that I was peeing so much considering I didn’t drink anything before bed.

Around 5:45am Ava woke up but Marc took her so I could sleep because I didn’t feel well (probably from lack of sleep). I woke up around 6:45am and headed downstairs to give Marc a break and let him sleep. I felt okay but was starving. I made myself 2 eggs & toast because I wasn’t feeling veggies or anything and ate it rather quickly. I had 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup of coffee and all of a sudden felt like I was going to throw up. From that point on my day went downhill.

I spent the entire day on the couch nauseous, tired, and sick to my stomach. I felt like i was getting the stomach flu again. I was on edge all day, unsure if I was going to throw up. My stomach turned and I couldn’t drink or eat much. I forced myself to eat some lunch and to drink some fluids but it was torture.

Around 4pm I decided to call the doctor. He told me I could go to the hospital for IV fluids or I can try to hydrate on my own. I chose to do it myself. I had a baby that I needed to take care of so I forced water in my mouth, I tried vitamin water but he said I don’t care what you drink just DRINK. So I tried and I thought I did a good job but then I sat down to eat dinner with Marc and Ava and I felt awful. I headed back to the couch and was frustrated.

I couldn’t believe I was experiencing this again. I was a little worried because I had lower abdominal cramps and that made this whole experience more nerveracking.

Marc told me to go to bed but I said I couldn’t because I was so uncomfortable and sick that I wouldn’t be able to close my eyes.

Around 8pm I gave in and took Nausea medicine. I knew if I couldn’t drink or eat everything would just get worse and I needed to sleep too.

At around 8:45pm I felt some relief so I drank 8oz of water and I had a piece of bread. I finally felt like I could go to bed.

I fell asleep around 9:30pm and slept pretty well considering. I only woke up once to pee.

When I got up at 6:45am I felt a little better but was still dying of thirst. I went pee and noticed my urine was super dark. It alarmed me because I usually have healthy looking pee haha.

I decided to call the doctor and he told me to go to the hospital for IV. I had a feeling that would be the case but I didn’t want to mess around.

Dehydration is a VICIOUS cycle. It makes you nauseous, it makes it difficult to eat or drink, but it won’t go away until you drink even though that’s the last thing you want to do!!

I knew I couldn’t get better fast without help so I headed to the hospital at 8am. They immediately gave me IV and I had to lay there for hours. After the first bag of IV finished the nurse came in and told me I was having contractions.

I panicked a bit because I’m only 30 weeks and it’s too early for any of that. She said the doctor is going to keep you and give you another bag of fluids and see how things go.

I was nervous. I know the contractions were probably from the dehydration but still the mild cramps meant something and I wanted to feel normal again.

When she started my second bag of IV she also gave me some nausea medicine and I slowly began feeling like myself. It felt great.

I was able to drink some juice and eat some saltine crackers. (not my favorite, but it worked!)

Around 11am the nurse came in and told me the doctor would check me since I was still having some scattered contractions. I prayed and prayed that nothing was wrong and that everything would be better soon.

At 11:45am I was released!! It felt amazing when she said you can go home!!!

It’s now Wednesday and I’m still on the mends. Talk about miserable right?? The last 2 nights were quite miserable but I will spare you the play by play details and just tell you I was running to the bathroom every couple hours in the middle of the night. I was so nervous about the baby the whole time because the cramping I was experiencing felt like labor contractions.

Luckily after speaking with the doctor she confirmed this was all because of the stomach bug and the baby was fine unless I was cramping all the time.

I saw the doctor this morning and all is well with the baby!! She confirmed it was a stomach bug and I was nearing the end. I believe I caught it from my husband who was sick this whole past week

I know this post was long but everything is that much harder and longer during pregnancy and I wanted you to get a feel for that. Pregnant women have a tough job.

I’m happy to say that I will be at home resting for the remainder of the week. That’s what the doctor ordered and my body had already told me to stay home and focus on me.

