Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 14 to 16: Tips, Health, and Emotional Well-being | 102

I'm here to help you take the guesswork out of childbirth so you can make the choices that are right for you and your baby. Quick note, this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace your medical advice. Check out our full disclaimer at the bottom of the show notes. 


And I know that with each of my pregnancies. I was still researching and reading and wanting to know, because it's not like you're like, Oh yeah, I've done this before. I remember what's happening at week 14. No, you totally forget because now you're a mom and you have kids. So today we're going to dive deep into what these weeks mean for you and your sweet little person you're growing. 


I love second trimester. I don't know about you guys, but you notice such a shift most of the time now with Laney. I did not. I was sick. I was tired. I was also in nursing school. So I think that's why, but most of you guys are probably feeling a little more energetic at this time and hopefully your morning sickness is easing up and you're starting to feel more like yourself again. 


So this is a time that most of you guys are really going to cherish, and it's when you start to get excited, because it's not exciting when you're hovered over the white throne and the bowl of your toilet and puking. That's not exciting. Not at all. And even though for some of us we try so hard to get pregnant, then we get pregnant and we feel like doo and we're hanging on the toilet, it doesn't feel so exciting. 


And then we're like, what the heck did I do to myself? Then we feel guilt. Then we feel shame. And it's just a bad cycle in the first trimester sometimes. And you can't keep your eyes open for nothing. So now as you're in the second and you're starting to feel excited and connections with this growing little baby inside of you, your body is unbelievable and it is doing so much work. 


And here's the thing with that growth comes a marked need for comfort. I could not stand anything tight on my belly when I was pregnant. Especially from about nine weeks till about 25 weeks. No, I wanted nothing tight. And that might be because I was used to wearing scrubs. Not so sure, but I really recommend that you do some research. 


And I just want to put that out there because it's okay. If you're not feeling happy about the changes, your body. Is going through some of my students have, we do a weekly hangout with our students every Wednesday with all our pregnant mamas and my students tend to join earlier than most people join for birth classes because my class is really more of a pregnancy slash birth class and support system. 


And so I spend a lot of time with these moms and quite a few of them really struggle with body image. Problems even, maybe they had it before they were pregnant, or maybe they never had to worry about it. And now they're like, what is happening to my boobs? My nipples are getting darker. I look terrible. 


That's okay. And that's normal. Come hang out with us. So remember now is the time to start investing in some quality maternity wear, but think of it a what are they called? A clothing capsule. You don't need a lot, just a good couple, few pairs of pants and some shirts, and you're going to feel fantastic. 


And like a cute little dress emotionally. Let's talk about that. This can be a period of ups and downs, as can all of pregnancy and postpartum. It's a normal Experience to feel like a mix of excitement, but also anxiety. That's where I come in, girl. That's my magic sauce, helping you deal with that anxiety and fear. 


At birth is 90 percent mental, 100%. Gonna say that till, that's funny. I say 90 percent the 100%, but what I mean is I 100 percent believe that birth is 90 percent mental. So really be focusing on your mental health. And then when it comes to your physical health, you may be feeling better now and able to do more. 


And like this last weekend, I got to fly to Boston to go to one of my students weddings. Which was such an honor. Like how many online class owners or class founders or class educators, whatever you want to call me. Do you hear flying across the country to go to a wedding or a birth? That happens to me. 


And I got to meet two of my students because they became best friends in our weekly hangouts and I got to meet one of my babies, such an honor. Anyway, thank you again, Kayla. So I just want you guys to really realize that having connections with other moms to be can be super powerful and you want ones that are behind you and ahead of you in life so that you guys can all learn from one another. 


They can frown. Squint and grimace and suck their thumb, which is super cool. And that frowning and squinting and grimacing, you're going to be seeing for the rest of your parenting journey, just to give you a heads up. Their little heart is pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day. And they're starting to practice breathing, because remember, they're not going to breathe air until they come out. 


Tragic accident and had a traumatic brain injury and was in the ICU and then was at a brain facility in Atlanta called Shepard Center, which by the way is incredible. They're amazing. And so I think I was about, oh gosh, was I 14 weeks when he fell? Something like that. 14, 15 weeks. We had just had our gender revealed. 


Like the weekend before and so I was sitting in the ICU next to him. He's unconscious. He's on a breathing tube. He's on a feeding tube, all the things. And I felt Grayson move for the first time and it was such a sign of promise and hope and he's just my little angel anyway. So that's just a side note story for you guys. 


So let's talk a little bit about your prenatal appointments around this time. You're going to start having prenatal visits that focus on your baby's growth and, their health as well as your own and these appointments are really good opportunities to start practicing Advocating and speaking up and expressing concerns asking questions. 


I know you're nervous This is another part of the framework in my birth classes Because you may have all the knowledge in the world and you may have a solid mindset But if you can't speak up and ask questions or say no or say yes girl, that is not the power I want for you your healthcare provider may also discuss some more genetic screening tests with you to check for developmental issues. 


What are the recommended nutritional supplements during this stage? And can you provide any advice on managing common symptoms like back pain or leg cramps? Those are some things that might start cropping up. So really just talk to your provider and utilize that resource. Okay, so some tips and tricks for a healthy pregnancy. 


Here's the deal nourishing your body Eating a healthy diet and staying active are really key. So focus on a balanced diet that's rich in things that are coming from the ground, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. And if you're up for it, Get out and do some movement, find some movement that you love, whether it's, gentle exercise like walking or maybe prenatal yoga, but something because it honestly can help you feel so much better. 


So treat yourself kindly. Go get a prenatal massage. Spend a quiet evening with your friends, read a book, or just nap. Listen to your body and give it what it needs and honor the birth queen that you are, because you are a queen. You're amazing. 


Okay, so as we wrap up today's episode, remember this. Every pregnancy is unique, so whether this is your first or your fourth, cherish the moments. It's journal document. Take some pictures of yourself, listen to your body and don't hesitate to reach out to us for support. We answer all our DMs on Instagram. 


So if you leave a review, shoot us an email, info at labor nurse mama. com and say, Hey, I left a review to be entered in that drawing. And if you're interested in diving deeper with me on your pregnancy journey, join my birth classes. We would love to hang out with you every week and get you so solid and ready for this baby that you're like just walking in there like a queen.