Embracing the Journey: A Second Trimester Recap – Weeks 23-27 of Pregnancy

And just like that, the second trimester journey has drawn to a close! It feels surreal to be reflecting on these past few months, as time seems to simultaneously crawl and fly when you’re anticipating such a life-changing event. For me, the final stretch of the second trimester felt much like hitting mile 18 in a marathon – a challenging, yet exhilarating, “holding pattern.” You know a significant milestone is just around the corner (hello, third trimester!), but it’s not quite within reach yet. Pregnancy, as I’ve discovered, is a profound blend of physical and emotional transformations, but surprisingly, it’s the mental aspect that has truly tested me.

Perhaps this mental preparation is a valuable lesson in disguise, readying me for the exciting, albeit demanding, chapters ahead. Whatever its purpose, I am incredibly eager to dive into my third trimester and finish this marathon strong. There’s so much to anticipate and cherish, and that perspective truly keeps me grounded. I’m committed to being kind to my changing body, embracing rest whenever it calls, and relishing every precious moment spent with Mr. B and Juniper before our family expands.

If you’ve been following along and missed any of my earlier pregnancy updates, you can catch up on the first trimester here, and subsequent second trimester recaps here and here. Now, let’s delve into the detailed experiences of weeks 23 through 27!

Second Trimester Journey: Weeks 23-27 Pregnancy Recap

Week 23: The Grapefruit Stage – Embracing Six Months of Pregnancy

Symptoms: Week 23 brought with it another significant change – an increase in bra size! My breasts, increasingly becoming what I affectionately call “giant feeding bags,” continued their remarkable growth. I’m incredibly grateful for the comfort and superior support provided by True & Co bras; they’ve been an absolute lifesaver through these changes, ensuring maximum comfort when I need it most.

The beginning of Week 23 served as a stark, yet exciting, reality check: hello, six months of pregnancy! It was hard to believe how quickly time was flying. With our upstairs renovation still very much in progress, I found myself battling moments of panic. Seriously, we might need some divine intervention to get this renovation completed before our little one’s arrival in early September!

Amidst the renovation chaos, I made sure to capture this precious time. I had Jenna take some maternity photos of me, dressed in a few favorite maternity dresses and some comfortable workout gear. I am so incredibly glad I did; the photos turned out beautifully and serve as a wonderful keepsake of this unique chapter.

Week 24: Cantaloupe Baby – Physical Aches and Travel Adventures

Symptoms: By the end of each day during Week 24, I noticed a persistent ache in my upper back. My ever-expanding bust was definitely a culprit, constantly reminding me of its increased presence! It felt like I needed an additional carrying device for them. To combat this, I proactively purchased an XXL sports bra from Target, which has proven to be an unexpected but necessary ally for the coming months. Who knew that would be on my shopping list?

The start of Week 24 was bustling. My 24-week prenatal appointment was first on the agenda. This routine check-up involved measuring my weight (I’d gained 15 lbs so far!), assessing my belly growth, and listening to our baby’s strong heartbeat. I also received my breast pump prescription, which felt like another tangible step toward motherhood. The most dreaded part, however, was receiving the infamous glucose drink. As someone who rarely consumes sugary foods or drinks, the thought of chugging that sweet liquid made me feel nauseous. I was sincerely hoping I could manage to get it down quickly and then take the rest of the day off to recover!

Beyond the prenatal visit, we embarked on a trip back to Kansas to spend quality time with family and celebrate Father’s Day. We had planned to attend the Symphony on The Plains, but unfortunately, a massive storm swept through, canceling the event and causing quite a disappointment. Despite the change in plans, my maternity workout clothes from Gap proved invaluable, making my life incredibly comfortable throughout the trip. I wore a versatile mix of items as we hiked, walked, ran errands, and simply relaxed. Now, if only they could offer a solution for swollen ankles after spending seven-plus hours in a car, that would be truly miraculous!

On the sleep front, a new pregnancy pillow made a grand entrance into my life. Due to the upstairs renovation, we temporarily downsized to a queen-sized mattress, which meant my beloved Snoogle pillow had to be benched due to a lack of “real estate.” My new sleeping companion, the Bobby Pillow, is the perfect compact size. Its exceptional softness and thoughtful shape make switching sides during the night so much easier, allowing for more restful sleep.

Week 25: Cauliflower Size – The Surge of Nesting Energy

Symptoms: Week 25 introduced an unexpected symptom: chafing! After an Orange Theory workout, I returned home to find tiny blisters forming under my breasts. I hadn’t experienced this issue since my marathon running days, which served as a clear sign that I now needed to incorporate some anti-chafing glide into my pre-workout routine.

The start of Week 25 saw me entering full “get things done” mode. This burst of energy felt like a final surge before the intensity of the third trimester began in a few short weeks. I was determined to stop dwelling on various house and baby-related tasks that I had been procrastinating. My new goal was simple: tackle every single item I’d put off, no more excuses! The motivation was strong, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

My plan was to ensure our TV/family room was fully set up and organized, anticipating that this would be a primary space for me and the baby. Additionally, I began the crucial task of assembling various essential kits: a baby medicine cabinet, a comprehensive nursing kit, and a postpartum kit. Addressing these necessities now felt like a proactive step, preventing them from piling up into overwhelming last-minute tasks later on.

