I’m entering my third trimester this week, and boy it’s felt like a marathon to get here. This pregnancy (my third) has been my hardest yet, by far. Maybe because I’m chasing around two other precious boys? Maybe because I’m getting older? My morning sickness, aches and pains, and mood swings have just been on another level unfortunately. But I’m determined to end on a high note! Here are a few habits I’m intentionally implementing in this third trimester.
-Prenatal with Folate
I recently switched to a new prenatal after learning about the MTHFR gene mutation with converting folic acid and its connection to postpartum depression. I wanted to try a prenatal with methylated folate instead of folic acid (the synthetic version of folate), to see if I noticed any difference, and it’s helped so much. I’ve been so much more even keeled lately and been able to handle extra stressors without becoming numb and depressed. We’ll see what impact it has on if I still get postpartum depression or not (I had PPD with both my other pregnancies), but so far, I’m so thankful for the change!
-Walking 3-5 times a week
Before getting pregnant I walked 2 miles everyday, and it always started my mornings off right. It was some personal time to listen to a podcast, pray, and think through the day ahead, not to mention the health benefits. I pretty much stopped cold turkey when I reached 6 weeks and the morning sickness kicked in (yikes!). I know it would have been so good of me to continue my walking and strength training habits that I had formed throughout my pregnancy, but life got the better of me. Anyways, I recently started walking again, working my way up to 2 miles, and it has helped my back pain and sleep so much! I’m hoping to continue with it through the end, or at least really close.
-Drinking more water
Ugh, I’ve noticed some stretch marks popping up. It was only a matter of time I think, since I got them with both of my previous pregnancies! Of course I’m lathering on the serums, body butters, and oils. Over the years I feel like I’ve found some that do a good job of hydrating my skin and actually go below the surface, but I know staying hydrated from the inside out would do wonders to help keep my skin moisturized too. I’ve got a 40oz water bottle and I’m keeping it by my side all day, and that has helped!
-Pulling back when I need to
There are some things in my life that I just can’t stop, like mothering my children and doing my best to take care of our home. But as I inch toward the end of this pregnancy I’m in more and more pain (hello, sciatica) and just plain tired. So, I’m trying to give myself grace and not push it too much. That has meant saying “no” to some good things, which is so difficult for me. But, it’s what I need right now, and it’s only for a season.
Accepting help
We have such an amazing village around us, here in Orlando. Both my family and my husband’s family are nearby, we have such giving friends, and a loving church family. I’m so thankful to our Lord for this! It’s in my nature to try to avoid accepting help and trying to handle it myself, not wanting to inconvenience anyone. But, in a way, sometimes I think that can be selfish of me. Because I know my friends and family want to help, and by not accepting it I’m withholding joy from them that they would get from coming by my side, and not allowing our relationship to grow in that way as well. Aside from all of this, let’s face it, I could really use some help right now. Even just someone offering to watch my sons for an hour or two so I can run an errand or take a nap. So, I’m making an effort to say “YES!”
Saying ‘Yes” to my sons (as much as I possibly can!)
I’m acutely aware that our family dynamic is about to change drastically for a bit when we bring our newborn home from the hospital. My guess is that my husband will take over a lot of caring for our two older sons, while I care mostly for our little baby, at least for the first little bit. It’s a big transition adding another person to the family, and I know my sons will have to slowly adjust to that. So, before all this change takes place, I’m trying to cherish this time with them as best as I can! I recently listened to a podcast with Angela from @herhomeandheritage, and she shared about saying “yes” to her sons as often as it is possible, and my husband and I have really taken that to heart. More often than not, it’s not super convenient to stop what I’m doing and say “yes”, but those “yeses” have lead to more family walks, bike rides, books read on the couch, baking together, joining me in our household chores, and silly little games, so I’d say it’s worth it.
Fondly,
Sadie
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul." - Psalm 23: 2-3
