Tuesdays have become my favorite day of the week because I love moving to a new week of pregnancy. This is going to be a fun update because we had our anatomy ultrasound, which was so cool and also very reassuring.
First a note on pregnancy content, when I first announced my pregnancy, I asked if you guys would prefer updates on the main page or moving it to a separate area of the site. The vast majority (probably 99% of you) said keep it on the main page so that’s what I decided to do. That being said, I now can’t imagine having it on a separate page because it’s SO a part of my life right now and I can’t imagine compartmentalizing it.
Moving forward, I’ll be publishing these updates weekly because they’re really fun for me to write and I know I’ll love looking back and having these memories from pregnancy. Perhaps the biggest benefit of these posts is the connection that they’ve brought with you guys. I cannot thank you enough for sharing everything from your excitement to insights to personal stories. It brings me so much comfort and joy. I’ll also be peppering pregnancy stuff into my content as it applies (like the how I told my grandmother being part of my trip recap) and there will be a few more topical pregnancy posts as I go along.
If following along with my pregnancy is not your thing or maybe not the right thing for you right now, please feel free to skip the Tuesday posts. If you’re just not in baby mode and not interested, it doesn’t hurt my feelings at all. And if you’re in a space of an infertility journey or a loss and anything feels like a trigger, I encourage you to step away as needed to take care of yourself. Thank you all for reading and please know I value each of you and support you on your own personal journey. <3
19 WEEKS PREGNANCY UPDATE
- During this week the baby’s skin becomes covered with a slipper, white, fatty coating that protects the delicate skin
- The kidneys are developed enough to make urine which is excreted back into the amniotic sac
- Hearing is now well-developed
- Brain is continuing the develop millions of motor neurons and the baby may now be able to make conscious muscle movements such as thumb sucking
- Soft cartilage is hardening into bone, starting with the legs
Weight Gain/Body Changes: everyone at the studio has told me that I’ve definitely “popped” since arriving back from Florida and seeing this picture I finally have to agree. I was telling a fellow teacher the other day that I don’t really feel like I look that different but she pointed out that I’m in my body every day as it’s changing and they only see me a few times a week so it’s much more obvious. Makes total sense and when I see myself in photos/videos I see the belly so much more!
I’ve gained 10 pounds. I’m also seeing more cellulite on my body which I’m pretty sure is very normal as I’ve read that you store fat for breastfeeding. My breasts are also continuing to grow and change.
Workouts/Workout Modifications: all good on the workout front. Still a mix of running, walking, lifting and yoga. Took the bump on a five mile run today before sitting down to write this post! 🙂
Symptoms: I have a couple this week…
- Itchy skin. The combo of cold, dry weather + stretching skin has made for some itchiness this week, especially around my chest, belly and legs.
- Congestion in the morning. I’ve had this all of pregnancy and I don’t think I’ve mentioned it yet but I am really stuffy in the morning. So much mucus and drainage. From what I understand, it’s pretty normal.
- On the mood/emotional front, I’ve been feeling much better and more normal the last couple of weeks. The anatomy scan last week greatly helped my anxiety.
- I’ve been tired. I commented to Tanner on Sunday night that I was so tired despite sleeping plenty both Friday and Saturday night and having relatively low-key days. I was like, “I don’t understand…I haven’t really done anything different or extra hard workouts.” To which he replied, “Um, you’re pregnant. Your body is growing a human!” It’s not the intense fatigue I had on and off in the first trimester but I’m pretty bone-tired by the end of the day.
Food Aversions: none.
Food Cravings: other than my Sunday morning I need a bagel moment, nothing to note.
Sleep: surprisingly really good but I need to start working on not sleeping on my back. It’s about that time. I asked for a body pillow for Christmas and a new memory foam topper to hopefully make side sleeping more comfortable. I like side sleeping but I usually go from side to back to side a few times.
Maternity Clothes: last week I packed up a big bag of leggings and shorts that there was no chance I was wearing again until after pregnancy. Jackets and vests are already starting to get a little tight zipped around the belly. I still haven’t bought anything maternity-specific yet but the time is probably coming soon.
