Pregnancy ramblings

35weeks.

I haven't blogged in quite awhile so this will be an update of sorts. During this pregnancy, I have been hungry for knowledge! I have read from many sources and gained knowledge from key people during this pregnancy.

I set goals at the beginning of the pregnancy. One goal was to not eat after dinner. With extremely rare exceptions, I have maintained that goal. I have exercised regularly which was another goal. I walk at least 1 1/2 miles most days of the week. I also do prenatal fat-burning yoga. I have limited sweets, although I have eaten more sweets lately. Even though I feel as big as a house, I have gained just over 25lbs. Considerably less than I have gained with my 2 previous pregnancies! In fact, by this time I was 30+ lbs heavier with BOTH pregnancies.

A blessing of this pregnancy has been lack of swelling. Even with considerably above average temps this summer, I have not swelled. I read an article a while back that stated swelling was caused by kidneys not functioning at optimal levels. I have eaten watermelon, taken fish oil and drank lots of water as the article suggested. There are plenty of other suggestions to reduce swelling and the article is worth a read.

I am more energetic than past pregnancies. After 'all day' sickness that lasted 20 weeks and occasionally still plagues me, I have been rather energetic. I am starting to slow down now, but I just nap with my 2 monkeys and I am good! I think a better diet and regular exercised (even when I do not feel like it) has helped.

I also learned from my midwife that taking a magnesium/calcium supplement help with calf cramps which wake me up at night several times a week. I take Oscap a Thorne supplement twice a day. Exercise, water, and Oscap have drastically reduced cramping.

Proactive against gestational diabetes!!

One of my biggest concerns with pregnancy is gestational diabetes(GD). My mom most likely had GD. They didn't test her but her babies kept getting bigger with the last one weighing in at 10lb3oz. WOW! =) There is some research that suggests that it is hereditary. When pregnant with my first child, I did not pay attention to diet or exercise. I gained a whopping 50+lbs. UGH! During the 9mos I was pregnant-my hubby's company was downsized resulting in the loss of his job, hubby getting a new job 2 hours north of our beautiful home, selling our home, buying a home, a close family member with a life threatening medical condition, loss of my career, moving, etc. Don't get me wrong, God's hand was in it all and it worked out better than we could even imagine! I do think I used food as a comfort and ate and ate and ate.. All that eating took a toll on my body. I had diet controlled GD with my 1st pregnancy. With my second pregnancy, I was borderline but it never developed!! Woohoo! I believe the difference was a diet change and commitment to exercise. With this pregnancy, I am being proactive. My midwife suggested eating more beans to lower blood glucose levels. With this simple suggestion, the wheels in my mind started to turn and next week I will start a carefully planned diet. =)