Jan 18 2008
Random
Since the embryo transfer and subsequent positive news about the Snowflake(s), I have been much more careful about what I have been putting in my body. Somehow, in this delicate time in his/her/their lives, I feel that I must do everything possible to keep them healthy. Eating has become a serious time of decision for me as of late. A time when I must fend off temptation with every ounce of will left in me. For a foodie like myself, it’s not always easy.
At the office today, the guys opted for lunch at McDonald’s. My normal order would be something along the lines of a filet o’ fish or cheeseburger, french fries, Diet Coke, and maybe an apple pie. Today, I ordered a side salad and a fruit & walnut salad. However, I did reap half the benefits of the 2 apple pies for $0.99 deal, thanks to Ted, which probably negated all of the healthy eating I did prior to that. But dang, that piece of deep fried goodness sure was tasty delicious.
Hey, I’m trying. Give me a break. Baby steps.
I haven’t had any chocolate since December, and surprisingly, I don’t miss it all that much. During chilly evenings like the past week or two, though, a hot cocoa sure is tempting. I bought some herbal tea (no caffeine) at Long’s tonight while I picked up my prescription for my Climara estrogen patches. (12 patches cost me $61.88! When you have to wear 3 patches at a time, that’s only 4 applications. Geez.)
Wow, how did we go from hot beverages to a rant about the cost of my prescriptions? Oh yeah, I am the queen of tangents.
I also seem to have kicked the Diet Pepsi habit as well. (So, Ryan is now the recipient of all of my Costco coupons for Diet Pepsi.) Prior to beginning IVF, I would drink nothing but diet soda, tea, iced tea (sweetened with Splenda), or water. Non-caloric drinks. There’s something about drinking 150 calories in a few thirsty gulps that just seems inherently wrong. But, you know, sometimes you just gotta drink something with more flavor than water. Perhaps the introduction of caloric drinks into my diet has also contributed to my weight gain, which incidentally, I am blaming completely on those hormones at the moment.
Today, I woke up less bloated than last night. My work pants fit and I was a little concerned. “Are the Snowflake(s) okay??” I have a feeling that I am going to be paranoid until I get my first ultrasound on February 1st. And, I probably still won’t completely relax in my pregnancy until I hit the end of my first trimester, which will also mark the end of my progesterone injections and climara patches. Now, that will be a day for celebration indeed!
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. A new mom to her miracle baby, born on October 4, 2008. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
At some point you’re going to have to consume a LOT of dairy - I hope you like milk.
It’s basically for the calcium and thankfully there are other sources. Not sure if it’s folklore but my wife was told to avoid eating papaya in the 3rd trimester as it contains an enzyme that’s supposed to induce labor.
Eat up, girly. Feeling like eating a hearty meal might not last long! Hopefully you wont experience too much morning sickness — which should happen in a few weeks. I pray it’s mild, if it happens. Buckle up!
My wife had to stop drinking alcohol which is her favorite thing to do in the whole world. She is still breast feeding so she is looking forward to her first beer when Ian hits about one (4 more months). She had some mode swings that honestly pissed me off and have to say I didn’t take too well a couple time, but we made it through. Once the baby starts growing and getting hungry…..It’s all over for you sista!! You will eat what your mind tells you to eat. LOL Double Cheeseburgers, Ice Cream, Ramen, whatevers.
Depending on what your doctor says you can do I recommend grabbing your hubby and going for daily walks after or before dinner. It helps with everything for the both of you.
@Mark From Hawaii: Dairy may be a problem, unless they let me take Lactaid. I’m lactose-intolerant. I can drink Lactaid milk, though. Perhaps I should start. Hmm, papaya… that’s interesting! I haven’t heard of that one!
@Kalei: Good point and good advice! I had a friend who actually lost weight during her first trimester because of morning sickness!
@ET: Lucky for Hubby, I don’t have too many vices (aside from the electronic type, that is). And as far as the hormones, they affect me by making me more emotional (not grouchy), but I tend to cry more easily about the slightest moving/touching/sad things. My doc said to wait until after the 1st ultrasound before I start any activity, so that’s Feb. 1. I’m anxiously awaiting the day I’ll be able to start walking again. I think karate is out of the question for a while.
Ditto on the milk. Lactaid should be fine. Conversely, if you can’t handle it, you can try yogurt or take calcium supplements like I have to because I can’t drink much milk. Not because I don’t like it but because it raises my blood sugar too much. Also, I’ve been lactose intolerant on and off but I pretty much forced myself to drink the milk and my body adjusted. No more cramps! Spinach and other leafy greens that contain a lot of calcium can also be a substitute.
Eating a balanced diet is your best way to go but don’t worry too much. A little McDonald’s won’t hurt as long as it’s not every day. Everything in moderation — just know that later in pregnancy, moderation can be bumped up a little
Those snowflakes will need all the nutrition that they can get from you!
