Pregnancy tips & advice Part 1

Why hello lovely world, 

I've been wanting to write this for a while, but I finally feel I'm in a place where I'm decently knowledgeable to the point of not only serve as an encourager, but also answer a question or two. 

I am almost 36 weeks and looking extremely pregnant. This journey has had more ups than downs for me. Honestly, I would actually have to think hard of what the downs are, which is good.

Let me start off by saying this pregnancy has gone by way too fast, and it's been wonderful in lots of ways. I've gotten to know my husband as a future dad instead of just my partner & best friend,  I've learned that though life will never be the same,  also because of Covid, it's still as meaningful as you want to make it! And you should embrace the good, and also the ugly. A good attitude is key!

For part 1, I thought I'd first make a list of items you should get, as well as foods. 

Part 2 will be about relationships and mental/physical health.  

And lastly, part 3 will be about birth/postpartum which I haven't experienced yet. 

So here we go! Here are some things you should get whether it's hand-me-downs or brand new:

1. Comfy shoes: I wear my Sanuk sandals and Toms almost everyday! 

2. Maternity clothes that are purposeful, and for various occasions (work, home, sleepwear, casual) and put everything that doesn't fit anymore, aka, pre-preg clothes away.  This is your new closet, and your new life. There's no turning back, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Find clothes that are still you, but provide the comfort and support you need. 

3. Pregnancy pillow: I didn't use mine till my third trimester, and oh has it been a life saver! My back and belly needed this so much. 

4. First baby essentials: Especially after you've found out the gender, one of the best ways to start adapting to your now lifestyle and getting closer to the new life growing inside you is to get little baby things, such as diapers, a couple of bottles, a few clothes, and start envisioning the theme or colors for your nursery. Remember to register for welcome boxes whenever you create your registry, they are basically free goodies for you/and or baby. 

5. Belly band: This is actually an item that most women wear and it's supposed to help a lot; however, I always felt uncomfortable and trapped with mine, so I never wore it. 

6. Pregnancy app!!! This is your best friend, mine I'd say is 100% accurate as far as all the symptoms week by week. I use "Pregnancy" by Amilia.

7. Prenatal vitamins, and be extra devoted to them. Change it up to gummies and soft gels to give you a break). 

8. Maternity photos: I understand baby showers and gender reveals are pretty much on hold because of the virus, but please don't skip your maternity photos!!! I feel like this is one of those things people always regret, just like wedding photos. They rely on their cell phones or simply make excuses to not get them done, but there is nothing like having great memories when your baby was still in your belly, and professional photos is something you'll always thank yourself for! 

Now let's talk about foods... I feel like this one is way too personal cause no pregnant woman is similar to her friend as far as food aversions, cravings, morning sickness, etc. I personally never experienced morning sickness or threw up during my pregnancy, and the old wives tales were just that! All my symptoms pointed boy and I found out I was having a girl!  Yet, here are the basics for almost everyone I'd say:

1. Don't forget your fruit, veggies and water 

2. Eat some carbs if you crave them: Pasta, rice, bread...

3. Avoid sugary foods and empty calories.

4. Protein must be your best friend! Find it in lean meats, eggs, legumes and beans, seafood, poultry, dairy products, and nuts. 

5. Always snack! Carry snacks in your purse and don't starve yourself. 

I hope these little reminders or hacks help you in your own journey! Remember to trust your body and never let your mind trick you to think otherwise, or feel guilty about eating too much or too little. Be consistent and mindful that it's not about you though, and there might some foods that might not agree with you too much, but you still need them for the baby! 

Like I mentioned before, part 2 will cover relationships with family, partner, friends and self, which also translates to mental and physical health. Part 3 will take me a while to put together since I am still a month out from my due date :) 

Thank you all for reading, we'll catch up very soon!

-K