I am thrilled to be a few weeks into my third trimester. While my pregnancy has flown by thus far, I am wondering if that will continue or if the last two months will feel like an eternity. At this point, I have gained about 20 pounds, and I’m packing on about one pound a week. My provider gave me a clean bill of health after my last round of blood work, which was a great feeling, especially with the thyroid issues I had in my first trimester.
Five months ago, an older gentleman who practiced as an OB-GYN for 40 years shared with me his thoughts on weight gain and eating healthy while pregnant. “People will jokingly tell you that you’re eating for two,” he said. “But if you adopt that as your mantra, you could easily end up gaining too much weight and being at risk for gestational diabetes.” He encouraged me to eat when I’m hungry and to focus on key nutrients, like calcium and protein. Under the supervision of my health care provider, I take plant-based prenatal vitamins, fish oil (not just any brand–certain ones are unsafe during pregnancy), vitamin D, magnesium, and a B vitamin that helps my migraines.
Like many pregnant women, I have found that eating smaller meals more frequently works best for me. (Eating as much as I used to for lunch or dinner almost always leaves me feeling uncomfortable.) I rarely ever leave the house without snacks because allowing my stomach to become empty brings on morning sickness. Some of my favorites are Greek yogurt (Costco sells a 20-pack of Chobani for a great price), homemade trail mix (raw nuts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and raisins), fruit, low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks, protein bars from Trader Joe’s, and spinach salad (I love GreenWise Organic Caesar Dressing from Publix).
I still crave sweets, but I try to satisfy my cravings with less sugary options, like dark chocolate, partially frozen mango or blueberries, or small portions of homemade desserts (so I can control how much sugar is added). I know it sounds crazy that a bowl off slightly thawed blueberries could satisfy a sweet craving as well as a bowl of ice cream, but oddly enough, it often leaves me feeling more satisfied because it contains more nutrients. If you avoid desserts containing refined sugars for a few weeks, you’ll find that your body starts to feel satisfied with fruit and lower sugar options.
Don’t get me wrong though–I do indulge in “regular” desserts every once in a while. Last weekend, we attended an event at Mr. Handsome’s office, and it definitely turned out to be a “cheat” day. But even on my “cheat” days, I try to remember the little human who solely relies on me to provide him all the vitamins and nutrients that he needs to grow into a full-sized person. When I keep that in mind, somehow a slice of pie with two scoops of ice cream doesn’t sound so good anymore.
Lisa
You look terrific! Thank you for taking us along on your journey!! Your meal plan is excellent – keep doing exactly as you’re doing. The last few weeks will go by just as quickly! Enjoy this special time in your life!
Ellie
Thank you, Lisa!
Anonymous
You’re lucky. I thought I was doing everything right and somehow still ended up with pre-eclampsia and a tremendous amount of water weight gain. You never know what a pregnant body will decide to do all by itself, without consulting you first.
Amanda
You look so radiant and healthy! I love pregnant bellies.
One of the things I do when I’m craving sugar is to combine frozen blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries (and peaches if I have them) and heat them on the stove until they are thoroughly thawed and about as hot as a bowl of soup. I add cinnamon while the berries are heating, and the end result is delicious. It tastes almost as good as pie, and gives me the same kind of satisfaction. You can make it even more indulgent by adding a small amount of butter, but it’s delicious enough on it’s own. And it’s also full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and all kinds of other good stuff.
I felt like my pregnancy went very quickly up until the last week or so. By then I was just so ready to hold my baby that it was really hard to keep waiting.
I’m so excited for you!
Ellie
Thank you! 🙂
That’s a wonderful idea. I can imagine that it would taste nearly as good as pie. I always keep frozen fruit on hand.
Ellie
Anonymous
Nice picture. In three more months you will be big.
Anonymous
I don’t intend to be mean but your baby looks like full term already. You might need a c section by really then. Maybe I just do not have enough faith in mother nature. Don’t be discouraged. You and Mr Handsome are the yuppiest, you’ll do great when the crisis comes.
Anonymous
She doesn’t look full term. She looks 7 months or so.
