Welcome to the second trimester of a vegan pregnancy! I have been sharing with you my journey and my experiences, as well as things that I have learned while navigating a vegan pregnancy.
I am not a dietician or a doctor. Everyone is different, and every pregnancy is unique. I am simply giving you a framework for what has worked for me. You should always consult with your OBGYN and a specialist or dietician who is familiar with vegan pregnancies.
Morning Sickness
My first trimester was riddled with horrible morning sickness. Thankfully, that has mostly subsided in the second trimester. I’m experiencing less nausea and vomiting, but definitely still feel queasy some days. For vegan foods to combat morning sickness, click here.
Fatigue
I thought this, too, would subside after the first trimester, but I was very wrong. I still feel extreme exhaustion most days. However, as the second trimester went on, I did start to gain more energy. 🙌
As a vegan, it’s incredibly important to have your labs routinely checked, especially in pregnancy. Just before pregnancy and after getting pregnant, my labs have all been within normal limits. So I know nothing is “wrong,” it’s just an unfortunate side effect of growing a human inside of you. I’m convinced this chronic fatigue is just preparing me for the exhaustion that comes with being a new mom.
As my second trimester goes on, I finally feel like I’m in that “pregnancy sweet spot.” Overall, I feel better, have more energy, and feel like I could be pregnant forever! Maybe it should also be referred to as “the eye of the storm.” 😂 I know this pregnancy euphoria won’t last forever, so I’m soaking up all of the good while I can!
Headaches
Oh the headaches! I was not prepared for these. I have suffered from hormonal headaches from the beginning, and so far, they are continuing into the second trimester.
To combat headaches in pregnancy, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Headaches can often be a side effect of dehydration. Also, check your blood pressure regularly to make sure it is within normal limits.
If I have a severe headache or have had a dull headache for days on end, drinking a small cup of coffee usually helps. But be careful, drinking too much caffeine can also induce headaches and can be harmful to a pregnancy.
Only one time thus far have I had to break down and take Tylenol for a headache. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant.
Cravings
I still haven’t had cravings, per se. In fact, it has been the opposite. Nothing much sounds good to eat. 🤷♀️
However, because the nausea has decreased, I am able to eat healthier foods and more well-rounded plant based meals.
Read more about my favorite vegan foods during pregnancy here.
Exercise
Because my first trimester was so rough, I was unable to do much exercising at all. But now that I am feeling a little better, I know it’s important to try to get some sort of exercise every day.
Don’t get me wrong, I am still struggling with this. Because I am still so tired and suffer from headaches a lot, any sort of physical activity has been difficult. Every day I (begrudgingly) get on the treadmill, I repeat over and over to myself: “for baby!”
Also, I have had to change up my routine. What used to work best for me with exercising no longer suits my pregnant routine. I used to be a get up at 5 am and exercise immediately sort of person. Now, I’m learning that it’s better if I do my pregnancy exercise routine in the afternoon. I’ve usually eaten a couple of good, healthy meals by then, and I tend to have more energy.
New symptoms weekly…
Every week is a new adventure! I’ve googled so many weird symptoms only to discover they are yet another glorious side effect of pregnancy!
Oh, and speaking of routine, I no longer abide by the “acceptable” breakfast, lunch, and dinner eating times. Because I feel differently every day and some days are worse than others, I eat when I’m hungry.
I have found that when I try to force myself to 1. eat at a specific time and 2. eat very intentional, healthy foods, that it just made me feel worse. Physically I felt worse, and mentally it made me start to resent all foods. Why was I trying to force it? There was no need.
Monday I might eat big meals at 10 am, 3 pm, and 6 pm. And Tuesday I might eat several small meals and snacks at 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm. It just depends! No two days are the same any more.
As a person who thrives on routine and consistency, pregnancy has taught me very quickly to let it go.
Do what is best for you and do what is best for baby. These have been very difficult lessons for a control freak like me to learn! But again, preparation for motherhood… 😉
Treasure this time!
As I entered my second trimester, I realized how quickly (and oddly, slowly at the same time!) that time was passing by. I was one-third of the way through pregnancy. In about 6 months time, we would have a new “resident” in our home! 👶🏻
Every single day I try to be intentional about soaking up this time with my husband. After this baby is born, life will no longer revolve around us. 😳
It’s incredibly important to spend time with your significant other and grow your relationship. Enjoy time spent with just the two of you before a tiny human takes over!
I have also been intentional about spending lots of time with the dogs and making sure they feel extra love. (Believe me, they live a better life than I do!) And usually, if I buy something for baby, I come home with something for the doggos as well. But they need extra attention and play time before this tiny human encroaches on their space.
And finally, I am just soaking up every moment of this pregnancy. Some days may be long and miserable, but I am grateful for each and every side effect–including the ones I’d like to avoid.
Pregnancy continues to be the most precious reminder of God’s faithfulness and His grace as this little one grows and develops.
Advice appreciated!
If you don’t already, like and follow A Case for Plant Based on Facebook and Instagram. Also, be sure to check my stories and highlights on Facebook and Instagram, too, because most of the pregnancy content usually ends up on there. 🥰
First time mom advice?
Must-haves for baby?
Vegan baby products you recommend?
Sound off in the comments below!
For more about a vegan pregnancy:
A lot of ups and downs. But in the end, so worth it. I was so fortunate not to have any kind of anything during pregnancy, except weight gain. I know I was blessed. It’s good that you’ve had to go off your usual routine because that will all be out the window once a tiny human takes over your “routine!” I’m sure your frenchies are going to be the best big sisters! They will be right to baby all the way! Well, maybe not during extreme crying! We had a black lab for 3 1/2 years before our baby girl arrived. That dog slept by her cradle from day one and was by her side all the way! Even as a toddler she loved being by her. We always made sure our two kids knew how to treat her lovingly. Since you have a couple of lap dogs this could get interesting during feeding time!
All the best in the days and months ahead!
❤️
No two pregnancies are the same, it’s so crazy! Our new routine (or lack thereof!) will take some getting used to, I’m sure. I think the pups will be great big sisters…and still babies themselves at the same time haha! Feedings will be interesting. I’m sure I’ll have a lap full 🥰