It was brought to my attention that I haven’t done a pregnancy update in awhile – I’m sorry about that! I think I was just worried about talking too much about my pregnancy so I overcompensated and haven’t written as many updates as I’ve wanted to. I want this blog to still appeal to everyone, whether you’re a foodie, mom, single gal in college or pregnant for the first time. I’m sure as we welcome our first little guy in May things will change a bit and I’ll bring more aspects of daily “mom” life into this space, but I never will lose the recipes, which I consider to be the heartbeat of this blog.
So….31 weeks pregnant! Time sure FLEW by! I seriously can’t believe we are two months out.
How am I feeling? Heavy.
For the past few months I have suffered from some chronic pubic bone pain {my right joint down there keeps slipping in and out – this is not the same thing as pubic bone symphysis, which I know to be a very common problem in pregnancy}. I’ve been working with a chiropractor steadily on the issue but unfortunately things like rolling over in bed, getting up after sitting down and many yoga postures have become excruciating painful for me. Like, to the point of tears. I consider it payback for squeezing through the first trimester without morning sickness. There’s always something, right? On the bright side, I haven’t had any back pain at all, really, which I contribute to frequent trips to the chiropractor and lots of back body strengthening exercises from Barre3.
Speaking of Barre3, I am still managing to keep up with doing online workouts at home about four times a week. As my pregnancy has progressed, I’ve become even more thankful for this option. They honestly feel wonderful to my body and are the only workout I can do, really, pain-free. I usually stick to the regular 30 minute workouts on the site {there are only two prenatal ones} and I just modify them if need be. I feel like being consistent with this has made a HUGE difference in my pregnancy. I feel strong and hopefully that will carry over to the labor and delivery room. I also do prenatal yoga classes when I can, but, like I said, many of the postures in the class really aggravate my troublesome pubic bone. I usually go and do what I can, but am very careful to not overstretch or do anything that causes pain in that area.
All in all, I think I’ve had a pretty great pregnancy and I’m incredibly thankful. I really owe it to staying active, eating healthy and working with both an acupuncturist and chiropractor on a consistent basis. I’m lucky because there’s a fabulous community acupuncture clinic close to my house that offers very affordable treatment. It’s really helped with a lot of my aches and pains!
Still craving ~ FRUIT…berries, especially. If berries weren’t so darn expensive I would buy pounds at a time. I can’t get enough blueberries and raspberries, especially.
Weight gain ~ Last time I checked it was 28 pounds. My midwife says I am right on track. My mom gained 36 pounds with me so it will be interesting to see if we end up being the same! She also delivered me two weeks early and I was already 8 lbs 6 oz….Adam’s mom delivered him two weeks early at 8 lb 6 oz, too. I have to say, I wouldn’t mind being a bit early!
Name / Nursery ~ We’ve picked a name but we’re keeping it a secret until the birth. I’ve had the nursery practically finished since January and love going in and sitting on the glider, praying for him and paging through some of the books we’ve bought him.
Maternity clothes ~ Living in Old Navy maxi dresses and the above maxi skirt {c/o Belly Dance Maternity}. I LOVE this skirt and have been wearing it waaaay too often in the past few weeks. It’s cute, comfortable and can be dressed up or down. I wore it out to dinner on our Babymoon and wore yesterday with a t-shirt! I’m getting to the point where all pants are sort of uncomfortable. Soft, flowy dresses and skirts are the way to go for me right now!
All in all, we’re doing great! Baby is kicking up a storm, which is Adam’s favorite part. Over the next two months we’ll be meeting with our midwife and doula consistently, and I’ve been dedicated to listening to my hypnobirthing tapes on a pretty regular basis. I know all of this absolutely not does guarantee a certain birth outcome, but we feel ready to take on any turn my birthing may take and take comfort in knowing that God already has a very clear plan for how this little boy will come into this world.
Sarah
March 12, 2014 at 3:38 amYou are so cute pregnant!! (I mean, you are cute anyway so it just makes sense!) I’m so excited to see your little one and hear the name you have picked out. Enjoy these last few weeks!! I’m so happy for you! 🙂
Jojo @ RunFastEatLots
March 12, 2014 at 3:53 amI love that skirt! It looks so comfy, as well
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork
March 12, 2014 at 3:56 amYou look great! So sorry to her about your pain. That must be frustrating. I’m a huge barre3 fan and figured it would be a helpful workout when I’m pregnant–good to know it’s working for you! Hang in there and thanks for sharing!
Maryea {happy healthy mama}
March 12, 2014 at 4:08 amYou look fabulous! Not much longer now. 🙂 Sorry about all the pain. Other than that, sounds like you’re having a great pregnancy.
