I am beyond thrilled to share a comprehensive recap of my second trimester, marking a truly transformative period in my first pregnancy journey. This update delves into everything from my evolving diet and persistent symptoms to the incredible milestones we’ve celebrated as we prepare for our little one’s arrival.
It’s truly astonishing to think that I’m now firmly in the third trimester, and our precious baby will be here in April! While it still feels somewhat distant, the reality is that the countdown has truly begun. The past three months have been a whirlwind of growth and change, both for me and our little one. I find myself falling deeper in love with this tiny human every single day. My body continues to undergo remarkable transformations, doing things I never imagined possible, and our baby has grown tremendously. Even my daily routine has shifted dramatically from life before pregnancy. So, I’m excited to offer an in-depth look at my second-trimester experience – the joys, the challenges, the symptoms, and all the valuable lessons learned.
Before diving into the details, I want to share a few important considerations for my readers:
- If you haven’t yet, please read my first-trimester recap first! That post covers the initial stages, including fertility, conception, and early pregnancy symptoms like debilitating nausea and specific food aversions, which won’t be extensively covered here.
- I understand that pregnancy can be a sensitive topic for many individuals, for a multitude of personal reasons. If you prefer to skip any pregnancy-related content from me, please prioritize your well-being and energy above all else.
- I am not a medical professional, a doctor, or an expert in pregnancy. This account is purely my personal journey and experiences, and none of the information shared should be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and support throughout your own pregnancy.
Second Trimester Milestones and Medical Updates
Anatomy Scan & Gestational Diabetes Test: Ensuring Baby’s Health
One of the most anticipated moments of the second trimester was our anatomy scan, performed at 18 weeks. This comprehensive ultrasound is designed to meticulously check the baby’s development, organ formation, and overall growth. We were incredibly relieved and grateful when all the results came back perfectly, indicating a healthy and thriving baby. This scan provided immense reassurance and a beautiful opportunity to see our little one in more detail.
Around 26 and a half weeks, I also underwent the gestational diabetes screening test. My birth center offered a slightly different approach, allowing me to choose a fruit juice instead of the standard sugary drink often provided by traditional OB offices, which I deeply appreciated. Passing this test was another significant milestone, confirming that this aspect of my health was on track for a healthy pregnancy.
Unveiling the Gender: A Dream Come True
We had previously done a sneak peek gender test at about 10 weeks, but I wasn’t entirely confident in my self-administration of the test, leaving some room for doubt about the results. However, our anatomy scan unequivocally confirmed that we are expecting a boy! This news filled me with an indescribable joy, as I’ve always envisioned myself as a “boy mom” and felt a strong intuition that I would have sons. We’ve chosen a name for our baby boy, but we’ve decided to keep it a special secret until his birth, adding another layer of anticipation to our journey.
Embracing the Journey: Travel, Health, and Well-being
Traveling in the Second Trimester: Our Babymoon Adventure
At 22 weeks pregnant, we embarked on our babymoon to Leavenworth, WA, a trip that truly felt like an absolute dream. The flight itself was surprisingly comfortable, and we were fortunate enough to find affordable tickets that allowed us to upgrade to more spacious seats, which made a huge difference in my comfort level. I felt that traveling with Daniel during this particular phase of pregnancy was ideal. My early pregnancy nausea had largely subsided, and I had a decent amount of energy that allowed us to explore the town on foot without feeling overly fatigued.
For those considering a babymoon, here are a few insights based on my experience:
- Timing is Key: 22 Weeks Was My Sweet Spot! I later joined Daniel on a business trip to Key West when I was 27 weeks, and the difference in comfort was significant. By then, sleeping became challenging, movement was more laborious, and the warmer weather took a much greater toll on me. The mid-second trimester truly felt like the perfect window for comfortable travel.
- Choose an Active, Relaxed Destination: Opt for a location where you can enjoy plenty of walking, ideally one that isn’t overly crowded. Leavenworth provided the perfect balance, allowing us to stroll leisurely without overexerting ourselves. I certainly wasn’t up for skiing or intense activities, so a calm environment conducive to gentle walks was absolutely essential for me.