Anonymous
This is one of the rudest and least intelligent comments I’ve read on any of Ellie’s blogs. The size of your stomach in no way indicates if you will need a csection. And contrary to what many people may think having a big baby does not mean that you’ll need a csection. One of my close friends delivered her baby at home last month who was 10 lbs 3 ozs with not only no complications, but no tearing. You have no clue what you’re talking about. Ellie you look amazing, keep doing what you’re doing, I’ll be praying for you!!
Anonymous
I don’t think the poster intended to be mean – but it does still hurt a bit when people think you’re too big. I mean, it shouldn’t, because it’s a baby belly, and you can’t necessarily control the size. But I was always a little offended when people would ask me outright if I was having twins. Trust me, I would LOVE to look like you Ellie in my third trimester.
Shela G
So happy your pregnancy is going well!! You look great!! I am excited to see pictures of your precious boy after he is born!! Prayers for an easy delivery with no complications. Sending you, Mr Handsome and the little one best wishes.
Anonymous
I am due Dec 15 and feel like the more uncomfortable I get the slower the weeks are going by even though at first it went quick. Hoping baby comes between 38 and 40 weeks and I don’t go overdue but I guess that’s out of my control.
Johnna
Yes, that nonsense of eating for two is an excuse to get to overindulge and expect it will be ok. I’m old too and your old Dr Friend is right. There is nothing ok about that way of thinking.
The key to keeping the pregnancy time passing by is to remain busy. That helps a lot. Don’t feel sorry for yourself because the end is hard. Many have walked this road before. Keep busy if only making lists! LOL!!
Oh and the frozen blueberries, keep those around. Before you know it, you’ll have a toddler wanting to eat constantly! Frozen blueberries for the win!!
Johnna
Julianna
Ellie, You look amazing and perfect! Thank you for sharing 🙂 I’m so excited for you and Mr. Handsome.
Anonymous
Is that a maternity top? Or is that part of your everyday wardrobe that just happens to stretch to fit while pregnant? Not trying to be snarky. I don’t know what’s sold as maternity these days and what expectant moms are choosing. Your other blog usually has quite a discussion about this topic, so maybe you can weigh in with some wardrobe facts, now that you’re expecting.
Ellie
Yep, this is a maternity top. At this point I am mostly wearing maternity tops, although I have a few more flowy non-maternity tops that still fit. Oddly enough, a few of the maternity shirts I bought early on are now too short, particularly Target brand shirts. I was reading a forum online, and apparently that’s normal for Target maternity shirts to become too short. Finding maternity clothes has really been a struggle. I’ve had to do a bunch of online shopping because very few stores carry anything maternity, and even the ones that do have very small selections.
Ellie
AmyRyb
I actually had really good luck at Goodwill. This was 11 years ago now, but they had clearance cast-offs from Target with the tags still on. There was a dress I loved but that remained too expensive even on clearance, and I found it weeks later at Goodwill much cheaper! I got my favorite pair of cargo capris and a shirt that got me through my last month and a bit after there, too. I also stalked the Motherhood Maternity clearance section!
Alexis
What a wonderful and thoughtful Mom you already are! Keep up the good work and don’t let anyone discourage you!!!
Lauren
Ellie, you’re doing wonderfully and being a responsible mom! I remember my doctor saying the few extra calories we need while pregnant is equivalent to a glass of milk and a piece of toast; there’s no excuse to make a pig of yourself. As long as you’re being conscientious with what you eat and your doctor is pleased with your health, your body will take care of itself as far as healthy weight gain goes. Your body knows how much weight it needs to grow a healthy baby and prepare your body for producing milk. I’ve always been thin & in good shape, having done competitive swimming over 13 years growing up but I gained 50 lbs. while pregnant and that was eating healthy and exercising. I didn’t look fat, don’t know where the 50 lbs. went exactly (my baby was born healthy & full term at 6.5 lbs), but my doctor was never concerned with my weight gain because all my tests came back great, my blood pressure was great, etc. I was still a bit distraught at each OBGYN visit as I was gaining pounds yet being very careful about what I ate. Anyway, had a healthy full-term baby and my milk came in right away even after my c-section (frank breech baby). After giving birth, the weight came right off. A healthy body knows what it needs to do and you’re looking wonderfully healthy.
