30 weeks
and cruisin’ along.
20 weeks: 26 weeks:
30 weeks:
Baby is out and about, for sure!
The crazy awesome thing is that you can actually see her moving around now, too. Last night, I sat down on the couch next to Tom, pulled up the bottom part of my shirt and said “Look at this.”
And sure enough, there was a spherical shape, almost like a little bulb, protruding from my belly.
It had to have been her head or little booty sticky out, but it was the craziest thing ever. Tom kissed it…. we’re so excited to meet her <3
Notes from this week:
-I passed my gestational diabetes test, so that was a nice little sigh of relief. According to the midwife, my numbers were low (112 and they usually require the 3-hour test at 140) but she also said my iron levels were low. They want to see a number between 11.5 and 16, and I was at an 11.2. She wasn’t too concerned about it, as she said a fall in iron levels is to be expected in the last two months of pregnancy as blood volume continues to increase, but she said to focus on getting more food sources of iron from now on. Suggestions: herbal iron (Floradix), green leafy veggies (dandelion and kale), red meat (no thanks), dried fruit (apricots), chlorophyll or spirulina. I was excited to hear about the spirulina- I ran out before I found out I was pregnant, didn’t know if it was ok to keep using it and never bought more.
I happily picked some up, along with some iron-enriched gluten-free cereal and Floradix.
[Haven’t tried the Floradix yet- should I expect nasty or palatable?]
– I seem to have lost my brain. Thank goodness I’m a fan of to-do lists, but the funny thing is that even with a list, I still manage to forget what I’m doing. The other day, I went to Target for a few necessities, had a list with me, and still managed to forget half the items on the list. I did get a maternity dress and more dark chocolate almond milk, though 😉
– Most days I can fight through it, but the fatigue has gotten pretty intense. I’ve started taking more time to just lay around and rest, or just take Bell for a walk when I’m too tired for a gym workout.
Saturday was a tougher day for me. It was a full day of teaching (all of my favorite classes, too!) and when I got home on my lunch break, I was frustrated because there was a lot I wanted to accomplish on my break, but was so extremely tired. Tom saw that I was reaching my wall –usually by the end of the week, I’m spent- and had already written a blog post and ordered me lunch for when I got home. I was able to take that hour to rest, and I’m really lucky to have such a thoughtful husband.
-I’m also a mushball of emotion again. I’m finding that things affect me so much more than they usually do, especially when it comes to lovey/mushy things and sad/negative things. I read an extremely heartbreaking article yesterday about treatment of stray dogs in Ukraine, and cried my eyes out. I also had to restrain myself from crying while I was birthday card shopping for Tom. Usually I HATE card shopping (why are greeting cards ridiculously lame?), but actually enjoyed it yesterday.
-Still working on finishing the nursery! We’ve picked up a couple more things, the nursery letters are ready to hang on the wall, and I’m so excited to post pics of the project when it’s all finished.
The bassinet is also ready to go. She’ll sleep in this next to our bed for the first couple of weeks:
-Baby LOVES Michael Buble. Every now and again, I’ll play “Haven’t Met You Yet” while I’m driving around in the car, and yesterday, I just let the whole CD play on my iPhone.
This song came on, and she went CRAZY kicking and rolling around:
She’s already developed good music taste, between the Spanish pop, Reggaeton, and Michael Buble I play for her 😉
-Major things left to do:
1) Take a breastfeeding class. We signed up for a class at the hospital with two of our friends (due the week after us!). The boys are excited to learn about boobies.
2) Find out who the baby’s pediatrician will be. I need to go down to Flight Medicine and find out what the steps are. Military insurance is awesome, but sometimes a little tricky to navigate.
3) Take a tour of the hospital and fill out paperwork.
4) Pack hospital bags- Babycenter told me I have two weeks until mine should be ready to go. I haven’t made a list yet, but my own towel, pajamas and lots of snacks are a must 🙂
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You look so cute!!
I used floradix a few years ago and really liked it. The taste was actually pretty pleasant (kind of fruity but not obnoxiously so), and there were none of the, um, digestive side effects you often get from other iron supplements.
lovely! good to know, thank you 🙂 maybe i’ll drink some before dinner
Floradix has a really nice taste 🙂 If you can, try and get some more lentils in your diet as well, but the Floradix will really help increase your iron levels.
