Pregnancy Update: 24 Weeks

HOW FAR ALONG: 24 weeks
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TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: I’m currently 138 pounds or I was at my 23/24 week appointment, which means I have gained 8 pounds. This is on the lighter side of an average weight gain, but I am 100% sure that my weight will shoot up over this next four week period. My girlfriend that I normally see weekly, who I hadn't seen in two weeks, said my belly had finally popped! I'm still eating very healthy but my diet seems to be off given that my stomach continues to shrink. I am much more full at meals eating quantities that normally wouldn't make me so full so quickly. Like I said, this is more of a mind trip because I am used to eating a decent sized lunch and still being hungry for dinner. Nowadays if I eat a bigger lunch I am not at all hungry for dinner.

WORKOUTS: I have officially given up on my runs at this point in my pregnancy *tear*. Similar to my first pregnancy, I recently developed sciatica, which is a shooting pain in my lower back. Normally, this is caused from the baby being positioned on a particular nerve that causes this shooting pain either in your back or leg. Pairing that with my decreased ab strength and constant need to pick Lincoln up - a 25 pound tank - my back isn't feeling so great. During my last two runs, my back started hurting and I also had intense cramping in my uterus. As a result, I thought it would be best to give up my runs for the time being. If I really wanted to keep my runs up, I would consider investing in some sort of belly band or belly sports bra to help relieve the pressure of my growing belly. I just don't want to waste money if these products don't actually work. You know what I mean? Any recommendations are welcome! Over the last week or so, I have gotten more into yoga. I prefer running but at least feel like I'm getting a bit of a workout if I do yoga over nothing. Like running, yoga has also presented some challenges at this point in my pregnancy because I am limited in my types of movements I can do. For instance, stepping up from a plank into Warrior II, my belly gets in the way of my lunge position. But hey, at least I'm getting  a workout in and that is all that counts! 

MATERNITY CLOTHES: My old maternity clothes that I wore during my pregnancy with Lincoln are still a little too big for me, but I am sure that they will fit soon. Leggings and dresses are still my faves.

STRETCH MARKS: None yet, crossing my fingers not to get any! I didn't get any with Lincoln, so hoping this pregnancy will be the same.

SLEEP: Sleeping like a champ still. This pregnancy I really haven't had any sleep problems (knock on wood). Some mornings, I wake up early (even before Ryan which is abnormal), and am ready to start the day. Generally, I would sleep way past when Ryan wakes up. Maybe I am just excited or have that sort of pregnancy restlessness - although it is not affecting my nighttime sleep, just the morning wakefulness.

BEST MOMENTS RECENTLY:  Finding our new home in Nashville!, having Ry feel the baby move, feeling baby hiccup around 5 1/2 months and having Lincoln kiss my belly.

MISS ANYTHING: Missing my runs big time. I thought I'd be able to run all through my pregnancy, but it's okay :) Trying to stay positive. I am starting to miss DC and Georgetown and our friends even though we have not yet left.

MOVEMENT: Yes!  Felt hiccups twice. This baby is very active, constantly moving throughout the day. Lincoln was more of a sporadic mover - he would move like crazy but at only certain times during the day. This baby seems to be in a constant state of motion - I am always feeling those cute and crazy little kicks! If this baby has more energy that Lincoln, I am in for a ride...

FOOD CRAVINGS: Not so many cravings this time around, although I do crave peanut butter or almond butter at night before bed. It's a comfort thing..

ANYTHING MAKING YOU QEASY OR SICK: Nope. I can eat anything and everything, which I believe is why I have been able to stay so healthy this pregnancy. My first pregnancy, I had some food aversions which made it a little more difficult to stay healthy.

LABOR SIGNS: I've gotten Braxton Hicks twice. The worst was on a date night with Ry, we were walking around Target together and my belly felt so tight, I felt like I could barely catch my breath.

MOOD: Very positive but a little overwhelmed. Apparently, moving is one of the most stressful life events after divorce. How crazy is that? While I don't feel 100% stressed on the surface, I am starting to notice my mind is wandering and heart is racing at certain parts of the day. I am worrying a little bit more than normal. While I know that everything will end up the way as it should, I have stresses about selling our condo, getting the right price, ensuring our property is move-in ready, ensuring that we have the right furniture, trying to find the best prices on furniture, trying to pick the best/most economic refrigerator and washer/dryer, trying to create a budget for home fixtures and furniture, trying to stay within that budget but not purchase cheap stuff, etc. etc. etc.... All of these silly thoughts run through my head. I am grateful they are first world problems and nothing that I should truly be stressing about. I need to remind myself of how lucky I am and that everything will fall into place.

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Everything that is going on already and about to happen over the next few weeks/months. Phew!

xx,
​ILA