Reading/Listening To: early in my pregnancy I was really focused on learning as much as I could about pregnancy and birth. About a week ago I had a realization that this baby is coming in May regardless and while I still want to have the best pregnancy possible and a solid birth plan, it’s time to shift my focus to learning more about infants and raising a child! Current focus is to start educating myself on breastfeeding, infants and child psychology. I would love any book or podcast suggestions that you might have for me.
Looking Forward To: hitting 20 weeks next week (!!!), sharing the gender with you guys soon (!!!!!!) and feeling movement! Stillllll waiting.
18 WEEK ANATOMY ULTRASOUND
What an amazing experience our 18 week anatomy ultrasound was. We got to spend about 30 minutes watching the baby as our ultrasound tech took all the measurements that she needed to and talked us through everything.
I am so happy to report that everything measured on track and baby weighs about half a pound. She showed us so much…
- We saw the four chambers of the heart and blood flowing through as well as heard the heartbeat at 136
- Feet and hands, fingers and toes. She was even able to count 10 fingers and 10 toes.
- Brain development – so freaking cool!
- Ribs and spine (you can see the ribs in the bottom right picture!)
- Mouth and nose (you can see this in the top right picture)
- Umbilical cord and blood flowing through it to baby
And so much more! The coolest thing was that the baby’s chest was moving up and down and I asked her what it was doing and she said “practicing breathing.” Well, shortly after the baby got hiccups and she said it probably swallowed too much fluid with its breathing exercise. 🙂
The baby was moving around like crazy and she said I should definitely start to feel movement soon. I still think it’s so incredible that all of this is going on inside of me and I feel pretty normal.
I will only have one more ultrasound in my third trimester and that will be to check on size and positioning of baby and fluid levels.
And that’s all I have for today (it was a lot!). Thank you for letting me share these. 🙂
Any baby/child development books to recommend? Breastfeeding educational resources?
Any non-workout maternity leggings that you would recommend? I’m honestly on the fence about whether I even need maternity jeans because I wear jeans so infrequently anyway. I think I can just make it a few more months without wearing jeans and stick to leggings???
Did you use a body pillow or a pregnancy pillow (or nothing special)? I’m going to try a body pillow first because the U-shaped pregnancy-specific pillows look really intense!
You and the bump are just too cute! Absolutely loving reading these posts, keep em coming!!
Aw, thanks so much! 🙂
The anatomy scan was really cool. You got great pictures from yours! We pretty much only got the upper body profile. But we saw the heart and brain and so many other things. It’s amazing what they can look at and measure. I hope you feel movement soon. That’s the hardest part about having an anterior placenta. I think I mentioned this before but I didn’t feel movement until 22 weeks so don’t freak out if you don’t feel something until then. I’ll be 28 weeks tomorrow and I feel like I’ve just started to feeling more consistent movement. It’s easiest for me to feel movement when I am laying down. Last night I felt the baby have the hiccups for the first time which was really cool!
My friend lent me the book, “The Science of Mom” so maybe check that out? It’s a research-based guide to the first year of the baby’s life. I’m planning to read that soon as my friend raved about it!
Our ultrasound tech is awesome and she goes a little crazy with the pictures! We are just starting to feel some movements now at 20 weeks so that has been really cool. I do only feel it laying down. SO cool on the hiccups!
Like I said last week, I love reading these because you are a week and a half ahead of me and we have had some similar experiences (subchorionic hematoma, not really having much morning sickness, anxiety, etc.)
I have been congested for most of my pregnancy too and it has definitely got worse in the 2nd trimester plus the changing weather! I have also been struggling with not sleeping on my side, as a fellow back and side sleeper. It’s almost like knowing I shouldn’t makes it harder to do!
Congratulations on your successful 18 week scan. Mine is next Monday and we are so nervous and excited!
Hey Exa, I hope your scan went well. Let me know how you’re feeling. xx
I just sized up one size at athleta and that got me through my whole pregnancy. I think it’s just the chauturanga tight? Otherwise, Gap was my go to for true maternity clothes. I didn’t like maternity leggings, the full panel was too tight for my abdomen and the under the bump styles wouldn’t stay up.
