First Half Marathon with Baby #5!

13.1 miles. 
2:11:25 (including a bathroom stop in the woods😆). 
18 weeks pregnant. 

WE DID IT!! This past weekend, baby and I ran our first half marathon together! Here are just a few pictures from race day!

Ready to race! Hubby got me a hotel within walking distance to the start line and that made race day SO much more enjoyable!! (Also, I made the switch to bike shorts for running this pregnancy and already loving it! So much better than trying to run in running shorts!)

Waiting to start! Corrals were SO spread out to keep everyone safely distanced... my corral was so far from the start line that we were all the way up on the 3rd floor of a parking garage! 

See you in 13.1! A little bit different looking start line this time around...this race is always so well put together but I was very impressed with how well organized and coordinated everything was this year in spite of the circumstances!

Finished!! The weather could not have been more PERFECT for running and this course is just so great!! Finally running an in person race felt absolutely incredible and I am so thankful that baby and I had a such smooth and easy run! 

Even though I am vaccinated and protected against COVID I still greatly appreciated the fact that masks were required for all and that I didn't have to share air with someone that I didn't know where they had been hah! So SO grateful for everything that needed to happen in order for this LIVE RACE to take place!! (I really would have done pretty much ANYTHING to run an in person race so a mask and keeping my distance from others seemed like a pretty simple request haha!) It was seriously so exciting - finally! 

I felt super emotional after finishing so I let myself just BATHE in those post race (/pregnancy!) hormones and runners high! I stood at the finish line for a while and watched all of the FULL marathoners working hard to cross the finish line before the 3 hour mark (what?!?!?!) It was so incredible to see them break 3 hours and I just soaked up ALL the feelings and let myself cry as I watched them! I felt proud of them and proud of myself!!

Love this race! Looking forward to the next one :).

Week 28 and 29

Week 28

Major events: Nothing major this week - our lives are finally slowing down from a super crazy fall and holiday season... at this point our calendar is almost completely clear between now and when baby comes - yay! Time to finally get started on that nursery... the clock is running out!

Size of baby: Eggplant

Sleep: Fine...

Cravings: Orange juice?? Not sure if that is an actual pregnant craving or just an exercise induced craving... (during a 10 mile run I kept passing a lot of citrus trees with a bunch of ripe oranges. All I could think about was drinking a nice cold glass of OJ at the end of the run!)

Aversions: None

Movement: Yes yes! I have been experiencing some pain as well...Most of the time baby boy's feet are way off in my right side. Lately, a lot of times when he kicks a certain spot on that side it sends a line of pain straight across my lower belly. It feels like a knife slicing me straight across, or like someone has a piece of barbed wire around me and suddenly yanks it tight from behind. It is hard not to react to these pains but it often is hard not to, with gasps or facial expressions. Since these "zingers" only last 2 seconds or so at a time and seem to come and go based on his position I think this is just him stretching me too much sideways from the inside. I know he is stretching out because I can also feel his head poking my left side simultaneously. It is very uncomfortable. Also, (and this is not totally movement related) but I am really feeling the pressure of my uterus and other organs moving upwards. I have been feeling a lot of neck and shoulder pain - exactly what it feels like after abdominal surgery when there is a lot of air trapped inside of you and it presses all of your organs up and into the muscles in your neck and shoulders. Ugh it's such a gross and uncomfortable and painful feeling. Luckily this is not something that I have been feeling regularly though - just a few times. 

Belly button in or out? In

Weight gain: 20 lbs.

Missing: Feeling like I have to pee only when I actually have to... I have officially entered the stage where I rush to the bathroom and immediately think "That's it?!?" after I only go like, 2 drops. Oh geeze. 

Best part of this week:  As I was making Heidi's lunch one morning before she went to MDO, she was sitting in her high chair eating her breakfast. She kept calling me over to give me a big hug and/or a big kiss. I just couldn't handle it and basically cried the whole time I was making her lunch. I just love her so much!! I didn't even care that it took me like, 20 minutes to actually make her lunch. 