Week 26: Kale Baby – Prioritizing Energy and Physical Demands

Symptoms: By Week 26, I definitely noticed a significant need to conserve energy. I learned quickly that if I intended to do any physical work around the house, tackle errands, or engage in a workout, it absolutely had to happen in the morning. By three o’clock in the afternoon, I was utterly wiped out. As I mentioned earlier, this trimester has been a valuable lesson in checking my stubbornness and actively dialing back my usual busy pace. Listening to my body has become paramount.

The beginning of Week 26 was particularly physically demanding. Not only was I deep in preparations for my charcuterie board workshop, but my belly also seemed to undergo another noticeable growth spurt. I was on my feet for nearly two full days, getting everything ready for the class. By the end of the workshop on Wednesday, I felt utterly exhausted, like an “overcooked turkey.” On Thursday, I made a conscious effort to limit my movement to only essential tasks, such as preparing food or going to the bathroom. I am so glad I heeded my body’s signals because, come Friday, I felt completely refreshed and ready to face the world again!

We also enjoyed a wonderful weekend. Mr. B embarked on an incredible feat, biking nearly 200 miles for MS, while I dedicated my time to more nesting activities at home. I felt immense pride sporting my growing bump at the finish line with him, celebrating his achievement. It’s crazy to think that next year, we’ll have a little one right there in the photo with us!

Week 27: Lettuce Head Baby – Mental Hurdles and Birth Class Beginnings

Symptoms: By Week 27, my primary “symptom” was an overwhelming feeling of being HUGE! Perhaps not a clinical symptom, but my belly certainly felt like it was expanding in every conceivable direction. The sheer size was a constant reminder of how far along I was in this incredible journey.

The start of Week 27 proved to be a bit of a mental struggle. Knowing it was my final week of the second trimester brought a wave of anxiety. I found myself being incredibly hard on myself, to the point where any moment of free time led to frustration over not being productive. This self-imposed pressure started to feel paralyzing. I eventually took a moment to simply allow myself to feel angry and overwhelmed, acknowledging that we are all human. I realized the crucial need to extend myself some grace. While I initially wanted to channel that frustration, I knew it would ultimately be an energy drain, and when you’re seven months pregnant, every ounce of energy counts more than ever.

A significant highlight of Week 27 was Mr. B and I beginning our birth class! It’s a comprehensive four-week course designed to cover everything one needs to know about childbirth and beyond. The first session walked us through all the stages of labor. The realization that a majority of our time during early labor would be spent at home initially freaked me out a little. However, this is precisely where Mr. B claims he will shine, providing crucial support! Thank goodness for spousal support! It was also incredibly reassuring to be around other first-time parents; we all shared a laugh about our collective inexperience and not knowing quite what to expect.

Maternity and Nursery Essentials: My Top Picks for Comfort and Preparation

Current Favorites & Recommendations

As I transition into the final trimester, my focus has shifted even more towards practical items that offer comfort for me and prepare our home for Baby G’s arrival. Here are a few current favorites and highly recommended items that are making this journey a little smoother:

• H&M Baskets: Since the nursery doesn’t boast a massive closet, I opted for a cube storage unit and filled it with these adorable H&M baskets. The ones with pom-poms are particularly cute and add a charming touch to the room while offering practical storage solutions for baby essentials.
• Boppy Pregnancy Support Pillow: With our temporary queen bed setup, the Snoogle had to go, but this smaller, incredibly soft Boppy Pregnancy Support Pillow has been an absolute dream. Its compact size means I can toss and turn much more easily throughout the night, providing targeted support without taking over the entire bed.
• Postpartum Kit: I finally got around to ordering a variety of items to assemble a comprehensive postpartum kit. Some of my favorites and highly recommended essentials include witch hazel pads for soothing relief, Tucks medicated pads, a “whoo-ha washer” (a peri bottle for gentle cleaning), a reliable stool softener, comfortable high-waisted underwear, and absorbent overnight pads. My plan is to dedicate a full post to everything I used and found essential once the baby is here!
• Delivery Gown: This particular delivery gown came with rave reviews, and I can see why. It offers all the practical features and access points of a standard hospital gown but is significantly softer and far more appealing aesthetically. Comfort and feeling a bit more “myself” during labor will be a huge bonus.
• Lounge Robe by Monica and Andy: I just ordered this organic cotton lounge robe and cannot wait to experience its rumored super-comfy feel! Made from organic cotton, it promises to be the perfect cozy companion for postpartum recovery and those countless snuggle sessions.
• Babyletto Glider: The decision between the Pottery Barn and Babyletto Glider was tough, as both fell within a similar price range. Ultimately, what sold me on the Babyletto was its ability to recline and the incredibly convenient built-in USB plug-in. I’m so excited to rock, feed, and simply relax with Baby G in this comfortable and functional chair!

As the second trimester officially wraps, I feel a mix of exhaustion, anticipation, and immense gratitude. This journey has been a powerful lesson in patience, self-care, and embracing the unpredictable. I’m ready to embrace the challenges and joys of the third trimester, knowing that each day brings me closer to meeting our little one. Until the next update, I’ll be focusing on rest, nesting, and savoring these final weeks of pregnancy with my wonderful family.