Even though I still don't have an explanation for the weight I gained in June, I now DO have an explanation of how I could bloat right out of my favorite pants in five days. Apparantly, according to the little stick, That week was the first week I was pregnant.
I have debated whether I should tell my blog readers about this, as we all know that everyone you tell you are pregnant you also may have to tell you have miscarried later on. However, I find I am completely at a loss of how to discuss what's going on with my body and fitness without this slightly relevant detail.
So there it is--you're the first to know! We're not telling our families until after 8 weeks (or until we get a sonogram), and I'm only in week five now.
Had I had a pregnancy book the last few weeks (of which I now have several), I would have known I was pregnant just from the description of the symptoms. Except for the nausea, I have ALL of them. I am weepy and exhausted; I have been lightheaded and crampy. I'm completely congested and have been having the most vivid dreams.
The capper, of course, is the BLOAT. I have NEVER felt so much like a Macy's Thanksging Day Parade float in my life. My midsection has expanded like someone took an air pump to it. According to the books, this is the result of a surge in progesterone. Even at this stage, my hips and ribcage are getting wider. I feel really heavy in my midsection and would really prefer to not wear pants at all. So it's back to the store I go with all the new pants I bought. I guarantee they won't fit in two weeks time if this continues.
With more reading, I see that the recommended diet for a pregnant woman is not all that different from what I was eating. I just need to up my protein and calcium a little. I may re-integrate a serving of milk a day into my meal plans. I also don't have to worry about limiting my carbs so much, though I will continue to make sure they are the un-processed kind.
I'm still a little unsure of how much of my new fitness routine I will be able to retain. I read that weighlifting is out, but I think maybe they mean bodybuilding, not just strength training like I'm doing. I need to figure out how to adjust my routine. I'm really unsure about how to workout my abs, which I just started doing in earnest this summer. (Boy, did I wait too long to get started on that!)
Any tips from you moms out there would be welcome. Now that I've told you all my secret, I feel better. It's seems almost unthinkable that I could walk around for two months and not tell anyone! Right now, it seems to be the only thing I can think about, especially how this will affect my teaching year, which starts back Aug. 7.
Well, chicas, I'm off now to go pack for a three-day workshop I'm attending (the last thing on EARTH I feel like doing right now). I hope I'll find some internet access while I'm there to check up on you all. If not, I'll see you Wednesday!
Posted By: ashleyb
Comments to this post:
07/29/2007 09:07
well, well well
All I can say is YAY! and you have officially been stamped into the prayer log at my house.
Happy Gestation! I'll bet it must be a relief to know that weight gain is because of the little person growing inside of you as opposed to too many peanut butter cups! WOW! What a change in thinking, huh? Thanks for sharing the news! Take good care of yourself!
Congratulations!!! I'm so incredibly happy for you and your dh. You're about to go on the most amazing journey of your life. You must be on cloud nine. :) Seee??? your body is doing what it's supposed to do. :)
Here's my advice. If you're active prior to pregnancy you can remain active, but moderate it to a lower impact. Your body will be good at telling you if you're over working it. Lifting weights for toning is fine...power lifting heavy weights isn't a good idea.
I have a friend who was a runner before she got pregnant and ran through out 75% of her pregnancy. Her body was used to that so it wasn't a problem for her. My point is, exercising and remaining active, will help you stay in shape and help you lose weight afterwards and will make labor easier, you'll be less exhausted and pushing will be easier.
So I've been out for awhile...and I love the new pictures and whats this that you are pregnant. AWESOME! That was your goal for losing weight and you achieved it. Nothing beats that!
I hope you have a great pregnancy and since I've never been pregnant I will have no advice for you. :) but congrats!!!
So glad there is a happy explanation for the mysterious symptoms! Congratulations! I will keep your family in my thoughts, that you'll be able to tell your "real life" family and freinds soon and that you are able to remain at least somewhat active throughout the pregnancy. TIme to look up those prenatal yoga classes!
I say you trade in those pants for some pretty elastic-waist skirts and make sure you're comfy for the next 8 or so months!
awww yayyyyy...I am so glad to see that you are pregnant! As for the early bloating...I know this is going to sound icky, BUTTT...it could explain it...first few weeks of pregnancy...There is bowel distention.
I couldnt get the link to work but its a site called simplymoms.com. I hope this helps answer some of your question. If not, I just put bowel distention and pregnancy in the search bar..and lots of stuff came up that makes sense. Its the answer my dr gave me.
Ashley, you are such an inspiration. If I look back at the start of your blog, one of your goals was to be able to lose some weight so that you become pregnant. And you did it!! How amazing does that feel?
I've been having a tough time lately - trying to get motivated and trying to make myself want to do this, and just reading through your blog and your trials makes me feel infinitely better!
Congratulations! You deserve this!
Posted By:
07/31/2007 10:13
so exciting....
I am excited for you. That is so going to be me next year. Lose a bunch of weight, then get pregnant! As far as tips about excercise during pregnancy, I would say walk, walk, walk! You have a great plan to stay away from the 'bad carbs'! Congratulations!
Posted By:
07/31/2007 14:31
Congratulations!
I know it happened a little earlier than you had hoped, but it doesn't always go according to plan! That is great news! My best advice is to sleep while you can!! Don't cave into those cravings like I did! Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Patties were my best friend for BOTH my pregnancies and I gained 46lbs & 32 lbs respectively. You only need to gain 20-25 lbs and if thats all you gain, I can almost promise you it will fall off overnight when the baby is born. Oh, and I drank Chamomile tea with a splash of milk to cure my morning sickness. I swear by it.
Best of luck to you with your pregnancy. And thanks for sharing the wonderful news! Shelley
wow, ashley! i have been following you from pretty much the begining. it has been months since i have been on extrapounds and of course i have checked on you :) and WOW! u r preggers :) so amazing! congrats! wonderful! :)