Krista
March 12, 2014 at 4:18 amAdorable!! You have such a good outlook…baby will come one way or another and being flexible makes the whole experience much more enjoyable : )
melissa
March 12, 2014 at 4:29 amIt sounds like you are really having an excellent pregnancy! That is definitely something to be grateful for. You look great and it is amazing to think that you are only two months out! I am currently at 25 weeks with my first little one (a boy too). We also have our named pick but haven’t shared it. I am excited to learn what your little man will be called once he joins your family officially!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
March 12, 2014 at 4:53 amYou are absolutely glowing, Jenna! And I hear ya on the berry cravings. Don’t get me wrong – I love my apples and citrus, but I’ve had a lot of them this (looooong) winter, and I’m ready for summer fruits to be back in season again! I’m excited to hear about what name you’ve picked out. Glad to hear things are going well!
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life)
March 12, 2014 at 5:15 amYou look beautiful! I’m almost 32 weeks and really just started feeling that ‘woah, I’m big’ feeling this past week, too. I have to take my time getting out of bed and by the end of the day I can really feel it in my hips and feet.
Luckily, we are in the home stretch! 🙂 I love reading the updates!
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
March 12, 2014 at 5:31 amGlad to hear everything had been going well! You look amazing 🙂
Amber
March 12, 2014 at 5:44 amI also had that very same pain with my first. I know exactly what you are talking about. Getting out of the car was the worst! What helped me (temporarily) is getting in a pool. The baby floats up and there is no pain and it is glorious! But then it is back when you get out of the water. But if you need a mental break from the pain, head to the rec center. I hope the next two months fly by so you can your little one. I wish you all the best.
Laura
April 4, 2014 at 12:48 pmI second this recommendation! I had the same pubic bone pain (and remember trying to swing my legs out of the car with my knees together so it wouldn’t hurt! haha). I ended up being pregnant for 42 weeks before getting induced. It was a hot Georgia summer and I think I went to the pool nearly every day the last few weeks. Not for swimming… just to stand and bask in the “lightness” of being in the water. 🙂
foodandfarm
March 12, 2014 at 5:48 amA great post. Hypobirth saved me in delivery, my motto was “ride on top of it” and I pictured a huge wave … the peak was the height of the contraction, the calm was the down time.
Heather
March 12, 2014 at 6:04 amCongratulations! I just wanted to pass along my friends baking idea for kids.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/67767435/bakers-passport-kids-bake-and-learn-a-new-language
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
March 12, 2014 at 6:08 amYou look amazing! Maxi dresses always seem to be a wonderful choice when pregnant! I hope I look have as good as you do when that day comes along 🙂
Purelytwins
March 12, 2014 at 6:13 amyou look amazing!! so happy that you are doing well, sorry about your back pain – hope you continued to get comfort!
so excited for you – just a little bit longer before the little one is here 🙂
HUGS
TrishR
March 12, 2014 at 6:16 amYou look wonderful!!!
I did want to tell you – I had that same pain when I was carrying my son, and I found one of those wide velcro belts that fit under your belly made a huge difference. I would even wear it at night and it did help – I still remember that pain whenever I tried rolling over!!!
Fancy
March 12, 2014 at 6:29 amYou are gorgeous! Please do more posts like this one 🙂
Ruthie Hart (@ruthiehart1)
March 12, 2014 at 6:38 amJenna you look so great! I was with Morgan yesterday and we talked about you being all belly! Working out and staying active throughout my pregnancy was the best decision I made, it helped me bounce back after baby. And don’t feel bad if you can no longer do traditional workouts…at 36 weeks I was just too big, hot, and tired to go to the gym or use weights at home so I swam and walked around our neighborhood. The countdown is on, I can’t wait for you to be a mommy!
Ruthie Hart (@ruthiehart1)
March 12, 2014 at 6:41 amPS big babies are great eaters and great sleepers! Ford was 8lb 13oz and started sleeping 5- 6 hours straight at 2 weeks
Devin
March 12, 2014 at 6:46 amI’m 32 weeks pregnant today with my 2nd child, so I’ve been enjoying following your pregnancy posts since we’re nearly on the same schedule. You look great!