How I recovered from the stomach flu & dehydration:

1. Sip small amounts of water
2. Drink Electrolyte drinks
3. Eat Ice Pops or Ice Chips
4. Where comfortable clothing and try to stay at a comfortable temperature
5. Rest and lay down (Laying propped up helped me)
6. When I couldn’t keep fluids down or drink anything I called the doctor and went to get IV fluids

I literally had to force myself to drink water, it wasn’t easy but I knew that was the only road to recovery. I tried ice pops even when I was gagging and nauseous at the sight of them.  I felt better when I wasn’t lying flat on my side. For some reason sitting or being propped on my back felt the most comfortable. I stayed in sweatpants for days and I called my doctor when I didn’t feel I was making the progress I needed to.

Have any other pregnant ladies out there been dehydrated before or caught the stomach flu??

If so how long did it take you to recover?

PREGNANCY UPDATE 27 & 28 WEEKS

The Baby is the size of an Eggplant Weighing about 2 1/2 lbs

Weight gained

16.5 lbs

Gender: 

It’s a BOY!!!

(Picture taken at 27 weeks)

Workouts

My workouts these past 2 weeks have been great and I’ve been pretty consistent.

WEDNESDAY 1 hour Group Power Strength training

THURSDAY Fit For Life class & Boot camp class

FRIDAY REST DAY with a 25 minute walk with Cooper

SATURDAY 25 minute family walk

SUNDAY Full body weighted circuit plus 20 minute walk

MONDAY Fit For Life class & Group Power class, 20 minute walk with Cooper

TUESDAY 20 Minute walk with Cooper & Boot Camp Class

( at 27 weeks)

Symptoms:

I must have jinxed myself with my last update when I had NO symptoms. At around 27 weeks I experienced a little round ligament pain which only lasted about 24 hours. On Saturday afternoon I also started experiencing foot pain on my right heel. I know the foot pain was due to wearing heels, tight calves from my workouts and from standing too long. The round ligament pain was expected at this point. I gotta imagine this little boy is growing at a faster pace and my belly needs to keep up.

After diligent stretching & massage on my heel thanks to Marc and a ball I roll under my foot my heel started feeling better after a week.

Besides that, I’m not achy and have been feeling pretty good.  Fingers are crossed.

Food Aversions: 

I don’t have any particular foods off the top of my head that I don’t want to eat but Marc mentioned chicken fajitas to me the other night and I gagged at the thought of them. I don’t like leftover green beans and I’m never in the mood for Chinese or Mexican food unless it’s home cooked chili.

Food Cravings: 

Yogurt is my biggest craving and milk too with cereal.

• i love chicken, steak & fish
• Avocado on toast has been one of my favorite snacks
• along with peanut butter and bread!
• Breakfast is still my favorite meal
• Give me ALL the oranges
• Brownies After this past weekend of a little indulging, I was happy to be back to my challenge group of clean eating. I’m totally getting the unnecessary sugar out of my diet.

Sleep:

Sleep has been great! I sleep like a rock when my head hits that pillow. Marc and I have been rotating who gets up with Ava so that we can both get some extra sleep on the days that my work schedule allows it.

I haven’t gotten up to pee much these past 2 weeks which is shocking but as soon as my eyes open in the morning I have to go!

There were a couple nights I went to bed a little later due to the party in my belly. Baby boy has been moving up a storm

Maternity clothes: 

I love maternity clothes and I’m enjoying my pants more then anything. They are comfortable and allow my belly to breathe.

Stretch marks: 

None yet!

Do I Miss anything: 

I miss exercising normally. Yes I still workout but I’ve made numerous modifications. Ab routines are out and so are any deep lunges/squats and jumping.

I miss a good cold cut sandwich and although I could buy organic cold cuts I can live without it but a nice deli sandwich would be good every once in a while.

Movement: 

The belly movements have become pretty fun for me. I love feeling this little baby move and it’s reassuring that he’s doing well in there. Some of his movements are crazy and it seems like he’s non stop at times. I used to call Ava the kick boxer but this little guy might be giving her a run for her money.

The other night I swear I felt a leg. I had never felt anything like that before even with Ava’s pregnancy and it kind of freaked me out.

Baby Items Purchased: 

We bought a rug for the baby’s room but Ava loved it so much so we gave it to her haha. SOOO I guess no new purchases for baby boy this time. We are going to buy another one for him though, don’t worry. We are also looking for a new small crib that we can temporarily use until Ava is out of hers.

