Pregnant riders support group? :)

[QUOTE=Nickelodian;8162252]
I’m a well whale, of the beluga kind heading toward great status quickly. I’ve been the same size since 7th grade, it’s an odd experience to just keep growing and growing and growing.

Little one is a kicky movey monster, but coming right along on schedule!

Still riding, haven’t jumped since I posted on here that I jumped a couple of weeks ago. At this point I don’t think I’d be comfortable trying either. It’s hard because I am losing a ton of muscle and tone and it’s reflected in my ability to execute on a horse. Along with the fact that one lap trotting and I’m panting, and everything just feels weird.

Being pregnant is definitely not one of my favorite activities, but someone somewhere told me it’s worth it in the end?!?[/QUOTE]

Oh good, so it’s not just me huffing and puffing around. I’m pretty much all belly, and I’ve gained about 12 lbs. (I was not at all sick the first trimester and didn’t lose any weight like a lot of my friends did.) Which my Dr said puts me on track for gaining the average amount of weight if I don’t go eating-crazy in my 3rd trimester. I do have some swelling from time to time, but mostly I’m belly. Lots of belly.

And mine is also a movey kicky sugar craving monster. I’ve nicknamed him Thumper since we haven’t yet decided on a name. I don’t usually have cravings, but this little guy wants sugar. Like sweet tarts, spree and nerds. Straight up fetal crack, I tell ya. :lol: Which is weird for me because I usually don’t eat many sweets.

I’ve also noticed that I am starting to grunt… like when I am sitting on the couch and have to lean forward to reach something… and I don’t move as quickly as I used to. Even putting on sneakers takes longer.

And I’ve got 17 weeks left to go!

Nope, had not heard about the oxygen sucking, but it makes sense. I’m not riding either, but not really by choice… my horse’s lameness timing is impeccable. And while I could sit on my friend’s horses, I am finding my motivation to ride pretty low right now.

I do have a recommendation for the most comfortable pants on the planet though. Patagonia Serenity Pants. Seriously, amazing. I just bought 3 pairs and plan to live in them for the foreseeable future.

[QUOTE=BAC;8165322]
I’m not pregnant, but its not like donating blood, just look away while they are doing it. They swap out viles (and you won’t even know it (I have blood taken a lot, sometimes as frequently as weekly for months at a time) and don’t feel anything. And back in the days when I could donate blood, I used to almost pass out each time, so try not to worry about it. You can also ask for them to use a butterfly needle, its so tiny you won’t even feel it going in.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the tips, but I still won’t do well with it. :wink:

I got sick after donating blood one time when I was about 20 and my body goes into “pass out” mode ever since.

I’ve at least “trained” myself to be able to sit upright in a chair for a simple vaccination and not start to black out. Anything where I am getting poked with a needle will illicit this response.

Sometimes I can get through a blood draw without blacking out. I always make sure they can lay me down and talk to me the whole time. But I usually will still feel queasy for a while afterward.

Drives me crazy because seeing blood does not creep me out. It doesn’t hurt when they put the needle in. The procedure itself does not bother me. But since that bad experience, my body thinks it needs to pass out!!!

It’s a mental thing that has slowly gotten better with time … but still have a long way to go. I know my limits and know what I need to do to help myself get through it, but it still sucks that I have zero control over this “mind game”.

This is the part of pregnancy I was dreading because I knew they’d stick me here and there for various tests. Boo.

Oh well.

[QUOTE=drmgncolor;8165329]
Oh good, so it’s not just me huffing and puffing around. I’m pretty much all belly, and I’ve gained about 12 lbs. (I was not at all sick the first trimester and didn’t lose any weight like a lot of my friends did.) Which my Dr said puts me on track for gaining the average amount of weight if I don’t go eating-crazy in my 3rd trimester. I do have some swelling from time to time, but mostly I’m belly. Lots of belly.

And mine is also a movey kicky sugar craving monster. I’ve nicknamed him Thumper since we haven’t yet decided on a name. I don’t usually have cravings, but this little guy wants sugar. Like sweet tarts, spree and nerds. Straight up fetal crack, I tell ya. :lol: Which is weird for me because I usually don’t eat many sweets.

I’ve also noticed that I am starting to grunt… like when I am sitting on the couch and have to lean forward to reach something… and I don’t move as quickly as I used to. Even putting on sneakers takes longer.

And I’ve got 17 weeks left to go!

Nope, had not heard about the oxygen sucking, but it makes sense. I’m not riding either, but not really by choice… my horse’s lameness timing is impeccable. And while I could sit on my friend’s horses, I am finding my motivation to ride pretty low right now.

I do have a recommendation for the most comfortable pants on the planet though. Patagonia Serenity Pants. Seriously, amazing. I just bought 3 pairs and plan to live in them for the foreseeable future.[/QUOTE]

Gulp. I’ve gained 17. ohhhhhhhhh sh!t. My Dr says I’m still right on track and that given how thin I was it was necessary to do some beginning catch up. A big part of me says she’s just making me feel better. ugh.

