Holistic Care For Your 2nd And 3rd Trimester | Episode 52

2/6/2022

everything you need to know for your 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy and natural solutions

We are back on the Positively Green Podcast to talk all about everything you need to know for your 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy and how we deal with the inevitable challenges in a natural way. This is a no-nonsense episode full of down-to-earth experience and insight for all our soon-to-be mamas out there. Suzette and I don’t shy away from topics like sex while pregnant, circumcision, itchy breasts - and all the other glorious pregnancy symptoms mamas face as they finish out the last months of their pregnancy.

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Please note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you end up clicking and purchasing an item. I worked hard to find my trusted favorites and I want to share them with you so you don't have to deal with all the crappy junk I had to go through. Nuff said.

everything you need to know for your 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Before we dive in I have a few disclaimers for this blog post and podcast episode.

First, every person who gets pregnant experiences their second and third trimester differently. My hope is that some of my suggestions or resources will help ease the harder symptoms if you are experiencing them and make you feel less alone or more prepared in your journey through pregnancy.

Next, I am obligated to say you must consult with your doctor before trying anything I suggest. I am not a doctor and the information and experience shared in this podcast should not be seen as professional medical advice. If you use or rely on the information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

Lastly, some of my experience is more unconventional than what you will hear on your own pregnancy journey. My boundary is that you do not shame me or attempt to correct me on my choices. Trust that I have done my own research and come to my own conclusions on what works for me and what doesn’t. If you are a momma who wants to do everything by the book - I wouldn’t shame you for being risk-averse. So I expect the same treatment from you. Capeesh?

In this episode we discuss:

What has sex been like during the 2nd and 3rd trimester
To circumcise or not to circumcise with home birth
Why the 20-week ultrasound is important for home birth
What other gestational diabetes testing options are out there - Fresh Test or monitoring daily yourself with Precision Xtra
Alternative sources of care like chiropractic and cranial sacral therapy
What’s it like to get Covid while pregnant?
Common symptoms during the 2nd and 3rd trimester and natural solutions
Where to shop for maternity clothes
The best resources we've found for your 2nd and 3rd trimester

Common 2nd and 3rd Trimester symptoms and natural solutions:

Leg Cramps - taking Liquid IV or Concentrace and Magnesium supplements
Heartburn - Tum’s naturals because there’s no food dye.
Fluid retention - wearing Compression socks and switching to a silicone wedding ring
Pelvic and low back discomfort - wearing a Maternity belt for support and always sitting on my birth ball. Get your body in the water if you can! Utilize walking and the Spinning Babies stretches (link below).
Scratchy skin (tummy and breasts) - Earth Mama’s belly oil. Reduce your showering down to once every two days instead of every day (especially in a winter climate). Applying lotion at night before bed.
Breasts increasing in size - be sure to get comfortable bras that don’t restrict your ribcage because your diaphragm will put unnecessary pressure on your pelvic floor if your ribs can’t expand. I love True Body bras and Kindred Bravely’s nursing bras for comfort even before the baby arrives.
Numbness and tingling in hands and arms - (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) this issue especially kept me up at night. I found what worked best was regular chiropractic care, cranial-sacral therapy, and wearing a wrist brace.

The best resources for your 2nd and 3rd trimester:

Your birth team! Rely on your OB, midwife, and doula to help you navigate questions and knowledge, it’s their job.

Books:

Nursing Your Baby by Karen Pryor for no-nonsense breastfeeding instruction
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way for mamas who want an unmedicated birth
The First 40 Days for a whole mindset shift around postpartum and recovery
Nobody Told Me That: The First Six Weeks a must read to know what to expect postpartum

Shop secondhand for maternity clothes at Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, or Goodwill as you get bigger. I simply sized up to a L with tops and leggings.

BabyList for your baby registry. It's a universal registry meaning you can pull products from anywhere on the web.

Building your baby registry? Check out my eco-friendly and non-toxic baby registry ideas list.

Have your baby shower before 30 weeks if you can. You are generally more comfortable!!
Use Facebook marketplace for the higher-priced baby items and save on getting them secondhand.

Exercise:
Spinning Babies stretches
Walking
Prenatal yoga (I love and use the Bloom Method)

The best advice I’ve gotten during my pregnancy:

Be baby-ready at 36 weeks. That means setting up the nursery, installing the car seat, having baby supplies ready (diapers, clothes, swaddles, etc), having your hospital bag packed and ready. Something that organized me was preparing feeding stations and diaper stations in my home. Shooting for 36 weeks gives you time after that point to relax, focus on your comfort, and spend time with your partner.