So far I’m getting away with sizing up on my normal lulu favorites. Hoping to find sales and some good deals on the other stuff after Christmas.
I love reading your pregnancy posts! Especially since you are as far along as I am (I’m 19 weeks on Thursday!). It’s crazy how everyone’s pregnancy is so different. I recently started feeling movement in the last week or 2 so hopefully you get to experience that soon.
So fun that we are right at the same place. And yes, crazy the differences in pregnancies. Truly. We are just starting to feel movement!
You are going to be such a pretty mom!!
Thank you so much Shellie. <3
Loving these updates!! I was so hoping you’d tell us the gender today but I’m also super excited that gets its own post 🙂
Oh I know, the post got so long already and then the thing I ordered to announce stilllll hasn’t come in.
The womanly art of breastfeeding. It’s kind of intense, but very informative.
I second this recommendation: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is a great resource!!
I third this recommendation! And it’s only b/c my mom has been a Lactation Consultant (LC) for many, many years and highly recommends it. She also recommends preparing for how often a newborn baby will eat. A lot of new moms are unaware of how frequent the need is and will provide formula sooner than necessary, which diminishes supply. Nothing wrong with supplementing, but if your goal is to primarily breastfeed, just prepare yourself and line up a reputable LC.
I will DEFINITELY do this! Plan on calling in all the support that I can.
Definitely on my list of must-haves!
I am definitely ordering a copy of this.
Bringing up Bebe was really easy read!!
On my list for sure!
I’ve been following your blog for years and was so excited to find out you’re expecting on around the same time table as me! (I’m due mid April with my second boy) You should definitely pick up “The wonder weeks” for child development and scour the “kelly mom” website for breastfeeding resources. I spent many sleepless nights on Kelly mom trying to troubleshoot nursing issues with my first 🙂
I’ve found old navy to be good for cute, basic maternity clothes and super inexpensive if you catch a sale. Good luck!
I second the Wonder Weeks book and app! They help so much in the first 2 years or so of life in understanding the many phases in your child’s neurological development. The book gets a bit repetitive, but I still found it to be a great resource.
No real maternity specific leggings to recommend – I just bought regular ones a size or two larger than what I usually wear. For other clothes, Target and Old Navy have great, cute, and inexpensive stuff that I really loved. I did invest in one nice pair of maternity skinny jeans as well that were awesome to wear post-partum as well (in fact, it was sad when they were officially too big to stay up).
You’re looking so cute and are entering such a fun period of pregnancy – when you start feeling baby move! It was one of the best parts of pregnancy (when they weren’t kicking my bladder, that is, lol). It’s absolutely amazing to feel, and even crazier when they’re big enough to actually distort the shape of your belly depending on how they’re positioned!
Looking forward to hearing the gender!
Thanks for the recommendations Lauren! Definitely planning on budget maternity gear since I’ll wear it for such a short time so hopefully there will be some good after Christmas sales. We are just starting to feel our first movements! 🙂
Thank you so much for these notes on resources and BIG congrats on your second baby boy! <3
JEN! I came to this blog for your great workout inspirations (I am also a personal trainer) but stayed because you’re such a badass. I read your posts every week in awe of how motivated you are and just how much of a boss I think you are. Can I be you when I grow up? lol
I’m no where near having kids but your posts are so cute, informative, and I feel so invested! I get excited every time there is a baby update. Thank you for sharing!!!!
Melanie – I can’t thank you enough for your incredibly kind comment. Thank you, thank you so much.
Get the Best Baby on the Block (there’s a 30 min video, too) and The Baby Whisperer! Can’t wait to hear what you’re having!
Thank you Lauren!
I think shes referring to The Happiest Baby on the Block
I second Kelly Mom and Bringing Up Bebe and also love Moms On Call and pretty much follow it to a T in terms of baby scheduling – you’re way ahead of the game (or at least me) already looking into this stuff at 20 weeks! 😉 Baby Nursing is a great app for tracking feedings (and other things like sleep, diapers, measurements, etc.) that I have loved too!
Thank you for the recommendations Amy! I will look into these books and the Kelly Mom site!