Anne
My mom has the same story! She has had eight babies and gained 45 to 60 pounds with all of them and then lost it after giving birth. She ate well but that is just how her body does pregnancy. Everyone’s body does it differently. Ellie you look great and I can’t wait to meet your beautiful baby! Over the internet anyway!
Anonymous
Ellie, you look good for 7 months! Thanks for keeping us updated. I really appreciate all your information for my hopefully upcoming pregnancy.
Alicia
What you said about your body adjusting if you avoid refined sugars for a few weeks is so true! I have a sweet tooth, but I’ve been working on making fruit or a tiny piece of dark chocolate my go-to.
Ellyn
Looking great Ellie!! Sound like you’re really taking care of yourself. I also love frozen fruit as an after-dinner snack, and I find it just as satisfying as a less healthy treat. My absolute favorite is frozen raspberries (organic from Trader Joes are my fav!). Soooo good! 🙂
anon
You are very wise and also look great!
Even though not pregnant, I’m trying to cut down on the sweets too, and what you said about resisting for a week and then not needing it anymore is encouraging. I’ll try to keep that in mind in the next few days.
Candi
You look good Ellie! And no, you do not look like you’re about to deliver. You seem to be on track normally with how you look! Don’t take the bad comments to heart as you are way too small right now. Just normal! I can’t imagine you would’ve gained 20 lbs already tho as you don’t look heavier anywhere!! besides baby and I know he’s not 20 lbs. lol. Sounds like you’re very diligent and self disciplined. You should have a very healthy baby! Enjoyed your update and seeing a pic of baby and you. 🙂
Candi
You don’t want to end up like I did tho! I was so self disciplined with my second baby that I actually weighed around 10 lbs less than when I got pregnant after delivering her! Was I ever so proud of myself that I accomplished something like that but it was short lived. She was a small baby and is our petitest littlest girl out of our children and has had a heart condition already. (Healed tho) Maybe it was genes but I have always lived with regret ever since that I was looking out for myself more than for her. So allow yourself to enjoy life a little!
Anonymous
Eating healthy while pregnant IS looking out for your baby. Some things just happen that are out of our control, don’t beat yourself up about it💗
Anonymous
I’m losing some weight while pregnant too, and I did so with my last one, and she was big enough. It happens even though I don’t try because of morning sickness, already being overweight, and the baby taking the calories. I actually eat pretty unhealthy. Need to get on the ball with that one and eat more, but healthy.
Alayna
You look great! Thank you for the update. 🙂
Stacey
You look great Ellie God Bless you
Stacey
You look great Ellie God Bless you and your family.
Shell
While you definitely don’t have to ‘eat for two’, managing pregnancy nausea can necessitate eating differently (and more) than normal, just to survive and not feel awful. In both my pregnancies I’ve had to eat more often, and particular things (like more carbs and protein, and higher calorie fruits like bananas) to hold the symptoms at bay. While I’m all for eating healthily and trying not to eat too much, I figure that this is not the time to give myself guilt trips. Growing a tiny human inside is hard on the body, and I’m going to eat what my body it tells me it needs to function. If I put on a few pounds, I’ll still be in a healthy weight range for me, and that’s ok.
Marie
So true!
Anonymous
Ellie what brand pre natal vitamins are you taking? I’m having trouble finding one that I like.
Ellie
I switch off between Rainbow Light and Garden of Life. I take the 3x daily ones of both because there’s a school of thought that spacing the vitamins out throughout the day promotes better absorption than taking everything at once. How far along are you?
Ellie
Anonymous
Thank you Ellie. My husband and I are not expecting yet but are hoping and praying that we will be soon. My doctor advised to start prenatal before we conceive and I have been using a few different ones but haven’t found anything I like. I’ll try spacing them out as well. You look great by the way!
Ellie
Thank you. 🙂 Praying that the Lord will bless you with a child.
Ellie
Lynda
Thanks for sharing your pregnancy updates. I’m expecting my 2nd baby and scheduled to deliver on Monday. Keep doing what you are doing and hang in there those last couple months!
