Week 16
Well the Georgia pollen finally caught up with me and caused some major sinus issues. I was worried that I would get a sinus infection and that would be awful considering I can't take anything so I started every natural remedy I could think of. My Neti pot and steamer helped a ton. I must have used the Neti pot like 20 times this week but it definitely worked. I still have some sniffles but no insane pressure. My sister is a rep for Young Living and she sent me a blend that you can make and place in a nasal spray to use. I made it and have used it for two days now and it seems to be doing the trick. Luckily I had the oils on hand and only had to order the empty nasal sprayer. I also added some local honey to my daily regimen to see if that helps. I swear by local bee pollen but opted for the honey since I don't know if the bee pollen is safe to take during pregnancy.
I also added cardio back into my routine so that I could slowly get ready to do the Peachtree Road race again this year. Normally I don't have to "train" for this race because my normal routine is sufficient but since I'll be 7 months preggers and it will be hot as crap out on July 4th in Georgia, I thought it would be a wise move. Well the good news is my cardio is up to par and I wasn't too surprised because I have kept the intensity up in my workouts despite opting to lower the weights on most exercises just to be safe. What I wasn't prepared for was the urge that I got as soon as I stepped on the treadmill. Knowing that I would be on the treadmill for a while, I naturally hit the bathroom first as any smart pregnant lady would. Little did I know that the moment I started jogging (not even full running) I would have to pee again. I was thinking how in the world am I going to get through this 10k without peeing my pants?! My husband's suggestion? A diaper. I am starting to think that might not be such a bad idea lol. Either way, I am determined to complete the Peachtree. I may not beat my time but I will finish. This is a tradition that we started 5 years ago and we enjoy it so much. I refuse to sit it out just because I am pregnant.
Week 17
At the tail end of this week, just before I rolled into my 18th week, I got my energy back. Now I am not talking go run a marathon, party all night kind of energy but I definitely feel good. It could be the fact that I was so sick last week and the newfound wellness has made me realize my heightened energy even more. Whatever the reason is, I'll take it. I mentioned the nasal spray that I made with the Young Living Oils and OMG has it been a life saver. I use it about twice a day now ( I was using it more at first when I was having all the issues) and let me tell you it has helped me in the same way that Flonase use to help, except it is all natural and safe during pregnancy. Here is the blend in case you want to try it for yourself. Fair warning- it stings a bit but but no more than saline so don't snort it! You may try adding less oil. (I am ordering a ton more of their oils because they have proven very useful to me so far)
-6 drops YL lavender
-4 drops YL Frankincence
-Pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt
-Distilled Water
Directions: place the salt in an empty nasal spray ( I ordered a shoots sprayed from Amazon.com), add essential oils and wait a few seconds for the salt to absorb the oils then fill with Distilled water. Use the spray throughout the day (From Young Living)
I know many people probably thought I was crazy because I am really trying to get through my pregnancy without putting a bunch of crap in my body. Prior to pregnancy, I was the same way except if I had an infection that required antibiotics, I would take them. It is different now that I am growing a human in my tummy. Sure the doctors gave me a list of "approved medicine" but that doesn't mean it is safe. Check the wording on that again if you don't believe me. I did my own research and they are still Category C drugs which implicitly state that "risk cannot be ruled out in pregnancy" so I opt not to take them. If you decide to take Tylenol or Benadryl during your pregnancy, cool. I am not judging anyone. Every woman I have met who has had a baby has made their own choices and have had healthy pregnancies. It is just a personal choice for me and I am really surprised at how many people scoff at it and chalk it up to me being granola. I also want to have a drug free labor if I am able to have a vaginal birth. Hey, we all have our plans right? I am aware that I may end up having to have a C Section and I am prepared for that as well but I have my "in a perfect world plan" and plan b and c. I respect everyone's decision to use all sorts of options available to them. This is just the way that we decided to go about it because of the experience that I want and that is all that matters. I have finally learned that this isn't about anyone but me and my family. I have, however been fortunate enough to get feedback from other moms on their experience with epidurals, drug free childbirth, c sections, and the like, without them passing judgment. There are the occasional people whose eyes get super huge when I tell them I am going to do it without an epidural and inevitably they blurt out what their eyes already say, " Oh you think you are going to do it without an epidural but you will ask for it." First and foremost they are missing the point. I don't think that I am any tougher or stronger than those who have had an epidural or even c section just because I want to do it drug free. I am going through birthing classes that are fully preparing me for the utter pain and horror that I will experience. The one thing that I didn't realize prior to my drug-free child birth studies is that the key is to stay relaxed. Easier said than done, right? All you do when you feel those painful contractions is brace yourself and tense up and then brace yourself for the next one. It is all about preparing yourself for what you are getting yourself into. Again, I am no tougher than those of you who have had it any other way. It is a personal preference just like yours and I wish that more people would offer some fist bumps to other moms when they talk about their decisions (no matter what that might be) instead of judgment. After all, it is your choice as a woman and it makes your experience unique to you.
We will find out the sex midweek of Week 18 and will be announcing it to family and friends in the only way we know how- a video. I honestly am so excited to know the sex of the baby even though I don't care if it is a boy or girl. All I want is a healthy baby but the thought of finally knowing makes me feel like a kid at Christmas!!! Until then!
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