(20 weeks)
The bump for baby numero 2 is finally beginning to appear! I love when the bump finally pops and you don't look like you just had a huge lunch (or 10) anymore. It's like things GET REAL when the bump appears! So happy :) I wanted to share a little about this second pregnancy and give some updates on what's going on and how I've been feeling, along with how my Diabetes is being maintained.
I'm not sure, but if you follow me on Instagram, then you already know that we are pregnant with another BABY BOY!! Cannot wait for this little man to show up. I have so many questions and thoughts running through my mind, like- will he look/act/be just like Luca, or will he be the complete opposite? Will I dress them the same or give them their own identity? I grew up with a brother, so what will it be like for two brothers? I hope they will be best friends and share! And so much more. Any moms with two boys or all boys, I'd love any tips. :)
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How Far Along: 20 weeks! Halfway there!
Gender: Boy
Total Weight Gain: about 12 lbs
Maternity Clothes: Ummmm yes. I pretty much wear the same Ingrid & Isabel Maternity leggings & Ingrid & Isabel Maternity tanks with a sweater thrown over, every siiinnggllleee day. No lie. I've been sticking to this uniform because it's by far the most comfortable (anything pressing on my tummy feels so uncomfortable and painful) and because it's really all that fits. I can't wait until it warms up so I can throw a few dresses into the mix!
Sleep: Has been so rough! I literally have a pillow in the front of me under my tummy, with another pillow behind my back and a third between my knees! haha My husband cracks up at what it takes to get me comfortable. It takes a village people! If it's already like this halfway through, who knows what it will be like in 5-10 weeks! Boy oh boy! Also, I swear I get up every 3 hours to pee (TMI?). Just another joy of being pregnant :)
Miss Anything: YES! So much! I miss cocktails, sushi, and certain makeup products and beauty products. I've tried to stick to mostly all natural, organic, safe products during pregnancy. They don't always work as well, but when I find a few that actually work well, then BONUS!
Cravings: Clementines! I literally have been to the store 3 times in the past week and have bought tons of bags of cuties. I'm actually on the hunt for the best Clementine around. My new mission :) They are just so yummy! With Luca I craved Pineapple. There is just something about those tangy fruits that I can't get enough of. Maybe its a craving you have when you're pregnant with a boy.
Symptoms: At the beginning of this pregnancy I was super nauseous and all I wanted to eat were carbs, carbs and more carbs. I'm talking muffins, crackers, cookies, fried anything and cereal (things that are not the best for a type 1 diabetic, let alone anyone) but now I'm feeling a TON better! There are the occasional days that aren't great with nausea or back aches/headaches, but it's a huge improvement from the first 2.5-3 months. I literally wanted to toss my cookies if someone mentioned any kind of vegetable! Blah! I was shocked to find out we were having another boy because of how different this pregnancy has felt compared to when I was pregnant with Luca. I never felt nauseous even once with him. Goes to show that each pregnancy is completely it's own!
Belly Button/Body Changes: Belly button is still in. (Stayed in with Luca, but we will see). I do have crazy dry skin though this time. Could be the freezing cold temperatures and all the rain, but I've never had my skin get this dry before. I will have to post some skincare items that have worked to combat my dry skin.
Mood: Happy and Excited because I'm halfway and this pregnancy has seemed to fly by so much faster than the first! But also bewildered because I keep thinking about how much love I have for Luca and I just hope I can find more love to give to baby #2. I know it's there, I think it's just difficult to imagine loving anyone else as much as I love Luca! Such a weird thing to think about.
Best Moment Recently: It was so much fun bringing Luca with us to our 2nd Trimester ultrasound apt because he just kept asking when he will get to see his baby brother. It absolutely melts my heart! My husband and I cracked up, because when he was looking at the ultrasound he said it looked like there was an alligator in baby brother (his spine hahaha). Just the cutest. Also, when I had to sit on the table and have the dr look at my stomach, Luca sat next to me, rubbed my arm, looked at me with the sweetest eyes and said "you'll be ok mommy, I love you." He really is such a caring soul and I think he will make the best big brother :)
Looking Forward to: Enjoying this 2nd trimester while I have a little more energy and less nausea. Also, I am excited to spend more time really soaking up these last few months with Luca as our only child!
