3rd trimester fuel
I’ve definitely eaten more pie and sweets in the 3rd trimester than any other. What can I say? ‘Tis the season and baby likes those treats!
[mom made gf brownies… I love her]
At the same time, I’m still focused on getting as many nutrient-dense foods as possible, since her brain is going through its biggest growth spurt right now. It made me sad to learn during one of our birth classes that many women often are told they’ve gained “too much weight” going into their 3rd trimester, so these women will cut down their food (and thus nutrient) intake at a crucial time for the baby. I’m happy with the amount of weight I’ve gained so far (24ish lbs- baby is measuring right on track), and am trying to get in as much of the good stuff as possible before she makes her debut.
You can read more this + the recommended nutrients I’ve been focusing on in *this post*
Here are some of the things I’ve been loving this trimester:
1) Beets
Iron, calcium, vitamins A and C. I’ll buy the pre-steamed ones from Trader Joe’s to make prep easier, and toss them in a salad. Goat cheese + beets = made for each other
2) Eggs
Now that I’ve been enjoying two yolks a day for the past couple of months, egg whites are so bland. I’m never going back.
3) Brown rice and brown rice toast
Manganese, selenium, and phytonutrients. I like a piece of toast almost everyday as a snack.
4) Salt and hot sauce on everything
Salt can help reduce swelling –my body also craves salty foods right now- and the hot sauce is nothing unusual. I’ve always been one to drown my food in pepper flakes or hot sauce, and am thankful that I’ve only had heartburn once during this whole experience. It hurt like a biotch, though.
5) Fruit- especially persimmons, apples and berries
Fruit, along with eggs, has been a constant throughout the pregnancy. It always sounds good and is a valuable source of nutrients for the little one. Poor digestion is a common complaint for many pregnant women and I think that by sticking to a diet high in plants, everything has been running smoothly. I try to switch up the organic fruits I buy when we hit up the farmer’s market each week.
6) Organic chicken
I still think the baby likes chicken more than I do. I like it ok –I think I like the flavorings we put on it more than the actual chicken- but it’s such a mega dose of protein and iron, I’ve been eating a lot more of it. I’m not sure what my consumption will be like when I’m no longer pregnant… we shall see what my body feels like doing.
7) Fats
Critical for brain development, so I’ve really upped it in the healthy fats department. Lots of dipping into my almond butter jar, and I’ve doubled my DHA supplement. Remember my wicked chapped lips? They have been so much better ever since you guys suggested increasing fat intake to help.
-Lots of pregnancy tea and red raspberry tea. The midwife said that after 38 weeks, if I want to start doing things to help encourage labor, walking and continuing to exercise should help. They don’t induce until after 41 weeks, and suggest alternative methods before Pitocin (such as acupuncture).
My doula said that it’s also common for women to try and dance the baby into labor. I could see myself doing something like this at 41 weeks…
My mom’s friend’s advice: “just have lots of sex.” In front of my mom. Awkward. But then again, I think she knows how I got into this situation.
And, just for fun, I have to post a gift that her friend gave me this morning:
A baby Buddha!
So beautiful and peaceful <3
In 2 1/2 weeks, she’ll be full-term!
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🙂 My mom told me that while she was having me, she just wanted to run away… lol
hahah! i could see myself doing that “ok, enough of this. i’m leaving”
On our way to the hospital I told my husband to turn around, I wasn’t doing this. Needless to say, we kept going and everything turned out fine!
haha that will be me
Wow…only 2 1/2 weeks to go? That has gone by fast! I’m thinking your little girl is going to like spicy food 😉
she’s going to be a spicy little meatball when she’s born 😉
Love this! You’re going to be a wonderful mommy 🙂
MY GAWD! That’s the most pregnant person I’ve ever seen. God bless her soul for even being upright. lol Your toast looks yummers. I had to have almond butter on some toast this morning with apricot preserves to get it outta my head! 😉
I can imagine that you’ll be a fantabulous mom since you take such good care of her even *before* she’s here! Imagine later! <3
I’m so delighted that you’ve made the switch to two full eggs a day and plan to keep it that way! The yolk has valuable nutrients and there’s a huge misconception that they’re bad for you. I cringe when I see cartons of egg whites in the grocery store (though I know you separated real eggs) because they’re not as satiating and an egg should never come out of a carton! Haha. I guess I’m just happy that you’re putting the message out there that the whole egg is a great (tasty!) food and has a rightful place in a healthy lifestyle :).