Hardest part of this week: VERY draining and exhausting day at the mall. it was awful...Super duper long story but I ended up spending 4+ hours at the mall waiting for an appt. at The Apple Store only to find out they were going to make me wait another 2 hours to get my phone fixed. Heidi was with me and this was between 3pm and about 7:30pm... luckily Ryan was able to come to my rescue around 5:30/6:00ish... but I was physically and emotionally drained (also running off of a PB&J sandwich I had eaten around 1pm). I lost it on the Apple people (which I hate doing) but the situation wasn't going to be rectified if I had just walked away. In the end I ended up getting what I felt was fair but I didn't exactly mark it as a "win" because of how upset I had to get. I cried the whole way home and pretty much just cried until we went to sleep that night. It was so awful and I was just so glad that the day was over. I felt so bad for making Heidi do that (even though she was such a good girl) but at the same time I was so grateful that I didn't have to face that day alone and that she was with me. I was so overwhelmed with how happy it made me to be with her and have her there.

Looking forward to: Running a half marathon next week (and it's a CHOCOLATE half marathon!!!) and announcing our new baby's name (hopefully) in the next week or so. 

Emotions: Some days are more emotional than others, tiredness/exhaustion drastically affects this as well. 

Major events: Glucose test; ran a half marathon!!

Size of baby: Butternut squash

Sleep: A little better...

Cravings: None

Aversions: None

Movement: Yes, still experiencing the same zinging pain across my lower belly when he stretches out sideways

Belly button in or out? In...but starting to look very shrively and gross. 

Weight gain: 23 lbs

Missing: Bending, laying on my stomach... the physical discomforts of not being able to move normally are starting to set in! 

Best part of this week: Successfully running a half-marathon in a semi-decent amount of time (2 hours 12 minutes!) and getting to spend lots of time with my man! Also had some awesome dance parties with Heidi and at one point she just rested her head on my shoulder as we danced around. I loved thinking that I was dancing with BOTH of my babies.

Hardest part of this week: Heidi got pretty sick so that was a little tough (2 nights of her getting ZERO sleep due to so much coughing) and we left her with my in-laws for part of this time. Even though she doesn't really ever act like she's miserable (she still runs around like a complete maniac) it was still so hard to leave her behind. Evenings are consistently hard for me. Not any one evening in particular... When I wake up in the morning I feel great. My stomach and organs all feel normal and I don't feel that crammed or full. However, by the time the evening rolls around and Ryan gets home from work, I feel SO full. I literally feel like I just ate 6 Thanksgiving dinners even if I haven't eaten in hours. At dinner, I am stuck in this weird place of being really hungry, but also having a stomach ache and feeling like I can't put another crumb inside of my body. It's very strange. After dinner, I am usually feeling pretty rough. Just SO full. I have definitely reached the point in this pregnancy where I am questioning how it's possible to still have 10 weeks left of growing... something I thought wouldn't happen this being my second time to go through this. (With my first pregnancy, I can remember looking at my tiny 20-something week belly thinking "I'M HUGE!!" and then at 39 weeks realizing how small I was in those pictures haha.) I can really feel my uterus and other organs pressing into my stomach and it doesn't feel good when this is occurring. Evenings are rough, which is hard because there are still plenty of things and chores that need to "get done" (cooking dinner, bathing Heidi, straightening up, folding laundry, etc.) and laying on the couch doing nothing isn't exactly an option (even if my husband insists that it is - I refuse to make him do everything)! 

Looking forward to: Having more free time, preparing more for baby and actually MEETING baby!! Can't wait for that first skin-to-skin and that first latch.

Emotions: I have had a few emotional days where I just feel overwhelmed or like crying for no reason. Again, a lot of times food, a shower or sleep will help with this (much like during postpartum)!!

A few pictures from the race....! (P.S. I highly recommend this race to anyone looking for a "smaller" half. It's a womens' only race in San Antonio and only about 550 or so ran the half. The perfect size in my opinion!)

The best thing about a "Cocoa Run"... chocolate at the finish line!!!!!

29 weeks pregnant.

Also pancakes at the finish line... I made a chocolate pancake taco - a pancake filled with chocolate chips. YUM!!! (Also not pictured: lots of hot chocolate and breakfast tacos!)