(28 weeks)

Wedding rings ON or OFF: 

ON

Belly Button IN or OUT? 

My belly button is mostly an outie. I do not like this. It looks weird and feels weird!!!!!! I’m nervous for how it’s going to look in 2 months from now

I’m Looking Forward To: 

I am looking forward to my next ultrasound.  it’s always reassuring to see our baby boy and it seems like it’s been forever since we had that opportunity.

Random Things:

Yesterday I had my 28-week sugar/diabetes test. They basically give you a drink that has 100g of sugar in it (that’s about 4 1/2 tablespoons of sugar) and you have to chug it then wait an hour to have blood work.

I dreaded this appointment because I was so nauseous when I did it with Ava and almost threw up.

This one was actually WAY easier. The drink wasn’t as sugary and the nurse told me when I did it with Ava we had to fast before and I didn’t have to do it this time so that was great!

The baby is measuring right on track and his heartbeat was strong!!! All good news.

With just 12 weeks left I’m starting to get anxious, nervous, excited and all that comes with expecting a child. I know I’ve been through it before but it’s going to be different and it’s going to make things different. While I know change is good, change takes time for everyone to adjust and I guess that’s the part I’m nervous for. I know Ava will be a good big sister and Cooper is a pro by now so it gets me excited to expand our family.

I am going to try to soak up all the time I have now with Ava being the only child and let her have some fun this spring

For more pregnancy updates head over to my Baby #2 pregnancy page

I’m receiving questions daily about my workouts and how long I will continue to workout while I’m pregnant. The truth is I don’t really have an answer. My goal is to continue up until the end (like I did with Ava) but that will depend on how I feel and if my doctor approves.

I have found exercise to be not only a great energy booster, but it helps my mood, it helped with my nausea in the first trimester, and I just feel better when I’m active!

There were things that I did avoid or adjust to accommodate my changing body and also to keep the baby as safe as possible.

Things I avoided during pregnancy:

• After the first trimester I avoided lying flat on your back.It effects blood flow to and from the heart.
• I avoided exercising in rooms that had higher temperatures or if I was training outdoors I was conscious of the temperatures or heat index. I always wear comfortable clothing and not anything too tight.

Things I adjusted while exercising during pregnancy

• Keep a water bottle around at all times.
• adjust core training by doing ab exercises on an incline bench.
• Reduce intensity. Instead of going 110%, I scaled back so that I could still sweat but not become exhausted.
• At each appointment I discussed exercise with my doctor.
• In my case I am the instructor but if I took a class I would definitely listen to any advice or suggestions my instructor had.
• Adjust range of motion and remember your flexibility and ligaments are looser during pregnancy don’t over stretch.
• Adjust jumping and twisting exercises. Instead of Jumping Jacks I will do single leg step outs and still use my arms.

My list is constantly changing and there are definitely things that feel comfortable one day and not the next so most importantly I’m listening to my body and doing what I feel is best!

Did you exercise when you were pregnant?

What exercises did you avoid? 

**Always consult your doctor or physician before beginning a new workout program**

As I sit down to write this post, I am actually feeling less nauseated then I have been the past 2 weeks. To say I was a happy camper would be a lie. Being nauseous has made me miserable, cranky, tired, and of course all around sick.

Over the past few days, I’ve done a whole lot of nothing. As a matter of fact, I think I spent more hours on the couch then I did doing anything else.

Marc eventually got sick of me asking for more water, more snacks and changing Ava’s endless amounts of diapers. Yes she’s still in diapers and I’m to blame but its okay because we are all happy with that choice right now.

So I’m feeling good today, but I don’t want to jinx anything. I’m trying to stay on top of my eating and I don’t go more than 2-3 hours without food. Once my stomach hits empty, nausea increases by 10. I’ve learned and I’m determined to END my nausea. There has to be a cure right?

I tried crackers, ginger, carbonated drinks, lots of fluid, all the bread, ginger tea, all the sweets, lemons, tea, rest, massage, pressure points, chewing gum, sucking on hard candies, eating crappy, eating healthy… I’ve found a balance today that works for me.