Jaclyn
March 12, 2014 at 6:51 amBeautiful mama! I really respect your attitude toward this pregnancy – go with the flow and be gentle with yourself. xo
Urban Wife
March 12, 2014 at 7:00 amYou look amazing! I can’t believe you’re so close to meeting your son. It seems like just yesterday you announced the pregnancy. Loving the updates, however often you do them. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Laurel
March 12, 2014 at 7:11 amSorry to hear about your pubic pain. I had that quite a bit with my first one, starting very early on, and it sure can be excruciating. 🙁
I hear ya on the skirts. At about the beginning of the third trimester with #1, I was done with anything but flowy fabric on the lower half of my body. As I move into 3rd trimester with #2 next week, I’m starting to feel the same way. I think it may be because your body feels so stretched, it wants everything placed on it loose. Seems like a reasonable explanation. 😉
Thanks for your update! Glad to hear you are doing well!
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run
March 12, 2014 at 7:12 amahh, you look so cute in your active wear 🙂
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl
March 12, 2014 at 7:17 amSo glad your pregnancy is breezing by and it will be here before you know it! Can’t wait to hear the name!
Jamie | Jamie's Recipes
March 12, 2014 at 7:20 amI am a week behind you and am feeling heavy too. I figured this is due to it being baby number four and my body knows what it is doing. I am so over anything with a waistband right now but unfortunately it is still chilly in Nebraska so I’ve been sporting my maxi dresses with knee high socks. 🙂 I think you are setting yourself up for a great labor with your consistent chiropractor appointments. Two years ago I delivered a nearly 10 pound baby with no interventions and I really think all of my prenatal adjustments help prepare my body for that task. I am hoping these next two months go by quickly!
Sisasilke
March 12, 2014 at 7:29 amYou look cute! very pretty!
I do understand though, that you were hesitating to write too much about the pregnancy – and I must give you my honest opinion: I would never do so. I have friends who did, who blogged and facebooked about it elaborately – but then lost the baby after giving birth. Of course they received thousand requests for photos of the baby but had to explain to the “public” what happened, which just added to their pain and grief.
So I see it critical. But I assume you consciously took the decision about it.
You look cute though and all will be well, I am sure 🙂
Samantha
March 12, 2014 at 10:37 amWhat a sad thing to put in someone’s mind when they’re pregnant… All the best, Jenna!
Nicole
March 15, 2014 at 6:26 amExactly. That comment is disgusting
Mrs. O
March 12, 2014 at 11:23 amGiven the circumstances of prenatal care, a healthy mother – Rarely is there a unforeseen death of a full term baby. Rare enough to not mention- Ever! Good grief- how inappropriate to bring this to such a joyous occasion. Ugh.
Heather C
March 12, 2014 at 6:54 pmSomeone did very much the same thing to me when I was joyously announcing my pregnancy. Later she had enough courage to see her mistake and she actually apologized to me!
You look great Jenna. All the best to you, Adam and the baby.
lucinda
March 12, 2014 at 7:38 amyou look amazing, jenna. glowing! sorry to hear about the pelvic pain but you’re right on about visiting the chiropractor. hopefully it helps. i had terrible round ligament pain during the second trimester of my pregnancy and i slo got regular work. don’t know if that’s what did the trick, but by the thrid trimester it was gone and i was able to run 3-4 miles a couple days a week with no pain. things change suddenly and randomly with pregnancy, so just take it one day at a time. sounds like you’re doing everything right so, keep at it. so excited for you!
http://www.currenttempo.com
Ashley
March 12, 2014 at 7:51 amI love the pregnancy updates! Will you share the nursery? I love seeing nurseries 🙂
Shannon
March 12, 2014 at 8:01 amLove the updates! I’m not a mom but I did become a first time Auntie 7 months ago, one silly thing I wish I knew more of, the words to lullabies! I thought of that when you mentioned reading his books, so maybe when you are in there you can look up or find a book to read with them, that way you won’t be making stuff up (although that is fun too!)
erin @hooleywithaz
March 12, 2014 at 8:09 amhey lady, i love the updates. any tips/information i can glean from someone who is a few months ahead makes me happy! i’ve been working out maybe 2-3 times a week (in a good week), but it’s my goal to up it to 4-5 for the reasons you’re talking about up there. thanks for being a bit of inspiration for me!
April
March 12, 2014 at 8:41 amAhhh, Jenna you look beautiful! This brought me back to my pregnancy with Jack (2 yrs old now) and i cannot tell you how much staying fit helped me in delivery – you will be AMAZED how it comes into play. I cannot believe how time has flown, enjoy every second:)
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
March 12, 2014 at 8:42 amYou look fantastic and your happiness is evident in your writing. Wishing you the best!!
Heather @ French Press
March 12, 2014 at 8:44 amyou are just positively adorable! and i love the updates
Jen W.
March 12, 2014 at 9:07 amYou are so cute! I’m about a month ahead of you, and I’m feeling very limited in my clothes. I might have to hit up Old Navy just to make it through this last month. You’re very lucky that it’s warm where you are. Too many layers are required here in Wisconsin!
