Week 17 you guys! This week was the first week I felt baby move (only from the inside though). 23 more weeks to go.
👶🏽 Baby Status: This week baby is the size of a large white onion (13cm and 140g). The little heartbeat is now regulated by the brain, so no more random off beats. With the help of a stethoscope, we can now hear babies heartbeat. Most of baby's survival reflexes at birth are being practised right now. For example, sucking his/her thumb and swallowing the amniotic fluid to practice for breastfeeding.
🤰🏽 Mama's Status: This was the first week I noticed subtle 'fluttery' feelings in the belly - usually very early in the morning. This is feeling little babe moving about in there. I travelled to Cairns this week to teach yoga and visit family, and this early morning flight was the first time I felt those little flutters and jabs (only from the inside. they're not prominent enough to feel on the outside). My appetite has been steadily increasing. I've never been a huge fan of snacking, and all of a sudden I'm all for it. Apparently increased appetite is my body taking signals from bub, who's getting bigger and hungrier. My belly is well and truly popping! Another change present since first trimester and that has been increasing as I go is vaginal discharge (leukorrhea). No one told me this is totally normal and healthy so I'm sharing here. Its cause is an increase in estrogen levels and blood flow to the pelvic area which stimulates mucous membranes, leading to an increase in vaginal discharge. Like everything it also has a purpose - it creates a healthy balance of bacteria and protects the birth canal from infection.
Weight: +4.5kg
Diet and Cravings: Oh my gosh everything right now. I really could eat just about anything. Writing this makes me hungry lol. All in all my diet is still going well. I'm trying to fill up on plants otherwise, I really could smash a loaf of bread. Below was what I ate today.
Breakfast: Vegan protein shake
Snack: Avocado and promite on toast
Lunch: Healthy buddha bowl with rice, tofu, lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, broccoli, pita bread and hummus (see video shared on IG story below).
Snack: Mango and banana
Dinner: Spinach pasta with homemade mushrooms cashew sauce and Mediterranean salad
Pregnancy Exercises and Yoga: Every week my body is changing that little bit more and so is the way I move. Yoga poses, gym workouts and running is getting that little bit more challenging every time. I have been feeling pressure on the left side of my pelvis again this week so I've been taking it easy with gentle yoga stretches. Guillaume and I have been doing 4km beach run together each week too (it looks like he is walking while I am on struggle street).
Products I'm Loving: My product recommendation for this week is a book my sister gave me titled 'Up the Duff: The Real Guide to Pregnancy'. It's a week-by-week guide on what to expect with a funny spin on everything!
Self Care Ritual This Week: This week Guillaume and I started weekly date night where we have to leave our iPhones at home! Lately, we’ve realised everything has been about planning for this baby or work. And we want to make sure we still take time to connect in with each other, especially as we start this new journey of parenthood. So this week we went to our favourite Thai restaurant at sunset.
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✌🏽 Thanks for taking the time to read and connect. I'm sharing my pregnancy journey online for friends, family and other mamas out there. If you have any questions, tips or anything you'd like to share, please comment below.
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