Would you call those pants work appropriate, or more yoga? I can’t really tell.

I’m lots belly, but have also gained in my butt/hips/thighs. oink oink oink.

I was not thin to start with (not fat either but could have dropped 10lbs before getting knocked up) and several people have commented that I don’t look like I’m due before December…which I guess is a compliment?

[QUOTE=Nickelodian;8165673]
Gulp. I’ve gained 17. ohhhhhhhhh sh!t. My Dr says I’m still right on track and that given how thin I was it was necessary to do some beginning catch up. A big part of me says she’s just making me feel better. ugh.

Would you call those pants work appropriate, or more yoga? I can’t really tell.

I’m lots belly, but have also gained in my butt/hips/thighs. oink oink oink.[/QUOTE]

I’ve stopped looking at the scale. I try to eat healthy-ish, but at almost 33 weeks, what Momma wants, Momma eats!

I also am not really enjoying pregnancy. I’m grateful for a healthy baby and an uneventful pregnancy, but it’s a real struggle to accept the new physical limitations.

16 weeks now and still trucking along. We learned a few weeks ago that we are having a boy! If it ever stops raining here, I’m hoping to keep riding a bit longer. Hope all the new moms are doing well!

[QUOTE=Nickelodian;8165673]
Gulp. I’ve gained 17. ohhhhhhhhh sh!t. My Dr says I’m still right on track and that given how thin I was it was necessary to do some beginning catch up. A big part of me says she’s just making me feel better. ugh.

Would you call those pants work appropriate, or more yoga? I can’t really tell.

I’m lots belly, but have also gained in my butt/hips/thighs. oink oink oink.[/QUOTE]

From what I have heard from others, it varies so much from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy. But if there is ever a time to spoil yourself it’s during pregnancy! That is one thing all my girlfriends agree on. :slight_smile:

While technically a yoga pant, I would call those pants work appropriate with a nice maternity top, depending on if your office is business casual.

[QUOTE=Heineken;8165703]
I was not thin to start with (not fat either but could have dropped 10lbs before getting knocked up) and several people have commented that I don’t look like I’m due before December…which I guess is a compliment?[/QUOTE]

This was me, exactly. Until a little less than 2 weeks ago. Then the belly came out of nowhere.

And some dude at a restaurant told me on Friday that I was huge and he couldn’t believe that I wasn’t due until September because his wife/gf/one-night-stand didn’t start showing that much until she was much further along. Yeah, thanks D-bag.:rolleyes:

[QUOTE=Ms Red Britches;8165727]
I’ve stopped looking at the scale. I try to eat healthy-ish, but at almost 33 weeks, what Momma wants, Momma eats!

I also am not really enjoying pregnancy. I’m grateful for a healthy baby and an uneventful pregnancy, but it’s a real struggle to accept the new physical limitations.[/QUOTE]

I like your attitude and am really trying not to focus on how big I am getting and the limitations that come along with the condition. I’m growing a human. I’m supposed to get big and take it easy! Of course, it would help if people stopped trying to feed me. “Oh, you’re pregnant, then clearly you are starving! Here… eat this extra serving.” Which I do, of course, and then pay for it later with indigestion. :lol:

I’m ready to not be pregnant anymore as well. I miss beer. And wine. And my flat tummy. And riding. And…

I don’t care so much about drinking, I’ve lost so much of my fitness and it makes me so sad. I was running 1/2 marathons and doing Crossfit. I’m still running (jogging) and walking 3-5 miles 3-5 days a week (thank you doggies) and I’m going to start swimming laps this week.

[QUOTE=drmgncolor;8165788]
This was me, exactly. Until a little less than 2 weeks ago. Then the belly came out of nowhere.

And some dude at a restaurant told me on Friday that I was huge and he couldn’t believe that I wasn’t due until September because his wife/gf/one-night-stand didn’t start showing that much until she was much further along. Yeah, thanks D-bag.:rolleyes:[/QUOTE]

A coworker of mine just said to me “OMG who are you, I don’t even recognize you you’re so big!!” uh. thanks. I honestly don’t think I look HUGE, but certainly my normal 100lbs is no longer the case.

I don’t care so much about drinking, I’ve lost so much of my fitness and it makes me so sad. I was running 1/2 marathons and doing Crossfit. I’m still running (jogging) and walking 3-5 miles 3-5 days a week (thank you doggies) and I’m going to start swimming laps this week.

Man, I can hardly walk a mile and I’m huffing and puffing and my heart is pounding in my ears. I am still able to swim a mile pretty easily, but on land I’m like a beached whale (see beluga progressing to great).

Does anyone have a lead on cute nursery bedding for a baby girl? DH and I started putting our nursery plans together last night and I was hoping for some cute pony type bedding but can’t find anything that isn’t hideously pink and purple or too cowboyish. We’re hoping to keep it soft and understated so the pepto-pink is not going to fly.