Tips for Pregnancy Nausea

• Wake up and immediately snack on something small
• Exercise or do something active after eating breakfast
• Eat every 2-3 hours (sometimes even every hour)
• Chew Gum or Sucking on mint candies
• Brush teeth at least 3 times a day
• Drink water like it’s going out of style. Basically carrying a water bottle with me wherever I go
• Vitamin B6
• Take a prenatal vitamin with a full belly
• Eat what my body is telling me (fried rice, clementines, potatoes, all the protein, etc)
• Tell yourself you CAN deal with the nausea (someone always has it worse!)
• A serving of protein at each meal
• Rest or nap if you are exhausted
• Sleep at least 8-9 hours
• Eat a snack 30 minutes before I go to bed

MY list could go on, but the biggest thing for me is 1. DON’T let my stomach get empty and 2. EXERCISE even if it’s a short walk with Cooper. The days I didn’t exercise or I didn’t stay on top of my eating were the days I felt the worst and the days I found myself immobile on the couch.

I hope there are some pregnant women or future moms out there that can use this list if they get nauseous! I would never want anyone to experience pregnancy nausea

What tips do you have for pregnancy nausea?

What about nausea in general?

I’m actually heading to the doctor this morning for a prenatal check up and I can’t wait to hear the heart beat

I am currently 17 weeks pregnant, however I wanted to share with you some baby updates from WEEK 15 & 16. It’s kinda fun to see the changes and progress throughout the pregnancy.

Of course I know you want to hear my cravings and complaints right??

BABY UPDATES:

Week 15

The baby is the size of a ORANGE

Week 16 

The baby is the size of a AVOCADO

WEIGHT GAINED:

Week 15 

Gained 1 lb (up 9lbs) I’m totally ahead on the weight gain but I’m totally fine with it.

Week 16

1 lb gain (up 10lb) 

WORKOUTS:

Week 15

This was another normal week for me. My workout schedule. 2 Group Power Classes, 2 Fit For Life, & 2 Boot Camp Classes plus I walked Cooper on several days. I also did a cardio workout at home on Saturday that took about 30 minutes.

Week 16

My work week was the same as last week, I taught 6 classes, I also did a ton of walking! I took the weekend off to rest, I wasn’t feeling well I had a nasty head cold!

Picture taken at 15 weeks

SYMPTOMS:

Week 15

My nausea is about 80% gone. I had several days with nausea from about 3-6pm but besides that I have been feeling like my old self and being super productive I am happy to be feeling better!

Week 16

Knock on wood…. the nausea is finally subsiding. I have small moments but they are manageable. I have had a few headaches but I think that was due to my head cold!

I was never sick during my pregnancy with Ava but this time I had one minor sore throat and then this nasty head cold. I guess it’s also the time of year. Oh well. All in all it hasn’t been a bad week

FOOD AVERSIONS:

Week 15

Leftovers…. this one stinks because I am a leftover queen but when I look at something that I ate for dinner the night before I wanna gag. Also I still can’t stomach sweet potatoes or peanut butter HELP!

Week 16

Still can’t eat sweet potatoes, I forced myself to eat peanut butter, I’m not really into mexican food but guacamole was good this week.

FOOD CRAVINGS:

Week 15

I love potatoes & protein (chicken & beef), grilled cheese have been one of my night time snacks a couple times last week!! I like yogurt parfaits, eggs, cheerios & KIND Bars.

Week 16

Grilled Cheese, yogurt parfaits, chili, cape cod potato chips, grapes, eggs, BACON.

SLEEP:

Week 15

Sleep is awesome. I sleep anywhere between 7 1/2-8 hours each night. I can’t wait to sprawl out in my bed at night and just close my eyes, sleep is good. I had a couple nights with some ridiculously crazy dreams that woke me up but that happens right?

Week 16

Sleep had been great up until I got sick. I was sleeping like a rock but these last few nights I’ve had trouble breathing through my nose so I slept propped up. I hate stuffy noses!!! I’m hoping tonight is a better night.