I had a hospital bag packed when I was 20 weeks pregnant, as I was apparently at risk of going into premature labour. When I did have my son, none of the clothes fitted him, as they were for preemies! I didn’t bother repacking my bag before I went in. Oops 😛
What kind of bassinet is that? I love it!
orbit
we ordered the travel system when they were having a promo, so the bassinet was free. i was super excited about it 🙂
My bff started working at orbit a few months ago, and I told her a celeb ordered her stroller 😉 She was really excited!
haha you stop that 🙂 i love their products!
would you mind asking her for a good email address to contact about the car seat base? ours has a small crack in it, and i emailed customer service and haven’t heard back yet. since you know an insider i thought i’d ask for a way to contact them to see if i can exchange it
xoxo
You look so gorgeous Gina, loving the baby bump!! 🙂
Baby belly!!! So cute!!! I don’t really have anything constructive to add… I just think you are adorable!
I ordered Victorias Secret PJ set for the hospital. The button up top made breastfeeding easy in middle of the night. Also they kept me nice and warm in the cold room 🙂
You look beautiful, Gina. Having never been pregnant, I’m so in awe of how much things change in just a few weeks. Love following along with your updates. 🙂
I am LOVING the photo series that you post each week! It’s so fun to watch your pregnancy. My best friend was pregnant last year and I missed every step of her pregnancy because she was in med school in rural West Virginia. I only got to see a few photos (she doesn’t really “get” technology so sending more than that was challenging for her) and so I didn’t get to see the progression. You actually look a lot like her and so it’s fun to imagine that she may have carried her baby similarly! I am so happy for you guys!
You look adorable!
Hopefully once you up your iron levels your fatigue will level off too. I was anemic with my first pregnancy and it hit me really hard after delivery too (I guess it makes sense when you lose a lot of blood) – so keep up the iron!!
that’s an excellent point.. and good motivation to up the iron!
I was just going to say the same thing. I have to deal with chronic anemia (and I’m not even pregnant!) and my first sign that levels are getting low is the fatigue. Start on the iron supplements and you might be surprised how fast your energy returns. Honestly, the anemia fatigue is so hard on me that I would put up with a lot of nasty tasting stuff to move past it. It also helps me sleep better (weird, I know).
Good Luck!
Kristin
My goodness, that’s one growing baby!!
I am loving how long your hair is! So so pretty! I’m trying to grow mine out a little.
Also, I’m not pregnant and I get emotional card shopping. I’m just a sap like that! ;p
Loving your beautiful belly!
I use to love watching her move! It’s like a little alien! Hehe! Enjoy!
I’m beginning to think I’m one of the few that loves card shopping. I could spend hours looking at them.
You look gorgeous, as always!
I love your sum up’s of what’s going on in terms of pregnancy that week. It’s really cool to hear (I know not all things are cool for you like forgetting items on your list, low iron and feeling tired), but it’s nice to know what to kinda expect when that time comes…if you kinda get what I’m saying. Basically, that you’re human and little things happen! 2 weeks is SO close to start packing that bag and so exciting. Snacks would totally be my priority too lol
floradix…have had many friends who tried other iron supplements and for a variety of reasons, that was the only one that worked. And if you like beets or molasses, roast some. Or make some cookies 🙂 Both beets and blackstrap molasses and tahini, too, are good plant-based iron sources.
crying, fatigue, being emotional. Yep. You’re doing great managing your full plate and we all have those days, preg or not. And you’re awesome, just remember that.
Finding a pedi who you click with is KEY
As is a breastfeeding class. You will be doing that 10-14 x a day for the first 6 mos, give or take. Good to know what you’re doing on that front beforehand as much as possible.
You look so cute…love that baby bump! I’ve never heard of spirulina?! And about forgetting stuff…you’ll never get that back. My 3 kids sucked my brain right outta me 😉 I now blame everything on “mommy brain!”
fun to follow! i’m 20 weeks and starting to feel big!
what a growth spurt! you look so pretty.
Floradix is great, my mum (a midwife :)) gave it to me when I became a vegetarian and it´s really good, though I don´t use it anymore. However, I do drink the Floradix tea (organic herbal pregnancy tea. not that I am preggers, but I like it anyways :D) and I can only highly recommend it!
You look adorable 🙂 Love you friend!
love you!
You are doing so well taking such good care of yourself and baby! The fatigue is normal, and may get even more intense before you get that “nesting” energy at the end. Try not to “fight” fatigue too hard…because when you rest, your body is able to put more energy into making baby, rather than keeping you going.
I am very excited for you! I can’t wait to hear about the breastfeeding class. I found nursing to be a very good experience! You can expect to be sore at first, but it definitely gets better.
Ah! You are seriously the most glowingly gorgeous pregnant woman on the planet. I love how baby loves Michael Buble. You and the Pilot are going to be amazing parents. 🙂
My mom was a blubbery mess too, when she was pregnant with me. She said that every sad story would make her ball her eyes out too! You’re not alone. <3
Do you plan on wearing any type of girdle / belly compression after giving birth? If so, which one?
