Hello friends of the HB world! Today I’d like to talk about how the whole preggers journey is coming along and what my thoughts, feelings, new opinions and more are as we near the 6 month mark. I’ll be covering things such as some of the push back I’ve gotten thus far, 🙂 the annoyances of pregnancy itself, the excitement I’m feeling more and more as we get closer, and the road that we’ve taken so far to get from month 1 to month 6. Let’s get into it!

 

 

Pregnancy Fear Change and a Change of Plan

Before pregnancy, I was scared shitless. Hell, there are definitely a lot of pieces of it that still scare the poop out of me. (I heard that’s one of the things that happens, too. Yay for being a woman!)💩 But at this point on the timeline, I must admit that I’m scared of a lot less. And that my friends, I’d like to consider growth.🤸

Right before finding out I was pregnant, (around late January), I was still putting together my little cheat sheets to focus on getting back to the gym regularly, getting back to “pre-trip” nutrition vibes, (because we just got back from our Southern Road Trip! Where of course I was sliding on those things a bit), and ready to conquer the last few months of my weight loss journey. (See my older posts that cover having a fatty liver and why I was on this journey if you’re interested!)

But when I found out, even though I was excited, it was bittersweet. My journey of becoming a more badass version of myself mentally and physically were over. I would have to wait another year at least to start working on myself again. I would have to put the things I was fighting and working so hard for on hold until I was able to make space for them again.

Well, I was wrong.

Because life just doesn’t stop happening when you get pregnant. And I know a lot of times women like to leave men/their S.O. out of this whole pregnancy journey but if you have a partner present, it’s only fair to consider they’re going through some things as well. So, have patience with one another, explore the new journey you’re on with them or a loved one, and jot down your feelings on how everything is going so far.

 

 

 

Giving Yourself Grace When Life Changes the Pregnancy Script

Have I been the crunchy granola pregnant person that I thought I would be? Nope. Have I eaten perfectly and never been selfish about my food or drink choices? Hell nah. Have I worked out and kept a strict gym schedule like I promised myself I would? Of course I haven’t. Because, the journey is only one that you’ll be able to work on once you’re actually within it.

That’s right. No pre-planning, no “oh I would never do that” or “of course I’ll do those things,” because with each day comes new challenges on how you’re feeling, and that goes for mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you keep yourself on such a strict routine and never let up, will you manage this process better? Perhaps…

Or, perhaps you’ll overwhelm yourself, overwork your body and mind, and in turn, make yourself miserable in this journey that you’re supposed to be so joyous about. Embracing the harder days and doing your best can keep that mental health bubble filled. Those days can look like eating all the ice cream, or sleeping the whole entire day, or having the laffy taffy when (baby) of course desires it. 🙂 (jk, that was all me, I’ll take credit).

You’re not wrong for making those choices. Life throws hard decisions at us sometimes and although I’d like to consider myself high in willpower, willpower alone does not create big changes. We have to consistently work at these things, decide on which to push harder on and which to allow space into.

I thought it was going to be perfect and that my habits would stick the entire way through. I would be frequenting the gym and staying far away from anything with sugar or dyes in it. But guess what? My gym schedule has gone out the freaking window, because life alone has been wiping me out with regular work routines and taking care of a home while preparing to hopefully move in the spring.

 

 

 

Month 6: Slowing Down and Being Along for the Ride

However, I’ve lifted substantially more than 25lbs, (please consult with your doctor before doing so), done things I said I wouldn’t think about doing (such as continuing reselling since I’m breathing in dust and other particles), and gotten a heck of a lot less sleep because of my husbands new work schedule.

It’s not all going to plan. But life still has to take place between the growing pains of pregnancy. And my new goal at this month 6 mark is not to be so hard on myself like I used to be. It’s taught me to slow down even more, (which actually surprised me quite a bit, since I anticipated it speeding me up on things), and to appreciate the process instead of rushing through it.

Every single person in my life so far (including my partner), has told me how this time has been flying. (for them)…

But, I disagree. (And no, I’m not just saying that for the sake of saving face).

I genuinely feel that it’s been slowly moving along, at the regular speed of life, and I’m just here along for the ride. The ride being that I get to enjoy these new feelings. That I get to enjoy the time spent creating life instead of just existing along beside it. I’ve felt empowered by understanding my body more than ever, and even though I don’t have much of the end stages of pregnancy yet planned, I feel more prepared for this life event than I ever have before with other events that’ve happened in my life.

And I truly feel that is because I’m at peace with it, *finally.* It’s taken me so long to get here, so many worries, so much angst, so much misunderstanding what this process is truly about, and finally finding a way to connect with myself and my tiny human instead. Is it weird getting punched from the inside? Absolutely. But is it still the most amazing thing ever? I lay up every night staring at the ceiling smiling, thinking just that.

 

 

 

Have I had weird cravings and a little nausea and heartburn (actually, a crap ton of heartburn), and trouble lifting things I once could at times? Yes. And sometimes I’ll admit, it can be frustrating. But am I still able to feel like a strong and healthy woman throughout this all? Also yes.

I lift what feels comfortable. I push myself when I can. I don’t make excuses because I’m pregnant, I challenge myself because of it. What can I do to create more strength? How can I do something different or slower to ensure what I’m doing is safe, instead of always asking for or needing additional help? When I’m feeling overwhelmed, is it actually the pregnancy? Or is it something I need to just prepare more accordingly for and regulate my emotions with?

Here’s to women going through the same.
Here’s to women pushing past pregnancy barriers because we just freaking can.
And here’s to partners not enabling our excuses but empowering us to break the boundaries of what a “healthy” pregnancy can realistically look like.

We’ve got this, ladies. 💪
See you next month.✌️

 

Thank You For Following Along My Pregnancy Journey

The first 6 months of pregnancy may not have been moving at the pace I expected, but it also has not been without its surprises.  I am truly thankful for each and every reader that has followed along so far.  I’d love to hear from you in the comments, how did you find your own peace during pregnancy, or what ‘rules’ did you end up throwing out the window?