‘

Pictures taken at 16 weeks

LOOKING FORWARD TO:

Week 15 

I get to go to the doctor next week and I can’t wait to hear the heartbeat!!

Week 15

I head to the Doctor Tuesday afternoon and we get to hear the heartbeat and find out how the baby is measuring up.

MISS ANYTHING?

Week 15

I totally miss runny eggs.. over easy eggs whatever you want to call them!! They are my ultimate favorite and I’m sorry but scrambled eggs are NOT the same.

Week 16

Besides the runny eggs, I do miss a good cold cut sandwich. I can eat organic cold cuts that have no nitrates/preservatives etc but there’s something so delicious about walking into a deli and having a freshly made sandwich!

BOY OR GIRL?

Week 15

I am back to thinking it’s a boy. I feel a little different this time around…. my guess will change again I’m sure.

Week 16

I think I’m going to stop guessing!!

MOVEMENT:

Week 15

This week I felt flutters and some other movements. It seriously made me so excited!!!!

Week 16

I felt more movement on a regular basis this week. Mostly around 3pm and 10pm when I had the opportunity to sit around. The movements felt like popcorn inside, I know those kicks and punches will soon feel a lot stronger but I’m enjoying everything I feel on every single day It makes this process soo much fun.

BABY PURCHASES:

We are still holding off on buying things until we find out if its a boy or girl on February 17th

RANDOM STUFF:

Week 15

This past week has been SOOO much better overall. I really can’t complain. There were moments I forgot I was pregnant and I know it sounds weird but I was thankful to feel normal and not have any HUGE symptoms overpowering my brains and thoughts.

I am starting to feel more pregnant. My workout capris are no longer comfortable. I am in desperate need of a shopping trip. All of my pants are tight around the middle and it started making me cramp so I stopped wearing them and I’m limited to 2 pairs that I have to keep washing. That’s not fun.

I like seeing a baby bump though, I know that baby is growing, is healthy, and is making progress. 5 1/2 months until I get to meet this little one

Week 16

I blame my productiveness and every levels last week on my head cold during week 16. I had a couple nights where i slept a little less from waking up early and I think my body was like enough is enough. SOO week 16 wasn’t amazing but I was nausea free for the most part!

I’m REALLY looking forward to next week. i see so many good things coming this week. I know I will be feeling better, I know I will have good energy and I will be closer to finding out what gender this little baby is!

If you have ever been pregnant did you ever get sick? 

Anyways, I’m back and I’m ready to share some updates on my pregnancy. I planned on doing separate posts for the first 4 big weeks of my pregnancy but I decided to combine them because they were rather similar.

Hopefully by the end of the week I can have you all caught up to date on my pregnancy.

BABY UPDATES:

Week 7 

Baby is the size of a blueberry

Week 8

Baby is the size of Raspberry

Week 9

the baby is the size of a grape

Week 10

the baby is the size of a kumquat

WEIGHT GAINED:

Week 7 gained 1 lb

Week 8 gained 1 lb

Week 9 gained 1 lb

Week 10 gained 1 lb (up 4 lbs total)

WORKOUTS:

(I was 10 weeks Pregnant in the above pictures)

Week 7-10

Each week I Taught 6 classes: 2 Group Power Strength Classes, 2 Boot Camp classes, 2 Fit For Life Classes, and several long walks with Cooper

SYMPTOMS:

Week 7

NAUSEA at its finest. Also very tired. This was a rough week for morning sickness.

(I was 7 weeks pregnant in this picture)

Week 8

Nausea… wish I could say I was doing amazing

Week 9 

Pregnancy nausea is no joke and it kicked me on my butt most of the week. Some days my nausea was worse in the morning and other times it was worse at night. There wasn’t a science to it. I did my best to eat every 2 hours which kept my stomach from getting empty. That’s when my nausea was the worst! Besides the nausea I was tired a lot. As soon as Marc got home from work at 6pm, I laid on the couch for the remainder of the night unless I was teaching a class. He was my savior each day.

Week 10

Week 10 day 1, was a great day! My nausea was kept to a minimum and while I wasn’t the energizer bunny I felt a little more normal. Week 10 Day 4 was miserable. I had a migraine and it left me on the couch for a full day. I’m happy to say that the next day was so much better and I felt more like myself again!

