Tips for the Pregnant Lady: Second Trimester

The second stage of pregnancy - known as the "Honeymoon Stage" - is probably the easiest stage to go through in pregnancy. This is where the nausea and exhaustion wears off a little bit and your body is getting used to all your new hormones, as well as a cute little belly.
This is an excellent time to start exercising and eating well, since you aren't as tired (usually!) and nauseous, which definitely helps. Another plus to exercising and eating right during this stage: your sexual desires may increase tremendously... leaving your significant other absolutely thrilled or running for the hills! On the other side, some women say they felt a lower libido - all depends on the woman! You aren't quite large yet, so enjoy your nights under the sheets because you are looking at difficult lovemaking later on and then "lack of" after baby is born - that is, unless you are creative and still desire to make sex a regular part of your life, even during these crazy new times.

General Tips for the Pregnant Lady: Second Trimester

* Eating well will help with any nutrient deficiencies, since baby is going to need good nutrition to grow.
(Personal Recommendations: Remember to keep taking your prenatal vitamins as directed by your doctor to make sure both you and baby are healthy. I also strongly suggest an Omega-3 fatty acid capsule each day. These personally helped me overcome strong hormones from pregnancy that caused unstable emotions, as well as assist with baby's neurological development - great benefits for both!)

* As far as exercise, the second trimester is easiest on the body. During this time, you will be able to do kickboxing (non-combact), low-impact aerobic exercise (exercise without jumping and jarring movements), walking, and strength training, preferably for 30-50 minutes 4-5 days a week.
(Personal Recommendations: Overall, I feel stronger and more fit. This is one of the biggest tips I want to share because even on those days when you feel exhausted, try doing just 20 minutes. The benefits are miraculous: energy boost, better sleep, reduced pregnancy discomfort, preparation for childbirth, reduced stress, improved self-image, and easier time of getting back in shape after baby is here!)

* Still feel tired? Take a nap! You can't be Superwoman (at least, all the time). Take time for a 30 minute snooze.
(Personal Recommendations: It's amazing how late I could take a nap and still be tired enough to go to bed at a reasonable hour during pregnancy. However, going back to the exercise tip: working out will definitely give you more energy, where in most cases, you won't need to sleep as long or start falling asleep while doing laundry or working because exercising often will keep you energized!)

* As usual, watch what you do on your back. Doing abdominal exercises is excellent, but you need about two queen-king size pillows propped under you to be safe for baby.
(Personal Recommendations: I tried to make sure I incorportated abdominal exercises in my workout to keep my abs strong for delivery and to get back in shape after the pregnancy - however, I did not do regular workouts that were usually advanced and intense, but lightened up with more oblique (waistline) exercises, elevated crunches, prenatal Pilates, and removed the lower abdominal workouts.)

* If you have children already and want to start a nutritious and fit lifestyle, start slow and steady. Make changes to you and your kids' diets by adding more veggies (adding light ranch is a great alternative to regular - and tastes just as good!), more grilled meats, and more complex carbohydrates rather than simple (simple carbs include white bread, pasta, potatoes, sugars, and the like... think white processed foods!). When it comes to exercising, do 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there, whenever you can find a few minutes. Keep moving throughout the day - don't sit down if you don't need to! Park farther away from the store, take the stairs. You can even fit in some exercise on a treadmill while your kids are watching their favorite TV show (there's your 30 minutes!). Little things make all the difference. Don't forget to spend some good quality time with your kids as well, which could include a walk/bike ride if it's warm, dance in the living room, etc. Be creative. You CAN do it!

This stage in pregnancy is no excuse to quit - in fact, it's the best time to get started! As always, check with your doctor before beginning any exercise or nutrition program. Now is NOT the time to drop pounds, but to get healthy and stronger. You'll have to carry lots of baby equipment once the baby's born! Adapting to a healthy lifestyle will not only benefit you from developing problems during pregnancy and delivery, but will also benefit your unborn baby as well. Your child is getting good nutrition and heart health benefits from the beginning - what a better way to start life!

Stay well! More later.