Holy MIA!

Well, hello there!

Obviously, I have been a little MIA for a while now.  I was in a funk, for sure.  My brown spotting continued, lightly, for most of the past few weeks.  It was a tough pill for me to swallow, honestly.  I wanted so badly for it to stop so that I could feel normal and enjoy my pregnancy.  I wanted so badly to workout again and posting workouts that I couldn't do pushed my mind into a space I didn't like.  So, I took a break.

I had to wait almost 5 weeks for my third ultrasound (7w5d to 12w0d).  Last time, my baby died when it measured around 8 weeks, but I was around 9 weeks (it measured 6 days behind at my first ultrasound).  The fact that I had to wait so long and I knew that my last baby passed during that time was hard.  Add the spotting and I'm sure you can understand my general state of mind.  The only thing that I will say is that despite the constant "what-ifs" that kept plaguing my mind, I did feel much better about this pregnancy overall.  I was much sicker, I felt more tired, and I just felt more positive overall.  Still, the thoughts loomed in the background.

My 12 week appointment was 2 days ago.  12 weeks to the day.  My NT scan.  My first abdominal ultrasound.  I definitely stopped breathing as she searched for the baby and she noticed my fear.  She quickly said, "there's the baby and there's the heartbeat."  I cried.  It was amazing.  Nothing like the indistinguishable blob we saw weeks before.  It has a little nose, mouth, hands, and feet.  She wiggled my belly to make it turn the way she needed it to and we watched the little feet kick.  It was incredible.  I never thought I'd get here.

We will get the final results of the blood test next week, but the initial ultrasound looked good and we are super thankful.  I plan on getting back into my workouts next week when I reach the second trimester.  They will definitely be a far cry from my old workouts, but as long as I am moving again, I'll be a happy girl!

Updates!

Well, today was the big day! Viability scan #2! I am 7 weeks, 5 days. Baby measured 7 weeks, 1 day with a heartbeat of 159! One thing my husband and I both noticed right away was how much bigger the gestational sac is this time. Compared to my first pregnancy, it's a world of difference. The sac in my first was small and somewhat irregular. I remember seeing other people's ultrasounds and being worried about how little space it looked like the baby had, but they didn't say anything about it during the scan, so I figured it was okay. I should have trusted my gut, I guess. This time, the sac is nice and round and baby has lots of room to grow. Hoping this is a good sign. Definitely makes me feel more at ease, though. They did spot a small SCH, which could explain my spotting. They didn't seem concerned about that, thankfully. My next appointment is in 2 weeks and it will be my first visit with the doctor.

As far as working out, I haven't been. I've been so scared. Although, I did do a 20 minute prenatal yoga session yesterday though. Didn't think I'd like it, but I'd probably do it again.  For everyone else that CAN workout,, here's my workout of the day:

5 rounds:

15 kb swings (35 lb)
15 butlers
15 butterfly sit ups

Pooped!

3 more days until my second ultrasound! Already nervous! The good news is, my symptoms definitely ramped up this week. I've been incredibly tired lately. Like, don't want to do anything but lay in bed, can't muster up the energy to clean my house, just leave me here to sleep tired. Also, WAY more nauseous since I hit week 7. Only threw up once, though. But no food sounds good and I constantly feel bleh. But, if this means a healthy pregnancy, I'll take all the symptoms!

Trying to get myself together enough to go for a walk today. Trying is the key word there, haha!

If you're up for a workout, here's my idea for today:

10 rounds

5 push up
10 box jumps or alternating step ups
15 butterfly sit ups
20 air squats

Oh, hey

Obviously, I've been a little MIA.  I haven't been doing any workouts.  My spotting has been pretty consistent over the past few days, except for today.  Just as before, it only happens when I go to the bathroom and it is very light pink/brownish.  This is, according to Dr. Google, considered somewhat "normal," but it's still incredibly scary when you lost your last pregnancy.  I've been walking around my lake in place of any workouts and will probably continue to do so until my appointment next Tuesday, at least.

Obviously, I'm a little upset because I really wanted to be able continue on with what I was doing before, but it's really just not worth the "what-ifs" if something does go wrong.  I know I would beat myself up for doing too much and not listening to my body.  Hopefully, everything is okay and I can start doing more stuff again during the second trimester.

Anyway, here's my workout idea for today:

5 rounds-

5 burpees
10 box jumps or alternating step ups <--- use a coffee table or your couch if you don't have a box to jump on!
15 hand release push ups
20 air squats
25 lunges (per leg)

Let's Try This Again

I decided to start back up with WODs again today.  Went to bed feeling awful, woke up feeling queasy, but not quite as terrible.  Spotting seems to have let up for now, so what better time to start again, right?!

I wanted to do something that sounded manageable and would get me moving.  Just walking is definitely not enough for my body.  My back was starting to get like stiff and ache from lack of movement.  I felt this this workout hit all the major muscle groups without being too much for my ever-spotting cervix.  Where's the eye roll emoji when you need it??