3rd and 4th Trimester Running...and Beyond! (Part 2)

Continued from 3rd and 4th Trimester Running...and Beyond! (Part 1)

4^th trimester running (aka the first 3 months after childbirth) – Fast forward 8 weeks or so…My first run after giving birth was on June 28^th.  I was 5 weeks and 5 days postpartum.  I REALLY didn't want to start working out too soon after giving birth, but I was feeling well enough by this point to attempt a slow jog.  It went really well and just felt SO good to be back out running.  I felt semi-human again!  On July 2^nd, 6 weeks and 1 day after having Heidi, I got the go-ahead from my doctor to resume normal workout activities. Between May 20^th (Heidi’s birth) and August, I only went on 7 runs total.  (Which, to be honest was a pretty normal number of runs for me to take during a Houston summer!)  And as much as I wanted to “get my body back” and get crazy with the working out… it was also very important to me to take it easy.  I had to make a conscious effort not to push myself too far too soon.  I wanted to respect my body and acknowledge everything that it had just gone through.  I think a lot of women get too nuts about this and trust me – I definitely struggle with impatience too!  I’m not claiming that it was easy.  But it’s important to cut.  your.  self.  some.  SLACK!  For crying out loud ladies, if you never give yourself a break ever – now is the one time you SHOULD.  You NEED to.  Pay your body some respect.  Give it some much needed (and well deserved) time off.  Give your body a chance to relax, recover, and HEAL before you start asking so much of it again.  Your body sometimes needs nature to take over for a bit :). This was my focus. 

I was also VERY concerned with messing with my milk supply.  It really does take a looong time for your supply to establish itself.  Those first 6 weeks are crucial – and if you start burning too many calories too soon you can easily dry up.  Breastfeeding is one of those things – once it’s gone - ITS GONE!  There’s no getting it back.  So as important as working out is to me and my lifestyle, providing nourishment to my baby was one thousand times more valuable than getting a six pack or back to my pre-pregnancy weight.  That stuff can wait.  That was the number one goal and top priority.  Taking it easy early on was crucial to me.  God has blessed women with an amazing gift – to grow, birth and nourish our babies with our own bodies – we must show our gratitude by respecting ourselves, acknowledging these abilities and making a conscious effort to not ask too much too soon of ourselves.  

BEYOND! – My first run with Heidi took place on September 8^th and she was approx. 3 and a half months old.  I was starting to train for my first half marathon which was to take place in November (10ish weeks later).  Obviously, running with a stroller takes some getting used to.   I also had some fears going into my first training program postpartum.  (Will I be able to fully train with a stroller? How will my milk supply/Heidi be affected? Will I be able to run for 2 hours without my boobs exploding, etc. etc….)  Now, running with a stroller is hard at first, but once I got used to it it wasn’t so bad.  However, once I got into those longer-ish runs (longer than 2-3 miles) I started noticing how MECHANICALLY different I felt - for the first time ever.  Running was harder than it had EVER been for me.  It was nearly impossible to push through.  I was SO thirsty I could hardly stand it.  I literally felt like I was trying to run through jello.  It was terrible.  (Not to mention SEPTEMBER in Houston – UGH!)  I obviously made a conscious effort to UP my caloric intake and stay as hydrated as possible… but with how much I was sweating… halfway through a run I was so parched it felt like my whole body was just about to shrivel up and die right there on the sidewalk.  I did my best but had to cut SO many runs short because I just.  couldn't.  I also was experiencing intense pain in both hips.  I could feel those ball-in-socket joints just GRINDING and I knew that my pelvis was definitely still way out of whack.  The pain would kick in around mile 3 or 4 and I would feel it for the rest of the day (and sometimes into the following day).  As I continued to try and train for this half, the more I trained the harder it got.  I went into town on the weekends for my longer runs.  I think it was my 10 miler… I had to stop and walk so much, it took me forever to finish.  I ran (or at least I was supposed to run) my 11 miler with a friend, and ended up forcing him to leave me behind because I just couldn't do it.  I literally had to stop at mile 6 and just walk to where Ryan was meeting us.  It was ROUGH to say the least.  So going into this half marathon, I was very nervous about finishing.  I didn't want to have to walk 6 miles to the finish line if/when I got too tired.  I prayed that I would be able to run and that I would be able to finish without too much pain.

Race day came and although I was nervous I was also determined.  I knew I would be going SO slow, but I was going to finish.  I was able to run almost the entire thing (probably walked for 4-5 minutes or less altogether?) and finished in 3 hours.  3 HOURS.  The slowest half I have ever run.  And it HURT.  But I did it.  (I should also note that I wore an adult diaper for the race.  I am SOOO glad I did because I literally peed the entire time.  It wasn't as uncomfortable as you might think actually… and I will probably have to get used to that haha!)

