How I was feeling... 18 weeks pregnant & counting

Hello you beautiful people!

So much has changed over the past few weeks read more to find out how....

So I had my Consultant appointment on the 8/7/15 & my mum came along to support me. Every time you go to an appointment they check your blood pressure and (so gross) but they have to also check your urine sample for anything in your diet or blood changes, or infection - so far so good... On to the appointment that I was discussing last time about my very mild Raynaud's disease, it went well, the dr asked me about my symptoms and what I knew about the condition and also asked if I had been medically diagnosed - which I admit I haven't been seen about it, but my Aunty has it and also used to work in a hospital so she knew a lot about my problems with being cold and, many a time has spoken to my mum about my circulation and condition, the dr didn't seem at all worried and didn't offer any tests or advice, I seem to know more than he did! 

One thing he really did pick on me about was my weight and BMI. Here in the UK, if you are 18.5 and above that's considered normal and healthy, and if you are a women above 25.5-30 on the BMI scale, you are more likely to be considered too heavy for your height. BMI is Body Mass Index and calculates height with weight, at the very beginning of your pregnancy at your 7 week appointment a midwife calculates this information for you by measuring your height and asking you to stand on weighing scales. I am 5'6', slim, and with a (normal for me) weight of 8st3lbs. A few years ago, while in school I was pretty skinny and had a weight average of 7st and above, my whole family is slim & at my mums heaviest she was just a little over 9st, so when the dr questioned me about BMI it sounded like I was very underweight, as during school 17 on the BMI scale used to be healthy, but as it's based on averages & now that everyone is bigger, the scale has been raised and I am no longer considered healthy, even though I am fairly active with working 25 hours a week - on my feet and not behind a desk, I walk and I don't drive, I have never had a bad reaction to food, I love food, I have a healthy appetite - much to people's reactions, they see me as slim but see me eat more than enough!
I have been known to eat a 3 course meal at my mothers house on a Sunday and complete that with 2 different types of desserts and cleaning all of my plates! At the same time I have been known to prefer salad and pasta dishes at a buffet and with this as my normal eating habits, it was insulting to hear at 17weeks pregnant that I wasn't big enough! I'm 'supposed' to be a 19 or 20 on my BMI scale during pregnancy, I found it hard to take as I couldn't possibly eat more than I do, and to change my lifestyle accordingly because I am as healthy and as fit as I can be, otherwise how would I get pregnant or keep my baby for this long?! Yet the consultant didn't offer me any advice on how to up my intake to be higher on the scale, and I left feeling like I wasn't doing as well as I thought - I don't think that should've been the end result of the appointment, everyone I have spoken to said midwives know better - and they do, after all my previous blood tests and results I am more than capable and healthy for this pregnancy and have been told that dr's can scare and add information that I don't need to think about right now. And as to my knowledge it is more sufficient to add weight slowly towards the end of the second trimester (roughly 22weeks) rather than piling it on too quickly. The information I've read also offers advice on women who are needing to loose weight for their pregnancy and little to no advice for women who need to up their weight. I find it completely contradictory!
Any advice or opinions on this matter? - I'd love to hear from you!I have finally got a defined bump! Although I am still wearing regular clothing for now, I have also re-sized for bras and have been buying slightly bigger tops - not maternity yet. I have bought more leggings and joggers for later on in pregnancy & hope to find suitable jeans with a big bump band at the front - unfortunately the majority of this stuff can be found online and very little in actual shops now. 

When did you buy maternity clothing? What was the best company/brand for you? 

I have noticed my skin and hair changing - I DO NOT have that famous glow! I have spots the majority of the time and my hair isn't as fabulous as it normally is... Here's my before & after pics of my haircut! What a difference!! I also suffer with dermatitis and it's supposed to get better but I've noticed more around my belly and cleavage area it's a lot more dry than usual - time to slather on the creams!

What brand company body butters and creams do you recommend for dry and sensitive skin?

How is mum doing?
How far along:18weeks
Total weight: Not checked in a while.
Maternity clothing: Bigger bras and leggings (not maternity yet)
Sleep: Moderate sleep. Feeling more tired after work!
Best moments of the week: Feeling the baby wriggling!
Miss anything: Nothing so far
Cravings: No cravings, I just love fruit & very sweet things.
Anything made you sick or nauseous: Nope I'm all good now.
Gender: No idea.
Symptoms: Heartburn? Leg ache as if I've been running a marathon and had major cramps :(
Belly button in or out: Out!
Happy or Moody: Mixed feelings!
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on!

