ASOS maternity petite dress (belly clipped back; old – borrowed from friend), pearl bracelet
Last week I logged into a pregnancy app to check what fruit size baby is (large mango), and could hardly believe we crossed the halfway mark! Up until recently, I had mild symptoms (although Nick might beg to differ) and was hovering in an awkward “burrito belly” stage. Since some of you have been kindly checking in, I wanted to share a pregnancy update on here. Petite-friendly maternity wear has been a very popular request – I haven’t posted much about it since I can still get away with some regular clothes, but I promise I will once that need comes!
First Trimester
Symptoms:
I’m so grateful about no morning sickness or nausea, especially after hearing how awful it is / was for some of you! I only noticed a few symptoms myself (below), but apparently my dear husband had plenty of other observations. You guys may have seen Nick’s pregnancy journal, which made me cry and then crack up like the un-hinged hormonal person that I apparently was!
– Pee Problems – Frequent…like 3 times throughout the night frequent. I didn’t think I’d need to look into adult diapers for another 8 months or so! Fortunately, it was just an early pregnancy symptom triggered by hormones, at least until it resurfaces late pregnancy for more obvious reasons.
– Bloating – I’ve had chronic digestive issues and bloating as long as I can remember, but it’s on a whole different level while pregnant. By the end of each day, my waistline expands up to 8 inches from painful bloat. My doctors have not suggested anything other than to drink lots of water and try elimination diets with no gluten, dairy, or other trigger ingredients one at a time.
– Fatigue – Naps never felt so good!
Last IVF injection: Around 11 weeks we did our last progesterone injection, which felt amazing but a little bittersweet. When we started IVF, I didn’t realize these hormones had to be taken for that long after implantation. I hated the needles and soreness, but the injections became almost a comfort for me knowing it was helping maintain a healthy pregnancy. I also secretly loved the pampering (heating pad butt massages, anyone?) from Nick and having this set-aside time together nightly.
Second Trimester
Symptoms: Like magic, right around 13 weeks almost all my first trimester symptoms disappeared (except bloating). I got my energy back, I could make it through the night without potty breaks, and I had a fridge full of uneaten pomelo fruit that didn’t seem quite as spectacular anymore. Of course, it wasn’t long before a new set of symptoms showed up knocking…
– Sleep Saga – A good night’s rest now feels impossible for this typical back sleeper, and the baby’s not even here yet! Is this the beginning of the end? I know pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their left side after 20 weeks, and am wondering how many of you actually did that (and tell me your tips how)! I’m very enticed by the oversized body pillows but we don’t have a big bed.
– Huffs & Puffs – Heavy breathing feels like the norm now while doing nothing. Since I have months to go, I’m making it a goal to do more pregnancy yoga and stay moderately active (starting with a personal trainer next week to learn some safe exercises).
– First flutters – You guys were right about how incredible it is to start feeling these. I can sense regular movement now and then what feels like a party in my uterus around 3am (conveniently).
Weight Gain: Started at ~94 and am up 10 lbs now, most of which were gained over the last few weeks. My belly “popped” about two weeks ago, which was signaled to me by the start of stomach petting by strangers. Should I just get used to this?
So happy for you and Nick. And reading the pregnancy journal cracks me up!
When will you reveal the gender? I’m so excited to know!
I had terrible leg cramps at night. I realized they occurred when I tried to stretch my legs by extending my toes. Flexing my feet (pointing my toes back towards my body) to stretch my calves got rid of them instantly. This is basically what people are referring to when they say stand up. If you feel like extending your feet in the middle of the night or when you wake up, just flex them instead and you’ll notice that you’re avoiding the cramp setting in.
Came here to say this! Totally agree. No way I want to get up out of bed when half asleep.
I am normally a stomach sleeper, so pregnancy sleeping was quiet an adventure for me! I had one of those ginormous pillows (yes, they are huge and expensive and you probably will only use it for a few months) but it made ALL the difference in my sleep/overall happiness. Worth every penny, in my opinion. I stressed out about sleeping the right way for a few weeks but then just let it go. I had horrible heartburn and sometimes sleeping propped up on my back was the only way to relieve it. My doctor said that was completely fine.