- Prioritize Dining Out Options: While we booked a room with a full kitchen, primarily for peace of mind, my main goal for the babymoon was relaxation, which included minimizing cooking. Prior to pregnancy, I often packed staples like canned tuna and lunch meat, but my preferences and tolerances had changed. Having a variety of places to eat out, especially those offering healthy options, was incredibly important. I highly recommend researching restaurants in advance to ensure they align with your dietary needs and preferences. Destinations like Leavenworth, Austin, and Portland are known for their vibrant and health-conscious food scenes.
Managing Hashimoto’s During Pregnancy
While not every individual experiences the same outcome, I’ve been incredibly fortunate that my Hashimoto’s disease has remained very manageable throughout my pregnancy. I’ve worked in close collaboration with my doctor to maintain this stability, and thankfully, I haven’t encountered any significant issues. It’s a testament to consistent care and proactive management.
My approach to managing Hashimoto’s has involved several key strategies:
- Team Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: I maintain open and regular communication with my doctor, who specializes in thyroid management, and keep my midwives fully informed. While my midwives are fantastic, thyroid conditions typically require specialized medical oversight, so a consistent dialogue with my primary doctor is essential.
- Frequent Testing for Optimal Levels: As advised by my doctor, I undergo thyroid testing approximately every 6-8 weeks. This regular monitoring allows us to promptly identify any fluctuations and make necessary adjustments. Fortunately, my numbers have consistently normalized further as my pregnancy has progressed.
- Adherence to Prescribed Medication: I continue to take my prescribed medication as directed. I consciously choose not to elaborate on the specific medication here, as every individual’s needs are unique, and I wouldn’t want to inadvertently confuse or mislead anyone on their own journey to deviate from their doctor’s professional advice. It’s crucial to consult with your own healthcare provider regarding your specific treatment plan.
- Nourishing My Body Through Diet: Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet has been a cornerstone of my Hashimoto’s management. I’ll delve more into the specifics of my pregnancy diet below.
Navigating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder During Pregnancy
My journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) began after years of struggle, leading to a diagnosis and significant healing through therapy, as I detailed in my previous post on OCD. The tools and strategies I learned in therapy have been instrumental in my progress. However, the profound responsibility and anticipation of pregnancy brought forth a whole new set of triggers and anxieties that I initially struggled to recognize.
The immense weight of being responsible for the growth and well-being of a brand new human amplified my OCD, which primarily manifests in “checking” compulsions. I found myself engaging in repetitive behaviors such as re-checking expiration dates on food items multiple times, verifying the temperature of cooked meat obsessively, and constantly searching the internet for pregnancy advice. New fears also emerged, particularly concerning contamination, leading to additional compulsions. For a period, I didn’t even realize these behaviors were manifestations of my OCD, and I was truly struggling. It wasn’t until my husband gently brought it to my attention that the pieces started to click. I revisited the therapeutic tools I had learned, and the power of self-awareness in managing my mental illness proved invaluable. Combining this awareness with my coping strategies has significantly improved my manageability over the past several weeks.
Despite this progress, I know this is an ongoing journey. I anticipate that the actual arrival of our baby boy may very well re-trigger some of these anxieties. I am incredibly grateful to have a supportive therapist (whose information is linked in the post above) whom I can turn to for further guidance and support, whenever and if ever needed.
Lifestyle Adaptations: Exercise and Diet
My Evolving Exercise Routine
Just before becoming pregnant, I was in a fantastic workout routine, feeling strong and energetic. My focus was on high-intensity classes like kickboxing and boot camp, designed to elevate my heart rate. Then, the first trimester hit, and I was completely sidelined. The severe nausea made it impossible to even walk around the house without feeling sick.
By the time my nausea began to subside and I started feeling better, my midwife expressed a slight concern about me immediately jumping back into my previous, higher-intensity workouts, especially given that those weren’t necessarily the most beneficial for pregnancy. I initially tried Pilates but found myself having to modify so extensively that it didn’t justify the cost. Currently, my routine centers around light hand-weight and bodyweight exercises performed at home, such as squats and lunges, complemented by plenty of walking. My midwives emphasized the importance of maintaining pelvic mobility and building strength and stamina specifically for birth, and this current regimen feels perfectly aligned with those goals.
