How to Survive a Pregnancy Unscathed

July 5, 2009

So I have been getting many comments lately about my energy level at 28 weeks pregnant. Most people are amazed, but for me it really isn’t anything too odd. I really think it has a lot to do with how I view pregnancy. As ugly, uncomfortable and stressful as it can be sometimes, I truly do view the entire process as a beautiful process that God created. Yes, even labor. So, here are a few things I have done to keep the last two pregnancies as pleasant as possible.

– Exercise – Exercise is essential. Hard cardio 3-4 times a week and on my “off” days I walk a mile or two or do some pilates. During my first pregnancy, I was lazy and did not work out as often as I should have. Even when I did work out, I would go on a walk and call that a workout. Walking is really not a workout. It is good to do, but cannot be the only source of cardio. I have worked out religiously (even when I didn’t feel like it) my last two pregnancies and haven’t had near the pain or swelling that I had with my first pregnancy. My first pregnancy was ridiculous. I retained a TON of water (can you say “cankles”), had horrible back pain, and gained 45lbs, topping out at 170lbs. I almost equaled my husbands weight and it took me 5 months to lose. Not good. With Arwyn I had zero swelling and gained 21lbs. I was back to my prepregnancy weight after a week. Plus, my labor was super easy the second time around. Exercise helps labor a great deal. It truly is the #1 pregnancy priority in my mind.

Eat a balanced diet – I would be completely lying if I said I ate perfectly. I don’t. I have cravings, some weird and some just full of sugar. I give into those cravings in moderation though. I don’t go crazy or eat whatever I want though. And I do make a great effort to make sure my meals in are healthy overall. And if I want to eat ice cream on occasion, I exercise and eat well enough that I don’t feel guilty about that at all. Main thing though, eat a good breakfast. It will help keep sickness at bay and set you up for the rest of the day.

Survival – That first trimester, do whatever you have to do to survive. Suck on suckers, drink ginger ale, munch on carbs…whatever. If you have to get medication because you are throwing up every hour, by all means, get the meds! In the end, if you need a nap, take a nap. If you need to walk around with and ice pack on your back, do! If you need your husband to paint your toenails because you are no longer able to reach them, cry and ask if you can go get a pedicure! Just kidding. No crying or manipulation needed, husbands are usually pretty cool with that. If you need medication for something, take it if it is okay with your doc. Right now, I take 4 medications daily to keep my asthma and emotions under control. I don’t like it, but I dislike the alternative even more. Whatever it takes, survive!

Perspective – I remember that no matter how awful my pregnancy seems at times, there are those out there who have it much, much worse. I have friends that throw up for the first 5 months. So, when I felt horrible the first trimester, I kept those friends in mind. When my asthma really acted up in April/May, I tried to think about those who have severe life-threatening asthma while pregnant and end up on bed rest or in the hospital. That was easier said than done, but I really tried to keep it all in perspective. My favorite pregnancy philosophy is, “I am not broken, I am pregnant!” Pregnancy is hard, but it is a natural process and at the end of the day, it isn’t really about me. It is about the precious life inside of me and as long as that life it healthy, I am one happy Momma.

Cherish – I cherish the good moments. The kicks, the excitement, the shopping for baby gear, etc. So, when those bad moments hit, I can have a sense of humor about them. Whether it is a baby shoving his/her butt into my ribs and causing pain or the insomnia. Whatever it is, I can usually laugh about it because really, do I have another choice?

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