My husband and I took a series of classes on labor and delivery and also took classes on newborn basics and breastfeeding. They were offered by the hospital where I later gave birth, and included a tour of the labor and delivery rooms. We learned a ton and it was especially great for helping my husband learn how to best support me during labor and breastfeeding. I think without the class he would have felt a bit helpless and unsure of what to do. It was also a great bonding experience and helped us process all the upcoming changes in our life. I really recommend it.
We are definitely planning on attending some of the hospital classes together! Wonderful to hear that you found them to be helpful!
I have never been pregnant (yet, hopefully!) but for what it’s worth I was an RA and the (also not-pregnant) girls on my floor one year had a serious thing for pregnancy pillows. It started with one trendsetter who had one who was (lovingly) teased for it.. until she let others try it and slowly convinced half of them to get their own. …I’ve never seen that happen with a plain old body pillow 😉
Haha, this is amazing!
I love the updates! My kids are elementary age and I’m not having anymore, but I still enjoy hearing pregnancy and baby updates! I can’t wait to find out if it’s s boy or girl!
For pregnancy pillows….I loved my snoogle body pillow. It was huge and took up half the bed, but I slept some much better with it; much easier than trying to finagle multiple smaller pillows. My husband had to force me to give it up post pregnancy .
Aw, thanks so much for following along and sharing my excitement! 🙂 And haha on your husband forcing you to give up your Snoogle!
The main advice I always give my friends is to learn about breastfeeding but don’t get stuck on having to do it. It is flipping hard and will turn your world upside down! The main thing is to feed your baby! Some people can’t breastfeed and that is ok. Don’t feel bad if it doesn’t work out for you for whatever reason. I hate when people shame moms into feeling bad about it. I breastfeed both of babies. My son had both formula and breastmilk and my daughter never would take a bottle and the first 4 months were hard then got easier because they aren’t eating as often. I saw friends get so stuck on having to breastfeed when they had so many problems and infections and were just miserable. Being a new mom is hard enough, don’t let the mom shaming and everyone telling you what you should do get to you. Do what works for you! Think of what our moms and grandmas did and we all lived through it. You will never be perfect and never be able to keep up with everyone’s recommendations. Pick and choose and let the rest go. Good luck!
I agree 100 % Nicole!
I have heard this so much and appreciate it so much. I totally agree with the “fed is best” sentiment however you need to get it done. I love your sentiments in this comment and they are such great reminders. <3
My favorite books were Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy (you’ll laugh a lot) and Happiest Baby on the Block.
For non workout leggings, Blanqi! They make great pregnancy and post pregnancy/nursing ones.
Thank you Susanne! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this exciting journey! I am currently 35 weeks pregnant and highly recommend Lululemon Align leggings. I bought one size up from my usual size but could have probably worn my usual size just fine because they stretch so nicely. They feel like butter on your skin and have stretched perfectly with my growing belly.
The Lululemon align pants in a size up were my favorite casual pregnancy leggings!
I also liked the Moms on Call ebook like someone else mentioned.
I have like 5 pairs of them. They are amazing!!!!!
I’m so excited for you! I’m a long-time reader and have always loved your blog so much. Your food is daily inspiration for my husband that stays home with our girls and obviously does all the cooking 🙂
I loved reading books about how to care for a baby, and decided to ignore a birth plan. I had twins and still had no plan at all for birth and it was still amazing.
My MUST READ book is Babywise. Everything I read highlighted just how much a baby craves a schedule and sleep and babywise was so impactful on getting our girls on a schedule/sleeping through the night. There are also tons of babywise support groups online and resources to help you understand where your baby is at in the sleep progression. Sleep/naps/schedule saved my sanity and allowed me to really know when/what our girls needed just by understanding what part of the day they were in. The book walks you through the first year – transitioning from all the naps, down to 1 nap when they hit 15-18 months. My girls started sleeping 7PM to 7AM at 3 months old and I give this book all the credit!
Can’t wait for gender!
Hi Shannon – thank you so much for your kind and helpful comment! Haha to your no birth plan twin birth. That’s awesome lady!