Bahaha I can totally see you dipping your fingers into an almond butter jar in labor! Too cutee!
Can’t believe you’re at thirty weeks– it seems like it goes by so fast (to an outsider, haha…I know it probably hasn’t been that fast to you!).
“baby brain” totally sticks around long after having the baby. My son is 2. Just sayin. Hehe
It might be worth it to ask your doctor about the spirulina. Or, ask the company if they can verify mercury levels for you. This is a supplement typically high in mercury levels–which is not good for the baby’s nervous system
http://www.livestrong.com/article/487004-is-spirulina-safe-while-pregnant/
FYI A lot of iron sources are not absorbed that well but if you have a good source of vit c with these foods it helps you absorb (ie lemon juice on greens, tomatoes, oranges).
Good site with some tips:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/12-top-vegan-iron-sources.html
I’m not experienced in the mom department (YET!) but I’m so intrigued that the baby likes things! I mean it must be obvious! It’s crazy to me! Thanks for keeping us updated…I love hearing about your progress.
Eeeeeeps!!!! So so so close!!! I am LOVING your belly!!! Cutest thing ever! And I am so freaking jealous of you still fitting in those shorts. Beatch 😉 Just kidding.
Pregnancy brain was my biggest complaint in the 3rd trimester. Honey, it only gets worse when the baby comes. Like…I have eatly on set Alzheimers. Not even funny bc it does run in my family. I’m scared. I was reassured it was just mommy brain but hoping it gets better!!! I do the SAME thing with lists. I will clearly have like 8 things I need…paper towels and moisturizer written large and then get home to see I completely forgot them. So annoying. I may have to try ginko *(sp?) hahah
Yey for the diabetes test. I said before my first one was 140 and it was bc I had oatmeal for breakfast (like 6 hours before test). My second one was like 107 so that was good. Brutal doing the 3 hour though.
And I bet you that’s the babies bum sticking out! Ellas tooshie would stick out hardcore. It gets really cool as the weeks go on. Start recording…this video makes me miss my belly so much!!!! Check out at 54 seconds….crazy running across the belly!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQiS1gFVoFo
Sending lots of love. STOP reading about animal cruelty! I can’t even watch that dumb Sarah Mclachlan sad SPCA commercial. I am so quick to change it as soon as I hear the music. One time when I was pregnant and the remote was across the room I couldn’t change it and cried for hours. Don’t do it to yourself!
POP goes the bebe! 🙂
You look fantastic, Gina! So happy to hear you’re doing well 🙂 My sister also had low iron (and she’s not a big meat eater) but was able to improve hers through supplements and green leafys. Hope you continue to feel good!
Aww look at that belly! I’m starting to pack my hospital bag now and I need to remember snacks too! I don’t think there will be too many vegan options there
I love your baby bump. You look good pregnant. I didn;t but you look so cute. Congrats!
If the “bulb” is in the vicinity of your belly button or to either side of it, it’s most likely her bum/back area! Mine’s been in that position since 26 weeks and I hear it’s the most common and favorable position for giving birth. 😀 40+5 right now, he’s too comfy and doesn’t want to come out.
You look so happy despite the ever-growing belly. Babies are such miracles, aren’t they? Feeling the movements really helps us women connect so early on, I kinda feel sorry for the hubbies!
Beautiful belly!! 🙂 And Floradix is actually pretty nice. You can taste the iron a little (my opinion) but it’s actually a pretty tasty option for getting in some of that iron! Keep having fun and enjoying the journey, Gina!!!
This is so exciting! You’re in the final stretch! Yay. 🙂
About iron. Here are a few ideas (I’m a graduate student of nutrition).
Your best sources are animal meat products (haem iron) but also you can enhance absorption from all plant products a lot by eating them WITH animal products (in your case chicken or fish) because of the presence of MFP (meat, fish protein) factor which increases iron uptake from all sources.
Vitamin C also enhances absorption. everyone knows that. 😉
You want to avoid dairy or taking a calcium or zinc supplement with your iron because they compete for transport (at the DMT1 transporter, for anyone interested). This is also why haem iron is better – it has its own transporter protein.
Things which inhibit iron uptake – phytates (so avoid undercooked grains – fermented are better – fermentation creates phytase which breaks down phytates). Fibre binds it.
Stomach acid is important to iron uptake. So.. you know, don’t be taking any antacids near the time you are consuming your ‘woman of iron’ foods or supplements.
Also, you may not have thought of it, but it’s not an old wives tale that cooking in a cast iron pot increases the iron content of your food a lot. I have a cast iron grill and can confirm that it also builds your biceps putting it onto the stove. Mine is super heavy.
