Dear BabyHTP: On the 29th week of your development, we moved into your first house. Hooray!
Here’s what BabyHTP is up to this week: “Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain.” (Source) Basically, Baby is working on getting big. And I can tell.
I have officially entered that “OMG. I am so uncomfortable!” stage of pregnancy. I shouldn’t complain because I know I had it oh-so-easy the first trimester (not a single hurling incident). But now, I am plagued by heartburn (no remedy helps, although I haven’t had a chance to try acupuncture), insomnia, sore hips and feet, food aversions, crankiness, and other awesome side effects. I feel like all of these symptoms are only going to get worse from here on out….
That being said, I am really happy and excited to finally get settled in our new place on Saturday. I’m SO pumped to begin to organize the baby’s nursery. The pregnancy feels real, but the parenting part still feels a long way off (and it’s not) – I think unpacking the toys and washing the clothes will help solidify my new reality.
Onto this week’s topic…
I thought I’d be a pregnant runner.
But I’m not. I’m definitely not. Up until my pregnancy, I ran multiple times a week, every week, for five straight years. I averaged anywhere from 15 to 30 miles and did well over 40 races, including two marathons. I was never particularly fast, although I did once win a local 5K and shaved 32 minutes off my marathon time through dedicated training.
I really love to run. So, naturally, I thought I’d be a pregnant runner.
My friend Jen was totally my pregnancy running inspiration. She ran well into her third trimester, knocking out nearly 15 total miles in Week 32. And she wasn’t ‘slow,’ either – she was crushing 9:00 per mile paces (here’s Jen’s post on Running in the Third Trimester). She co-coached Girls on the Run with me last season and would chase the girls around the track with her big bump. It looked hysterical but – damn – was it awesome.
(Source)
Then… it came time for my pregnancy. And I tried to keep up with running; I really did. I continued to run 5Ks around my neighborhood into the beginning of the second trimester, even doing two 5K races while pregnant (the last at 16 weeks).
My grand plan for running while pregnant was this: I would run well into my third trimester, hopefully until Week 30 – 33. I’d be slower and tackle shorter distances, obviously, but I would maintain three runs a week and a decent cardiovascular base. I hoped to keep up with racing, doing a few 5Ks and maybe even the swim legs of some early spring triathlons.
You know what the say about plans (make ‘em and God laughs in your face)… As much as I wanted to be a pregnant runner, it just did not happen. Running while pregnant did not agree with my body. After my 5K at week 16, I was reduced to walk/running, and shortly after, I quit all attempts at running altogether. The biggest reason I stopped running was I started to get horrible pains in my groin area; my doctor said this was because of the increase weight of my uterus and the baby pulling everything forward. Running exacerbated the pain. But also, I just didn’t like it – I could feel the bump moving around, I got really tired easily, and it didn’t seem fun anymore.
It’s been about 13 weeks without a run and, to be honest, I miss it a lot. I miss the feeling of taking out my frustration on the pavement or popping in my earbuds and sweatin’ up a storm. What I’m not struggling with, however, is disappointment. I’ve had a few running-induced injuries in the past, and it’s always difficult to take ‘forced’ time off due to a knee issue or a sprain. But taking time off due to pregnancy is okay with me. It’s what my body needs, after all. I think some people’s bodies are just built for running and others aren’t so ideally suited for the sport. And similarly, some runners can keep up the habit while pregnant and others cannot.
So – what have I been doing instead?
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Swimming – Be sure to check out How to Swim Part I and Part II and So You Wanna Do a Triathlon: Swimming.
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Yoga – Specifically, the prenatal kind. I went 5 or 6 times, sucked it up and bought a package for 10 classes, and haven’t gone since. Ugh. I’m looking forward to getting back into prenatal yoga after this move is over.
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Walking – My favorite new form of exercise! Check out How to Create a Walking Habit and the Walk the Dog Workout. I aim to walk 2 – 3 miles at least 3 times a week, but this is getting to be very challenging. I can definitely tell I’m hauling around an extra 25 pounds or so.