So, here's what I did:

3 rounds-

10 hand release push ups
20 butterfly sit ups
30 air squats
20 lunges (10 per leg)
80 jumping jacks
60 second wall sit

I finished in 18:45, which is slower than I thought it would take, but.. pregnancy. :P

Happy Friday!

Well, I'm still taking a break from WODs.  My spotting has stopped, but I want to give it one more day just to be sure.  I've been doing walks around my lake to keep somewhat active, but it's definitely not the same.

I'm not gonna lie- I was getting pretty nervous the past two days.  My boobs were still sore, but I felt good otherwise.  Not really as tired and no nausea at all during the day.  Last time that happened, the baby had died and I didn't know it yet.  However, the burning stomach came back today before lunch and hasn't let up yet.  Who knew I'd ever welcome feeling crappy??

Anyway, here's a WOD idea for today, if you're up for it-

21 minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible)

7 burpees
21 air squats
7 butterfly sit ups

Ultrasound Updates!

Our ultrasound went well today. According to the tech, I'm 5 weeks, 5 days. Baby measured 5 weeks, 4 days. We didn't see a heartbeat (we didn't really expect to anyway), but we did see a gestational sac and yolk sac in all the right places. She said she didn't see any blood that would explain my spotting, which is also good news. They scheduled me for a follow up ultrasound in 2 weeks. By then, we should be able to see a baby with a heartbeat!

I had a little more spotting last night and this morning, so I will be taking it easy on the workout front for a little bit again. When we got home from our appointment, we took the dogs for a walk around the lake. That will count as my WOD for today!

One More Day!

Tomorrow is the big day!  Our first ultrasound!  I will be 5 weeks, 6 days.  I know it's early and that we probably won't see much.  I don't really expect to see a heartbeat because I know that usually happens in week 6.  All I can do is hope that baby is where it's supposed to be and is measuring correctly.

I don't feel as nervous as I thought I would feel, which is nice.  After my miscarriage, I really struggled with whether or not I would be ready to try again after my first cycle.  One day, my husband and I had a frank discussion and I told him how I was feeling.  I was worried that my miscarriage would make me worry about every little thing.  If we didn't get pregnant the first month, would I feel like something was wrong with me?  If and when I did get pregnant again, would I be able to enjoy it?  Would I just feel like I was just constantly waiting for bad news again?  It was the first time I really said it out loud.  I was scared.  After we talked, I had a revelation of sorts.  When will I ever feel ready?  The truth is, I don't think I would have ever felt like I was ready.  My insecurities and worries are always going to be there.  My innocence was robbed.  I know what it feels like to lose a baby.  But.. I also know I survived it and that was important to remember, too.  So, we tried again as soon as we could and here we are today. :)

In other news, I have been feeling super nauseous at least once a day since I hit 5 weeks.  As I write this, my stomach is a burny, unhappy mess.  If nausea is any indication of a happy, healthy baby though, I'm more than willing to deal with the nausea every day.

As far as working out, I managed a 2.5 mile walk today around our lake.  If I can get my butt in gear by the end of the day, I also plan on doing the following:

10 rounds-

10 burpees
10 butterfly sit ups

Updates to come, tomorrow after my ultrasound!

Hello, Pregnancy Symptoms!

Really trying to keep up with working out over here, but it's been tough.  Today marks 5 weeks, 3 days pregnant and I've already had a bunch of symptoms that I never had last time.  First of all, I'm pooped as soon as I wake up.  I keep waking up at 2-3 AM and am WIDE awake, so I'm sure that doesn't help any.  That whole bit I can deal with, though.  

However, two nights ago, I started getting this intense burning sensation in my stomach, which is what usually happens when I'm going to throw up.  I laid in bed for about an hour and it eventually subsided.  I thought maybe I had just eaten too much for dinner or just eaten too fast.  However, yesterday, it came back with a vengeance and lasted ALL day.  So, I did what I could yesterday.  I took a 2 mile walk around my lake and called it a day.

The good news is I saw my endocrinologist yesterday and my thyroid levels look great!  Super happy about that!  Last time, I didn't realize I was supposed to be getting them checked so early on.  By the time I did get them checked, I was 7 weeks and they were all way off.  I attribute that to my miscarriage, and I want to make sure I'm doing everything right this time.

Anyway, so far this morning, my stomach is okay.  I'm going to see how I feel after eating something and try to make it to the gym.  I'd really like to get some lifting in and do a template day.  This is the plan for today:

Medium grip bench press 3 x 55 lbs

Seated DB shoulder press 3 x 20 lb DBs

Assisted dips 3 sets

Barbell bent row 3 x 70 lbs

Barbell face pull 3 x 25 lbs

Lying leg curl 3 x 50 lbs

Back squat 3 x 115 lbs

Slant board sit-up 4 x 30 lbs

If that doesn't work out, my plan is to attempt the following at home:

5 rounds

20 air squats

10 burpees

20 butterfly sit-ups

Summer!

Happy first day of summer!!  And last day of work for me!  So incredibly ready for a few weeks off after a super crappy year.  Thankful for time to recharge my batteries and grow this little poppy seed into an apple (per BabyCenter's baby sizing, haha)!