You do want to increase your iron and will feel heaps better for it. I had iron deficiency anaemia when I was a vegan and it’s no joke.
Hope that helps. Also you do look so cute. You remind me of my sister, she was just like you – all baby belly.
I never comment- but absolutely love your blog and family page!
It does sound like your increase in fatigue is most likely partially related to your iron deficiency, as I am sure your midwife told you. (I’m in medical school and am most likely applying for residency in ob/gyn). If the fatigue gets to an intolerable level, you may want to call your midwife and let her know (or if you don’t notice a change in energy levels after a few weeks of increasing your iron consumption).
Everything Sara said is great and I just wanted to add a few more things that would decrease your iron absorption. She mentioned unfermented grains, but also tannins which are found in tea, can decrease absorption so you might want to steer clear of it.
Iron is found naturally in shellfish, eggs, beans, dark green vegetables, and dried fruits in addition to meat (although meat is the best way for your body to absorb iron).
Also, make sure you don’t stop taking calcium, your multivit, or folate! They can reduce absorancy of iron, but the benefits of those vitamins are essential to you and your growing baby girl!
Good luck and best wishes during your pregnancy and delivery!
thank you so much for the tips! you and sara both helped a LOT <3
Tell Tom to pack a sweatshirt or jacket! When you’re laboring you’ll want the room cooler probably. My friend gave us this advice and it came in very handy – Dave was freezing while I labored, but I couldn’t get cool enough! Then almost immediately after having the baby I asked, “why is it so cold in this room??”
Wow you look amazing for 30 weeks! The only thing growing is the belly otherwise you look the exact same! Wish I looked that great when I was prego with my son. I went from 115 to 185!
Crazy beautiful Momma you are! Love the crib, and bassinet – I have one question – is Miss Bell going to be kept away from this as it will be on the floor? Don’t get me wrong Gina – I am a dog lover and owner to the bitter end – however, there might be some issues/concerns there to consider.
Dogs can be territorial, curious, etc.. My friend who is a Vet suggests “introduction techniques” – this may include “boundary techniques”, that encourage positive association with your newborn, as well as her toys, bassinet, crib, etc..
– Natasha
I don’t know how far your hospital is from your house and fav restaurants but keep in mind your family/visitors can usually bring food in for you, after your labor. And they usually don’t let you eat even snacks during it (except maybe liquid ones). And unless you have a c-section you’ll probably opt to go home pretty soon, so don’t pack a ton of snacks!
good to know!
i’m begging my mom to bring me a lox, goat cream cheese, and gluten-free bagel 🙂
Sounds like you are doing well! You look great and very healthy too! You probably already knew this, but just in case you don’t I think it’s suggested you consume foods or beverages with vitamin C at the same time you have any plant based (non-heme) iron because it helps your body absorb it even better. You may want to google it because I may have this all wrong!
Hah I never took a tour of the hospital because I kept reading these negative reviews online about how they want you to get c-sections and aren’t friendly and since I have tricare and didn’t really have a choice I just stayed away because it stressed me out thinking about it. Of course, none of that happened to me and my birth was pretty great and I have no qualms laboring there again in Feb 🙂 I also totally didn’t pack a bag until like the week before I was due and then when I went to the hospital and was told I would be induced, of course I didn’t have it with me!
You look beautiful!!!!!! Congratulations!!! I wondered if you had any recommendations on workout clothes for the growing baby bump? I’m about 27 weeks now and having a hard time fitting into workout clothes. Thanks!!
all of my lululemon stuff still fits me- thank goodness for awesome stretchy fabric
Hey! So my doctor also has me on a high iron diet (although for other reasons) and I just found out that lentils have 18-20% of your iron RDA. Cheers to finding meat free options!
love lentils, too!
That bassinet is totally the cutest!!!
You look as fabulous as ever!
Also, side note: I vote for you for the SELF Fitness blogger thing ever time I think about it and I just noticed you were in the lead (by a significant amount too!). It’s so refreshing that you NEVER promote yourself, yet somehow you’re still winning! It just shows that you truly are the best 🙂
You look great!
And don’t feel bad, I’m 37 weeks and still haven’t packed my bag yet!
Also, hate to inform you, but the exhaustion DOESN’T get better.
I hit a wall every day between 1pm and 2pm and it takes all I have to keep my eyes open!
Yeah! You look adorable!
For your hospital bag; pack your own pillow (and one for your husband).
I would even go buy some new cheapie ones and then leave them there or toss them.
My good friends who are nurses ALWAYS stress bringing your own pillow for comfort and sanitary purposes!