Exercise: I've tried to do a few Maternity Barre Dvd's. That is until last week when I totally tweaked my back. And I also try to walk at least 4 times a week (been tough with all this rain, but I will definitely take advantage of this window of sun we are having).
On My Mind: I am crazy excited to meet baby boy! But of course my anxiety kicks in and I begin to think about labor and delivery. Last time I got preeclampsia after giving birth to Luca and it was just such a horrific experience. So I am definitely praying that everything will be ok with that. I swear I ask my Doctor at every visit what I can do to prevent it and there really isn't a "prevention" so my controlling self is not taking this very well. I just want baby and myself to be safe and healthy during labor and delivery. Also, I'm nervous to be in the hospital without Luca. I've never left him for even a night and he is a Mama's boy for sure. If any other moms out there have any tips on how to make this easier on the toddler (and the mother!!!) I'd love to hear.
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A1C (Diabetes Type 1): 5.7
Type 1 Diabetes & Pregnancy:
I will say that having Type 1 Diabetes while pregnant is not an easy thing, but it is also not impossible. These tips may not work for everyone but these are a few things I do to try and take good care of myself while pregnant.
For me, it really takes a lot of diligence and discipline to maintain an overall good A1C (the average of what my numbers are). To assist me in this I jot all my numbers down in a notebook and keep tight control of what my number is by taking my finger poke up to 20 or more times a day. I also try to eat similar foods daily because I know usually how they will affect my numbers. This pregnancy has been a lot more difficult because of the nausea and also having a toddler. I will say that my will power is a lot lower with some of Lucas not so healthy snacks and meals around, I tend to give into a few bites, making my numbers sometimes go haywire.
Another very important thing I do is see my Diabetic doctor monthly. He can double check how I'm doing and give me tips if I'm having any trouble. I also stick to literally the same low carb breakfast every morning- I have eggs and 1 cup of berries. For some reason the AM is when carbs really affect me, so low carb is the best way to go.
An interesting thing is how much my digestive system has slowed down since becoming pregnant. If I eat too much at once, then my numbers tend to be all over the place and carbs will kick in when I least expect it. So I try to eat small meals more often. I definitely still indulge once in a while with cravings and I am human so I will sneak a bite of Luca's yummy looking Mac N Cheese (uh oh) but for the most part I try to be pretty healthy.
I also try not to eat out too often. I will go out if invited or if I'm just way too tired to cook, but I do realize that if I eat out my numbers are usually a lot higher, so what makes me happier is cooking healthy meals at home where I can count the carbs and know what I'm eating. There really are so many hidden sugars in sauces, dressings, bread, pasta, etc. that I just don't like to chance it.
Getting Real: With all that said, I will say that I am a person who puts A LOT of pressure on myself to have PERFECT numbers ALL the time. Which is really useless because that just won't always happen and highs and lows will occur even with the best control. This is something I have to remind myself constantly.
I beat myself up if I have a high or if I didn't give myself enough insulin, but thats just the name of the game. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm not perfect and even with doing what I always do or eating how I always eat, I will still get some numbers I don't love, and it's OK. What matters is the average of your numbers, not the accidental peaks. (Although my Diabetic Dr was warned me about getting too low- so i definitely watch out for my lows. They can be very bad for baby if unattended to.)
Its a lot to think about and a lot to carry on my plate to constantly be watching myself, what I eat, and how I'm feeling, let alone taking care of a toddler. But I know that It is only for a small window of time where I have to be this crazy strict, and having good control is so worth it for baby!
If anyone else has Type 1 Diabetes and is or is thinking about becoming pregnant I'd love to hear your tips or give you any help that I can offer.
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