Following the race, I was at yoga one day and my instructor was working with me during the class.  I told him about my experience with running postpartum and he said “You gotta make sure the tires are aligned before you take your car on cross-country road trip”.  This made me laugh but there is so much truth to it!  My body definitely was not ready for 13.1 miles yet.  I’m glad I did it, but next time I know not to sign up for something so soon after giving birth.  

I will also point out that my milk supply was NOT affected by my half marathon training, Heidi never indicated that she had a problem with the amount/taste being affected by my working out and I was able to run for 3 hours (and go longer without nursing her – probably closer to 5 or 6 hours?) without my boobs exploding or even getting that uncomfortable.  (I woke up that morning, nursed Heidi, pumped what was left and left Ryan with a full bottle of thawed milk. By the time we had gotten home, and I showered Heidi was ready to eat and I was not experiencing any discomfort.)

Since November, I have continued to run (my longest run being a few 6 milers).  I am no longer experiencing the pelvis/hip pains that I was before, but I also am not currently putting myself through the physical stress of training for a half marathon.  I definitely feel super gun-shy about signing up for another one and even though I want to do more I still let that fear creep into my mind..."What if it's like it was before?  What if I can't do it?"  I had initially wanted to attempt 2 half marathons this spring but now I don't see that happening.  (My goal was 3 in a year - May to May.)  I am definitely doubting myself but I also know that I'm not going to know until I try it!

So how did I do it?  How did I run throughout my entire pregnancy, the months postpartum and continue to do so now?  NO mysterious pills, NO magical drinks filled with sugar and caffeine to "boost" my energy, NO special supplements claiming to "help me get my body back".  Just a lot of prayer.  Hard work.  A LOT of sweat.  And a LOT of PATIENCE.  I also have to credit the Lord with 100% of my abilities and success.  HE knows the desires of our hearts.  I know I don't deserve anything that I have but He has allowed me to continue to live the active lifestyle that brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment.  I will praise HIS name forever!

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

Just before going on my first run after childbirth.

First run together with Heidi on the outside!

She didn't even make it to the end of the driveway before passing out. 

Shiner beer half!  It was really rainy...

One of the prettiest races I've ever done!  So cool to look ahead and see the long
hilly country road dotted with people as far as I could see. 

Yes it is!!  (Also, the sun came out to see us briefly!)

More running through the hill country... the course turned left a ways up and
you could see little dots running off to the left.

The BEST part of the finish line :)

Heidi also wanted some beer from grandpa Eric.

We finished!  Unfortunately, we were too cold, wet and tired to hang out for very long and didn't even go on a tour of the brewery.   Everyone was soaked, it was raining off and on and Ryan, Heidi and stroller were also quite muddy.

Shiner. Beer. Run!  Check, check and check!

Sorry Heidi we left you out of the picture. 

The best part of the swag bag  and my new favorite koozie - because I EARNED it!

3rd and 4th Trimester Running...and Beyond! (Part 1)

Read about my first and second trimester running experience here!

Just to recap, throughout my pregnancy, I would try to get in at least 2 runs per week, between 3 – 5 miles per run.  I ran a half marathon at 13 weeks, a 10K at 14 weeks, another 10K at 29 weeks and my last 10K at 37 weeks.  I went on my last run (3 miles) on May 8^th at 38 weeks pregnant and delivered Heidi 12 days later.

So let’s pick up where we left off, shall we? 

Third trimester running - I think the first question people would ask me when they found out I was still running was “HOW??”  Well, to be honest I was able to keep running for two reasons.  First of all, He-who-is-in-control (aka God) blessed me with a very easy and complication-free pregnancy.  There was no medical reason why I couldn't continue to run and my doctor continued to give me the green light.  Secondly, (and this is almost as big as the first) I just never stopped.  Had I taken an extended period of time off from running, I’m not sure I could have picked it back up again.  My body was growing and changing so fast, I was scared to stop running.  I was afraid that if I stopped and then tried to get back out there I wouldn't be able to do it.  The longest that I went without a run while pregnant was 11 or 12 days…once over Christmas (because duh) and another time because I was SUPER sick (like, flu sick).  I also continued to focus ONLY on completing the runs without walking and NOT on how fast I was going.  Speed and pace was definitely NOT a concern whatsoever.  Because of my slower pace, as well an extra 30-40 lbs. I was carrying around with me, my legs continued to get very fatigued during runs and oh MAN was I sore by the afternoon! My whole body ached.  However, it was never a “bad” sore… always a “good” sore.  I like that good sore feeling (always have) because it means you’re DOING something! 