I’m glad that I’ve been able to maintain a decent level of activity throughout pregnancy; I am fully aware that some women get put on bed rest! And I am very much looking forward to getting back into running shape. But until then, I’ll just be grateful for all the amazing things my body is doing – including building this precious baby.
Week 29 by the numbers:
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Total weight gain: No official weigh-in, but likely hovering around 25 pounds. One way or the other, I’ve gained a bit more than is recommended at this point, but I don’t really care – I eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m full. My body knows what it’s supposed to be doing better than some chart!
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Gestational Diabetes Results: No one from my doctor’s office ever called me… so I guess that means I passed?
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Baby-Related Purchases: Does a house count?
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Workouts: Three this week! A 2.5 mile walk, 1 mile walk, and a 700 yard swim. And the sheer act of moving.
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Current Conundrums: As mentioned, we are 100% decided on a girl’s name but torn on a boy’s name. And I think the division of preferences has officially occurred. I called the bump my favorite boy name the other day, and the Husband said, “Who is that? His name will be XX.” And I said, “Well, maybe…” Uh oh. Standoff time.
How active are you / were you through pregnancy? (Psst – You can read all my weekly updates here!)
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{ 88 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, it must be rather uncomfortable trying to move house AND be pregnant at the same time! Like you, I love running and in my mind just now I see myself (later on in life) as one of those pregnant runner ladies, but I suppose only time will tell!
Sorry about the heartburn. Really, I don’t think there’s anything you can do about it. Your body is just working too hard making that little sweet one! You look incredible and to be honest, I’m impressed you ran as long as you did. I’m still trying to find the love of running and I’m not pregnant. I’m glad you’re doing well (other than the heartburn) and I can’t believe you only have 11 weeks left!
Yeah, I think it’s just a physical issue at this point. So depressing.
I say- if the baby get your husband’s last name, you have a bigger pull on the first name
We are currently engaged in a standoff as to the baby’s sex. I keep referring to the baby as “he” and my husband keeps saying, “…you mean she.”
Activity wise, I am doing what I can. I was so sick in first tri that I basically took a whole month off exercise. Now that I feel better, I’m attempting to CrossFit again at least 3X/week, but it’s tough. It’s just so much harder to get my butt out of bed and to class when I know I can’t push 110% anymore, which is tough for me.
I think ever most important thing is that you have been prett active throughout your pregnancy. Thats the most important thing!
First, you look amazing!
And cheers to you for listening to your body and doing what feels right!
For me personally, infertility and what started out as a very high risk pregnancy have most certainly FORCED me to learn to let go of my own agenda, vision, and plans. Like you, I always assumed I would be very active when I was pregnant. HA! God had other plans. After being sidelined from exercise (doctor’s orders) for nearly four months I was just given the green light to do moderate exercise. So I’m hoping to do lots of walking, some swimming and cycling, weight lifting,and prenatal yoga throughout these next 24 weeks of pregnancy. I’m remaining open though and am just going to do what feels ok for my new body.
I’m glad things are appearing not so high risk!!
Sounds like you’re doing great! You should probably call you doctor’s office to confirm that the GD test was clear. I never got a call from my doctor’s office when I took my test and I assumed that everything was ok. It wasn’t. I found out a month later that I had GD and it was not a pleasant realization. I’m not trying to be a downer, it’s just my two cents.
Thank you so much for your short but much needed comment on your pregnancy weight gain. Like you, I’m still staying really active and eat quite healthy, but definitely eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m full, yet, at nearly 19 weeks, my weight is probably a little more than it should be. But to read your comments on the extra weight gain makes me feel so much better and I should follow your lead and learn to relax a little bit about what all the charts say.
You look great and don’t sweat not running. You made it further than me. I think I gave it up by week 10!
I stopped looking at the chart about three weeks ago when I realized that I was going to surpass it. It’s not like I’m eating McDonalds, ya know? The chart is just the average… it’s not the healthiest for everyone. Just eat well and be as active as you comfortably can – the weight will come off!
I agree! I’m so lucky to be seeing a midwife who tracks my weight, but doesn’t emphasize it at all. She says that as long as I’m eating healthy & exercising, my body knows what is going on better than an arbitrary chart of averages. It has taken so much pressure off. And she doesn’t tell me what I weigh, which is my preference.