I agree, Rebecca! I cringe everytime I see bloggers eat egg whites only.
My 2nd labour started after an anger induced 3 mile intense walk (I was so over being pregnant and was upset with my dr. for not inducing me even though I was already 5cm with no signs of labour). My 3rd labour started after a little hanky-panky. It never hurts to try!
I feel like I hear so many different things about egg yolks! Do you recommend baking with egg whites, or do you use full eggs for your baking, too?
ehhh i switch it up. sometimes yolks, sometimes flax eggs, sometimes the whites. it depends on what it is. sorry i’m not more help! but in general: eat the yolk. most of the nutrients are in there 🙂
Baby girl will be here before you know it!! It seemed like it went by very quickly! For me anyway. If you mom reads your blog then she’s well aware of your husband makes your *swoon* 😉 No need to feel awkward!
I just watched The Business of Being Born a few days ago and Pitocin scares the Crap out of me and I’m not even pregnant. I hope you don’t have to be induced, it seems like a guaranteed trip to C-section land.
it really does, so i’m glad they’re willing to try other options first
Actually, I had pitocin for both of my labours and was able to deliver both vaginally. I needed the pitocin because my water broke but nothing else was happening for a loooong time – no dilating, no contractions and it was getting unsafe for baby to stay in there. If it is monitored properly, it is nothing to be scared of.
Ahhhhhh 2 1/2 weeks?!??! I’m so exciiiiiiiiiited for you two! I know I don’t know you but comment every now and again and read your blog DAILY! I love the content and am also from Arizona so love the snapshots of home 🙂 This time has passed so quickly ever since you announced you were pregnant and I SO appreciate you documenting your journey and all of the helpful info you’ve put up. Also, just wanted to say that I think you’ve done a seamless job of including your pregnancy in the blog without it taking over and becoming all about the baby. You found a perfect balance! Anyhoo, sending good vibes and thoughts your way from Seattle! <3
thank you- what an awesome compliment <3
xoxo
AHAHHAH omg that lady’s belly is LITERALLY so big! It’s giant. I can’t even.
I admire how healthy you’ve been eating throughout your pregnancy. It is very inspiring…even to those of us not preggars! 🙂
that video is hysterical. i can’t believe its so close already!! weeee!
Haha. Love the video 🙂
omgosh i love the baby buddha! i asked for a buddha statue for christmas 🙂
That is so crazy you’re almost full term! Time has flown!
Omg I love that video! That girl is so tiny and yet so pregnant! Love how she’s breaking it down.
WOW! This pregnancy has FLOWN by! I feel like you just announced it last week! LOL! Congrats on it being so successful! Everything seems to be going great!
PS: I just tried my first persimmon over the weekend…..I can see why you love them so much! They are DELICIOUS!!!!
thank you, friend! i’m very fortunate that things have gone well so far
so glad you like them 🙂
I just have to say that you look absolutely gorgeous! That baby Buddah is presh<3
My sister in law went two weeks overdue and little Marcel was quite ‘overcooked’ (skin kind of flaky – apparently this happens if they stay in there too long) but otherwise totally fine.the SIL is completely anti-intervention. She went a 35 hour labour in her own living room, which by that stage contained a birthing pool. The list of things she tried in those last few weeks was intense – all sorts of natural remedies, exercises, foot massage, accupuncture, erm.. bedroom activities. They also then posted very graphic pics on a website. I wouldn’t recommend that. It tends to freak out the relatives that are looking for baby pics.
