Routine has always been important to me. It helps me feel balanced and in control of my health and wellbeing. Since finding out I’m pregnant after one cycle of IVF (still a little wowed by that!), I’ve had to make a few adjustments. The big pregnancy no-no’s like alcohol and excess caffeine were the first to go. I missed wine at first and the social aspect of having drinks with friends but now it’s become a bit of an aversion. Those alcohol-free wines that I originally thought tasted okay, have now become kinda sickly sweet. Over the years, my pregnant clients have often said the same - going off foods and drinks previously enjoyed seems to be fairly common in early pregnancy. The heightened sense of smell is quite pronounced - picking up dog poo and giving my Cockapoo, Amber dog food is something I have to hold my nose for.
Caffeine hasn’t been an issue for me. The routine I’ve followed for many years has been to wake up early, have a black coffee and a big glass of water and then go running (or walking). I was really hoping I wouldn’t go off coffee and so far I haven’t. As the NHS guideline in pregnancy states “you can have caffeine but no more than 200mg a day” https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/ I carefully calculated the caffeine content in my one cup of coffee per day and discovered it is 110mg so I’m safely within limits and I can continue my early morning routine.
I’ve been very focussed on optimal nutrition for me and my baby. Along with the recommended prenatal vitamins (I take Pregnacare Plus which also has omega 3) https://www.vitabiotics.com/products/pregnacare-plus-omega-3-tablets-and-capsules I’ve been making sure I get plenty of calcium as the requirement for pregnant and breastfeeding women is higher. I enjoy yoghurt, cheese and milk so I’ve been getting plenty of those but also plant-based sources of calcium like firm tofu, almonds, edamame and broccoli.
The Pregnacare supplement covers most of the other essential nutrients for trimester 1 but I’ve also been focussing on a dietary intake of these too - folic acid, vitamin D, iron, vitamin B6, zinc, iodine, choline, magnesium, omega 3 and fibre.
I guess I’ve been lucky that I haven’t developed any aversions to my usual healthy food items so far. I’ve heard many stories from my clients over the years of going off all sorts of things and only being able to eat a very limited amount of healthy food due to nausea or vomiting. Only mashed potato and Diet Coke throughout the first trimester was one of those stories - it’s amazing how babies still thrive!
I can’t say it’s been a bed of roses in these early weeks though. I’ve still had nausea at times, a flare up of IBS symptoms, headaches and fatigue, particularly in the early evening when all I want to do is go to bed. I am determined to take care of myself and my body though so I’ve had to say no to a few social engagements and prioritise rest. Even though my baby is currently just the size of a strawberry, I feel like I’m going through marathon training when in fact I’m not actually doing a lot.
That said, after my fertility clinic told me to avoid high impact exercise following the embryo transfer, I stopped running until my 7 week scan. When I saw my baby’s little heartbeat fluttering away and was reassured that everything looked normal, I got the all clear to build my running back up gradually. This news made me so happy as I love to run so I’ve been sensibly sticking to a relaxed, conversational run pace and doing this most days before breakfast. I’m also building my strength training back up and doing home workouts three times a week, including pelvic floor exercises and stretching. I’m using my prenatal exercise knowledge to stick to trimester 1 appropriate movements and keeping my heart rate steady. I’m also careful with walks including hills and making sure I don’t push myself. I live in Windermere so I’m avoiding the high fells for now and sticking to walks around lakes and woodland which for me, is the best part of my wellbeing routine. I’ve joined a new group called Blaze Trails South Lakes which is a walking group for parents and babies. Even though I’m not a parent yet, I want to join a community of likeminded people and continue my outdoor exercise throughout pregnancy and beyond. Blaze Trails have groups all over the UK https://www.blazetrails.org.uk/
With all this in mind, I’m keeping expectations low at the moment by arranging social outings and appointments earlier in the day - morning walks and lunches rather than dinners and keeping my early evenings free for cuddles with my pup, putting my feet up and relaxing.
I love having bubble baths so this has become an evening ritual I look forward to after a day out and about. My favourite new product to keep my skin in tip-top condition and stimulate digestion is this
I’m still figuring out how to make more time for others when I’m feeling quite drained but luckily my support network understands. I’ve realised just how important it is to have people around me to help out and being the very independent person I am, accepting help has been a little challenging at times but now my priorities are changing, I will need other people. In turn and with pregnancy experience, I will be able to support other mums on their journey to becoming an empowered Nutrimum.