I also want to say it’s great that you’re continuing to stay active! I had a difficult labor (umbilical cord was wrapped around baby’s neck), and I truly believe that if I hadn’t kept my strength up with exercise (prenatal yoga, lots of walking, light/moderate weightlifting, swimming laps), I would have had an emergency C-section. If you have the energy for exercise, it’s so good for you!
You are beautiful and radiant, thanks for sharing this journey with us.
Get a wedge pillow and tuck it under your belly on the side that you sleep. It really helps. I slept on my left and still do because it helps with circulation. It also reduces heart burn if you do get those symptoms. Congratulations and all the very best!
Nick’s journal cracks me up! I love it. With my first child, I didn’t use a pregnancy pillow. I bought a pregnancy pillow for the second, and I feel that it made a difference. I remember the doctor saying that sleeping on your left side with the pillow between your knees helps align the back. I think you’re doing yourself a favor with staying moderately active. You will be happy about that later! I’m so excited for you both and look forward to more updates!
I was 100% a back sleeper only before pregnancy, but around the 20 week mark, I started getting worried about all the advice to avoid the supine position, and around 28 –30 weeks, it actually started making me feel dizzy/light-headed to lie on my back. I finally got one of those pregnancy pillows after swearing that I wouldn’t, and I AM SO GLAD I DID.
I got this one made especially for petite women and I love it! I still get annoyed about sleeping on my side every now and then, but for the most part it makes the difference between tossing and turning all night versus getting a decent night’s sleep. ttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KJZOWU/
I’m so thrilled for you. It’s a most amazing journey . I had trouble sleeping since I’m a stomach sleeper . I bought the Leachco snoogle total body pillow and that was a lifesaver. It took up some room because our bed wasn’t huge but it helped me sleep .
Hi! I shared a queen-sized bed with my husband but found the U-shaped pillow I bought invaluable. My husband obligingly made room for it and it was great for me to use upside-down (like a real U) since I’m short and could turn either way without having to move the pillow itself. I never slept on my left side only and slept however which way I wanted and it was fine. I gained a total of 15 lbs during my pregnancy but did continue to work out the whole time (lightly) and also gave birth a month early, which may be why. Can’t wait to see bb pics!
Hi Jean! Congratulations again on your pregnancy! I’m not sure if you plan to learn the gender or not but you should be getting the anatomy scan anytime now! I’m 31 weeks and have the same sleeping struggles. I wake up almost every night around 2 am to use the bathroom and then struggle to fall asleep again. Breathing is definitely a challenge by the end of the day. Maternity clothes are tough to find, but ASOS has great dresses and apeainthepod.com has some great designer jeans. The movements get crazier! Sometimes I question if I’m carrying a dragon . I can feel the baby move from one side to the next. Enjoy every moment of this! Wishing you all the best.
Hey Jean,
Congrats on your pregnancy!!! I am almost 23 weeks myself and can’t wait for you to make recommendations on maternity clothes. I have just popped in the last two weeks and am now finding it hard to find comfortable pants (Inrgid and Isabel leggings have been ordered though!). I noticed you mentioned bloating as an ongoing issue. Have you considered trying the FODMAPs diet? Scientifically, the evidence for this diet is robust. If you do research it and find it is something you may consider trying, I would definitely contact a Registered Dietitian as it is quite involved and is intended to have a registered professional guide you through the process. Good luck and all the best!
Hi Lerin, congrats!! I hope you love the I&I leggings, and I’ll be reviewing LOFT maternity petite pants soon as well. Thank you for your tip about the RD – I’ve been putting it off but I think it might be necessary. I have considered the low FODMAP diet but am saving it post-pregnancy because many of the “high FODMAP” foods are ones that are touted as very nutritious for pregnancy and ones that I crave (sigh). Although that could also partially explain the increased bloating!
The Bobby wedge pillow is a lifesaver. It’s small, and just fits under your belly to offer relief particularly 6 months and beyond, I found. You could also wedge it under your back to prevent rolling over. I am a side sleeper and I got so sick of sleeping on my side!! You can do it, everything eventually gets better!
Boppy*
Jean, I admire you. Congratulations on your pregnancy! I wish one day that could be me.
Hi Jean! I tried the snoogle, but it was just way too big. I got by with a boppy pregnancy pillow that didn’t provide nearly as much support, but was much easier to manage. I’m a stomach sleeper, and it was crucial for me to get a special pillow with neck support for slide sleeping. I got a contoured memory foam pillow specifically designed for side sleeping and it made a huge difference. While it’s not recommended for health reasons to sleep on your back, you’re going to get to a point where your belly is so heavy you won’t even want to. Good luck! You look great!
