As April unfolds, we find ourselves entering the exhilarating final stretch of this incredible journey. It truly feels like just yesterday I announced my pregnancy, and now, with only two months remaining, time seems to be flying by at an unbelievable pace! I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be navigating the third trimester feeling vibrant, energetic, and genuinely well. Overall, this entire experience has been nothing short of magical, and I’m deeply cherishing every moment of being pregnant. Below, I’m excited to share some quick updates on how things are progressing!
Nesting: Crafting Our Little One’s Haven
This past weekend marked a significant milestone as we finally dedicated ourselves to clearing out our guest room, beginning its transformation into the cozy nursery we’ve been dreaming of. The excitement is palpable; we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of the crib and a beautiful pendant light this week, which will truly bring the room to life. In my quest to curate the perfect space, I’ve stumbled upon so many charming baby items, including this cute lamp, that I’m absolutely smitten with. For those curious about my latest finds, I consistently update my LTK profile and Amazon storefront with all my discoveries. However, I must confess, I spend an incredible amount of time browsing Etsy, unearthing the most unique and adorable treasures, so I promise to share those finds with you all as well!
The nesting instinct is truly powerful, and thankfully, my partner Bridge has been an enthusiastic participant. We’ve been on a mission, meticulously going through every nook and cranny of the house, decluttering, organizing, and breathing new life into forgotten spaces. While a primary motivation is to prepare our home for the baby shower we’re hosting in a few weeks, the process has felt incredibly liberating. Ridding ourselves of random items we no longer use or need feels almost life-changing, creating a sense of calm and order. It’s essentially a delightful blend of intensive spring cleaning and the irresistible urge to nest before the baby’s arrival. And honestly, I am completely here for every moment of it!
Exercise: Prioritizing Consistent Movement for a Healthy Pregnancy
Maintaining my energy levels and overall health throughout this trimester has been a top priority, and making movement a consistent part of my daily routine is key. I completely understand that for many, especially in the final trimester, energy can be fleeting. However, for me, the focus isn’t on intensity, but rather on being truly consistent. This consistency manifests in various forms: sometimes it’s a structured workout, other days it’s a refreshing long walk combined with some breath-work and gentle stretching, or even an occasional Pilates class tailored for pregnancy with my amazing pelvic floor physical therapist. My goal is to incorporate some form of movement every single day, listening to my body’s needs.
I’ve long known myself to be a morning workout enthusiast. This insight is crucial for my routine; if I don’t get my movement in before roughly 1 PM, it’s highly unlikely to happen. That window also coincides with when my energy typically begins to wane, often signaling the need for a quick nap! So, I dedicate the first part of my day to finding a way to move, and without fail, it leaves me feeling incredibly invigorated and ready to tackle the rest of the day. For the majority of my pregnancy, I’ve been diligently following my gym-based strength guide, Level Up. I actually tested it throughout my first trimester, and once it officially launched on December 26th, 2023, I embarked on the 8-week guide alongside everyone else in January, successfully completing the full program! I adapted the exercises for comfort as my pregnancy progressed, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Now, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve begun testing and designing the workouts that will be featured in my upcoming Pregnancy Workout Guide, set to be released later this year! The excitement is building, especially as I’m collaborating with my pelvic floor PT to integrate even more helpful tips and expert information into the guide. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
SHOP MY AMAZON PREGNANCY ESSENTIALS: Your Go-To List for Comfort and Support
Navigating pregnancy comes with a unique set of needs, from comfortable maternity wear to essential wellness products. To help make your journey smoother, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of my absolute must-haves and favorite products on Amazon. This curated collection includes items that have genuinely enhanced my comfort, supported my health, and simply made day-to-day pregnancy life more manageable. Whether you’re looking for practical solutions or a little extra pampering, you’ll find everything I swear by to thrive during these transformative months. Explore my handpicked selections and discover your own pregnancy essentials!
