Photo Cred: Mhanson Photography
As I mentioned before baby #3 put me through the ringer, both mentally and physically. I said over and over that I was done having kids while I was pregnant with her. Even during the first 11 months of her life, I was done. Although I’ve learned the most from her, she’s been a challenge since she was an embryo. When my niece was born 11 months later, I had the strongest feeling that I needed to do it one more time. I get pregnant fast, like first time fast. So, my husband and I decided we’d think about it for a year.
Photo Cred: Fielding Films
At my daughter’s first birthday I was still holding onto about 10-12 pounds of baby weight (I had gained 50 with her). I vowed that I would get rid of it before I got pregnant. By the time my older two kids were 9 months (gained 50 with my first) and 6 months (gained 4o with my second) I had lost all my baby weight. But, this time it was hard. I blame it on training for a half marathon. But also, I was stressed. Three kids was hard for me. In November I still had 5 pounds to lose. I joined Orange Theory Fitness and by December it was gone!
On a cruise with friends in January. I had been working out 5-6 days per week and eating real food, like I always do. Not counting calories or macros. I had completed the Power 25 in December as prep for this trip.
As January approached I sat my husband down and cried to him. I knew we needed to do this, but I didn’t want to. I promised him I would try harder this time. I would try to be more active and eat better because that really helps my mental health. But, that there was a good chance I’d be stuck to the couch again. He has been so good to me.
Orange Theory Fitness 26 weeks pregnant
This time has been so much better than the last time. I didn’t get sick until 7 weeks (I was literally throwing up at 4 weeks the last time) and it was much less. I stopped throwing up around 22 weeks compered to 35 weeks. I’d say I spent a good 4 weeks doing absolutely nothing. But, when my husband told me he was going to cancel my Orange Theory Fitness pass, I cried and promised I would go. And, I have gone. I have never been more active, pushed myself harder - like I’m doing intervals and burpees, or been more consistent with working out during pregnancy than I am right now. I have been able to tolerate vegetables, consume salads, and eat animal protein - my nutrition is so much better this time (last pregnancy it was not possible). I’m also extremely busy and active with three kids. Yet, I’m still on track to gain close to 50 pounds! My last check up I had gained 30 pounds in 26 weeks. Its frustrating, but it is what it is. This is how my body responds to pregnancy. I am hungry all the time and I can’t deny that I do eat a lot! Plus, I still feel nauseous every day, frequent meals keeps it at bay.
I set a goal to gain 30-35 pounds before I got pregnant and I’ve already met that with 12 weeks to go. I am proof that you can know your stuff, have a masters degree in nutrition, set goals, and be determined - yet, fall short. I’m trying to be good with it. The one thing I do know…I’ve done this three other times and I can do it again. Bearing children is not an easy task for any woman, we all struggle in our own way. All that matters is that we do our best - for our kids and for ourselves. I also believe that we get so used to thinking we need to look a certain way. Yet, our bodies do need a certain amount of body fat to carry a child and grow a child. In fact, it is recommended that lean women gain closer to 40 pounds during pregnancy. In the end, I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and wouldn’t trade motherhood for anything.
Please tell me I’m not alone! Double fist pump to moms everywhere.
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