Week 7 preggo journal notes are iconic…
Don’t waste money on a body pillow. I did and my dogs ended up claiming it lol. I was pregnant with triplets and sleep was the worsssst! I ordered a custom made power recliner and that was the only thing I could get some rest in! When I was out on bedrest I literally sat/lied in my recliner all day all night and it was SO comfy!
I love reading your updates Jean, I’m so excited for you!
Happy Monday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
So exciting!! I am 25 weeks, and since about 19 weeks or so I’ve been sleeping just on either side — not necessarily only my left. I usually find myself switching back and forth. I’ve found a lot of bloating issues, too, so I’ve been trying to pay attention to what foods seem to trigger it. For me it’s gluten and grape juice when I have them out of proportion. And with grape juice that’s really easy to do. . Congratulations, again, Jean!
Get compression stockings. They’ll help w the leg cramps, keep down the swelling, prevent blood clots (pregnant folks are prone to Dvts), and fend off ugly varicose veins. Start w the 8 mm hg pressure strength ones. Jobst ultra sheer makes ones that look like nude colored hose.
Get a snoogle! It is the best ever and I’m done being pregnant and I miss it!! So comfortable to lie on your side with.
Love the pregnancy journal! You will sleep again–after baby comes and hits about 12 weeks, you are now in the practice round for the newborn stage. I would start practicing your firm but polite stranger avoidance now cause it will be worse with baby so you will need to have perfected your “keep your hands away” technique by then. My second was born in January and as we were leaving the hospital I literally karate chopped this grandma who was going to touch my newborn–we were in a hospital for goodness sake–way too many germs.
Time to kick Nick out of the bed happens to every single pregnant lady I’ve ever known!
Personally, I hated the snoogle pillow, it was way waaaay to big for my body. I used a little wedge called hiccapop and had a lot of success with that. I even brought it to the hospital for delivery!
As for people touching your belly, if you don’t want it to happen, tell them your doctor told you to avoid it. Works every time
love these pregnancy updates- can’t wait to see more!
Hi Jean!
I am also a petite mama-to-be but I am already the same size as your bump at 12 weeks since I’m carrying twins. I’m trying to keep it a secret a little longer from my work and I’m having trouble with outfit ideas. Could you do a post using your existing wardrobe too hide your bump but still feel comfy?
Agreed! Please do a post on how you dressed before you spilled the beans, or more generally, during first trimester! I’m 9 weeks – not showing yet – and also trying to hide it from work as long as possible. Love your blog and have been following for years – congratulations on the pregnancy <3
hey! found you on instagram, congratulations again on your pregnancy! i am 22 weeks with my first after 6 years of infertility, also a chronic back sleeper. i have the snoogle and think it’s the best option (we have a queen bed) i use it upside down but usually around 3 am i end up on my back because of siatica nerve pain, but back sleeping gives my tummy a hot burning feeling (indegestion?) keep trying and my tips have been a 30 minute prenatal massage, helps my circulation a lot and have been sleeping better since. Keep us updated!! hope sleep comes soon!! xox
The Snoogle pillow was a lifesaver! My husband would actually use it once I got out of bed.
I got leg cramps too, but I found drinking extra water during the day helped. When I got them in the middle of the night, standing up immediately helped to get rid of them more quickly. That or hitting my husband to rub my leg.
The peeing will come back with a vengeance in the third trimester. You’ll quickly learn every possible public restroom in the area.
Best of luck with the second half of your pregnancy!
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I am a side sleeper so that was nut a big issue for me. This pillow helped though. I also used it in the car for back support and also during labour, propped between my knees. It really helped during contractions.
hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge for Maternity | Memory Foam Maternity Pillows Support Body, Belly, Back, Knees
Congrats on the progress. I love your husband’s observations diary. The part I miss the most during my 2 pregnancies was feeling the movement of the baby. The joy of bathroom runs in the middle of the night or waking up “needing” that PB&J at 3 am, is a funny memory looking back. You look amazing and I am so happy for both of you.
