26 Week Pregnancy Update + F.A.Q’s

26 weeks pregnant.  Less than 3 months to go.  Time has gone by so fast!  Today I’m answering some F.A.Q’s about my pregnancy including the dreaded topic of stretch marks.

{20 weeks, lace bodysuit HERE}

What do you use to avoid stretch marks?

The most common question I get asked is about stretch marks.  Some say stretch marks are inevitable if your mom had them, then more than likely you will get them.  I’m not sure if this is true?  My mom had 7 kids and zero stretch marks so maybe it’s hereditary?  Who knows but wanted to share what I used when I was pregnant with Milan back in 2015.  There are about a million products out there that claim to help stretch marks.  I can’t attest to any of them because I’ve only used ONE PRODUCT.  I use Costco’s Kirkland organic coconut oil.  It comes in a huge tub and lasts forever.  I started using it as body lotion when I got pregnant with Milan and never stopped.  I lather it on morning and night and after showering.  I only use it for my body – not my face although I’ve heard it works miracles for wrinkles as well.  I’m not saying this is why I don’t have stretch marks but it seems to be working so I’m sticking with it.

How much weight have you gained?

Shockingly I haven’t gained as much as I did with Milan.  I started showing very early and felt like my bump was in full force but every time I go the doctor for a check up, my weight isn’t as much as my first pregnancy.  I’m still on track so don’t worry.  I’m exactly where I should be and have gained approximately 11-14 pounds.  It sure feels like much more because it’s getting harder and harder to do things like bend over and put socks on.

{21 weeks, white lace bodysuit HERE and pink kimono HERE}

What kind of cravings have you had?

I had a pretty tough first trimester with nausea and bloating so I didn’t crave much but the second trimester I was able to indulge and enjoy myself a little bit.   I didn’t have any weird or out of the ordinary cravings but enjoyed eating things I wasn’t able to with Milan.  I’m currently craving mint chocolate chip ice cream and ramen.  Some days I have no appetite which makes feeding me quite a challenge.  I feel bad for Mr. Right. lol

What is your diet like or go-to snack?

I try my best to eat as healthy as possible.  Some days I do great and some days I eat like crap.  With this pandemic, it’s been much harder however I think I’m doing alright.  Mr. Right has been doing an amazing job at keeping our fridge and pantry stocked.  I try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and always follow up with some type of protein.  I love arugula salads and my go-to snack is apples with peanut butter.  I have to say that being pregnant this time around is much more enjoyable.  I’m able to make my own decisions as to what to eat, touch, do etc.  It’s quite liberating!

Have you been able to sleep?

Unfortunately my pregnancy insomnia has kicked in.  I bought this pink pregnancy pillow in hopes it would help but I still can’t get a good nights sleep.  Some nights I’m able to get a few hours but nothing solid.  I had the same issue when I was pregnant with Milan in the 3rd trimester.

What kind of prenatal vitamins do you take?

I take these prenatal vitamins and these prenatal DHA.  They are both easy on my stomach and worked great for my first pregnancy.  The prenatal vitamins are great for my hair and nails!  I also continued to take the same prenatal vitamins the entire time I breastfed.

{23 weeks, similar babydoll chemise HERE}

Can you feel the baby move yet?

YES!  It’s the best feeling in the world!  She’s been so active and her punches and kicks are getting stronger stronger each day.  It’s my favorite part of about being pregnant.  Feeling life inside you move around is the craziest and most amazing experience EVER.

{24 weeks, similar bodysuit HERE}

Do you have a name picked out?

Not yet and it’s stressing me out.  For real.  Why is it so hard?!  We have a few names that are on the “potential list” but it’s way harder this time around.  I had already picked out Milan’s name way before I even decided to have kids!  Haha.  I want something just as beautiful as the name Milan but it’s so hard.  I’m hoping we can decide soon.

{13 weeks (exact dress HERE) | 17 weeks (exact dress HERE) | 20 weeks (exact bodysuit HERE}

Is it hard being pregnant during a global pandemic?

OMG 100% yes however I have so much to be thankful for.  Mr. Right has been nothing short of AMAZING.  He does everything for me and I feel extremely spoiled.  Working from home hasn’t been easy for him and juggling everything is no joke.  I have no idea how he hasn’t lost it yet.  He calms me and does whatever he can to make me feel better.  I think if my situation was different and I was pregnant during a global pandemic with a different partner + a four year old, I would not be as happy or calm.  I think the hardest part about all of this is not being able to get fresh air and exercise (it’s been raining and cold).  As soon as I see any signs of sunlight, we try to go outside for at least an hour.  I force myself to move around as much as possible and go up and down the stairs frequently which helps.