Remember earlier on in this pregnancy when I was running/walking or swimming AND doing yoga all in the same day?
Remember when I said I was feeling relatively limitless? When I was committed to getting at least an hour’s worth of exercise every single day?
Oh, how things have changed. Yesterday for my big activity of the day, I walked 3.2 miles with the dogs and today I feel like I ran a marathon. I’m sore, achey and exhausted, and feeling happiest when I’m planted on the couch. I’m desperately trying to convince myself to go to yoga this evening since the only other active thing I’ve done is take the dogs to the park.
But if I’m honest with myself and all of you, it just might not happen.
In fact, a lot of things are just not happening anymore. I’m 36+ weeks pregnant and everything is starting to get more and more uncomfortable. There seem to be new aches and discomfort on the daily. And don’t even get me started on my bladder. It is OUT OF CONTROL how often I have to pee.
I’m trying really damn hard to give myself grace because I know I’ve done my best to stay active throughout this pregnancy, even when it was difficult, even when I didn’t want to do anything. I’m trying to let go of expectations for myself and realize that 9 months pregnant is REALLY pregnant. But it’s hard.
It’s hard to feel like a giant slug all the time; to allow myself to just give in to the couch …and Netflix…and letting others do things for me. It’s hard to give up my sense of independence, and accept help from others. I’ve just recently started letting my husband help me get my shoes on and off. And have started letting friends lift or carry things for me without feeling too much guilt over it. And while I’m still holding out on taking the doctor’s arm when I need to hoist myself upright on the exam table, I’m not so sure I have it in me for my next appointment.
My goal for the next few weeks is to try my hardest to move every week, even just super short walks – even if it’s just a couple of laps around the track with the dogs- because I know if I just keep moving in some way, I’ll feel better overall. But I also know that I need to let go of any silly expectations and shut my I WANT TO DO EVERYTHING mentality (ahem, ego) off.
And of course, I’ll need this same grace and compassion to not only get through the third trimester but also so that I can get through the fourth trimester. I know there will likely be considerable recovery time and I’ll need to let go and just be OK with that. When the baby comes, I’m hoping to at least keep up my walks (once I have the green light from the doctors, of course), and am planning to join the Gixo 5K, along with all my favorite Sweat Pink sisters on Cinco De Mayo!
Who’s with me?
Ok mamas, how did you survive your third trimester? Mamas to be, how are you surviving?
Stay sweaty!
XO
Jamie
Liz says
March 27, 2018 at 8:51 pmYou are so amazing! I love that you’re trying to find that balance of still challenging yourself to move but giving in when you know you need to give in. You got this, mama! The countdown is so real!
Jamie says
March 28, 2018 at 8:00 amIt’s SO real, I can’t even believe I’m so close…but yet, still so FAR!
Nicci Randall says
March 28, 2018 at 3:25 pmYou’re taking probably a year or more off from doing everything you want and love to do to grow this baby (which you want, too, of course). But it only seems right that you are feeling all the feels. And I appreciate your full transparency. This is the truest, OG endurance competition, and I’d say you’re killing it.
XOXO
#mermaidforlife
Jamie says
March 28, 2018 at 3:42 pmDefinitely annoying to feel so slow. Ha.
Ariana says
March 28, 2018 at 3:30 pmSending you lots of love and positive vibes during this time, Jamie! I’m training somebody right now who is just getting into her third trimester, and it’s incredible the differences that can be felt from day to day. You are doing the best thing for your body you can possibly do by listening to it and honouring where it’s at. Enjoy that quiet time on the couch; I have a hunch it’ll be non-existent for the next few years pretty soon 😉
Jamie says
March 28, 2018 at 3:41 pmHAHA true. People keep telling me to watch some TV now while I can…and trust me, I’m doing my part. XOXO
crista says
March 28, 2018 at 4:16 pmits hard girl! like you, i was used to being superwoman and i stayed active while pregnant. but third trimester… the wheels came off. i was going to school 45 hours a week and i was exhausted. plus extra doctors appointments. if i got a thirty minute walk in twice a week it was a good week. for the most part i came home from school and sat in front of the tv with my puppy and my feet up. i tried to squat and knees almost blew out! i did get really frustrated and felt like a rat in a cage and let myself feel sorry for myself sometimes. BUT it was nice to have an excuse to relax a little. and looking back it was a really nice time to ease into family life.
Jamie says
March 28, 2018 at 4:26 pmIt’s super hard. Some nights, I agree that the excuse is really nice but others (especially when my back is killing me), I feel like a caged, crazy animal!! HA! I’m glad I’m not alone in the challenge that is third trimester…though I know (or so I hear) that I’m in for it come 4th trimester. You’re rockin it out, mama!
Alyse says
March 30, 2018 at 1:29 pmUgh third trimester is so hard. Going for a 3 mile walk is killing it by third trimester standards.
Hang in there, you’re doing an amazing job and this time will be a blur in no time at all. HAH. 🙂
Jamie says
March 30, 2018 at 3:54 pmIt’s SO hard. It’s just a weird waiting period. Wahhhh.
Silvia says
October 4, 2019 at 12:25 amYour way of thinking is contagious! Thanks for sharing your positivity even if you’re struggling. How are you now?
Jamie says
October 15, 2019 at 1:34 pmI’m good now, my son is now 18 months old!