FOOD AVERSIONS:

Week 7

Almost everything in the fridge and pantry. If someone put a meal in front of me I would eat it no problem, but thinking about food made me sick!

Week 8

Veggies…. they grossed me out unless they were mixed into eggs in salads or on sandwiches.

Week 9 

Cooking has been the biggest challenge for me. I managed to cook 2 dinner meals this week and it was super difficult. I hate looking in the fridge at any food. Deciding what to eat makes me nauseous. I wouldn’t say there was one particular item that I had an aversion to, it was almost everything except bread, eggs, pretzels, bread, & eggs. Also some fruit.

Week 10

Things started to get a little better, my days actually had healthy meals and I felt like some of the meals were super healthy. There wasn’t a particular item that I had an aversion to, I pretty much knew what I wanted and that was all I was going to eat! Veggies have still been tough unless they are cooked in soups, scrambled in eggs, or salads.

FOOD CRAVINGS:

Week 7

Pizza, Bread & Butter, Eggs & Toast, Oranges

Week 8

Grapefruit or citrus fruits, salad (weird), Bread, Cheese, Chicken & steak

Week 9

Grilled Chicken sandwiches, Tuna fish, Honeydew melon, pretzels, cape cod potato chips, chocolate chip cookies, steak, potatoes

Week 10

Chicken Salad, Fruit, Eggs, pizza, clementines, grapefruits, pineapple,

(I was 8 weeks and 3 days pregnant in this picture)

SLEEP:

Week 7

Sleep has been pretty good, I woke up twice this week to pee which was interesting. I thought it was too early for that.

Week 8

Slept like a champ this week, as soon as my head hits the pillow I’m unconscious!

Week 9 

I am sleeping pretty well and haven’t had many wake ups. I napped 3 times this week. I felt extra tired and the naps definitely helped.

Week 10

I pretty much sleep like a rock once I fall asleep.  I had a few nights that were challenging to fall asleep but it wasn’t bad. When I wake up I need to pee ASAP so that’s not fun.

LOOKING FORWARD TO:

Week 7

My 8 week ultrasound. I can’t wait to SEE THE HEARTBEAT!!!

Week 8

we just had our ultrasound and saw the heartbeat, now I can’t wait until the next one so we can hear the heartbeat! I was super nervous going into this appointment because my blood work numbers were a little lower then the doctor would have liked to see. It made me super anxious for this appointment, but once I saw the heartbeat I felt a huge weight lifted off my chest. Seriously, I could breathe and it felt amazing to know everything was okay!

Week 9 

I am looking forward to our ultrasound on New Years Eve. I can’t wait to see that little baby again.

Week 10 

I am looking forward to our ultrasound on New Years Eve. I am also getting anxious to know the gender but I know it’s too early. Seeing the heart beat and baby move is all I really care about.

BOY OR GIRL?

Week 7

I had a boy suspicion.

Week 8

Going with a girl now because Marc thinks its a girl.

Week 9

NO CLUE

Week 10

I have mixed feelings still!

BABY PURCHASES:

No purchases just yet! I think once we know the gender I will feel comfortable buying things.

RANDOM STUFF:

Week 7

We told Marc’s family on Thanksgiving, it was nice to finally let them know the exciting news. Everyone was thrilled!

Week 8

We had an ultrasound and I found out I was 8 weeks and 6 days which was a week later then I thought! My due date is July 13th and I’m thrilled for a summer baby

Week 9 

I was a bit cranky this week. My nausea was so bad I didn’t want to talk unless I had to. I felt bad for Ava and Marc but it was a rough week. I sincerely apologize for my lack of energy and enthusiasm.

Week 10

I felt a little more normal this week. I had a little more pep in my step minus the migraine set back. I had an ocular migraine that left me on the couch for 2 full days. Once I started feeling better I got some christmas shopping done and extra computer work that I have been wanting to do. I did have a few mood swings and moments that I cried for no reason (sorry Marc)

I give him a lot of credit for dealing with me for 2 1/2 months now. He’s amazing for putting up with me and for getting everything done around the house!