I miss running too though, it stopped feeling fun pretty immediately after I got pregnant. Looking forward to running this fall!
I so admire women that run thoughout their pregnancies. I couldn’t do it, it was just too uncomfortable. I did do Body Pump through about 34 weeks (with modifications), walked and did some step here there for some cardio. I signed up for a couple of races while pregnant and it was great to have those to look forward to after delivery and have something to motivate me to get out there again!
SO happy for you guys! A house and a baby
So….my first four months were spent head in the can…literally. I thought I’d NEVER run/exercize again! I had gone from a regular exercize plan of maybe 5 times a week to my exercise consisting of head thrusts in the toilet! Sorry,..tmi!? anyway i FINALLY felt better at four months and starting REALLY picking up my workouts. IT was seriously the ONLY thing that made me feel normal in my ever-continuing to feel different pregnant body. It also totally added to my energy level and has convinced me I will have a happier and healthier baby. possibly delivery?! let’s hope! anyway, I am due in TEN DAYS! ahhhh with my first baby (boy) and from month 4 til now (yesterday even) I have kept a 6 day a week exercise plan that for about 5 months straight was pool running 1hr and 15 min and this past month or so has moved to walking (about 3-4 miles) to “walk the baby down ” hehe anyway, i feel healthier and happier than ever and super excited! Caitlin- you look amaaaaaaing! and congrats on the casa!
I think it’s great that you talk about not running during your pregnancy here. Sometimes, people read blogs and compare themselves to the blogger when everyone is different so it’s nice to see someone say, hey, I didn’t run. I did other things. I love how healthy your blog is!
p.s. I am getting off of hormonal birth control!! (because of you – well not all because of you, but because you sparked an interest for me)
wahoo! that’s the way to be.
I am 8 weeks now and have completely given up running due to morning sickness. I live in Florida and cannot even fathom working up a sweat in our heat right now. Once morning sickness passes I plan to follow your lead and learn to love walking, but inside, in a my gym, because I’m a baby!
I’m with you…running and pregnancy didn’t mix for me either (after about 16 weeks). Kettlebells were where it was at for this momma!
Please share if you do find a heartburn remedy- I’ve started to experience it at 26 weeks and it stinks! (I’ve never really had heartburn before). So far limiting spicy foods, chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, etc has helped but I miss the spicy foods and chocolate!
And yes, I think a house definitely counts as a baby-related purchase!
I walked a lot during pregnancy. 3-5 miles on most days, as much as possible on the others. It was good for me, good for the baby, and it helped with recovery after my c-section.
Maybe whisper your choice for a baby name at night while he’s sleeping and you’ll brainwash him to pick your name too!
Good for you for staying active during your pregnancy! It will definitely help come labor time. I’m currently 34 weeks pregnant with baby #3. I’m also blessed in that I was and have been very active through all my pregnancies. That doesn’t mean they’ve been easy pregnancies – many unplanned hospital visits among other things – but exercising has helped. I’m still exercising 5 times a week. I had to stop running three weeks ago, but am still weight lifting, yoga, elliptical, and cardio kickboxing.
My parents joked that it would have been war if I would have been a boy because they both had such strong opinions on the boy names. So, maybe that means you’re having a girl, too. 😉
Awww
You have done a great job keeping active! You will be so thankful that you have stuck with you walks etc when it is time for labor. I walked 5-6 miles a day about 6 days a week until my daughter was born. Including the day I gave birth. I was back walking one week postpartum and running at 4 weeks. I definitely think my recovery was easier because I stayed active.
Caitlin,
Even though I don’t know you, I’m proud of you! The way you can just admit that something isn’t working, accept your disappointment, and move on is really inspiring to everyone. We all have to do that at some point! You’re in great shape, and kudos to you for doing what is right for your body!
Stacy
I did the same as you – walking to dogs, stretches, and swimming with all three of mine kids.
I would just like to point out how awesome that maternity shirt looks on you! I love it. You are the cutest pregnant mommy!
Congrats on the new house!
Rockin’ that bump and those 25 pounds, girl! You look fantastic.