Be sure to find a great prenatal vitamin if you aren’t already taking one! Here’s a hint my doctor gave me when I was in the throes of morning sickness: if your prenatal vitamin makes you sick, take it before bedtime. This helped me a lot because my prenatal made me totally ill during the day.
Also about morning sickness… I pray you’re one of the lucky ones that escapes it but in case you aren’t, here’s a hint: eating around the clock helps. No, seriously! It’s not about stuffing your face so much as keeping a little something in your tummy at all times so you don’t feel nauseated. It seems counterintuitive but it worked for me!
well, don’t deny yourself certain cravings like if you have a sudden desire for pickles and ice cream.
that could be your body telling you that you need certain nutrients.
but definitely do the best you can to stay away from the junk food and fast food. those are just personal cravings and empty calories.
baby steps i totally agree. but i think you’ll do just fine.
oh man..your posts bring back memories. I totally remember feeling all of that! I was super careful (or tried to be) about making the right eating choices. Then 3rd trimester came and it all went out the window. haha. indulge a little, its one of the only times you can blame the weight gain on someone else! =) And I understand the paranoia too since it took us so long to get preggers. I was even so paranoid I wouldn’t even drink herbal tea…and that lead to not taking Ricola for a bad cough! i hope you’re not mental like me. Hopefully you get through the 1st trimester quickly…the 2nd and 3rd are a little easier mentally (tho the 3rd is a little harder physically). And as for the bella band…its not uncomfortable. Its just really nice knowing you can leave your pants unzipped and no one can see and your pants won’t fall down. only 2 more weeks till your ultrasound! Have I mentioned how excited I am for you?=) Take care!
Eat a balanced diet, take the vitamins your ob/gyn says to take, the main thing is having enough folic acid. Also you and the snowflake need to keep your immunities up to the environment around you, so the occasional McDonald’s apple pie is good, as well as the occasional chocolate, danish, birthday and unbirthday cake, coke (no cancer causing diet sodas), greasy food, pizza, etc.
All kidding aside (if you can find the charity in your heart to call the above humorous in any way) folic acid and calcium are very important for proper development of the fetus.
Wishing you the best,
Wolfemangarcia
Ryan appreciates the soda coupons.
Diet Pepsi is my last vice, aside from the occasional bit of alcohol. I don’t smoke, I don’t speed, and I don’t watch TV.
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Ryan
http://uncommon-cents.net/
Donna, it sure is tough to try and make all these changes! I’m still having problems with kicking the coffee habit and I love chocolate so much!!
Did I ever tell you how much of an inspiration you are? I am finally allowed to try as well, and reading your blog and esp this happy news is very encouraging to me, as I’m dealing with my difficulties.
Have a Happy Sunday!
I wish I could make the changes in diet that you are making. I am POSITIVE that not only will the Snowflake(s) benefit, but you as well. Now is an excellent time to start some new eating habits that will help you shed those baby pounds later on, but prepare you for the healthy habits you will want to instill in he/she/them!
My addiction is Dr. Pepper. I cannot get away from it no matter how I try. But I don’t think pregnancy would be a good rehab for me!
@Michelle: Thanks for the tips! I’ve been taking a prenatal vitamin since I started the whole in vitro process. My body seems to be tolerating it quite well, so I’m lucky. I am trying to figure out ways to eat a more balanced diet and up my consumption of fruits and vegetables — not always easy when you’re eating on the run. I also like your ideas about ways to increase calcium intake — more yogurt and I’ll pick up a carton of Lactaid at my next trip to the grocery store!
@randomguru: That makes sense… I will heed the cravings, except for the ones that tell me I need a Big Mac and a large fries!
@mars: Thanks so much for the info on the Bella Band! I posted an entry about buying a similar product made by Motherhood. I’ll try it out and give a full report.
I have been super cautious about questionable stuff. It’s funny that you mentioned herbal tea, because when I was at the store looking for some caffeine-free teas to buy, I steered clear of the herbal teas that had ambiguous ingredients such as “proprietary blend of medicinal herbs” and such. I’m staying away from artificial sweeteners and caffeine and anything else that can be construed as questionable or potentially hazardous. I feel that it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially in this case! 
@Gary Wolfe: Yep, getting lots of Folic Acid in my prenatal vitamins, but I need to work on the calcium. I really need to get to the store tomorrow!
@Ryan S.: I’m glad you can make use of the coupons for the Diet Pepsi! I’ll keep ‘em coming!
@Sophia: The doc told me to start weaning myself off the bad stuff prior to getting pregnant — then it’s not such a traumatic thing. I’m glad that sharing my ups and downs have been encouraging to you! Good luck with your journey and be sure to keep us posted!
@April: Good point! Adopting healthy eating habits are good, no matter what! A Dr. Pepper every so often isn’t so bad, is it?