Haha! Nick’s pregnancy journal is hilarious! I had twins, so glorious second trimester was relatively short and I was as big as a 30 week pregnant person at 20 weeks. Arghhh!
Get one of those long snake pillows you can wrap between legs, under bump, and cuddle. They are amazing. I was also pregnant in summer so I had a constant rotation of pillow cases in the freezer because its like having a small furnace attached to your front.
I feel you on the bloat – I had it too! In the end I just ate most things, not worrying too much about gluten free/dairy free, but A LOT of yoghurt and probiotics were eaten. And protein! All the protein in sight (packets of ham were eaten every morning and afternoon).
Enjoy it, and good luck!
I’m a back sleeper as well and slept on my side starting around 20-24 weeks (I don’t recall exactly). NYC apt = not a lot of room so I got a hiccapop wedge pillow on amazon that really helped with the belly (I now use it behind my back while nursing). Not fantastic sleep but better than not having anything. Also my 3-5 times a night getting up to pee came back the third trimester. But it was all worth it – baby girl is now 6 weeks old. Enjoy your pregnancy and all those kicks and movements that will intensify soon!
First of all, huge congratulations to you and Nick!
About the side sleeping issue, my pregnancy pillow was a life saver! The Boppy Total Body Pillow was perfect as it wrapped around perfectly, so it didn’t feel like it took up a lot of extra space. It was so much better than me trying to stuff extra pillows around my body. And bonus for being able to use it later on as a nursing pillow!
I hope this helps if you decide to give it a try. Best of luck!
Hi Jean!!
Bananas helped me with leg cramps. I had one to two each day!!!
Hi Jean! I love your blog and have been following you for 6 years! Congratulations on your pregnancy!! The only thing that helped me with leg cramps during my pregnancies was to get up as soon as I have the cramp and stand up near a wall to prevent falling then put all my weight onto the big toe of the leg that have the cramp. The pain should quickly go away. My husband was the one who taught me this because he was also having leg cramps during my first pregnancy too! It’s been so helpful. I hope you give it a try and I prayed that it will work for you as well. Sending lots of love to you and Nick!
congrats on 20 weeks! i agree with the snoogle (leachco) on amazon! it’s shaped like a giant C and was a lifesaver and i was already a side sleeper. i had back pain pretty early before i was even snowing and this thing was so worth it. we have a queen-sized bed so it was a little tight but honestly, not any tighter than our current situation co-sleeping (second half of the night) with a toddler haha. symptoms definitely constantly change. everything is impermanent with pregnancy, both the good and the bad!
I love how involved nick is and how observant he is. I can’t even get my significant other to notice when I’m hungry short of yelling feed me! I’m naturally a side sleeper but I favour my right more than my left. What’s really helped is the snoogle pillow which helps to take the weight off my back and just feels like a comfortable hug at night. We have a queen sized so it fits snug but everyone fits. I’d suggest figuring out what works on a nap basis even before deciding on making nick shuffle. I am so excited for you guys and I’m grateful for your honesty and ability to keep up with posting. Sending you well wishes to your family from !
Hi Jen,
My doctor said not to worry about sleeping positions as our bodies will adjust if something is wrong. I am usually a side sleeper, but ever since I got pregnant I end up sleeping on my backside! It doesn’t bother me as long as I get my beauty nap especially since the doctor said there is no issue at all.
I hope you get that much vaunted burst of energy in the second trimester! I never did and felt cheated
I had to get an enormous pillow to make myself stay sleeping on my side properly even though I’m normally a side sleeper! It takes up a lot of room but it might help you sleep better. Precious sleep.
People touching: I hated it and was quite sharp with anyone who tried to touch me without permission. People say “they can’t help it” but I think that’s a pretty poor excuse for not reining in your impulse to lay hands on a perfect stranger.
Hang in there pretty little Mama! Wishing you the best of yet to come, a little bundle of joy will soon arrived!
LA BIJOUX BELLA
Nick’s pregnancy journals crack me up and my husband loved them too. A few tips: leg cramps are totally normal as is donkey kicking your partner. Try the u shaped pillow, it really did help although getting out of it to go pee is quite an adventure. Please, please write a post on maternity wear for petite women. It would be so nice to wear cute clothes during pregnancy #2 although I may just sew my own this time around.