I know the U-shaped pillows are enormous, but if you move around a lot when you sleep (like you said you typically go side to back a few times), get the U-shaped pillow. I originally had the hoppy body pillow, and I hated tha every time I rolled over I had to move the whole big pillow around (especially in the winter when it’s cold outside of the sheets)! I ended up returning it and getting a U-shaped pillow.
That makes so much sense. Thank you!
How Children Learn by John Holt!
Thanks Kayla!
So exciting – and to think it gets even better once you feel those movements! We loved Baby makes three, Simplicity Parenting, The Whole Brained Child, and our huge Baby Book to reference when we were like “is this normal?” I also highly recommend the Wonder Weeks app. We read Moms on Call and followed the schedule but not all of the techniques for sleep. The schedule has been great. You’ll figure out what works for your family and do that – because everyone has opinions and advice to share ? So happy for you!
And one more… Baby Led Weaning for when you start thinking about real food. The book is a tad outdated but gives you the general idea – you can find tons of info online.
As far as nursing, we thought the class we took at our hospital was fantastic and informative and the best class we did during our pregnancy. If your hospital offers one, I’d highly recommend it and also finding out what lactation consultants will be available to you after you have your babe. Ours was a savior!
Thank you for the book and app recs. Super helpful! I’m definitely interested in baby led weaning. My friend Brittany from A Healthy Slice of Life actually wrote an ebook on it! I do plan on taking a breastfeeding class prior to birth and using the LCs!
While I was pregnant I was totally focused on learning about breastfeeding, birth plan and baby basics (we took a few classes for those too!). After I had the baby I did get that What to Expect in the First Year book which is OK but I would say I relied more on other moms who had babies right before me, and I would post in some questions in mom Facebook groups. A lot of moms like the Wonder Weeks book and phone app for developmental info on the baby once they are born.
For breastfeeding resources the only thing I would recommend now is to take a class on the basics. Your birthing hospital probably offers one and bookmark the KellyMom website. That website is 100% legit. I worked closely with a lactation counselor once my baby was born.
If anyone recommends Babywise DO NOT READ IT. It can be terribly detrimental to a nursing mother. The practices have been linked to loss of milk in the mom and babies not getting enough food. It’s seriously horrible.
If you don’t wear jeans a lot I would skip them. I didn’t have maternity jeans. I bought maternity leggings from Old Navy they were great! You will need to decide if you like the pants that cover the bump or sit under it – I preferred low cut!
I had a $10 body pillow. Nothing special.
Thanks for all of this insight Holly. I do think that I’ll be relying a lot on my intuition as well as friends who are moms as I venture into this! I am most definitely planning on taking a breastfeeding class prior to the birth!
Get the maternity jeans. Because jeans really don’t have a lot of give, they’re the first thing for me that starts to feel tight and uncomfortable in pregnancy, and maternity jeans are so comfortable. Gap and Loft have good, inexpensive options – you can snag a pair on sale for like $40, so it’s totally worth it, even if you only wear them occasionally.
I will definitely be scouting the post-Christmas sales!
Hands down, best baby and childcare books, having bought and read about twenty!, ever are Penelope Leach’s
1.Your Baby and Child
2. Babyhood
3. Your Growing Child
Number one will do you.
You’ll have to get used copies. Don’t be put off by the copyright dates–there isn’t anything new on that front! Her insight is amazing.
Are you taking Bradley childbirth classes? If I ran the world, everyone would. Excellent approach to life! Dr. Bradley’s original book is fabulous, if you can get a copy. Extremely empowering, as well. Need to start now—
Hi Lee! Thanks for the recommendations and I will look into the books. I have considered Bradley classes but not sure if we can swing the 12-week time commitment required but I do think I’ll look into the Bradley Book and I’m also hiring a doula.
So excited for you to tell us the gender! Did they tell you at the anatomy scan?
Yes they did! I’ll send you a DM. 😉
Read Becoming Babywise and Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. Both have been recommended above! I have used the method for all 3 of my children.
I know that you and Tanner will probably both be pretty equal partners in your parenting. I would encourage him to read the same books you do, or at least selected chapters. That way, dad knows what’s going on with the baby!
Great point and he’s already told me he’d love to listen to any and everything I recommend on Audible! He loves audio books.