[QUOTE=Barn Dirt;8166829]
Does anyone have a lead on cute nursery bedding for a baby girl? DH and I started putting our nursery plans together last night and I was hoping for some cute pony type bedding but can’t find anything that isn’t hideously pink and purple or too cowboyish. We’re hoping to keep it soft and understated so the pepto-pink is not going to fly.[/QUOTE]

Barn Dirt, I haven’t seen any good bedding for you, but I did cave and buy a pony mobile at Pottery Barn Kids over the weekend that you might also like:
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/horse-knit-mobile/

[QUOTE=Barn Dirt;8166829]
Does anyone have a lead on cute nursery bedding for a baby girl? [/QUOTE]

Try Etsy. You may be able to find someone to create customized bedding for you at an affordable price. I’ve been perusing and there are a ton of options.

BlueBird - that mobile is adorable!

I second etsy for bedding. Can be a bit pricey but I figure I only really need a rotation of 4 sheets and they do have so many beautiful options!
Slightly off topic, but how is everyone handling this mentally? I’ve been talking to my spouse/Dr a lot, but I’m really struggling. I was riding/playing soccer/yoga regularly up until 5 months when I was diagnosed with pregnancy related kidney issues, had surgery and basically cut off from all activity and work. I’m now 7 months and going totally crazy. Not on bed rest per se, but I can only really be up and around for an hour or two before the onset of of severe cramping.

Any suggestions for mental stimulation? Good books? Riding videos? My registries at just for ponies.com and smartpak are already complete :wink:

I’m worried I’m starting to fall into a bit of a depression. Before all the complications, my attitude about juggling child/horses/life was realistic and positive if not a bit blasé. Now I’m really worried about how I can make it all work and scared myself and my hobbies will get thrown to the wayside. This is really not how I saw my pregnancy going and I’m so ready for the next 11 weeks to be done.

Sorry for the Debbie downer vent.

MSCHO,

I’m struggling too. I’m older (39) and really love my pre baby life…so there is some mourning going on for that. It kills me to watch others ride my horse even though I know it’s for the best. And I’m terrified of how I will juggle my successful small business that I’ve built through blood, sweat and tears with a baby and “me time” at the barn and gym…My husband is wonderful but kind of oblivious of how hard this is for me because his life hasn’t really changed (other than his wife being insane and randomly crying and/or skipping a meal). He’s still off to Crossfit and the gym 4 days a week…and I sometimes am so jealous it hurts.

I am seriously considering an au pair!

[QUOTE=Heineken;8167122]
MSCHO,

I’m struggling too. I’m older (39) and really love my pre baby life…so there is some mourning going on for that. It kills me to watch others ride my horse even though I know it’s for the best. And I’m terrified of how I will juggle my successful small business that I’ve built through blood, sweat and tears with a baby and “me time” at the barn and gym…My husband is wonderful but kind of oblivious of how hard this is for me because his life hasn’t really changed (other than his wife being insane and randomly crying and/or skipping a meal). He’s still off to Crossfit and the gym 4 days a week…and I sometimes am so jealous it hurts.

I am seriously considering an au pair![/QUOTE]

ding ding ding ding!

I think I actually made it through yesterday without crying, but that I think that’s the first day in two weeks. My husband is also wonderful, but looks at me a bit cross eyed when I talk about how depressing this is. Specifically to get out of breath by putting my boots and half chaps on, then again when brushing my horse (yes brushing is a workout now), and oh man picking feet is a feat.

Overall I miss everything about being me, and just know/fear that it’s going to get worse.

MSCHO - don’t feel badly about your vent, if anything the people here can actually get it. When I start down this path with either my non-pregnant horse friends or pregnant non-horse people, neither get it. period.

Luckily for me I’ve thrown myself into house projects and work. I hope to get re-engaged in the horse community after my work crunch time ends. Not sure how that will affect me emotionally.

Oh…the best was the friend who asked if I was excited to buy maternity clothes…is anyone REALLY excited about that?

[QUOTE=Heineken;8167122]
And I’m terrified of how I will juggle my successful small business that I’ve built through blood, sweat and tears with a baby and “me time” at the barn and gym…[/QUOTE]

I am wondering the exact same thing!

I bought my business last year and it’s hectic the way it is! Adding a baby to the mix is sure going to “spice things up”.

I probably won’t see my poor horses at all once the baby his here, haha. Hubby keeps insisting that we can take turns watching the baby but I don’t think he quite understands how this is gonna be. :wink:

[QUOTE=Heineken;8167253]
Oh…the best was the friend who asked if I was excited to buy maternity clothes…is anyone REALLY excited about that?[/QUOTE]

Yep. My mother… we went shopping when I was 4 months pregnant. I was not even showing in the slightest, but my jeans were getting tight in the waist. Anyway, she dragged me into Motherhood where she tried to get me to try on everything in the store and then pouted when I refused to put on the fake bump in the dressing room. I did end up buying 2 shirts and a pair of maternity jeans after almost having a complete anxiety attack in the middle of the mall. And I have not even stepped foot into one of those big box baby stores. Nope. Not going to do it if I can help it. Thankfully, we have online shopping now.