Hope everything goes smoothly for you and your pain goes away!
Aishah @ Coffee, Love, Health
March 12, 2014 at 9:09 amI’m so excited for you!! You look so beautiful- glowing!! 🙂 xoxo
Amy www.funfoodiefamily.com
March 12, 2014 at 9:27 amYou look adorable! Glad it is going well!
Charlene
March 12, 2014 at 10:05 amYou look fantastic! Sorry to hear about the public bone pain – hope it goes away shortly after delivery! Where did you get your tank tops? They look great esp the striped one and I’m looking to pick up a few maternity tanks! Thanks!
jenna
March 12, 2014 at 10:16 amTarget!
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner
March 12, 2014 at 10:08 amI have been eagerly awaiting this post! I’m a married foodie without kids (yet), but I still love hearing others experiences. I would live in that maxi skirt if I could, too–it’s super cute and comfortable. You are glowing!
Mrs. O
March 12, 2014 at 11:27 amHow lovely! Prayers for a your beautiful little family:)
Nic G
March 12, 2014 at 12:49 pmWhat a great post! I have to thank you for posting about Barre3 online classes in January. I am 29 weeks with twin girls, and I have been doing Barre3 four times a week since and I really think it has contributed to my high energy level and low amount of body aches. (Except rib pain…it feels like they are broken!). Thank you so much!! I hope you continue to feel great!
Sarah L.
March 12, 2014 at 12:59 pmHi, Jenna! It warms my heart to hear that you are praying for your baby boy. For me, my mother is the only person I know of who prays for me every day — it means the world to me, and I can see how her prayers help me in my life. As a woman who hopes to be a mother someday, your example of trust in God’s plan for yourself and your family is inspiring to me.
I wish you all the best as you come into the home stretch of your pregnancy. 🙂
Theresa Hudson
March 12, 2014 at 2:54 pmGod bless you, Jenna! You should take your cues about blogging in exactly the way you’re doing it. Whatever comes naturally. Your body and spirit will let you know what you need to do that day. Looks like you are figuring it out just fine on your own.
So happy for you and Adam. There really is no time like the first time:-)
Megan
March 12, 2014 at 3:33 pmYou look adorable! Can’t wait to hear what name you picked out!
April
March 12, 2014 at 4:08 pmAwww, getting so close! My two boys are my world and I recently had my dream delivery and I pray the same for you. 🙂 I loved Barre workouts while pregnant, and thankfully I delivered in Hawaii, so I was lucky to have year-round access to the ocean for swimming and water jogging/stretching. I’m so excited to hear the name you all chose! Sending prayers your way for a lot of sleep and a relaxed state of mind for the next few months! Life is beautiful <3
Jen
March 12, 2014 at 4:48 pmHi Jenna! Sorry to hear about your pain. I’ve never been pregnant, so I’m probably not the best person for advice. But you may want to minimize using your hip adductors one-sided. The asymmetry of some yoga poses will pull on the pubic bone on one side, which can contribute to issues of pain and alignment, especially as your ligaments get more lax. Again, take this as you wish, or ignore if you already have heard this. 🙂 Good luck!
Pam
March 12, 2014 at 5:40 pmSo excited for you!! I wish you were doing more pregnancy posts, like once a week.
Still love your recipes, good to know those will still be consistent.
You’re going to be an amazing mom!
Alexandra Aimee
March 12, 2014 at 5:48 pmI am so glad you are having such a great pregnancy! It’s nice to hear about experiences like yours, because I feel like there can be a lot of scare talk out there about pregnancy! It all seems to be one or the other… It’s magical and perfect and I want to be pregnant forever and every other woman should too, OR it’s the worst thing ever ever ever and everyone should adopt, lol! Balanced perspectives like yours are rare and very appreciated!
— Alex at Cashmere Kangaroo
Shawna
March 12, 2014 at 9:38 pmYou are radiant! So beautiful with your sweet bump. I would LOVE to hear more about your decision to use a doula if you’re open to sharing 🙂
Mary
March 12, 2014 at 10:22 pmWrote. Your journey sound similar to mine. I’m 31 weeks, had no morning sickness, and crave blueberries like crazy. I’ve also got the public bone pain, but nothing seems to help mine. Even swimming, the holy grail of prenatal exercise, aggravates it.
I’d love to rock nothing but long skirts, but it’s just not practical for when I need to leave the house in winter in Alaska. I mostly work from home now (see: pubic pain), so at least I lounge around in a short at home all day. And we’re heading to Hawaii next week, so I can be warm and comfy there.
Can’t wait to hear all about your birth. It’s coming soon!