On the name front – do both your and the husband’s favourites sound good with Boyle? Does one set of initials look better? You can always keep the other name for the next boy….!
Hmm what do you think?
JKB or HKB?
Hmmmm…trying to figure out the J or the H…ha! I think JKB sounds cute
I think that I agree, but either would be fine…really hard to say without knowing the actual names. As long as the “H” name isn’t Harry – Harry Boyle would just be…well, oh my!
)
Oh, wow…now I’m really hoping that it ISN’T actually Harry! If so, I am SOO sorry for being a name invader!!!
Haha it is not Harry, don’t worry.
I failed at exercising after about week 16.
I ran a half-marathon almost exactly a year ago and found out I was pregnant the next day! Then I joined a 15k class, but by 12 weeks I was so uncomfortable. I felt like I had to pee constantly when I ran even if I had just used the restroom. And it was getting hot…80-85 degrees at 6 am (stupid Texas), so I couldn’t really say I wasn’t getting overheated. I just wish I had picked up another activity instead.
I definitely admire you for trying to be a pregnant runner and staying so active! So many women probably use pregnancy as an excuse to take it easy and let go of their active routines, but being active is great for both mom and baby, even if it isn’t always easy! Great job for making it work and finding other active alternatives!!
Your experience mirrored mine, especially with baby #1 (by #2 I was more realistic about my expectations because I already knew how pregnancy affected my running). I tried to run for as long as I could, but had to switch to walking pretty early on, and then had to quit walking fairly quickly after that–my hip ligaments and pelvis hurt soooo bad when I walked for exercise. Ugh! A good example of how everyone is different AND you cannot “force” plans through sheer will! At least not with pregnancy, you can’t!
(Similarly, I expected to bounce back fast and be running soon after her birth, but ended up on no-activity restriction for 10 weeks (and then minimal activity for some time after that) due to a horrible 4th-degree tear and major physical trauma from a 60-hour labor, 3.5 hrs. of pushing and a vacuum extraction! (Darn baby was stuck behind my pelvic bones, head-down but face-up.) Ugh, again! Anyway, it all ended up just fine; after baby #2 (who came almost exactly 2 years after #1) and after my full recovery from a C-section, I began using the Couch to 5K plan and that’s how I resumed my runner status in the end.
Congrats also on your attitude toward the pregnancy weight. If you are listening to your body it’s all doing what it’s supposed to do! Everyone’s pregnancy weight gain is different, too. Clearly your body needs this to fully grow your babe.
Thank you
Don’t worry about the weight gain! I put on 50lbs with both of my kids (my ob was freaking out the first time). I was only eating 300 extra calories in food (and probably consuming less than before due to cutting out my two glasses of wine per night!). I agree with you completely–for some reason my body needed to gain that much. I would have had to starve myself to keep it at 25lbs. I lost it all easily without trying very hard, which to me confirms that my body needed it. So, good for you for listening to your body!
Awwww, you look so cute and the picture of health! I ran to about 32 weeks of my pregnancy and experienced similar pain to what you did…my doc scared me by mentioning I could bring on early labor contractions so that did it for me! After that, it was walking all the way! Congrats on The Doctors and USA Today!!!
I love this question because I have two very different answers. With my first pregnancy, I was exhausted right away. I also always thought I’d be a pregnant, super-fit runner. Ehh not so much. Every little thing hurt. I stopped running practically the second after I peed on the stick. I gained 45 lbs and gave birth to a healthy, 7 lbs 10 oz little man. Fast forward 2 1/2 years. My husband, who has always worked close to home, was gone for police training academy, for the majority of the weeks of my 2nd pregnancy. I had a lot more on my plate, dealing with our 2 1/2 yr old, my job, him being gone…etc. The
We are due in July with our first, and like you we are not finding out the sex. We too have a 100% girls name but boys name? They are so much harder! We haven’t even decided on 2 disagree about
We’re completely the opposite of you two! We are due in July as well but unlike you and Caitlin we have the boys name picked our for sure and are debating between two girls names. I found girls names to be 100x harder to decide on.