A Look at My Pregnancy Diet
Many people have asked if I’m continuing to follow an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet while pregnant, and the answer is no. I had successfully reintroduced many foods prior to pregnancy, and surprisingly, I’ve found myself tolerating an even broader range of foods since becoming pregnant. It’s a common, though not universal, phenomenon for women to experience a remission of autoimmune issues during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts, which I believe has contributed to my increased food tolerance. My approach to discerning what I could and could not tolerate was simply to listen intently to my body. Grains and dairy, in particular, were foods I craved, and as I hadn’t experienced severe issues with them in the past, it felt worthwhile to explore their reintroduction.
It’s crucial to note, however, that while I’ve expanded my diet, it still bears a strong resemblance to my pre-pregnancy eating habits. I am acutely aware that autoimmune conditions can often flare significantly after pregnancy, so I am not consuming absolutely everything under the sun. I understand my body’s limitations and strive to maintain a balanced approach.
Here’s a breakdown of my current dietary boundaries:
Foods I’ve Been Able to Tolerate More Of:
- Cheese: My absolute obsession! Especially Gouda and Babybel cheese. I eat these almost daily.
- Seeds: While not a major part of my diet before, I’m now regularly incorporating flax and chia seeds.
- More Grains: This has been the most significant dietary shift, opening up possibilities for gluten-free bread and other grain-based options.
Foods I Still Actively Avoid:
- Gluten
- Cow’s milk & yogurt (these still cause issues for me)
- Egg whites (though I frequently enjoy egg yolks)
- Soy
- Canola oil and all other seed oils
- Nightshades
- Many tree nuts (due to an allergy to most nuts, with almonds being an exception)
- Excessive caffeine (I primarily drink decaf coffee and occasionally have a caffeinated tea)
My Go-To Meals and Snacks:
Breakfasts: I often eat lunch or dinner leftovers for breakfast, but my favorite traditional “breakfast” meal is a delightful sandwich featuring Bread Srsly sourdough sandwich buns, scrambled egg yolks, sauerkraut, crispy bacon, and pesto, typically served with a side of fresh fruit. Delicious!
Frequent Lunches & Dinners:
- Ground beef, rice, and broccoli (a comforting and satisfying combination during the second trimester)
- Shrimp tacos (I carefully weigh my fish intake each week to ensure I stay within recommended pregnancy limits)
- Salads with sardines (a nutrient-packed option)
- Butternut bison chili (a hearty recipe from my cookbook)
- Italian chicken nuggets & tenders with my signature nomato sauce
- Chicken teriyaki (a flavorful and easy option)
Snacks:
- Gouda and Babybel cheese
- Bread Srsly or Siete tortillas topped with almond butter and jam
- Simple Mills crunchy cookies
Core Dietary Principles I Emphasize:
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water daily is non-negotiable for overall health and pregnancy well-being.
- Protein Intake: I aim for a minimum of 80g of protein each day, crucial for both my health and baby’s growth.
- Daily Vegetables: Ensuring a consistent intake of various vegetables for essential vitamins and fiber.
- Self-Compassion: Granting myself grace and allowing myself to truly enjoy food, as I always have.
My Second Trimester Symptoms: The Good, The Bad, and The Unavoidable
Nausea: The Lingering Battle
As I detailed extensively in my first-trimester recap, my nausea was incredibly severe. It began to taper off around 18-20 weeks, but I still entered the second trimester experiencing fairly frequent episodes of vomiting. My decision to take doctor-recommended medication for nausea (detailed in the first-trimester recap) was a critical one; at one point, I couldn’t keep down any food or water, putting me on a fast track to hospitalization. There was one particularly rough day where nothing stayed down, leaving me with debilitating hunger cramps and dizziness – a situation that was simply not sustainable. Accepting conventional medicine’s help didn’t entirely erase my nausea (I was still vomiting about twice a day), but it allowed me to retain enough food and water to maintain some stability, even though I still lost 10 pounds in the first trimester. As I transitioned into the second trimester, I was very anxious about still needing the medication.
