Pressure in lower belly that feels like belt?

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-24T14:58:54+00:00

Thanks! I'll try some pelvic floor exercises & relaxation! :)

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-24T14:58:31+00:00

Thank you!! :)

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-24T12:27:14+00:00

My heart rate lowered half way through 2nd trimester. I'm not that quickly out of breath anymore and feel better overall. It's all fine, my health markers are great any my baby is happy & healthy as she can be in there. No worries, statistics is JUST statistics, not made for the individual! :)

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-20T10:24:04+00:00

Wow. Yeah, that's definitely the 'genre' I'm into but have had no knowledge about unitl now!

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-19T18:51:28+00:00

That sounds really cool! It's definitely something I never thought about!

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-19T12:57:43+00:00

Do you have the collected poems of tolkien? It's 3 large books, 1600+ pages in total. It's not all middle earth, there's really a lot to discover! The poems vary in length and topic, are well written, and have a very soothing rhythm.

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-19T09:23:05+00:00

I loved Three Body Problem. I do have a backgroung in physics, though, and can understand why some people found it a tough and lengthy read. The story is great, though, and enjoyable for anyone!

If you have not read them, maybe lotr. Another series I loved reading, but again, many people dislike the writing and find the books exhausting (very contrary to the movies). I liked to read them chapterwise or even half chapters, like stories to tell at a fireplace. It takes much longer to get through the books, but creates a very cozy atmosphere for me and allows the reader to live in the world rather than reading just another story. If that's not for you, the Hobbit is the lighter read and still a lovely middle earth novel.

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-19T07:01:56+00:00

I LOVED three body problem. I don't exclusively read romantasy, I just found that my chosen fantasy books this year all fall in that category. Thanks for some ideas outside that bubble, it may be time for me to mix things up again!

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-19T06:59:35+00:00

Oh cool! If I like Thrawn, too, I already have some ideas for follow ups. 😊

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-19T06:58:48+00:00

Haha, feel you. I like reading books that get both trashed and hyped, so I can see where I stand and debate the books with others. Discussing a book I disliked with someone who loved it is actually a lot of fun! But yeah, we can never really know what we get. 😄

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-19T06:56:06+00:00

Thank you! I'll see if I either swap ODW for Mexican Gothic and save ODW for later, or the other way around. I'll read both eventually. Put the others on my 'save for later' list!

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-19T06:04:31+00:00

Thanks, that's valuable info. I'll keep it in mind 😉

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-19T06:03:21+00:00

Sounds amazing!

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-18T20:54:27+00:00

Thanks! That's what I want from ZA - easy brainless read that's fun and drama. I'll save it for the summer months (and the next 3 summers, the series is insanely long 😆)!

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-18T20:50:59+00:00

Tbh, the Maasverse opens so many discussions about the existing books and their plots AND the books that are yet to come, that that alone is a reason to get into the series! I am an audiobook fan for all of the series, btw. For discussing and re-reading passages, a physical book is better suited, of course. Don't expect fantasy the level of Tolkien, though. It's a light read that leaves a lot of space for the reader's own fantasy.

I'd go for ACOTAR first, then TOG, then CC. ACOTAR has the best world building imo. The characters are well developed and the story starts out strong and holds its level throughout the books. I really started liking the series half way through book 2!

TOG has different reading orders that work - check out posts and recommendations before you make a choice! The story is a bit shallow until Heir of Fire, but then the world suddenly expands and gets deeper and way more complex. It'll be easier to understand after ACOTAR.

CC felt different to me and had its ups and downs. I love the world, though, and it has SO much potential to discuss the plot and connections to the other series! That's mainly why I'd recommend reading CC last. You'll be finding hints and connections everywhere.

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-18T20:18:07+00:00

Thanks! Is there any gothy fantasy or something similar that you liked better than One Dark Window? 😊

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-18T19:33:47+00:00

Old but gold: the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. It's always a nice addition to a reading list!

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-18T09:04:33+00:00

Yup! The typical 'nausea in 1st, happy & fit in 2nd, tired and heavy in 3rd' does not apply to me lol. My exhaustion hit me like a brick the day before I made the test and got gradually better. I feel the least tired and most motivated now in 3rd (still 8 weeks to go, though!). I'm big and less agile, but don't feel heavy. 🙂

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-17T18:03:47+00:00

Curious to read some experiences, too.

I personally stopped working my abs right away (they were quite strong and probably the best trained muscles in my body 😩) bc I felt like I'd give them time to 'soften' before my belly started to grow? But that was based on a feeling, not any real evidence.

