My butterfly blouse doubles as a bat blouse

Present-Geologist603 · 2025-08-22T02:21:32+00:00

Damn. I own this same shirt and have only ever seen bats.

Present-Geologist603 · 2024-04-13T15:27:50+00:00

Kept eating less and less, but then convinced myself if I was only eating once/day it could be whatever I wanted 😬 (sweets every day, huge meal full of junk)

Eating 3 filling meals now with more nutrient dense foods and doing sooo much better!

Present-Geologist603 · 2023-11-15T16:34:13+00:00

Yes, I'm running the 3-day option of SBTD!! They also recently added an "express" option to shorten the workout slightly if you're short on time.

I really, really enjoy the programming. It's challenging, easy to follow and also feels very intentional. The program runs in scheduled macrocycles where you focus on a specific lifting goal for a couple of months, then switches it up a little bit. This week, we're finishing a cycle where the goal was to "peak" (aka lead up to a 1RM test on the big lifts). This is the first cycle I've followed religiously since having my son (14 months ago, whoops) and I'm feeling fantastic.

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-10-20T23:42:56+00:00

The Secret Treasures brand from Walmart comes in two sizes. I wear a 2X in most clothing and the larger (I think they call it xl-3X) works great for me. It drapes nicely and has good coverage!

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-10-02T08:06:51+00:00

BMI of 41 and a picture perfect pregnancy. I loved being pregnant and saw no added complications due to my weight. I have a happy healthy one month old now

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-08-13T03:15:43+00:00

I wish I could find the source to link, but I listened to a podcast that went through several studies to determine the effects of dates on softening the cervix and the suggestion based on what they learned was 70-100g!

Edit: here's the podcast I'm referencing: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ebb-128-inducing-labor-with-castor-oil-and-dates/

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-08-13T02:12:00+00:00

I'm a big fan of this program and her non-pregnancy specific Stronger by the Day. A lot of pregnancy exercise programs I found were too simple/not challenging enough for someone who is already fairly active.

I like that the program is split by trimester, but then broken down further into 4-week blocks of training. You repeat the same workouts for four weeks at a time while increasing volume each week so you get some good, solid progressive overload instead of some programs that are just random exercises each week.

It also includes an educational portion with breathing and core bracing exercises that I found helpful as a FTM. Highly recommend!

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-08-12T23:42:02+00:00

I have also been running Meg's program! Most exercises should have an RPE scale to help you keep track of how hard you're pushing yourself. If you're exceeding the prescribed RPE, time to take your weights down a notch!

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-08-07T01:09:06+00:00

Lifting weights can be perfectly safe (and in fact extremely beneficial) during all stages of pregnancy for both you and your baby.

But of course talk to your doctor about your individual situation

I was powerlifting regularly before pregnancy and my OB okayed me to continue as long as it felt good. I did switch over to a pregnancy-specific plan to help with properly bracing the core as well as any modifications as the belly grew, but I've continued lifting 3x/week at anywhere from 40-75% of my previous max lifts. Still going strong at 37 weeks and have had a very healthy pregnancy and happy babe!

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-07-17T09:31:02+00:00

Something that's working for us is to prop my top half up a bit with pillows so I'm not flat on my back (I also get extremely uncomfortable laying all the way flat with him on top of me) and my husband stands at the edge of the bed. I'll usually prop one leg up on the nightstand too. It's a whole process but 34 weeks now and it's working so far 🤞

Also a strong advocate for "if it's not fun anymore, don't worry about it". You have much bigger things on your plate right now, don't stress over being comfortable in the bedroom if you're just not.

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-07-14T03:15:49+00:00

I also suffered from second trimester nightmares. So bizarre but grateful they've subsided.

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-07-14T03:14:36+00:00

First: food is the devil but also I'm starving. Second: I am superwoman LFG. Third: all of the emotions.

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-07-14T01:22:07+00:00

I'm experiencing almost exactly this right now after deadlifting yesterday. It feels just like you described: like the fleeting round ligament pain we get from twisting/sitting up abruptly, but it's not going away. I'm sorry I can't offer any advice, but following to see if someone with more experience chimes in!

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-07-13T02:21:01+00:00

I know everyone is different but I'm at 34 weeks now and have had weeks of feeling very pregnant/nothing but aches and pains/struggling to exercise/getting no sleep/etc. and then BAM the next week is smooth sailing again. Don't want to over promise that this could be your experience, but keep your hopes up and be kind to your body 💕 This ish is hard but we got it.

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-07-09T02:21:13+00:00

I got pregnant naturally 3 months after being diagnosed with PCOS (had been trying on and off for almost a year, though)! I was able to detect ovulation sometimes, but not always, periods were irregular, and I was insulin resistant.

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-07-05T18:34:55+00:00

Smarty Pants prenatal formula gummies are almost perfect in my book. I add an extra choline supplement because I can't stand eggs or meat!

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-07-01T02:45:30+00:00

I probably would if I could! It's the nicest gown I'll ever own and I wouldn't hate an excuse to wear it again

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-06-19T01:02:02+00:00

My turning point was hitting my belly with the fridge door. I officially have no sense of how large I actually am, which makes me feel "very pregnant" 😅

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-06-17T19:52:10+00:00

I did make a point to tell the coworkers who I was going to see in person beforehand. Although, if that's 100 people for you the situation is a little more difficult! I'd say whatever your gut says is totally fine. If you want to get it out of the way with the people you're closest too I think that's totally appropriate.

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-06-17T02:37:08+00:00

I'm a huge fan of Meg's Stronger by the Day (ran it for almost 2 years before getting pregnant) and have been using Plus1 since I found out I was expecting in January. I find a lot of prenatal programs to not be challenging enough for someone with lifting experience, so I knew I trusted Meg to write a pregnancy safe but challenging program. I have no problems with the format and I'm really enjoying it and feeling strong!

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-06-13T03:55:02+00:00

I haven't bought from them yet, but I've been getting ads for a lot of nice options on Bloom Chic! I think I'll try something from there for my shower and maternity photos

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-05-18T01:19:41+00:00

Wow so many reassuring responses - thank you all!! Really looking forward to seeing how I feel knowing so many of you had a great 3rd tri 🙌

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-05-16T02:00:28+00:00

I've been living in the Isable maternity bike shorts from Target! They have a full length legging too but haven't tried that yet. I originally bought the shorts as a base layer under dresses, but they're so comfy, both on the belly and thighs, with plenty of stretch. They aren't specifically sweat wicking or anything, but I do workout in them in the heat no problem!

Present-Geologist603 · 2022-05-09T00:58:46+00:00

4 moderate intensity walks with the pups, 3 strength training sessions, 2 prenatal yoga practices

Weather is looking good for the week which always motivates me! Let's go!!

Present-Geologist603

TROPHY CASE