Reflecting on the 3rd Trimester for Baby #3
I feel like I’m being called to share a little bit more about my third pregnancy journey. I shared how the beginning of it went in Uncharted Territory several months ago and feel like I am ready to update you all on my journey. Click the link to check out or revisit my earlier post if you would like. https://theoneblessedmama.com/unchartered-territory-catholic-pregnancy/ Both of these posts are more of reflections than anything else.
I don’t feel like I have anything major or profound to share, but I’m hoping I can offer hope to a current or future pregnant mama.
2nd Trimester is the Best!
It’s true what they say, or at least for me it is, the 2nd trimester is the best. I felt the best then. The nauseated feeling was very minimal and eventually went away for the most part. Occasionally I would still feel blah. I feel every fortunate that I haven’t been plagued with morning sickness the entire time. My heart goes out to those mamas that do. Just know, with help from your doctor, as well as from family and friends, you will make it through!
Some of the Challenges
This last trimester has been a roller coaster of emotions and feelings as well as back pain and constant trips to the bathroom. Getting bigger and uncomfortable has come with its challenges. It takes a lot of effort to get off the floor from a sitting or laying down position and the same thing from when getting out of bed. Shaving, especially my left leg takes a little bit longer because it’s harder to reach.
It generally takes awhile for me to fall asleep because it’s hard to find a comfortable position and to stay in it. This is still happening even though we have a very comfy bed and I’m using at least 4 pillows including a couple pregnancy ones. On top of that, our toddlers usually crawl into bed at separate times. Plus getting up to go the bathroom happens most nights for me.
Lack of sleep usually contributes to some challenging moments the next day especially when it comes to having low patience with our sweet toddlers. I also might get upset over something minor at the drop of a hat. I usually end up fine especially once I calm myself down. Praying also becomes a major lifesaver.
I’m also working on being more accepting of how my day goes. This is something I’ve been working on for awhile and even in the beginning of this pregnancy.
Accepting That It Is Okay!
it’s okay to not have all the laundry clean, folded, and put away. We have clean clothes and that is good enough. Sometimes those clothes will be in drawers and other times in the laundry basket. Other times strewn across the floor and even in the hallway if the girls get to it.
It’s okay to have some piles on the dining room table and kitchen counters. I can put away a little bit at a time as I have energy.
It’s okay if I’m laying on the couch with a heating pad when Kenny comes home. He understands and has always been very loving and supportive! He knows I need to listen to my body.
It’s okay to not play with the girls every single second of the day. While they enjoy playing with me and I make an effort to do activities such as putting together puzzles and going outside when the weather allows, they also enjoy playing independently and together.
The Joys or Positives of the 3rd Trimester
So now that I’ve shared all the challenges I can think of, let’s move on to the joys and positives of the end of pregnancy! The biggest one for me right now is knowing that there is an end in sight and that we will welcome our sweet bundle of joy in the next 3 weeks! We are all so excited! The girls talk about the new baby all the time! We read books about new babies and being big sisters almost nightly.
While life will get even crazier and busier, I feel like there is such a sense of excitement and anticipation with Baby #3 due soon! Family and friends are constantly checking in to see how I’m feeling and for news on when the baby is coming. Everyone is so curious to know if we are having a girl or a boy and we can hardly wait to find out! Either way, we will be thrilled! Friends have already offered to set up a meal train and prayers are said regularly for a safe and healthy end of pregnancy, delivery, and a healthy baby. It’s such a blessing to be reminded of how much love and support surround us from family and friends!
God Is in Charge and Never Will Give Us More Than We Can Handle
I wouldn’t be completely truthful if I didn’t admit that I’m a bit nervous about moving from having two to three kids. We already have two toddlers that are only ten months apart and they keep us very busy. Adding a newborn to the mix is going to really keep us on our toes!
Whenever I start to get a little anxiety about this, I mention it to Kenny and often times I turn to God in conversation and prayer. He is ultimately the one in control and He knows that we can do it! I don’t remember who said this but I heard that God never gives us more than we can handle and I believe this with an absolute certainty! Kenny and I prayed and talked before deciding to expand our family with the grace of God. I remember being unsure at first, especially with a pandemic going on but we felt a strong calling to grow our family.
Listen to God! He knows exactly what is best for us even if we are feeling a little hesitant in saying yes to His will!
Stay tuned for baby news! You know I’ll keep you posted even if it’s not immediately after the baby is born! Lots of cute pictures and fun updates to come!
Until next time,
The One Blessed Mama
Marie
I can totally relate to using all the pillows at night! It is so hard to get comfortable. I need to work on and accept the “it will be okay.” Especially with another coming along or I will drive myself crazy. I can’t wait to hear about the rest of your journey!
Thank you so much! The pillows are definitely helpful! I wish you all the best! Let’s stay in touch! I’d love to follow your journey too!
I’d say one of the biggest challenges is leaving mess ! But reading this again reinforced that it’s ok ! Thank you !
Same here! I feel like nothing should be on the floor or a mess but that’s not realistic, especially while pregnant! I’m glad you found this helpful!
God bless you, Mama! I’ll be praying for you and your family as your due date approaches. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
Learned so much about pregnancy that I never knew about! Thanks for sharing this and wishing you and your family all the best for your due date!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! I’m so glad you learned a lot!
I think you’re so right. It’s okay to not have everything perfect in your house now. Blessings on you and your beautiful family!
Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing! Also in my third trimester and can relate to a few things you’ve mentioned. It’s always encouraging to know there are others experiencing the same symptoms or emotions.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found this relatable! Prayers and best wishes for you in your final trimester!
Wishing you all the best! Praying for a safe delivery for you both. We’re currently talking about trying for baby number 2 and I’ve totally forgotten all the ups and downs that come with pregnancy. I loved my second trimester as well but hated my third as I had gestational diabetes by then and it was awful! hoping it doesn’t happen again.
Thank you so much! I had forgotten about all the ups and downs of pregnancy too! Praying for you and your family! You’ve got this mama!
Congratulations and you have a lovely family! I’m in my second trimester and it takes me forever and sometimes never to get a bit comfortable in bed!
Thank you so much! Congrats on your pregnancy! I hope you can find some comfort and peace during this time! Praying for you and your family!
I love this reflection! You’re glowing, momma! I actually just had my 3rd baby back in November, and being pregnant with two little ones running around is no joke! Luckily, my oldest is 5, so she was able to help quite a bit, but it was exhausting especially during COVID!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words! I totally can relate to everything you’re saying! Congrats on baby #3! I’m so glad you’re 5 year old was able to help so much! Yes, pregnancy during Covid with 2 toddlers is exhausting, but it’ll be okay! God knows what He is doing!
I have to agree with you heartily on most of these points. I think the second trimester is the best as well and hated not being able to sleep comfortably in the third or fourth for that matter, lol.
Yes-I agree! The 3rd AND 4th trimester!
This is a great post for new mum’s to be. I had 4 kids under 5 and it was hard work but also so rewarding. Your kids are adorable. You got this mama!
Thank you so much! Wow-I bet you’re an amazing mom!
Love this, thank you for sharing! It is true, letting go of some things is the key to surviving! If you only make it through 1/2 of the laundry pile, it is ok to pick it up later! I always look to Proverbs 14:4, success is in the mess sometimes. Congrats on pregnancy #3
Aww thank you so much! I love your advice too! Im going to have to look up that Bible verse!