I never experienced any Braxton hicks, contractions/cramps, false labor, etc. but I do recall one run in particular where I had to stop.  I guess I was just having an off day and just couldn't do it.  It hurt, I was uncomfortable, sore, fatigued… I didn't make it very far and had to stop.  Perhaps I was just too tired, hadn't eaten or hydrated enough or the baby was in a strange position.   I knew there wasn't anything seriously wrong, but it was still upsetting to me that I wasn't able to complete my run and also because this was just a few days before I was supposed to run a 10K (I was 29 weeks at the time).  I was so frustrated with myself, that I rested a little during the day and ended up going back out that evening and running 4 miles.  I went into the race that Saturday knowing that I may or may not be able to finish, but not long after I started I knew I was going to be able to do it.  I felt great! 

My last race was at 37 weeks.  I went into it knowing that if I wasn’t feeling well I could stop after 5K (this particular race happened to be one big loop – one lap was a 5K and two laps was a 10K.  Usually, I find this extremely annoying but it actually was comforting knowing if I needed to stop after 5K I would already be at the finish line.)  When I had completed the first lap, I was feeling good (although, going EXTREMELY slow) and turned around to do the second half of the race.  I felt like I was one of the last people to finish but… I did it!!  I went on one more run after that race (at 38 weeks pregnant) and by then the weather was getting hot, I was distracted with other things and felt like I was ready to just focus on waiting for baby.   I don’t actually recall making a conscious decision or having the thought “Okay this is the last run!” I think it just happened that way.  Like I said, there were plenty of other things/distractions at that point, not to mention - I was frickin huge!!

In case there are any questions...

Before the Bayou City Classic (29 weeks preggy)

After!

No beer for me :( 

Before the Lone Star Stampede (37 weeks preggy)

After... DID IT!

Continued here: 3rd and 4th Trimester Running...and Beyond! (Part 2)

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Running Through the First 20-something Weeks...

So I think it's time that I post a little something about my experience so far with running while pregnant.  (I had intentions of posting this many many weeks ago, but time seems to have somehow escaped me again.  Bah!)  (Also, please note that there is a disclaimer at the bottom of this post!)

Officially, while pregnant, I have trained for and run a half marathon and a 10K and plan on running one more 10K in about 10 days from now (I will be in my 3rd trimester/7th month/29 weeks at that point).  I found out I was pregnant on day 3 of my (10 week) half marathon training program.  While I had previously done some "research" on running during pregnancy (aka reading a bunch of crap online which usually only confuses you), I didn't want to go too crazy with the running until I had my first doctors appointment at 8 weeks.  I somewhat "put off" training for a bit, but continued to run about once a week, 3-4 miles per run.  Although, I was definitely paying more attention to my body, I felt great.  (Even normal running pains that I have felt a billion times before now became a focus and reason for concern: "Small cramp - do I need to stop and walk??")  At my 8 week appointment, I spoke with my doctor who gave me the green light.  Everyone is different, and everyone's doctor is different, but in this case, my doctor basically told me that (aside from the obvious - drugs, alcohol, bungee jumping, etc. Also - DUH) there is "little" that I could do to hurt my baby.  As long as I could breathe and walk, there was no need to stop during runs.  Unless a medical reason arises, there is no need to stop running during my pregnancy.  So my training resumed at that point.  While nothing FELT different, my runs definitely shifted from focusing on speed and pace and time to simply completing the run and feeling comfortable while doing so.  "Pushing myself" was not a concern.  I ran a half marathon at 13 weeks, and while it was my slowest race ever, I felt great.  I thought it would be a lot harder on my body to run slower (aka running for a longer period of time) however, I was very surprised that I was actually less sore in the hours/days following the race than usual.  A week and a half later I ran a 10K, also quite "slowly".