…half of my previous comment got deleted, oops! The stress of everything made me NEED to run. I needed those endorphins! As a result, I ran up until 33 weeks, through the pain (that same groin pain you talked about), until I finally mentioned it to my OB and he scared me out of my running shoes with the talk of a prolapsed uterus. YIKES. I traded runnning for walking at that point and as a result gave birth to a 7 lb 6 oz healthy little guy, having gained 24 lbs during round 2 (amazing what running will do). I was able to get back to running very quickly postpartum and I am sure you will, too. Those goals you’ve set for yourself are not just motivational, they also require you to take time for yourself. You’re going to be great!
oh god a prolapsed uterus sounds terrifying. i dont blame you for stopping!
He actually used the phrase “your uterus can go splat on the sidewalk”!!!! I was absolutely horrified. He did his job well though, because if he hadn’t absolutely horrified me, I *may* have just kept going. Y’know. Because I’m just dangerous like that.
I think you have done a fantastic job at staying active!! I also think it is great that you were able to find exercises that worked for your body. You are a great example that it is possible to be fit and healthy while pregnant. Also, you look amazing
My first trimester I was so sick and basically got in about 10 walks the entire time. I went for my last run when I was 4 weeks (3 days before I found out I was pregnant) and it was the worst run I had ever had and it was downhill from there. I put on about 10 lbs my first trimester because I went from training for a half marathon, working out 5-6 days per week and eating well, to hanging out on the couch eating basically carbs and citrus. Finally around week 12 I started to feel better and by week 14 I was back to working out 3-4 days per week and since around week 18 (I’ll be 25 tomorrow) I have been going strong with 4-6 workouts per week consisting of 2-3 mile walks, weekly prenatal yoga and my Summer Sanders prenatal video.
I know the third trimester is just around the corner and that energy levels tend to drop but I am hoping to keep up with walks even if it means cutting back to 1.5-2 miles and I am now addicted to my prenatal yoga class, it makes a world of difference and is wonderful to connect with a room of other pregnant women.
I just finished typing up my 27 week update for tomorrow… and I said the same thing about my test. I never heard back, either. I hope that means it’s over! I do not want to do the 3 hour!
And I gained 25 pounds by 26 weeks. I’m well ahead of where I should be… Oh well! You look great, though!
You are so right – your body knows what it is doing so no need to stress about the weight gain. It’s not like you are eating McDonalds everyday for lunch – ya know?
I turn 35 weeks Friday and man I am feeling it! I am a lot more tired and not to mention swollen. I went to a medical supply store for some support hose and they had to measure my ankles/calves in order to get a proper fit. Let’s just say my left ANKLE may or may not have measured 9 and 3/4 inches.
But so worth it in the end, right??? Can’t wait!
One of my very good friends is a half marathoner (and a speedy one, at that!) She’s done sports all her life but when she got pregnant she could barely walk without getting dizzy spells. I wonder if it had to do with her tiny frame (and not necessarily talking weight here, but rather her exceptionally slight built). She had to give up running while pregnant but once she was clear to run she was back at it again and eventually booking half marathons again. I guess you can just never tell how your body will react to pregnancy.
Funny side note: until that friend got pregnant (my first good friend who lived near me to do so) I totally thought you could not only run, but also play soccer into your third trimester. I always imagined myself to be an eight-month prego lady on the soccer field!!
Boy was I shocked (and soooooooooooooo disappointed) when she had to immediately stop playing after learning she was pregnant. Hah!
Hahah is that because the ball could’ve been kicked into the bump!?
You look beautiful!!! Oh man, BabyHTP is giving me baby fever
Love that shirt on you!!
I also completely stopped running. The biggest reason for me was the exertion – I just didn’t feel comfortable getting out of breath while running on a hill. I’ve been on maybe 4 runs since I’ve been pregnant, and I do miss it at times, but I don’t miss it nearly as much as I would if I weren’t pregnant.
The way I explained it to my friend yesterday: I run for stress-relief, cardio, race preparation, weight management, mental clarity and to be outside. I can do all of these things while walking (since I’m lucky to have the time to walk) so there’s just NOTHING motivating to run.