Nutrition + Pregnancy Cravings: Fueling Myself and Baby
For the majority of my pregnancy, I’ve been fortunate enough to maintain my normal eating habits, with the exception of a few weeks in the first trimester when meat wasn’t particularly appealing. My main nutritional focus has been on ensuring I consume as much protein as possible with each meal and snack. This isn’t just about maintaining my muscle mass; it’s crucial for providing ample fuel for all the energy I expend daily and, most importantly, for supporting the incredible growth and development of another human being. For a deeper dive into why protein is so vital, especially during pregnancy, you can read more in my blog post: How I Eat 100+ Grams Of Protein Daily. It’s truly amazing how much protein can impact overall well-being and fetal development.
If you’ve been following my journey, you’d know that I’ve had what I consider a remarkably “boring” pregnancy—and for that, I am incredibly thankful! Until recently, I hadn’t experienced any distinct cravings, aside from a daily ritual of an apple with peanut butter. However, this past week, I finally discovered a craving, and it is overwhelmingly CITRUS! I absolutely, unequivocally NEED an ice-cold orange most days. And without fail, for the last few weeks, the very second I wake up in the morning, I’ve been reaching for a big swig of either organic orange or grapefruit juice. While it might not be the most conventional “nutrition hack,” I can tell you, it feels like pure HEAVEN!
Sleep: Navigating Rest and Remedies in the Third Trimester
Despite the natural changes that come with late-stage pregnancy, I’m thrilled to report that I’ve generally been sleeping remarkably well. My nights usually involve one brief wake-up to use the restroom, but I quickly drift back to sleep. However, to truly survive and thrive through my days right now, I’ve found that sneaking in a restorative 20-minute nap sometime between 1 PM and 6 PM is absolutely essential. My beloved dog, Coco, is undoubtedly enjoying this new routine just as much as I am! I am utterly obsessed with my pregnancy pillow and cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone expecting; it has been a game-changer for comfort and support. You can explore it and see its benefits here.
A recent challenge, however, has been the sudden onset of two charley horses or calf spasms during the night when I stretch. And I’m not exaggerating when I say I’m completely traumatized by the intense pain! If you’ve ever experienced that excruciating moment when your muscle tenses up, becoming rock-hard and seemingly impossible to release from the spasm, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Apparently, these are quite common during the third trimester. To proactively combat and prevent these unwelcome nocturnal occurrences, I’ve recently been diligent about upping my magnesium supplement intake. Additionally, I’m focusing on eating more potassium-rich foods like bananas and organic Harmless Harvest coconut water (ensuring no added sugar). At night, I apply a magnesium spray to the bottoms of my feet and use calf compression boots to aid circulation. And, of course, I continue to drink my electrolytes diligently with tons and tons of water throughout the entire day. This comprehensive approach is all about ensuring my body is well-nourished, hydrated, and relaxed to keep those painful spasms at bay.
Baby Update: Growing and Thriving Inside
Our little one is now approximately the size of a coconut, a truly astonishing thought! This stage also means that movement is becoming more pronounced and frequent, which is both wild and wonderfully reassuring. It’s an absolutely crazy experience to feel those distinct kicks directly under my ribs, a clear sign of our baby growing stronger and more active. What truly melts my heart every single time, though, are the tiny hiccups I’ve felt a couple of times now. Each one is a gentle reminder of the precious life developing within, filling me with overwhelming love and anticipation for the day we finally meet this little human.
SHOP MY REVOLVE PREGNANCY PICKS: Stylish Maternity Fashion
Maintaining a sense of personal style throughout pregnancy can sometimes feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be! I’ve discovered an amazing range of comfortable, chic, and flattering pieces from Revolve that are perfect for embracing your bump with confidence and flair. Whether you’re looking for elegant dresses for special occasions, versatile separates for everyday wear, or just some inspiration for elevated maternity fashion, my curated picks are designed to make you feel beautiful and comfortable during every stage of your pregnancy. Explore my selection to find stylish pieces that celebrate your changing body.