Around 15 weeks, with my doctor’s guidance, I attempted to taper off the nausea support. However, I found myself spending the following day confined to bed, unable to move or eat. My midwife offered invaluable reassurance, emphasizing that it was far more important for me to be mobile and consume a healthy diet than to agonize over being medication-free. She reminded me that some women require nausea support throughout their entire pregnancies and still go on to have perfectly healthy babies. This perspective was precisely what I needed to hear. I continued with the necessary support until approximately the 18-20 week mark. While the following weeks were still a bit rocky, the persistent fog of nausea eventually lifted, and now I only experience very rare occurrences, mostly triggered by car rides.
Fatigue and Interrupted Sleep: The Reality of “Enjoy Sleeping Now”
The advice “Enjoy sleeping now!” is a common refrain during pregnancy, but honestly, consistent, uninterrupted sleep became a luxury even before I conceived! While I did have a few wonderful weeks in the second trimester where my sleep was excellent, these were interspersed with periods of insomnia and multiple nocturnal trips to the bathroom. Many women report a surge of energy in the second trimester, but I personally never experienced a sustained, intense burst of energy. Fatigue began to creep back in towards the end of the second trimester and has hit me quite hard again in the third. Our baby is incredibly active in the middle of the night, often waking me up – but that’s a story for the next post!
My primary strategy is simply to take things easy and resist the urge to push myself too hard. Growing a human is an immense undertaking, and I am committed to honoring my body’s needs. While I continue to be as productive as possible with my work in preparation for maternity leave, I prioritize rest and self-care above all else.
Mood Swings: An Emotional Rollercoaster
The hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy definitely contributed to a rollercoaster of emotions. Some days found me inexplicably crying, while others were filled with euphoric happiness. Overall, I maintain a deep sense of contentment and joy; it’s simply that my emotions can fluctuate quite dramatically from one day to the next.
Feeling the Baby Move: My Favorite Pregnancy Joy
While not a “symptom” in the traditional sense, feeling my baby move is hands down my absolute favorite aspect of pregnancy and a common question I receive. I began feeling movement quite early; my first tiny flutter occurred around 13 weeks. It felt distinctly like the baby rolled and gently nudged my belly, confirming it wasn’t just gas. By 15 weeks, I was experiencing delicate taps, and by 18 weeks, I could already see my belly moving from the outside! Every passing week, the movements grow stronger and subtly change. Initially, they were mostly kicks, but they’ve evolved into distinct stretches, wiggles, head bumps, and rolls. Our baby boy is incredibly active and consistently responds when I drink Topo Chico! He also occasionally reacts to the sound of podcasts. Once I reached 26-27 weeks, he grew large enough to respond to belly rubs. Now, I can gently rub my belly, and he’ll wiggle or kick in response, which is truly the most magical feeling in the world.
During the second trimester, he was most active at night, but he consistently moved throughout the day, providing comforting reassurances. There were times I didn’t want to fall asleep, fearing I would miss out on feeling his precious movements!
Round Ligament Pain: A Growing Discomfort
The round ligaments stretch significantly to accommodate the growing uterus and baby during pregnancy, and I started noticing this pain in my first trimester. It definitely intensified in the second, leading to a few particularly bad days and episodes. Thankfully, I found some effective strategies for relief:
- Belly Band Support: Investing in a good belly band has been incredibly helpful. I wear it around the house occasionally, and it provides much-needed support, easing the strain on my ligaments.
- Chiropractic Care: I began seeing Dr. Tara, a Webster-certified chiropractor at my birthing center, and her adjustments have made a remarkable difference. She helps alleviate my round ligament pain, addresses neck discomfort, and assists in keeping my ever-shifting pelvis properly aligned.
