We’re less than two months from baby’s due date. 52 days to go, to be exact.
There’s been no hiding my burgeoning belly for months, but in the past few days I’ve really started to feel my limitations.
I’m tired guys. More than tired. I’m exhausted.
To be fair, I totally overextended myself this past weekend. Saturday included a gaggle of errands followed by a strength training session at Baby Bump Academy, a local gym for expectant and new mamas.
Saturday’s WOD
The workout was fabulous, and I felt more like myself than I had all week. But I followed it up with a cooking session before Jo and I headed to an outdoor wedding.
Surprisingly, I felt fine all day. I didn’t tire out, drank loads of water and enjoyed all the experiences (including repeatedly sniffing my hubby’s gin and tonic after the nuptials.)
Jo and Vic at a summer wedding
The next morning, I was up bright and early as I volunteered at a local 5K, one organized by my friend Jo. Upon arrival, Jo greeted baby boy first, a move that both surprised me and brought a smile.
“Get used to people ignoring you for him!” she said with a laugh. The race was a whirlwind, and a joy to be a part of. (Next year, I run!)
Jo at the start of the Pride 5K
Fast forward several hours – past a lengthy brunch outing with my hubby’s college friends. I was done. I wanted nothing more than to sleep. But I had laundry to do, and food prep and chores and….
Yeah. I was wiped.
That’s the biggest difference I noticed as I’ve surpassed 30 weeks of pregnancy. I grow tired far more easily. I repeatedly try to do too much and then I crash.
I spent Monday d-r-a-g-g-i-n-g. Tuesday wasn’t much better.
I understand that this is the way it goes, and I do my best to cope by resting after work most days and drinking glass after glass of water. But yeah, I can’t pack in the activities like I used to. I can’t do as much as I’d like. And we already know I can’t lift things as I once could. Even a few weekends ago, when I celebrated baby boy with friends and family in Pennsylvania and Kyle’s engagement, I was wiped after 4 straight days of activity.
I’m not complaining as I feel so blessed to be in these shoes after my last few months. But boy, growing a baby is hard, tiring work. And while I love how his constant kicking keeps me company when I can’t sleep, my expanding body is getting cumbersome and uncomfortable.
In my first trimester, I was queasy and tired. I mainly laid low and rested outside work.
In my second trimester, my energy soared. The queasiness subsided and I was on a mission. I was incredibly active, between regular walks, hikes, yoga and trying new activities like Pilates.
Then the third trimester – and the summer heat – hit me like a truck. Yeah. reality check. Did I mention that we don’t have central air? Yeahhhh.
But that’s ok. Baby boy will be here soon enough, and we’ll enjoy the crisp fall weather together.
Any tips for a third trimester mama with 7 weeks to go? Share in the comments!
Ahhhh hang in there- with all your workouts and activities, you already sound like a SuperMom! I can only imagine how tiring it might be…. but worth it 🙂
Thanks Lily!
That was so me! I would food prep like crazy Sunday. Then Monday I would go hard and then Tuesday I was dead! This is where marathon training comes into play. Your week is a marathon not a sprint! Slow and steady at the start!
Thanks Tanya! That’s great advice!
Take lots of naps, keep drinking water and don’t feel guilty about needing to take a lot more breaks. I was a full time grad student in my last trimester and, basically, I did what was required and crashed. Maybe my “overextension” limit was really low, but so what? In the end, it’s really important to be happy and well-rested because you have a baby to enjoy!
Thanks Martha! There are days I feel great, but with this heat, I am really feeling it. LOTS of water is being consumed!!
Rest and relax! I kept pushing through and at 33 weeks 4 days met our baby girl. We don’t have ac but a window unit in our bedroom is a lifesaver. Oh and we celebrate 1 year this weekend so although early we are healthy and amazing.
Oh wow! that’s early! But I am glad to hear that everything is A-ok.
Honestly it prepares you for life with baby. Babies have less endurance for things than we do, and although I did take my girls almost everywhere, they get overstimulated and cranky quicker than adults. You learn how far to push them and when you have to just say no to things, or leave early, or train them to sleep anywhere, including on a floor if need be.
Thanks Hollie! We’ll definitely learn how far we can push baby boy REAL soon. xo
It’s easy to overextend, but you’ll find a new groove once Baby boy comes and you learn what you both need to be your best. Then again, what the heck do I know? 😉
*says the childless girl*
One thing that I put a lot of store in when I overextend, feel guilty about saying no, or my house not being clean is “those who matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter.” It helps with the guilt! Kisses, darling!
You know as much as I do darling! It sounds good to me!
And yes, I’ve gotten a little better at saying no, thanks to encouragement of my editor. She’s wise.
I know this is a hard one for people like us but in the 3rd trimester it’s time to say NO to the things that are just too much. Embrace the fact that not everything will get done but the important things will, eventually.
I can’t wait to meet my nephew!!! ❤️
good advice from those friends. Take good care of yourself. You may need a ‘tummy’ support ‘belt’ soon (if not now)