I mean BIRTH pics, not bedroom pics. Reading back through my comment, it may not have come out quite as I intended it..
hahah! i knew what you meant 🙂
hahaha that video is hilarious!! I hope I’m in that good of mood when I’m about to have a baby! 😉 You should try stuffed chicken! I made it tonight with pesto and goat cheese and it’s SO rich and amazing!
yes, stuffed chicken is definitely one of the ways i like to make it! haven’t tried it with pesto though- that sounds awesome!
I can’t believe your baby will be here in a matter of WEEKS!!
As for the “too much weight gain” before the third trimester. Thats a shame that it interferes with the mom and baby’s nutrition those last critical months. I’m 6 1/2 months pregnant and my weight is just fine yet people still find sneaky ways to comment on it. There is no good time to make a woman feel insecure about her weight but especially not during pregnancy.
You look fantastic. Seriously. You are such a good role model of what it really means to be healthy.
i’m so excited for you!
and you’re totally right.. i don’t understand why suddenly it’s ok to constantly comment on a woman’s size just because she’s pregnant.
thank you, friend <3
You should use that song from the video in your zumba class!
seriously! i like it 🙂
Omg that video is so funny and cute! I’m glad you’re eating yolks..so many nutrients, and tasty too!
Love the baby buddha, and the chocolate 🙂 and the persimmon. Yum!
Your belly is adorable and you are a beautiful pregnant mama and you are so close…I am so excited FOR you! 🙂
Well you know….my 30th birthday is December 15th, that’s a pretty good day to be born 😉
Really though, it’s not so close to Christmas that your birthday gets lost in the shuffle of the holidays.
Feel blessed that you have such a beautiful, pregnant belly. Some of us may never have them. :/
i’m thankful everyday for my blessings in life, especially this little baby.
sending love to you <3
I love seeing all the foods you have been craving and enjoying recently during your pregnancy. So many of those are my favorites (beets, berries, eggs) … I can’t imagine what I’ll crave if I’m ever pregnant!
You are SUCH and awesome role model for really taking care of yourself and your baby. I think you should be so proud of all the work and care you have put into documenting it for other women. Who knows how much your good advice has helped others !! Love the baby Buddha!
I love all of your family posts (okay, all of your posts 🙂 ), but this one really struck a chord with me because I am just starting out as a holistic health counselor and nutrition adviser and my dream is to work with pregnant women doing prenatal nutrition, exercises, stress reduction, etc. I believe that prenatal nutrition is absolutely imperative to get the new little one’s life started on the right foot, and so many women need help in that area. Your little girl is very blessed to have you and the Pilot, she is already thriving and nurtured. Thank you for another great post.
i’m so glad you enjoyed it! good luck to you with your nutrition training- that’s exciting and such a wonderful field to go into! you’ll be able to help a lot of mamas and babies <3
Crazzzy how close you are!!!! Sounds like we had the same cravings (minus the chicken). Sweets, yes. Eggs YES (Michael made me the BEST fried egg sandwiches, like Edward made Bella<–cornball alert) , Beets, yes!!!!
Ummm…..a wise friend and mother of 3 (soon to be 4) told me the best trick, and only proven method for inducing labor if you are at 40 weeks and READY. I tried it at 39 1/2 weeks and it gave me contractions big time but I didn't keep doing it because it was super weird. I heard of like 3 women doing it, but not recommended until you are like term because apparently it can really work. If you want to know I will email you. Too risque to post here!!!! It's not sex either!
hahah yes please email me 🙂
can you email it to me too?! I definitely want to know this! shaina.l.anderson@gmail.com
Me too!!! I was induced with my last pregnancy, I’d rather not be this time around!
sequinsgalore@hotmail.com
My water broke the morning after some *ahem* fun in the bedroom, but I didn’t go into labor until many hours later. They wanted to induce me after a certain amount of time at the hospital, but I signed an “against medical advice” waiver at the hospital, went home, walked a bunch, did lots acupressure and went into labor on my own. I felt my first contraction while my husband was pressing on one of the acupressure points. I love acupuncture and received it throughout my pregnancy…I would have gone in if my babe was over due (she was born 10 days before her due date). We went on to labor at home for a long time and then have a healthy, natural childbirth at the hospital. Follow your heart and intuition. It will guide you on what’s right for you in each moment. Congratulations.
great to know, thank you!