Ellie
Congratulations, Lynda! Is it a boy or a girl?
Ellie
Lynda
It is a girl! Emily Jean arrived 11/12 and we are all doing well! Best wishes and enjoy the holidays!
Ellie
Congratulations! Thanks so much for the update. I love her name!
Ellie
Jessica
I think you look great. I’m in the last week of our second trimester and look about the same, but we are pregnant with our 6th. So we seem to be a few weeks apart. My biggest baby was 7 lbs and I had people ask over the years if I was having a baby ‘any day. Or twins.’ Some people don’t know how to respond to pregnant women. But we should react with grace. The size of your stomach doesn’t really determine if you are going to have a huge baby. I’ve seen people that were really small have big babies.
And I know some people push for C-sections and they are needed in different situations, but a natural birth is also very doable under normal circumstances. Either way, what’s important is the health of the mom and baby and doing what’s best for you. Not everyone will have the same experience and that’s fine. There’s no right or wrong way really. Anyways, hoping everything continues to go well.
Ellie
Thanks, Jessica! Yep, it sounds like our due dates are pretty close together. Out of curiosity, are you at all nervous about the birth, or are you totally relaxed, since it’s your 6th?
Ellie
Jessica
I have mixed emotions. My last labor and delivery was the most painful and it was definitely worth it, but I still am a little nervous because of that. Every labor is different and I find comfort in that. God truly gives me the strength and help I need (physically and mentally) during labor and I have to lean on Him. And focus on holding my sweet son for the first time. So, that was a long answer, but I still have weeks to go and hopefully by then I’ll be relaxed and prepared as much as possible. I had a doula with two births and it really helped. But my husband and her argued alot during the labor so we didn’t have one during the last birth or this one. The unknown is always a little scary, but I think that’s normal. When it’s time we will be ready. I hope you are as well. And this time I’m going to have headphones to play music because we walk around our hospital and check in every hour until I can’t walk anymore. And I always forget music. Music is calming and should help.
Ellie
Thanks for sharing, Jessica. That’s a great piece of advice, to focus on holding your baby. I’m definitely going to remember that. And music is a great idea. The delivery rooms at our hospital are pretty large, which will be nice for being able to move around (if I’m not up for going out into the hall). Good luck with your delivery! Keep me posted. 🙂
Ellie
Jessica
The hospital here is so big that you can walk down hallways and there not be anyone around. And my babies seem to come at night. When it gets hard to keep walking,(I pause during the contractions) I just walk around labor and delivery. Also, when it’s getting close to delivery I won’t walk around the big hospital. That wouldn’t be smart. And you don’t have to walk, I just like to keep moving around. We’ve used the birthing ball, bath/shower, and such. It’s whatever works for you. I did have an epidural with my first two, and there’s no shame in that. But the overall experience was better when I had the natural births. My due date month is the beginning of February. So, I think you might have your son weeks before us. But I pray everything goes wonderful.
Ellie
Thanks for sharing your experience. The hospital I’m delivery at has a bath/shower, birthing ball, etc, which I’m excited about. Sounds like I’m about 5 weeks ahead of you. It’s definitely an exciting time for both of us. I’m sure your kids are thrilled, too!
Ellie
Elisabeth
Ellie you look amazing and are doing so well! Congrats on the beautiful life inside you!
Ellie
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Anonymous
Well done on the healthy eating! So great for your baby and your recovery post partum. I stuck to a similar plan with both of my pregnancies until the last week and then a switch flipped and all I could think about was covering everything with gravy. Good luck with your last trimester! Take a lot of naps!
Ellie
That’s hilarious! I suppose one week of gravy covered everything wouldn’t hurt. How odd pregnancy cravings can be. How old are your kiddos?
Ellie
Liz
Hi Ellie,
I remember when I was pregnant people would always remind that I was eating for two, so go ahead and stuff myself. I would politely tell them that I eat until I fill full and than stop…I had healthy babies, and getting back to my pre-pregnancy (or close to it) weight was easier because I didn’t take other peoples advice and let myself go. You will definitely be faced with lots of well intentioned people giving you lots of advise after your baby is born. As if they know whats best for your bundle of joy.