Heartburn: The Unavoidable Reality of Pregnancy
Pregnancy heartburn is in a league of its own; it’s distinctly different from typical heartburn. The underlying causes are not the same, the remedies are often ineffective, and for me, the pain is far more intense. The anatomical changes within your body during pregnancy, such as the growing uterus pushing up against the stomach and hormones relaxing the esophageal sphincter, mean that some degree of heartburn can be unavoidable for many women. It’s simply not as straightforward as “just avoid tomatoes and you’ll be fine!” I wish it were that simple, or I wouldn’t be experiencing any issues at all.
It often seems irrelevant what I eat or when I eat it; some days, the heartburn is just incredibly relentless. I’m avoiding Tums due to corn starch not agreeing with me, so diluting apple cider vinegar in water has offered some relief, taking the edge off slightly. Regardless, it’s a challenging symptom, but I remind myself that it won’t last forever.
Dry and Bloodshot Eyes: A Hormonal Side Effect
Around 20-23 weeks, I developed a troubling bloodshot spot in my eye that initially caused me a lot of concern. As a food photographer, my eye health is paramount – I literally need these eyes for my profession! I promptly scheduled an appointment with an ophthalmologist, who reassured me that he found only minor irritation and dryness, nothing serious. He suggested trying to wear my contact lenses less frequently, which surprisingly did the trick! I’ve historically noticed issues wearing my contacts during my menstrual cycle, attributing it to hormonal shifts, so this experience aligned with that pattern. My old glasses were incredibly worn out, so I treated myself to a new pair from Warby Parker as a necessary pregnancy gift. Getting glasses that actually look good and aren’t so scratched that I can barely see through them felt like the self-care move of the decade! Ultimately, my eyes were fine, and dry eye can be a common, albeit annoying, pregnancy symptom. Luckily, it was an easy fix!
Bleeding Gums and Nosebleeds: Increased Blood Volume at Play
Bleeding gums are a fairly common symptom during pregnancy, primarily due to increased blood volume and hormonal changes that make gum tissue more sensitive. I also used to experience nosebleeds as a teenager when my hormones were more volatile, and they’ve made a reappearance, though in a much milder form. While my nosebleeds aren’t nearly as intense as they were in my youth, they are still noticeable, even if extremely light.
Stuffy Nose: Another Common Pregnancy Nuisance
A constantly stuffy nose is yet another frequent pregnancy symptom. I seem to be forever blowing my nose these days!
Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Third Trimester
The third trimester brings with it a wave of anticipation and a long list of exciting preparations:
- My Baby Shower: I’m eagerly looking forward to celebrating with loved ones! I’ll be sharing a registry post very soon.
- Maternity Photos: You all know how much I love capturing special moments, and I’m dreaming of some truly stunning maternity photos. I’m hoping to find some vintage pieces that fit the aesthetic I envision!
- Finishing the Nursery: We are almost there with the nursery! It’s been a labor of love, and I’ll be sharing more details about its completion soon.
- Birthing Classes and CPR: We’ve already begun our birthing classes, which have been incredibly informative, and also completed a crucial CPR class.
- Interviewing Doulas: Initially, I wasn’t set on having a doula, mostly because I wasn’t very knowledgeable about their role. However, after starting our birthing classes, Daniel and I both realized how much we desire the extra support, especially as first-time parents planning a natural birth at a birthing center.
- Preparing the Blog for Maternity Leave: An average recipe blog post takes me 6-8 hours to create from start to finish, and I typically publish around three posts a week. Maintaining this schedule with a newborn will be impossible. Therefore, I’m diligently preparing several weeks’ worth of content in advance, ensuring the blog won’t miss a beat while I’m on maternity leave.
- Stocking My Freezer: Freezer meal prep week is just around the corner, a crucial step for easing the transition into postpartum life.
- More Baby Kicks, Rolls, Wiggles, and Hiccups: I can’t wait to continue feeling his stronger movements and deepen our bond every single day.
- And Finally, Meeting Our Sweet Baby!! My official due date is April 16th, but ultimately, his birthday will be entirely up to him – unless, of course, he decides to stay in there too long and my midwives need to intervene, but we’ll address that bridge when we come to it!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my second-trimester recap! I am genuinely looking forward to sharing more of this incredible journey with you all.