We are less than a month away from meeting baby girl, so I thought it’d be fitting to do a third-trimester update before she gets here! You guys sent some great questions my way, so I tried to answer as many as I could. I also divided the questions up into general and product-related, so be sure to scroll to the very end if you asked a question about a specific pregnancy or postpartum product!

If you’re new around here, check out my second-trimester recap for the quick 411 on my second pregnancy!

General questions

Will you induce at some point or just wait until you go into labor?

To be honest, I don’t know. My doctor has not brought this up to me, so I haven’t really thought about it. Is this something you ask for or that they suggest? I’m actually pretty clueless! 

Is the baby’s head down? 

Yes, praise the Lord! Four was too all throughout the third trimester. 

How is sleeping and eating in the third trimester? 

It’s actually not as bad as it was with my first — although I also didn’t make it this far. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am waking up every 90 or so minutes to use the restroom (sometimes every 2 hours if I’m lucky!), but I’m actually able to fall back asleep in between. I can tell I’m not getting really *good* sleep though. I’m still taking Unisom each night and although it doesn’t really help me fall asleep, it does help me sleep better throughout the night (I think). 

Is she kicking a ton? 

Yes. All. The. Time. I’m not sure if it’s necessarily kicking all the time but she’s *always* moving. And it honestly really hurts or is very uncomfortable at best. 

How’s your mental health as you approach delivery? Are you anxious?

Somehow I’m not anxious at all. I’ve shared this before, but I struggled a lot mentally with my first pregnancy. I think we really just had way too much going on in our lives and I felt so overwhelmed. This time, I’ve really felt like I’ve had time to rest and get ready mentally and emotionally. I’ve even had time to read books and do a specific prayer guide just for the baby/labor (I shared specifics in my Prepping for Baby No. 2 blog post if you missed it!).

What sleep tips do you have?

I use a Tempurpedic pillow for my head and sleep on my side with another big pillow between my legs. I haven’t had to pull out the pregnancy pillow this time; it’s still in our attic. 

How do you not kill your back being pregnant with a toddler?

Wait, who said I wasn’t dying? Lol. It’s really hard! Four is so active and wants to always be on the go or outside playing. It’s been incredibly hot here, so I’ve had to find ways to keep him entertained inside, or I’ve just had to suffer in the heat. I wear one of those support bands, which helps a little. But for the most part, I’ve just been suffering through it. Getting up and down and being on my feet for longer than 30 minutes is PAINFUL. 

How many days a week have you worked out in your third trimester vs. others?

I’ve been so incredibly lax with working out throughout both my pregnancies. Last time, I quit moving around 29 weeks I think? And for this one, I’ve still been working out, but just a little. I meet with a trainer about 2x/week, and we mostly do stretching. Since it has been so hot, I haven’t been doing any walking. I’m sure I’ll gain way more this time around than last, but oh well!  

What are some weird symptoms you’ve had during this pregnancy?

I shared this in stories a couple of weeks ago, but I never really experienced cravings during my last pregnancy, just food aversions. And for this one, I started having intense sweet cravings around week 32 or so and haven’t been able to control myself! I’ve also had an increase in appetite despite painful indigestion and heartburn! I mostly just eat more throughout the day rather than 3 big meals (although I eat that too lol). 

Secondly, I don’t remember if I had this in my first pregnancy, but I feel like my entire pelvis area is bruised. It started pretty early on — maybe around 25 weeks? And it’s pretty uncomfortable. It almost feels like how it felt postpartum! 

When do the doctors think she will come?

They don’t have any idea, which annoys me lol. They just keep saying that she will come when she comes. And I’m like ugh, so helpful. 

How are you dealing with body changes?

It is so much harder for me in the beginning and middle of pregnancy. I mean, it’s still hard to look in the mirror right now, but I am so far gone that I can’t even really take myself seriously. To clarify, I’m so big and pregnant that it just is what it is — I can hardly remember what it feels like to look in the mirror and feel GOOD. Lol that sounds dramatic, but I’ve just accepted that my body is not my own right now and that it’s okay. 10 months is a really long time. 

I’ll admit that I am a little worried about getting back on track after this pregnancy because I feel like it has gone more to my legs and arms than I remember happening with my first, but I’m just planning to worry about that when/if it comes.

Do you have any ideas for someone hosting a couples shower?