Caitlin, I agree with everyone else: you look gorgeous. As I was saying to a colleague the other day, some babies just need a bit more supporting infrastructure, so whether you gain 20, 40 or however many lbs, I so agree that if you’re treating your body well, then the number is both perfect and meaningless. Also, some women just grow faster at certain stages. I didn’t gain any weight and then suddenly, between weeks 24-34 I gained like 17 lbs all at once! Bodies are smart and sophisticated, so no worries. I’ve had a great pregnancy (since all-day sickness tapered off) and I do swim, walk steep hill repeats and lift weights for a total of about 5 workouts per week. I actually felt most exhausted and rough in the early 30′s but since week 34 (I’m at 37 now), I’ve been feeling awesome and energized – so hopefully there’s some relief in sight for you! Keep it up on all fronts and make sure you take lots of time to rest and enjoy your pregnancy, even despite the many “life” things going on. Good luck!
thank you k!!
I ran until about 28 weeks and kept up walking and elliptical 3-4 days a week until about 38 weeks. At the end it was just enough exercise being on my feet all day keeping up w my physically demanding job (teacher). I really felt amazing until about 39 weeks then I was done w pregnancy and thankfully I had Isabelle at 38 weeks 5 days haha. My dr said it was bc I kept healthy and active throughout my pregnancy. I had an easy birth (i had the epidural though those labor pains are no joke haha) i was up and going for light walks at 1 week after giving birth and I just went for my first run yesterday at 3 weeks after giving birth. You will be amazed at how quickly your body bounces back!
I am 30 weeks and have gained 30 lbs, but I say the same thing. I am eating healthy, and my body will do what it needs to. Just more motivation to get more active again after baby!
Your belly is getting big! I will be interested to hear how things go for you when you start shaving again now that your belly will be in the way – it is even more difficult than I imagined, and I don’t just mean my legs!
hahah i know, i can’t even see my tattoo anymore, which is weirrrrd.
So, I work for Gannett, the company that owns USA Today & I cannot tell you how excited I was to see you in the paper today! I’m so happy that you’re getting so much exposure! Congratulations!
Thanks Alicia!
You look amazing and I am glad you are ok with the number. I agree that your body will just figure things out! I hope I can stay super active when I get pregnant but if not, that will be ok too!
Wow, you only have 10 weeks left.. crazy!! You look great!
I always thought I’d be the pregnant lady taking Body Pump and things like spin…but I ended up sticking with walking and prenatal yoga. It felt just right for me, so I went with it.
In my first pregnancy I ran until I was 8 1/2 months along and the Braxton Hicks got a little too intense.
This time around…..definitely no running (toddlers aren’t easy to run with) but I’m still trying to stay active with yoga, housework, yardwork and walks when the weather is nice enough.
My stance on baby naming is this: The person expelling the human being from their body gets the final say.
I like this!!!
Agreed. I’m not anywhere ready to be pregnant but I’ve already relayed this to Hubs. I think he will be okay once he sees what I have to go through. HA
Good for you for doing what is best for YOUR pregnant body! Even If you had to give up running (for the time being), you have totally rocked exercise, nutrition, etc. & you look fantastic!
I remember those stupid charts that would tell you what you should have gained by this point. They drove me crazy! I found that some weeks I’d go up 2 pounds and some weeks none, so it all evened itself out in the end! …which I can’t believe it getting so close for you. Exciting!
No one called about your GDM results?! Annoying. I’d recommend to double check just in case even though I’d think the same if they haven’t called.
And aren’t you in the 25-35# wt gain category? So you’re on track!
I gained 39 total and felt kind of like I was gaining too much but felt similar to you – that I was doing what I should be doing as far as nourishment. Lo and hehold, three days after delivery I was down 22. So really it depends on the person/body/pregnancy. Those ranges are for a loose idea.
I stopped running around 5 months because my bladder couldn’t take it. But I continued to workout for at least 45 mins to an hour 5-6 times/week up until 2 days before I had my daughter. I did the elliptical a lot, rode a stationary bike and walked at the highest incline possible on the treadmill. I also threw in weights here and there and did yoga once a week.
I think it really helped keep weight gain under control, I gained 32lbs, as well as helped me have a fast labor and delivery and easy recovery. Losing the weight wasn’t so bad either.