Christine S
March 13, 2014 at 2:12 amWhat a glow!! As a newly pregnant woman I’ve been following your journey, and as you introduced me to barre3 I’m excited to continue my practice (when I can stop feeling nauseous 24 hours a day!). Are there any favorite 30 minute barre3 videos you rely on?
Emily @ Life on Food
March 13, 2014 at 4:01 amYou look great. I am so happy everything is going fairly well for you.
Amanda
March 13, 2014 at 5:37 amI know how much you love your Target maternity tanks, so I wanted to let you know that they also make great nursing tops. Super stretchy neckline and easily to layer. Plus they don’t scream “nursing cami!” like others. 🙂 I also found that, for me, they were more comfortable and flattering than the standard nursing camis.
linda
March 13, 2014 at 10:26 amHi Jenna,
Beautiful Tucson, my hometown- so glad you liked it! I love your nail color, do you know the color?
stevie
March 13, 2014 at 2:47 pmMore pregnancy posts please!
Lisa L
March 13, 2014 at 9:02 pmJenna you are so cute! Thank you for sharing the pregnancy updates – i love them! I’m newly pregnant and am adjusting to 24 hour nausea and fatigue, but I’m finding little bouts of energy here and there, and when I find them I go for a run/walk or try to get a light workout in. That’s been my key to staying healthy and fit so far with this pregnancy! My food aversions are crazy – I feel like I might turn into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich from overconsumption 🙂 I’m also in love with berries too!
Have you heard of Pregtastic? They are free podcasts and are wonderful!
Thank you for sharing your notes, journey, ups and downs – I love these posts! Many blessings to you and Adam!
Sandy@ReluctantEntertainer
March 14, 2014 at 10:25 amI gained 40 lbs. with all 3 babies! You look awesome, Jenna. I can’t wait – so excited for you! xo
Aqiyl Aniys
March 14, 2014 at 5:37 pmCongratulations on your pregnancy. You look fabulous. I also wish for you pain and discomfort to go away quickly.
Pregnancy Notes: 31 Weeks - Eat, Live, Run | New, Health and BeautyNew, Health and Beauty
March 14, 2014 at 10:55 pm[…] More: Pregnancy Notes: 31 Weeks – Eat, Live, Run […]
Andrea Montgomery
March 15, 2014 at 7:01 pmLove the post! I think you and I are due at just about the same time (although this is my third – crazy fun!) I, too, had horrible pubic pain with all three, but when I lived in SF, Liz Miracle, who specializes in pelvic pain in pregnancy, helped me a TON. Loz, along with my chiropractor, saved me. Just wanted to pass her name along in case it’s helpful to you. I, too, was crying from the pain – it is so intense! Hang in there. We’re almost done!
Andrea Montgomery
March 15, 2014 at 7:21 pmLove this post. I think you and I are due at just about the same time – so fun. (Except that this is my third – yikes!) I have HORRIBLE pelvic/pubic pain with my pregnancies as well. Just wanted to let you know that when I lived in San Francisco, I saw Liz Miracle (http://www.miraclephysicaltherapy.com) and she helped me SO much! Seeing her, along with my chiropractor, made the pain totally manageable on #2 – just wish I had known about her on my first baby. Wanted to pass along the info in case its helpful!
Amanda
March 16, 2014 at 6:53 pmI highly highly recommend getting a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in women’s health or in pelvic issues. I had terrible pelvic pain in both of my pregnancies and after the second one it has lasted for a year after the pregnancy (so far…). I am in physical therapy now, but really wish I had started it during my pregnancy. Chiropractors and massage helped a little bit but it never lasted because the real issue is that your body can’t maintain proper alignment.
Anne Gabriel
March 17, 2014 at 4:45 amHi Jenna, the photo of your bump is pretty awesome. Hope you are doing great these days busy taking care of yourself. Good Luck
Sim @ The Micro Harvest
March 18, 2014 at 5:18 amYou look beautiful!! Thanks for the update!
Sarah
March 19, 2014 at 2:25 pmYou look so adorable. I am 31 weeks today, and due May 21! We are getting close 🙂
Lisa Rohrer
March 21, 2014 at 4:45 pmI was perusing your recent posts and my 2 year old son saw one of your pics above and said, “That’s momma!” However, I think my son would mistake me with any woman who’s fit and has blonde hair. He just did that with a friend of mine last weekend. Makes me feel real special. 😉 lol!
Todd
July 21, 2014 at 1:49 pmYour pregnant belly photos at 31 weeks are REALLY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helene
October 8, 2014 at 9:55 amWhat a beautiful bump Jenna! Really cute <3