Pregnancy Update: 5 Months

Thank you for all the love and well wishes! Bobby and I are SO excited to become parents and start this new journey together. I am currently 22 weeks pregnant and FINALLY have a bump to show! Introducing my little baby bump…

How’s it going?

This isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I was really lucky and had an “easy” first trimester. But now that I’m well into my second trimester, I’m having a hard time digesting some of the changes my body is going through.

I always thought I’d be the one who would document my pregnancy week to week, with cute outfits and photos of comparable fruits. But since I wasn’t showing the first 20 weeks, I felt like it was unnecessary to take the same photo of my “regular” belly each week. Now that I am showing, I’m having a hard time feeling confident with my new shape.

At my last OB appointment (18 weeks), the doctor said I had gained 8 pounds…which was right on track with the formula “10 pounds the first 20 weeks, and 20 pounds the last 20 weeks”. But I wasn’t processing that news very well. My body was changing and I couldn’t control it. I didn’t have a bump to show for, so I kept wondering where the weight went. My arms? My breasts? My hips? The insecurities started.

When Bobby and I had our engagement photos taken, I realized I was the heaviest I’d ever been. I didn’t like seeing myself in the photos, which motivated me to take control of my health. So I started going to Orange Theory Fitness three times a week and changed my diet. I quickly lost 20lbs and felt great! Over the past 3 years, I’ve tried to maintain the weight loss by going to the gym regularly and eating a plant-based diet. However, when I found out I was pregnant, I tried to go to the gym but I was so fatigued and all I wanted to eat was carbs. Luckily, I hadn’t gained any weight in my first trimester. But between my 12-week and 18-week appointments, I gained 8lbs. That’s 8lbs in 6 weeks! Hence feeling I lost control of my body and the flashbacks to our engagement photos.

Plus, I couldn’t find any flattering maternity clothes. I was too big for my pre-pregnancy clothes and too small for maternity clothes. I went to the mall a few weeks ago and aside from Destination Maternity (A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity), none of the other stores carried maternity (Old Navy, H&M, department stores). If I wanted to try on maternity items, I’d have to buy them online and then try them on at home. Our nearby Target has a REALLY small maternity section with the basics (jeans, t-shirts, tanks) but nothing for my work wardrobe. There’s a consignment shop nearby that I’ll check out, but I’m not finding very many outfits that make me feel confident.

I never thought I’d be like this.

I thought I’d embrace pregnancy and all of the changes that came with it. And before getting pregnant, I knew I’d gain weight and was comfortable with that idea. Maybe it’s the fear of gaining more weight than I’m “suppose” to. Could it be the fear of not being able to lose weight after the baby is here? Maybe it’s seeing my family and friends struggle with weight loss after having a baby. I’m not sure where the insecurity is coming from, but it’s definitely there and a real thing I’m struggling with.

I finally decided that the only thing I can control is the quality of food I eat and making sure I regularly exercise. And exercise doesn’t have to mean Orange Theory Fitness, running or weightlifting. It can simply be walking the dog for 30 minutes every day. With that mindset, I’ve started to feel stronger, more confident, and embrace the changes ahead.

How is Bobby handling all of the changes?

Bobby has been extremely supportive, encouraging and understanding. He tells me all the time how beautiful I am and how great I look in my outfits!

Every Sunday we read the weekly updates on Baby G’s developments. Once he found out that the baby can hear outside of the womb, he’s been talking to it. Most of the time he says “Come on Baby G! Kick for Dada!” It’s very sweet and one of my favorite memories thus far.

He has been a HUGE help around the house. In my first trimester, he did all of the cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping. I was just too tired to do anything! We recently moved into a new apartment and he did a LOT of the packing and moving (with the help of some friends and family — but I was completely useless).

He’s attended all of my prenatal appointments, even the 5-minute check-ins to take my vitals. He’s very adamant about being involved and is excited to be a dad. I’m overjoyed and excited to be able to see him become a father.

Have you picked out any names?

We have a handful of names that we like for a boy and girl, but nothing is set in stone. I’d like to have a few options available and make a decision after we meet the baby. Some of our front runners are on the Top 10 Baby Names of 2018 list…so we’re trying to find some less popular alternatives.

If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments below!

Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?

I go back and forth daily. Right now I’m 60% boy and 40% girl. The baby has been SO active the past few weeks — kicking and moving ALL day and ALL night — that all I can think is that I have a little Bobby in my belly. My overall pregnancy symptoms are in line with a boy, too (no morning sickness, fewer mood swings, less acne / glowing skin, craving salty foods). But I have a gut feeling that I’m going to have a girl. We’ll have to wait and see!

Thanks for keeping up with Baby G’s progress! If you have any questions you’d like me to answer, leave them in the comments below and I’ll add them to my next pregnancy update.

-L