Since then, I have continued to average about 1-2 runs per week (although, ideally I would have preferred more like, 2-3 per week.  Oh well.)  Mechanically, nothing feels different.  As far as structure and bones and movement goes, running still feels the same (so far).  I don't feel off balance or extra bouncy (well, except for wishing I could wear about 10 sports bras!)  The first several weeks (months?) my boobs hurt SO bad, so that was the only uncomfortable part about running... and usually after the first mile or two I got used to it.  Luckily that went away pretty early (although, I am expecting that to return - and with vengeance! We'll see...)

I started to notice a few slight changes around 21 weeks - just small things, nothing crazy.  By 21 weeks or so, I had gained around 20 pounds give or take, and I think my legs finally started to notice... something was different!  I noticed my quads would start to get very fatigued/sore after about a half a mile or so... followed by my calves.  (Imagine if you just decided today to wear a 20 lb. backpack during your normal exercise routine! Ouch!)  However, after 2 miles or so, the lactic acid would kick in and the pain/fatigue during the run would fade away.  These first couple of miles continue to be the hardest for me.  I usually feel much better if I run 4 or 5 miles, as opposed to stopping after 2-3.

I also am WAY more sore after runs now than before.  I assume that the combination of extra weight/slower pace/distribution of weight is what causes this.  If I run 4-5 miles in the afternoon, by the time the evening rolls around, my body feels like I ran a half marathon that morning (achy legs, lower back pain, stiffness and fatigue).  I feel like (and probably look like) and 80 year old trying to get up of the couch!

The last thing that I have noticed (although, I don't remember exactly when it started) is the pressure.  Obviously, this continues to increase as well... if I pee 10 seconds before I leave for a run, the INSTANT I start running I feel like I have to go.  However, it's more than just feeling the need to pee... it's so much pressure downwards and it's quite uncomfortable.  I am guessing that this specifically is what will eventually keep me from running towards the end of my pregnancy. (SIDE NOTE:  Bittersweet side effect of running with this extra weight - I can definitely feel my quads and glutes getting bigger and stronger!  While, I am all for more muscle TONE, I don't want the size to increase - which it is!  AAHH!  Now the few non-maternity things that had still fit over my belly are not fitting over my thighs and butt.  Damn!  Hopefully I will lose a little muscle tone in my legs during the first several weeks after baby comes and I'm not able to run.)

All of these changes are small enough to allow me to continue running, and I do hope that I have a while longer before they actually stop me from running altogether.  When that time comes, I will continue to be active by just doing different workout DVDs at home.

Also, several weeks ago I purchased the Gabrialla Maternity Support Belt (available here) and I LOVE it!    I have been wearing this on all of my runs, hopefully to prevent too much bouncing.  (Everything is still so tight, I don't feel like I am at the point where my belly bounces up and down, however I haven't NOT worn it in quite a while.)  Here's what it looks like!

***Update:  I jogged for about 2 minutes yesterday without the support belt for the first time in a long time.  It definitely felt different not having the belt on and although, I don't feel like my belly was SUPER bouncy, I did feel like there was more movement than when I wear the belt.  So I am definitely glad that I have this and I think this product alone has helped me continue to run.

Sometimes, I feel like if I wear it SUPER tight it increases the pressure on my bladder... so I usually make sure it's snug, but not cutting-off-my-circulation tight.  I DO wish there was something to help with support/keeping things up on the inside... ;)  Also, if you purchase this belt for yourself, go a size up.  I have a small that barely fits.  A lot of the reviews on Amazon mention this, but I stupidly didn't read them until after I had purchased it.

I am SO truly grateful that God has allowed me to continue running up to this point of my pregnancy.  I know that He has provided me with the strength and endurance that I have needed to accomplish these things.  I hope to post again towards the end of the pregnancy about my experience running through the third trimester.  I hope to run through at least the 8th month... but that all depends ;).



Read about my continued experience with running throughout my pregnancy here: 3rd and 4th Trimester Running...and Beyond! (Part 1)



Disclaimer:  On the off chance that some crazy person takes my advice too seriously and does something to harm them self or their baby, I should also probably say something to this effect:  The thoughts and opinion shared on this blog are simply what works for me and you should not do any exercise regimens during pregnancy without first consulting your doctor.  Everyone and every body is different.  Listen to your body, listen to your doctor and definitely don't start anything NEW while pregnant.  What works for me may not be healthy for you.