I am currently 31 weeks pregnant with my first baby, a boy! Amazon carries a off-brand Snoogle and that pillow is fabulous: “Restorology Full 60-Inch Body Pregnancy Pillow”. It also doesn’t take up a crazy amount of bed space. You can face either way and “hug it” or put the “tail” of it between your legs. It has been a lifesaver! Your back will start to ache a bit, possibly, and it helps to have a cushion in between your legs to even out your hips. Your pups will like to steal it though, warning! Congrats on your successful anatomy scan and I can’t wait to see what you are having. The book “Brain Rules” is a great read about brain development from pregnancy and do’s/don’t’s of nurturing your child’s intelligence. It’s an easy read. I too have an anterior placenta and it took me until after 20 weeks to feel consistent movement from the baby so don’t worry! There are other girls that it takes a bit longer than even 20 weeks. Believe me- one day you’ll look down and see a little foot pushing through your skin! I was able to feel movement on my sides and above my hip bones before I was the middle of my belly. Now I feel it 24/7 and he’s migrating up into my ribs!! Just you wait sister, your baby movements will be here before you know it!
Hey Jess! Thanks for the pillow recommendation and haha, I’m sure the dogs would LOVE it! I will check out that book for sure. And we are just starting to feel a few movements and it’s been so exciting! 🙂
Jen, I love your pregnancy updates! You’ll be amazed at how much the bump grows in the last couple of months, and you’re going to be at the end of your pregnancy just as the weather here gets warm. You might just get away with flip flops and floaty dresses. Till then I’d skip the jeans and go for comfy leggings and cute floaty tops….be comfy and let your body breathe.
Thank you Vicki! 🙂 And yes, Tanner keeps commenting on the bump now and I’m like, you just wait! 🙂
Congratulations! You look so cute! I’d love a review of the memory foam mattress topper after you get it, we are considering buying one.
Thank you and I will report back!
The best breastfeeding resource (besides The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding book – classic) – definitely check out Kellymom.com . It’s a site with up to date research and info on all things related to nursing. It’s a godsend!
I breastfed my two kids for a combined 30 months and it was the most amazing and fulfilling experience of my life. Good luck!! Definitely get a lactation consultant from the get go.
Thanks Emily! I was not aware of that site and I’m bookmarking it now! So wonderful to hear that you had such a positive experience with it!
Many congratulations! If reading up makes you feel prepared, go for it. But, it’s not really required, and someone else’s (free) advice is often not going to work for you/baby/your new family. I’m on baby #4, and have yet to read a baby book. I found I was comfortable relying on some close friends and my own judgement, plus some calls to the pediatricians office (they have nurses on call, or I schedule a call with a Dr/NP). I had a doula for my first L&D, and she provided several sessions with great advice prior to giving birth. Hope your pregnancy continues smooth and safe. It’s an amazing time!!
This is really helpful, thank you for sharing that you don’t have to do any reading or studying to figure this whole mom thing out. I do believe that intuition will play a HUGE part in deciding what is right for me and my child so thank you for reinforcing that. I am also leaning towards a doula.
I’ve been following you for several years now, and I just checked back in to see that you’re pregnant! I’m pregnant as well (29 weeks) right now. (First baby too) I read literally 5 pregnancy books. My favorite was Do Chocolate Lovers Have Sweeter Babies by Jena Pincott. It’s filled with fun facts related to pregnancy (and yes, pregnant woman who eat chocolate do tend to have babies with better dispositions). Also, I liked Expecting Better by Emily Oster- gets out of the “YOU’RE PREGNANT AND YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING” and looks at the science behind recommendations and what you really need to be concerned about. I read the Mayo Clinic’s book about the week to week changes, but I found that the pregnancy apps are what I’ve referenced most for that. For me, I really didn’t like being pregnant until I started feeling the baby move- so exciting for you to experience that soon!
Hi Megan! Thanks for checking in and a big congrats to you too! I’ve heard great things about Oster’s book and I have the Mayo Clinic one too but I agree that the apps are awesome! We are just starting to experience our first movements and it’s been AMAZING!