MY PREGNANCY: ROUTINE AND TIPS

Wow! I cannot believe I’m at 38 weeks- the baby is going to be here in a second! People are constantly asking me what I do to maintain my figure during pregnancy, if I gained weight during this pregnancy, how it compares to my other pregnancies… and if I have any tips to share :)

The truth is, before I became pregnant for the first time, with Yuli, the only thing that scared me was getting stretch marks all over my belly. I guess it’s because when I was younger I was chubby, and when I quickly transitioned from being a little girl to a teenager, I got stretch marks on my thighs. I’ve been using body lotion for as long as I can remember (probably since I was 10). Since stretch marks are one of the only things that intimidate me, I decided to substitute oil for my lotion…so simple! I put it on every morning and night. I can’t say for certain that this is why I do not have any stretch marks, because it could just be genetic… but, it can’t hurt, right?

In my other pregnancies with Yuli and Ori, I gained like 30 pounds- which is still average for a good, healthy pregnancy. This time, though, I feel a little bit smaller; and I also haven't had cravings for anything (particularly junk food haha!) At the beginning of the pregnancy, I spent around 4-5 months in bed; I slept most of the time because I was feeling so weak. Even then, the most important thing was staying positive and enjoying every part of this journey. I also intestinal problems, and half the time I didn't feel good from food that I used to normally eat. It totally was not like this in my last two pregnancies! In the meantime, I’ve gained about 21 pounds, and that will probably wont be it until the end...

At this point in my pregnancy, I’m feeling very energetic…my energy has been building up since the 6th month! I don’t sleep too well at night, but in general I am pretty good at listening to my body, and if I feel tired I go to bed early… often, I find myself still working at the computer at 2 AM, so I will go to sleep- only to be woken up an hour later by Ori, crying for his bottle, (BTW its sort of like a regression in the last month of my pregnancy- he never used to wake up for a bottle in the middle of the night! They say it happens with a new baby coming- and now I really believe it!) and then again at 6 am with him. The only thing that helps me this early in the morning, besides for his charming smile, is a cup of coffee- I drink 2 cups a day.

When I was pregnant with Yuli, I worked-out 4-5 times a week; but this time I literally did not workout at all… and I totally regret it! It’s true that my priorities changed and I had to be with the kids more, but it’s still no excuse. I have to get back to working-out when this little one is born!

The one thing that I cannot give up is fresh juice (several times a day!) and a lot of water. I am obsessed with lemonade- some days I fill a huge jug up with lemonade, mint, and some sugar water water and drink it the whole day.

My biggest tip in pregnancy? Just listen to your body! There are so many changes happening, you just have to be in tune with it. If you are tired, try to take a nap (I know how hard it is, but try to get someone else to take care of the kids for a short while). Drink a lot of water, and fresh juices…eat fresh fruit and vegetables…even if at the beginning it’s tough, and you aren't feeling your best, try to enjoy the journey. It’s the best gift ever!

Neshikot= Xx