So happy to hear that everything is going well, Jean! I’ve been loving Nick’s little notes hahahah! They’re so fun to read and also soo sweet! <3 Congrats once again! Can't wait for more updates!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
The Snoogle was my best friend during both of my pregnancies! You must get one. I actually miss it sometimes and think about bringing it back into our bed.
You look GREAT!!! 1) I used Leacho Snoogle pregnancy pillow to help me sleep on my side. 2) There’s no real cure for leg cramps other than when it happens at night, the quickest way to get rid of them is to hop out of bed and stand up. This action forces you to stretch out your toes which helps relieve the cramps. 3) I never had total strangers touch my belly. I think it’s because my belly wasn’t that big in the first place and I wore clothes that were a little looser. I have mixed feelings about strangers touching pregnant women. Yes, they want to be part of the circle of life blah blah blah. But holy crap – don’t touch me. I vote that you grab their belly if they are obnoxious. Give them a taste of their own medicine.
Leg cramps at night are sometimes because of the way your leg bends at night. Only way to get rid of them for me was to stand up and it was instantly gone. It sounds really crazy but someone in my prenatal yoga class told me this and I was amazed!
Pillow that worked for me was the I shaped one that goes all the way around your body. People hate it because it blocks a lot of room in the bed but I would do anything for comfort.
Congrats on 20 weeks! I suggest getting a huge pregnancy pillow for sleeping. Mine was huge and a u-shape. It seemed ridiculous (and my husband disliked it) but it was an absolute must for me!
So good to read your update. Have you tried the Snoogle? That pregnancy pillow worked really well for me!
Ahh so lucky not to have morning sickness! Mine was weeks 6-17, and I’ve thrown up randomly a couple times since then Not fun but definitely will be worth it in the end!!
I’m 26 weeks now and have been sleeping on my side for 6-8 weeks now. I just have to support myself with my top leg knee bent–like the recovery position, or kind of a half way fetal position. Like you, having lots of sleeplessness and flipping from side to side, though. I have a C-shaped pregnancy pillow that I haven’t really used yet, but I think it will be really helpful as my belly gets bigger! You should get one if you haven’t tried already
The kicks are so exciting, aren’t they?? And so fun when they get more regular and distinctive! I’m glad to hear things are going well with your pregnancy, and it’s been fun following along! Congratulations to you and Nick!
As a back sleeper I feel your pain! Getting any kind of pregnancy pillow has been so helpful special as I’m heading into my 3rd trimester. I’ve also found a pre-bed time routine helps (stretching and some Natural Calm magnesium drink to also help with the night time leg cramps!)
Hey Jean!
Congrats again on the pregnancy! My little one is about to turn 4 mo
I found sleeping on my side pretty comfortable with the Snoogle. Friends tried similar sleep pillows, but none seemed to be as firm or supportive as the snoogle. It felt nice to be cocooned in it, but there are also various other positions. Now that I no longer use it, my husband sometimes like to sleep inside it, ha!
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
Loving the pregnancy journals from Nick! Please more updates as time passes by! As for the strangers touching your belly! It happens ALL the time! If you don’t mind it then its ok but if you don’t sometimes a deathly stare may help! Looking beautiful and radiant as always
If the stomach touching is by someone who is likely to be a repeat offender over the next few months- I have found that the best way to make them learn their lesson and stop forever is this- the next time they touch your stomach without asking, touch theirs too and ask them how they’re feeling as well. It works!
I”ll be sure to keep these tips in mind ; ) I don’t mind it so far (since it’s been very nice and polite strangers) but have heard some awkward stories from friends, so having some thwarting strategies in the back pocket won’t hurt!
I had chronic leg cramps or restless leg syndrome through both my pregnancies … hot water soaking before sleep and a nice leg massage help … also a nice evening walk will helps .. and I did drink coffee whole pregnancy but not after 5 pm .. hope this helps
I was a devout stomach sleeper and relied on two different sized snoogle pillows to keep me on my side from the second trimester, on. It’s not easy to adjust! The funny thing is, now 3 months postpartum, I love side sleeping and I still use my snoogle
Jean, I am still so happy for you and I can’t wait for your new family member myself! Thanks for the update!
http://charmainenyw.com
Sorry to be the bad news barrer but u couldn’t find a comfortable side. So what I did was to take over the whole bed, and used 5 pillows and eventually I found a good position. At the end I slept at a 45 degree angle