Well that’s it for now…I promise I have better pregnancy pictures coming in the next update!! 

If you have ever been pregnant before, what was your first trimester like?

Do you have any guesses as to what I’m having?

I’m PREGNANT.

We are so happy to be expecting our second baby July 13, 2016.

Over the last 2 months I have struggled to keep this secret 1. because I wanted to tell you so bad and  I felt the need to wait until our 12 week ultrasound and 2. I’ve felt so sick that I thought maybe if I vented all my miserable symptoms they might just go away.

But I held off on telling you because I wanted to wait to make sure everything was okay first. I may have given away some hints to you in my WIAW posts on some random foods I have been loving these past few weeks like chicken cutlets, meatballs, actually all the protein, eggs, cheese, chocolate chip cookies, potatoes, cereal. Maybe if I said those were daily staples it would’ve given it away or you would just think I was weird.

The day I found out I was pregnant I was beyond THRILLED, I was super excited and I was feeling good. Fast forward 5 days and my days were filled with nausea, fatigue and pure laziness! I went through this before with Ava but I prayed it wouldn’t happen again.

I had big ideas of posting something a little more creative then this, but it ended up being just what I wanted. A genuine picture of Ava being excited to be a big sister by touching the baby in my belly and her giving me a hug because she’s so lovable! She’s going to be an amazing big sister.

To answer some questions you may be having I did a little question and answer session for you

Pregnancy Q & A:

How did you find out you were pregnant?

I found out I was pregnant on a Thursday morning. I had taken a pregnancy test 2 days before and it was negative but I had a very good feeling so I decided to try again. To my surprise it was POSITIVE. I ran to tell Marc and we couldn’t believe it

What were your first symptoms?

My first symptom was nausea then came fatigue and the nausea hasn’t stopped.

How did your family react?

I told my mom and dad separately because my dad was still at work and I couldn’t wait any longer to tell someone. I wrote down on a piece of paper saying “I’m going to be a big sister!” I had Ava hand it to my mom and she immediately got excited and said yes!! A couple hours later I drove to my parents house with Ava, and she handed the paper to my dad. It took him a second to process it, he looked at me and said you’re pregnant??!?!! I said yes and he was excitedddddd. So were my two brothers

Friends?

I told my friends about 9 weeks into my pregnancy. I figured they would start being skeptical when I went MIA or if they hung out with me and I didn’t have a glass of wine. I told them while we were walking on the Avenue around the holidays. They were super excited for us.

Due Date?

JULY 13, 2016

Will you find out the gender?

YES I can’t wait. We found out with Ava and I am counting down the days to find out this one

How many ultrasounds have you had? 

We have been fortunate to have 3 ultrasounds so far. The first one was super early and the Doctor couldn’t see much so we had to come back a few weeks later. Our most recent ultrasound was great we got to see the heartbeat and see our little baby moving around.

What are your symptoms?

Nausea, migraines, headaches, fatigue, I’ve had occasional mood swings and I blame it on feeling so yucky. If I were feeling good I would not complain!!! The nausea has taken the cake. I feel better when I eat and drink something every 2 hours. If I miss that window the day seems to fall apart and I find myself on the couch and unable to function.

What week are you?

I’m 12 1/2 weeks so I’m praying that this first trimester sickness ends soon!

I will be posting some pregnancy updates for you so that you can see how I’m doing with everything!

Have you ever been pregnant before? if so have you experienced morning sickness?

How was your holiday weekend?

PART 1

Where do I begin… I guess this will be PART 1 of 2 post.. since in my mind there was a lot that happened in my birth story.

It was faster then I could have ever imagine, but lets break it down…. I hope you have a cup of coffee this could take a little while!