Thank you for reading this weeks blog post - sorry it's a long rant!
Things always aren't as good as women make out & it's not as bad either!

~Ellie xoxox

How I was feeling... 16 weeks pregnant & counting...

Hi everyone! 

Long time no blogging - again! 

I'm sorry I'm slacking!!

I've had an eventful time so far, Kurt (my fiance) got a full time job and it's working away 5 days a week and so weekends are for us together, and that's it... It's hard to go to work and come home to only Rory (the cat), I love me time, but I love spending time with Kurt even more - he's so funny and just makes my day so much better!!
I went away for a mini holiday with my mum, sister & brother to Bath, Somerset - England... It was beautiful honestly, I loved it, we're hoping to go again in the future! I've also made a YouTube video of my experience.. My Mini break to Bath, Somerset - England

I hit 16 weeks, so well into the second trimester! My 16 week midwife appointment was awesome I heard the baby's heartbeat, again Kurt was working so he couldn't come, but when I got back from Bath I had my letters for my 20week scan appointment (29th July) & also a consultant appointment (8th July) - Sounded scary to me too, but I actually suffer from a condition called 'Raynauds disease'. It's tingling and burning feelings of the hands and feet when the blood rushes back after changing temperatures from the cold - many people get the colour changes as an indication, it's mild for me and thankfully I don't have the more painful version. I have to get checked out by the Dr's to make sure I'm not in any risk, after much internet surfing I discovered that it's mainly women who get the disease and there's no cure.. I've known that for a while, but during pregnancy when there is extra blood being pumped and produced the body temperature is raised so I've not felt the cold or any symptoms and according to research pregnancy can help the condition during and after having a baby, so I don't think I'm in any risk... Never say never though...

I'm so excited for my second scan - it's going to be more in depth and it'll be a longer appointment, fingers crossed Kurt has the day off work, as planned but things change and I'll have to get used to him not being around as much, but he really wants to be there with me! We also want to find out the sex of the baby, we already have names picked out for girl or boy so we're ready to start calling the little bump by his/her name!
When did you guys figure out a name and did you all find out or wait for a surprise for the sex of the baby?

Few more symptoms happening, my travel sickness has gotten worse and I've been feeling more 'round ligament pain' as well as lower back pain. I'm a small framed person so my hips aren't primed up for the task so pain is inevitable, my mum had the exact same, we're all slim, not curvy at all.. That'll change soon enough I hope! I have been feeling more queasy for no reason, it's different to morning sickness and nausea, I don't know why it happens... Maybe acid reflux or something, heartburn maybe?!
I'm nearly coming to terms with finishing work and having me-time and I honestly want to start buying things for the baby, but our rented house is having work done and it's taking too long so I'm a little bit stressed that I don't have room tidy enough to put things...

Here's a few pictures to see my progress...

2 weeks

 1 month

 2 months

 3 months









How is mum doing?
How far along:16wks2days
Total weight: 52.5kg (8.2st)
Maternity clothing: Sticking to the leggings now, I can't wait to buy more clothes!
Sleep: Less sleep, but better sleep
Best moments of the week: Waking up with my bump still visible
Miss anything: Nothing so far
Cravings: Just loving the cold fruit juice!
Anything made you sick or nauseous:  Getting travel sick even more.
Gender: No idea.
Symptoms: Heartburn? Aches and pains in my hips and back
Belly button in or out: It's nearly a proper outy!
Happy or Moody: Happy
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on!


Thank you so much for reading this weeks blog post!
I hope my journey so far has been good to read... It's all happening so fast now!
~Ellie xoxox

#MondayMotivation

#MondayMotivation

As the title suggests!

I decided to post about some workouts and some gear go with your new found Summer energy! I know for a lot of us work is getting in the way and by the time you get around to doing something the night has long gone and its time for bed.

Some people who work in an office have 9-5 hours, you can easily squeeze in an hour at home before dinner, in this instance I would suggest a few tips for this life style;
1) Plan meals and buy things in advance. Lunch times won't be as hard work and meals don't have to be quick and disgusting, chose options that are quick but fill you up, like rice or pasta dishes. There are plenty of websites and recipe books to even get inspiration from and adapt what you like! A lot of recipe books will offer calorie counts and options for healthier eating adding different vegetables and things to suit like less meat or less sugar. Fish is a popular one to adapt, there's plenty varieties out there!

2) Set times for bed, work, play, family time & gym/exercise routine. No looking at your laptop or phones 30 times a day, it literally take up minutes of your day and can stop production for other things as well as stopping your memory from working as good.

