Previous entry here.
My age: 25
Number of pregnancies and births: 3 pregnancies, 1 birth
I have a 2 year old son and I am currently 23 weeks pregnant.
Technically this is my third pregnancy since the second one ended after 9 weeks in a miscarriage, but I refer to it as my second pregnancy because it’s the second baby I’m gonna have.
After my miscarriage in July 2012 I became pregnant again immediately and I am currently 23 weeks along.
Everything is looking perfect this time and at the last ultrasound we were told that we are having another boy! I know this is a horrible thing to say, but at the first moment I was a little bit disappointed, somehow I had thought that it was a girl this time. Fortunately these negative feelings vanished and I can honestly look forward to welcoming this little boy in our lives!
With this pregnancy I started showing very early and I am wearing maternity clothes since I’ve been 12 weeks along. As I wrote in my last entry, it took me a long time to accept the changes my body went through with the first pregnancy, so I do my best to not become as huge as I did the last time. You can call me shallow or vain and I know that there are many things way more important than my physical appearance, but I also know how unhappy I become if I don’t feel comfortable in my own skin.
I don’t go to the gym as often as I want to, only once or twice a week, because I work, I study and I have a 2 yr old to take care of.
I try to eat healthy most times, but I developed an immense sweet tooth with this pregnancy and sometimes I give in to my cravings.
I have gained 4kgs (nearly 9lbs) so far, which is more than I wanted to have at this point but still better than in my first pregnancy.
I have bought maternity jeans in the smallest size available and aim to wear them till the end.
And I also use every cream, lotion and oil I can find although I know that probably doesn’t help anything.
So although I know that chances are not very good since I already got stretchmarks with my rather small first pregnancy bump, I’m still hoping and working for a body that I can feel fine with postpartum.
Pictures:
#1: only 11 weeks along!
#2 – #4: 23 weeks (the last one is not very good, I included it because the stretchmarks are really obvious here)
All stretchmarks from first pregnancy.
I don’t know if it was genetics or all of my precautions but I managed to not get stretchmarks with my first pregnancy. My method was to drink LOTS of water (I figured hydrated skin might be more elastic), try to eat healthy (fruits, veggies, whole grains) and exercise regularly (I figured it might help circulation to the skin which would make the skin stronger). I actually didn’t use any stretchmark cream. My sister didn’t get stretchmarks either and didn’t do all the stuff I did, so I might just have lucky genes. But I thought that I would pass along my strategy anyway. I wish you the best with this new baby. You look incredible! What a gorgeous preggo belly!!!
First of all, your belly is gorgeous. This from a future midwife, so I may be a bit partial here. :D
Second, hydration and lotions may help, and genetics play a big role, but growing at a steady pace instead of in big spurts can make a difference, too. My mom has no stretch marks, nor does my sister, but my belly looks like a road map, and I think it’s because I put on a lot of weight very quickly.
For the sweet tooth, maybe you can try ices, since it’s mostly water and not so many calories, fruits and sweet veggies, and non-fat frozen yogurt.
What I try to remember is not to sacrifice my baby’s health for my looks. But I don’t think it’s vain to want to be thin and pretty. Just save the ‘thin’ part for postpartum. (Also, curves are beautiful, so don’t discount them completely.) Remember the old saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”? You deserve to be comfortable in your own skin. Just keep doing what you’re doing, get your vitamins and minerals, exercise, choose food wisely, you sound like a great mom!
I totally understand and can relate. Let me just say that your bump is cute and is a really good size for 23 weeks! 9 lbs seems good since you’re more than halfway done w/ pregnancy.
I was worried about more stretch marks with my second baby but surprisingly I only got 3 on my belly each smaller than a quarter. With my first I had a bunch, so don’t worry and drink lots of water I am sure that’s what helped me :) good luck and you look amazing!