You don’t know “uncomfortable” until Week 36-end. Just a warning!
Totally agree!
I totally understand what you’re going through!!! I really, really wanted to be a pregnant runner too. After I had a miscarriage after Marine Corps Marathon I was too scared to run while pregnant. Although the marathon and miscarriage were not related and the doctor told me it was fine to run with this pregnancy I was just too terrified. So the minute I found out I was pregnant I gave up running and started walking. I am a mentor for Team in Training and get sad when everyone starts off on their run and I am behind them walking along. However, on Saturday I walked 8 miles and was so proud of myself, so I’m slowly getting over my running envy. I am trying to focus on getting excited about post-baby running instead! I wish I were comfortable in the pool because I would love to swim but I know nothing about swimming except how not to drown! I’ve loved following your pregnancy and how well you’ve adjusted. I think your attitude is so encouraging!
I’m so sorry about your miscarriage but so happy to hear you are pregnant again
Thank you. Me too on both!
Hi Caitlin,
I was no where near as dedicated as you with my running but I tried to do at least 2 or 3 3-mile runs a week before I got pregnant. I think I ran for about 4 weeks when I got pregnant last October and it was reduced down to something like 2-miles (if that!) twice a week! I was really hoping I was going to be one of those runners that ran all the way up until their due date but I was really not enjoying the bump moving around either. Now I find it so hard just walking around my yard with my pup I can’t even imagine going for a run. I can’t wait to see what your plans are for after baby comes and hopefully it will inspire me to get back on track when baby comes!
We’re also having a really hard time with boy names. I have used every tool out there to find the perfect name but none of them are sticking. Good luck!
You ran for 16 weeks and that is amazing! I am sidelined with yet another injury and it does really stink. But, these are times to slow down, listen to your body and learn the lessons you need to.
You have done an awesome job with staying active during pregnancy! I’ve never been pregnant but I couldn’t imagine running while pregnant!
I love these posts and I am storing them all mentally for when I have a little one growing in me.
Specifically in this post, I am glad you shared that you aren’t a pregnancy runner. I will try to keep up physical activity as much as I can, but running with a bouncing belly does not sound fun! I did know a lady who was going for a run when her water broke…yep she ran throughout her ENTIRE pregnancy! Crazy!
I hope your uncomfortable issues get better!! Thanks for sharing this post!
I was hoping that I’d be one of those pregnant runners too and I was thrilled and grateful that I was able to run a half marathon this past Sunday at 19 weeks. I felt really good, took it really slow, stopped at every water station and every bathroom…I’m happy I did it but I’m also happy it’s over. I hope to continue running 3 or 4 times a week but much shorter distances. I’ve found that I enjoy running so much more now, which I didn’t think was possible! But, I am so humbled by what my body can do, so grateful because I know of so many women who couldn’t work out or simply did not feel like it, and so happy that the baby is getting something good out of my workouts. I think you’ve done a great job staying active and I’m hoping that we’ll all be much better for it when it comes to labor and recovery!!!
I hope to keep active if I get pregnant, but I don’t really care what the activity is as long as I can do it!
Yeah, F those charts. I was freaking out because I was above what some website told me but my OB said I was doing really well. So I guess she knows better.
I can’t lie and say I’ve been eating like an angel. There has been some Jessica Simpson-like “I’M PREGNANT I’M EATING IT” rationale over here but I have been exercising and eating healthy otherwise and talking to my RD so I think I’ll be okay. I hope.
Just reading this post, as I’m now 29 weeks pregnant. Interesting how we can’t predict how our athletic bodies will behave when pregnant. I’m still playing competitive tennis and running — two things people told me would probably not feel good by this point. (They feel great) But surprisingly, I can’t bike or go to spin class without getting cramps in my abs. I’ve always seen pregnant ladies in spin class, so I assumed it would be great low impact exercise. I think it’s the bent over position for me. Anyhow, just goes to show that everybody’s body is very different, and you just have to listen to your own body and do what feels good! Your baby boy is super cute…..Henry is actually one of our top three names right now, though we keep changing them.