3) Grab a friend or family member or partner to join you. It may seem pointless to them but actually you're both getting involved and you can boost one another into better routines!

4) Relaxation - It should not be all go all the time, you can have a Sunday to yourself, have a cheat day, gather your thoughts and get into a nice calming frame of mind ready for the next week. Many people find mediation a good one, or repeating a mantra they've thought of to clear their mind. Some also like looking in the mirror and repeat 'I CAN AND I WILL'. It's positive thinking and proves to help with confidence as well as relaxing your mind of other junk.

If you have a little more time on your hands why not try these;
1) Set deadlines for yourself - This sounds more strict than it is, in reality we should only have 1-2 hours social internet time, 7-8 hours sleep, as well as working or school time and even doing chores around the house. Why not change your routine to that of when you had school - sounds silly but you had an hour each lesson, 2-3 breaks with an hour lunch and an hour a week or more of physical activity! Treat it as a timetable, get a diary and jot it all down - Don't feel bad that you didn't complete everything in a week, be glad you started!

2) The gym - if you have more time you will more likely benefit from actually going to the gym or an evening class! Bring a friend with you to have a laugh with, there's no point in being miserable on your own!

3) Plan your meals - this is still important, especially if you have children or pets or unsociable working hours, you still need all the help you can give to your body by eating the right kinds of foods.

4) Party or not party? If you can and you most likely will, go out and get plastered or even just a few it's better to really think hard about going or not. Don't let people drag you out, sure you may enjoy it, but if your body doesn't think you need it, then it's probably right! Drinking excessively or binge drinking on one day is very harmful. Experts say a glass of wine a day is fine, it really should be personal preference. If your new diet or routine isn't really letting you drink - it's for the better, I promise. Special occasions are ones to look out for, wedding, birthday ect - these are times where you feel the need to join in and drink, it's okay you're allowed, but know your limits.

If you have very unsociable hours and a varied work schedule its best to work with what you've got;
1) Ordering food online! It seems lazy, but if you're working nights you can't always get to the supermarkets! You shouldn't indulge how crap your feeling with filling the basket with super noodles, chocolate bars and ready-meals as substitutes. Get online and read those recommended recipes! Try something new, even if its quick and easy, make sure it's filling you up in the right ways!

2) Family time and relaxation is more important! Family have their own lives and schedules and yours is out of place. Make time for weekends and holidays if you can, and go to a spa or a group holiday with plenty activities to be all together and make those memories.

3) Home style workouts and DVDs will be your best friend. You can do these whenever you have the time and no pressure from anyone else, they turn out to be a lot of fun most of the time even if your on  your own. Exercising boots your mood and endorphins to promote a healthier body! Doesn't matter how cheesy the videos or DVDs are as long as your sweating and moving its worth it!

4) Keep up the good work, you work so hard and a few things do suffer because you work! It's okay to feel guilty or let people down, bills don't get paid on their own and you can really look forward to a holiday and family time when you can. Working parents worry all the time and I know that causes mental function problems but honestly, health is more important and you shouldn't ignore what your body is telling you. If you need and want a break then organize it regardless of the hours you may loose out on, being alive and well will ensure you more work than 'working to the bone' or being in pain or sick or hospitalized!

On to the videos, these are ones I do really enjoy watching and taking part in;
My playlist is full of upbeat songs and towards the end there is some workout tutorials that I always use!  
Ellie's dance workout playlist

Lower body workout video! 
Upper body workout video! 

 These videos are for yoga lovers or someone who needs to take it down a notch... 
Yoga workout video! 
Yoga for beginners video! 

There's so many workout clothing and cheap alternatives now you can look the part for less. Doesn't matter how beginner or advanced you are. Proper clothing can make all the difference to how your workout goes and how you feeling before, during and after!
The yoga look;
Body suit
Yoga leggings alternatively Big waistband leggings

The gym look;
Sports vest-top
Gym leggings
Simple lace up trainers

The pro;
seamless bra-top
Look-at-me-leggings
reflex running trainers
-
My workout look;

Thank you so much for reading this extremely long post. I hope it will help some or even a few people.
Many people post motivational stuff and some have dedicated blogs or YouTube videos, what really matters is how you feel and how you think. There's no right or wrong, unless you are an athlete then it definitely take time and dedication.
*Disclaimer I do not think I am a professional, these tips are NOT to be followed directly as gospel and failure to understand may result in injury or risks to health, please seek professional help and advice and before taking on any diets and routines PLEASE contact your GP before heading into another lifestyle.*