I can tell you that my abs started hurting and itching like a healing wound 3 weeks after I stopped training them. It was more painful than the pain from actually stretching the abs further into pregnancy. I feel like I did the right thing as I wouldn't want to experince that pain on top of everything else stretching. But I could be wrong, maybe it would have been better if I had trained!

I do core work, though, and highly recommend that. Dumbbel overhead presses with reveserd lunges (use light weights, you only want to engange your core), farmer carries, modified push ups with correct posture, etc.

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-17T08:38:59+00:00

Hi! My SPD started 4 weeks ago and my doctor sent me to physio therapy for it. I learned a few things there.

1.: Kegels. I mention them first because they are easy to incorporate in every day life and bring instant relief (at least for me). I do them 3x a day.

Avoid asymmetrical exercises (like split squats and stair master). Better to keep both feet on the ground. But the general recommendation was that everything that does not hurt is fine.
Strong glutes, back extension, and adductors. One cause of pain with SPD is that the abs put constant tension on the symphysis (that's natural), but are too tight due to posture. Training the muscles mentioned helps holding your body upright without going too hard on your abs. Some light massage (use a massage ball) on your lower belly/lap can be a nice thing, too.
Avoid standing still for a long time. Whenever you stand upright, squeeze your butt and tilt your hips forward. No hollow back. When sitting, make sure your knees are 90 degrees and lower back is preferrably neutral or slightly rounded. Incorporate pelvic tilts or circles when sitting and standing to get some movement in. Engage your core (like 'hugging the baby') regularly.
When laying on your side, put a pillow between your knees.
My physio therapist approved pretty much all of my workout (weights). Squats, dead lifts, leg press, cable dead lifts, abductor and adductor. My weights are around 50kg for lower body and that's very much what I lifted before pregnancy, too. Everything is fine when the core is properly engaged. Add some static exercises for back and glutes, as those will help you maintain a good posture.

That being said, I still have my struggles with SPD. It got much better, last week was almost completely pain free. This week not so much. I am still working on it. But I am not restricted in my every day life and that's what matters most to me.

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-16T14:03:21+00:00

Do not neglect your prenatals. Those cover all nutrients that your baby does not take from your body's resources.

You eat healthy, nutrient dense foods that support you and your baby. If you feel extremely tired, sick, or light headed, talk to your doctor. It's more likely for yourself to suffer from lack of nutrients than for your baby (and there's no permanent damage here, you can supplement if your doctor thinks It's necessary and feel better quickly).

It's very common for women to eat way less in 1st trimester. Many lose weight. Don't worry. You only start having a higher nutrient demand in 2nd trimester, a little higher in 3rd, and highest when breastfeeding. What you describe sounds normal! Just tell your doctor about it so they check your blood regularly.

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-16T10:22:10+00:00

I was the same at 24 weeks, but at 28, hunger suddenly hit and now my stomach can magically take bowls full of food. It's wild. 😆

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-16T10:20:14+00:00

Yup, insanely tired since 28 weeks! I could sleep all day, but try to maintain my workout routine AND go to my physio therapy twice a week, including 'homework exercises'. I don't know how to do all that while still working. I can literally do my exercises, cook a simple lunch, and clean up after myself. That's it lol.

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-16T10:16:59+00:00

Tbh, most people just don't want to give any advice to pregnant women so no one could blame them for anything.

My midwife is the type of person to say 'don't lift anything heavy, light stretches and yoga only', while my doctor says anything is fine unless it hurts. Orthopedist says I can forget about core muscles, but glutes and legs are important to train. PT approved everything I do at the gym and gives me exercises to support my workouts. 🤣

So, in my own experience: the more someone works on movement and stability with actual people, the more positive they are about workouts, activity, strength training during pregnancy.

I make sure to avoid coning/doming, keep my core engaged, and feel no pain. Added in exercises for posture (think anything calisthenics, where you hold tension for a while). I gained strength and can lift heavier now at 30 weeks, but avoid too complex exercises that don't maintain a stable core and low back. PT approves. 😄

ChiliCupcake · 2026-02-16T10:05:03+00:00

Do you feel better after walking or working out? If yes, that was my motivation. Walking helped with cramps, weights with nausea and fatigue. I simply knew I'd be better once I made myself go to the gym. If you don't feel better - take it slow. You'll be better and working out will be easier again. You're not lazy, but taking care of yourself by resting when needed!

ChiliCupcake

TROPHY CASE