We did a couples shower, and it was great. I didn’t want to do the whole morning baby shower thing where it’s only girls and you open presents in front of everyone. I wanted it to be more fun and an excuse to see everyone before she gets here! For our couples baby shower, we did light appetizers (but lots of them), a bartender, and a variety of sweets for everyone to enjoy. It was more like a cocktail party and I absolutely LOVED It! 

What freezer meals are you prepping?

Good question. I should look into this lol. I haven’t done any yet! We actually don’t have too much room in our freezer right now, so I’m not sure if I’ll even do this. It’s on my list to do a little research into local chefs that could help do some meal prepping once the baby gets here. 

How has your energy level been? Do you nap?

I’m always tired, even if I get 8-9 hours of sleep! I nap when Four naps on the weekends. And sometimes during the week, but I usually end up having to get something done during that time. I will say that we get into bed between 8 and 9 most nights, so I’ve been going to bed pretty early throughout the entire pregnancy. 

How many kids do you want?

I’ve always said I wanted 4, but I’m definitely more open now to whatever happens. Pregnancy is really hard for me, and it makes me feel like I’m putting my life on hold for an entire year. I don’t think most people feel that way, but I do. So since we’ve gotten married almost 3 years ago, I feel like I’ve been “on hold” for essentially 2 years of that. When I’m pregnant, I’m not fully ME. I have less energy, less motivation, less time for others, and I find myself always making excuses to do things once I have the baby. I’m ready for a little break from that. So we shall see! But I know we both would love a third for sure. 

Do you have any tips on how to pose for photos pregnant?

When you’re early on, I always put my hand on my bellow to accentuate the bump, so it didn’t look like I just ate too much. And now that I’m so big, I try to put my hand on my waist because I feel like my shoulders and arms have gotten so much bigger that I’m a little self-conscious – hand on hip shows a figure versus one big blob – ha! 

What has been your biggest need to be ready for this baby?

I think just getting her room settled and ready. I didn’t have that at all with Four and I felt so scrambled. So I started working on her room really early this time, so I’d have space to mentally and physically prepare without feeling rushed. I shared all the ways I’m preparing in the Prepping for Baby No. 2 blog post if you missed it. 

Did you take Makena injections since Four was born pre-term?

I’m not sure what that is, but I did start taking progesterone at 16 weeks because of this. 

What’s the #1 thing you did/wish you did before having Four?

This is a little scary to put in writing, but I guess I’d say I wish I’d waited a little longer. I assumed it would take a few months to get pregnant. And for us, it just didn’t. Of course, I’m thankful things happened the way they did, but I would have loved a little more time with just me and Duncan before I got so sick with pregnancy and busy preparing for a baby, etc. 

Has your bump growth slowed in the third trimester?

I haven’t been paying attention to the measurements, but I think so. Although I feel really, really big and I’m only continuing to grow. 

Product-specific questions

What is your most worn maternity clothing?

• Beyond Yoga anything
• Beyond Yoga biker shorts
• Bumpsuit everything
• Lake maternity nightgown 
• Lululemon Swiftly Short Sleeve Tee (the original, longer hem one is perfect)
• This dress I have in a few colors
• My Belly Bandit shorts under all dresses (I size up to M for comfort; I don’t want them too tight on my thighs). 

What are some inexpensive postpartum athleisure and loungewear options?

I’ve been sharing a few I’ve gotten on Amazon. I even have a little category I made in my storefront. I’ll be updating it as I find and like things! 

Can you suggest a bump-friendly cocktail dress?

Anything that’s an empire waist should be perfect. Or I just came across this one earlier today and think it’s pretty and timeless! 

What pregnancy pillow do you recommend?

I got one from Amazon last pregnancy and haven’t had to pull it back out.

Do your All Yours lululemon shirts still fit?

Somehow they still do! The bump makes them a little shorter, but I still wear them all the time. 

What clothes would you buy in the first and second that can still fit in the third?

Beyond Yoga maternity biker shorts 100%!

Which prenatal vitamins are you taking?

I use Ritual prenatal vitamins. Use my code 20BRIGHTON for 20% off your first month.

What’s the best gift to send to a mama in the third trimester?

• Anything Bumpsuit — I wear this dress 2x/week
• Lake maternity nightgown — I wear this every single night

Product Details: Maternity Dress // Quilted Tote Bag