I randomly got a beet salad the other day and it tasted like the best thing I’d ever eaten!
thank you for this post. Love reading about your experience! And learning from you!
OMG! I can not believe that all 9 month flew by for you! Mine is only 1/3 of the way and I fill that it is never ending 6 months ahead =X
Great job on keeping your weight so steady! I gained 5.5 lb in past 3 months and hoping to be more static in my my future months!
BTW would really appreciate if you will update your Fitness Page with some links to you pregnancy work outs – since very time i search the hell out of your website 😉 other would too as well i guess for many many years to come =))))
i need to update the fitness page… and the food page… in general. it’s on the to-do list, so you’ve motivated me to get it done 🙂
II love this video of a woman trying to kick start labour, it really cracked me up. I think it’s the song choice haha http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2011/11/03/a-40-week-pregnant-woman-dances-herself-into-labor-video/
OMGGG!!! That poor woman!! lol, thanks for sharing this video.
this made me laugh so hard. i love it!
I just want to say that I totally support your nutrition focus! I read a lot of the same information and completely agree that a focus on nutrition (healthy fats, eggs, plants) are so important right now. I also wanted to mention that I’m one of the women that was told to “watch it” now that I am in my third trimester. It was hard to hear it, but I actually have just been trying to work on shifting calories from empty high sugar treats (that baby likes), to even more nutrient dense foods (that baby needs) to try and please my doctor and not hinder any of the important brain and body development about to take place.
Look at your with your baby bump! Gorgeous!
I have to say- I couldn’t find the post, but to the naysayer last week- I think it’s great that you show what you’re eating as fuel so that people who do struggle with weight issues or don’t know as much about nutrition have some info. It’s nice to see other options to get certain nutrients that we might not think of. It’s obvious you’re getting the proper nutrients (you’re glowing!) and it’s inspiring that you show us, not to prove anything, but to help anyone else/show us other options.
You’re a great role model. I’m not pregnant now, but in a couple years I may need to look back to these pages and get ideas if I’m lacking in certain nutrients, and I’m thankful that I have you as a resource! <3
thank you for such a sweet comment <3
I was just thinking this morning “I can’t believe I used to think it was worth saving ~50 calories to NOT eat a yolk”! They definitely make the egg for me now, especially since I buy pastured eggs with a rich golden yolk and great Omega-3’s.
I still have yet to try persimmons! what do those babies taste like?
like a peach and an apple had a baby
I gained a lot of weight with my first baby, A LOT. I was pretty tiny before and BAM 80lbs later I gave birth to a very healthy 8lb girl and she’s 2 now, SO smart and beautiful…anyway, my point is I’m so thankful my Dr. never told me I needed to worry (I also wasn’t eating badly, just a lot of everything) because it would have made me feel bad when I wasn’t doing anything wrong, just doing what my body craved. I agree, it’s sad when women have to cut back on food.
I’m excited for you- you are so close! I think it’s fantastic that you have been able to maintain such a healthy diet through pregnancy. I’m about to hit 15 weeks and it’s fascinating what the body wants. I am also not avoiding salt since the body needs it and I read about how critical the last 2 months are- eat those egg yolks! I try to have at least one whole egg a day if I can’t get 2 in.
Good luck to you- you’re doing a fabulous job!
Two weeks to go!! This is so exciting. My friend was supposed to have her baby boy on December 9th and the baby came today. They are doing great and I cannot wait to see them. And I cannot wait to see your baby’s cute face. Best of luck one these last fews weeks of pregnancy. You are doing great.
The pre-steamed beets sound delish! Where in Trader Joes do you find them? Produce? Can’t wait to buy some.
yep in the produce section by the salad greens