I am going to take it back to the morning on the day my water broke December 4th. My morning started out as usual and I headed to the YMCA bright and early to train some clients. I woke up feeling a little different, I was crampy and had a little bit of pressure in my lower abdominals. As much as I wanted to lay down curled up, I knew work would make me feel better. My personal training sessions flew by and when I was finished I decided to walk on the treadmill since it was freezing outside! After 30 minutes of walking I had enough. My afternoon was a little less busy and I had some time before my group power class to run some errands and eat some dinner. I had no desire or urge to make a nice dinner and asked Marc if it was okay if we had tuna fish sandwiches, luckily he said yes. I quickly ate a sandwich and headed back to the Y to teach Group Power. The class went great, and at the end I told the group that it would be the last class I planned on teaching. At 38 weeks pregnant It was getting too difficult to do the full workout with the cramping and pressure and best to rest a bit more. Everyone wished me luck and said they would miss me.. it was sad, but I am happy and proud to say I taught classes right up until the last possible second (even though I didn’t know this beforehand).

After class, I headed home with a ravenous appetite. I immediately ate tons of food.  I guess I was carb-loading for the main event. At around 9:30pm I felt nauseous so I decided to lay in bed…. still awake and feeling more nauseous I decided to try eating a snack around 10:30pm. Normally that helps my nausea but it made things worse! I got up and went to use the bathroom one last time before going to bed for the night.  I got 2 steps out of the bathroom on my way back to the bedroom and then my water broke!! I ran back to the bathroom and immediately yelled to Marc, “MY WATER BROKE!”

I started shaking with excitement and nervousness…. the big moment came and I knew in the next 24 hours I would finally be able to meet my little girl. I had been saying through my whole pregnancy that I wanted my water to break so.. my wish came true. I called my mom to tell her the news and then I called the doctor at a little after 11pm to let them know I was heading to the hospital. I had tested positive for a Group B test during my pregnancy which meant as soon as my water broke I needed to start antibiotics so that the baby didn’t get an infection during delivery. We rushed to the hospital after getting all of our stuff together, and arrived at about 11:30pm. I started to get really crampy and uncomfortable but it wasn’t too long before we were in the room and the nurses started taking all my vitals. Soon after I was hooked up to an IV and given Antibiotics.

I couldn’t believe the day was finally here. As I was laying in the bed, I kept asking Marc how close my contractions were.  He was following the contraction monitor closely and it was showing that the contractions were 5-7 minutes and at the time what I would consider moderate in strength. By 12:30 am, only 1 hr after arriving, the pace had quickened to roughly ever 2-3 minutes. The contractions were still only moderate in strength and I was able to fight through the pace of the contractions.  I decided to try to focus my attention on something that makes me happy and that was laying on the beach… in Florida. Then I started thinking about my next vacation and decided this was a perfect time to plan and distract myself. I literally asked Marc and my mom to look me up some flights. The thought of the beach temporarily worked but soon I needed something else. It wasn’t too though before they were getting stronger and stronger and at the faster pace. Now the  beginning seemed like a piece of cake… an hour later and how things had changed. And let me tell you;  it’s EASIER SAID THEN DONE!!! The nurse started talking to me about breathing, staying relaxed, and not tensing up. She also encouraged me to remind myself the pain I was in was just getting me closer to holding the baby in my arms. My contractions were  now about 1-2 minutes apart and the strongest they had been yet.  Then, out of what seemed like nowhere,  I started getting back labor and I couldn’t tell which was worse, the regular abdominal contractions or the back labor!!! They were so different, but both so painful, and it was getting harder and harder to stay comfortable.

At this point the nurse came back in to check me and said I was 3-4cm dilated and 80% effaced. She said I was getting close and if possibly to try and hold off on the epidural another hour so I could get my full dose of antibiotics. Her hope was that if I reached 4cm things would start to progress a little quicker.

At 1:45am, the anesthesiologist started administering the epidural. It seemed like it took a while to get it all hooked up but once she was done she informed me the pain should lessen in about 15 minutes.  Once the epidural was working, I felt a huge relief. I still was able to feel my contractions but they were mild and nowhere near as potent as before. It was roughly 2 am and for the first time since my water broke 3 hrs earlier, I felt like I was able to take a deep breath and relax. I still had no idea of how much longer it would be until I finally got to hold my baby girl and see the little feet that had been kicking me in the ribs for the last 8+ months…little did I know Ava was eager and ready to join us as much as we wanted to see her!

To be continued….. be sure to check the PART 2 post tomorrow!