I decided to do some supersets today and boooooy can I tell I'm pregnant again.  Getting out of breath at the drop of the hat!  Never ceases to amaze me how that happens.  For that reason, I tried to take it slow today.  I wear a FitBit now, so I was watching my heart rate.  If it got too high, I took a little break to let it come back down.  There were 3 supersets total.  I completed the first in total, took a 60 second break, completed the second, took a 60 second break (that turned into more of a 2 min break because it took longer to get my heart rate down), and then completed the third.  

Here's what I did:

Superset #1

5 rounds-

10 goblet squats (35 lb kettlebell)

10 burpees

Superset #2

5 rounds-

10 goblet lunges (5 per leg, 35 lb kettlebell)

10 kettlebell swings (35 lb)

Superset #3

5 rounds-

10 alternating single leg step ups (on a coffee table)

30 second plank

I finished all 3 supersets in 23:13, including breaks.

This Eggo is Officially Preggo Again!

Wooooo!  The relief I feel is AMAZING!

I went and got my blood work done on Saturday and yesterday (Monday).  They called me last night with my Saturday results: hCG- 325 and progesterone- 20.4!  I was happy with those numbers, especially the progesterone because I have no idea what my levels were in my last pregnancy/miscarriage.  I've realized, with miscarriage, there's always a little devil on your shoulder.  "Was your progesterone level too low last time?  Did your low thyroid levels cause your miscarriage?  Did you work out too hard?  Did you drink too much caffeine?"  It's a LOT.

Anyway, the happiness I felt from the results was pretty momentary before the devil started talking to me again.  "Are your levels going to double like they should?  What if they don't?  You should prepare yourself for another miscarriage."  I've been worrying all day.  Finally, I got the call I was waiting for- my hCG more than doubled and was 812!!  When I got off the phone, I broke down and I cried in my kitchen.  No joke.

Bonus!  I think since the doctor could hear the fear in my voice (and since I was spotting last week), I get to go for my first "dating scan" in a week.  Thankfully, the spotting seems to have resolved itself.  I am hoping it was just a delayed showing of implantation bleeding, as it happened around the time my period should have started.

So, given all of this good news, I decided to resume my workouts today.  Here's what I did today:

30 kettlebell swings (35 lb) <-- go up/down in weight as needed
2 min bike (medium resistance) <-- could substitute with 2 min row or run as well!
30 hand release push ups
2 min bike
30 shoulder to overhead with kettlebell (35 lbs)
2 min bike
30 hand release push ups
2 min bike
30 kettlebell swings

I finished in 18:32!  :)

Early Updates

Well, I'm still having some slight spotting when I go to the bathroom, so I'm going to keep this weekend pretty low key.  I'm going to forgo working out and try to take it easy.  Luckily, I'm done with work for the summer in a few days, so I'll be able to relax and focus on taking care of myself.

The good news is my pregnancy tests (confession: I'm a POAS addict) are definitely getting darker as the days progress, which makes me feel a lot better.  I was really worried that this was a chemical pregnancy.  I called my doctor to set up my first appointment and mentioned the spotting.  They sent me for blood tests today and Monday to make sure that my progesterone levels are okay and hCG is doubling normally.  At this point, I can just hope and pray that everything is progressing as it should and I'll see later this week.

I feel extremely tired.  Way more tired than I felt with my last pregnancy, which I'm hoping is a good sign.  I went to bed before the sun went down yesterday and I probably will again tonight.  Although, I have also been WIDE awake at 3 AM the past few nights, so I'm sure that's contributing to how I feel.  My boobs are also starting to get bigger and feel slightly sore.  Again, all good signs, I think.

Anyway, here's my WOD idea for the day:

Warm up-

EMOM (every minute on the minute) for 10 minutes

20 mountain climbers
20 plank jacks
10 tricep dips (on coffee table)

WOD-

AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) in 15 minutes-

5 burpees
10 air squats
5 burpees
10 butterfly sit ups
5 burpees
10 lunges (each leg)

Taking a Short Break

Well, just as I start feeling good about working out again, something pops up, as usual!!  This is a "something" that I am more than willing to take a little break from working out for though..

A positive test!!  I can't believe it!  

Since I just went through the miscarriage and all that goes with it, I have decided to take a short break from working out to let my body do it's thing.  So far, the tests are faint and I have had a little pink spotting in the mornings, which is, of course, concerning to me.  I'm worried about a chemical pregnancy or early miscarriage.  I'd rather be safe this time and feel like I did everything possible to give this little bean the best shot.  I'll still be posting workouts that I WOULD be doing, but I won't be doing them myself for a little while.  I'm going to stick with walking around my lake for now and hope for the best because that's all I can do at this point.

So, here's today's WOD idea-

10 rounds:

10 air squats
10 push ups
10 butterfly sit ups
10 dips (using a coffee table)

9 weeks, 3 days

My doctor called today and said she just got a chance to look at my ultrasound.  Unfortunately, she says she sees a hematoma (not sure if she is referring to an SCH or something else).  I already had my first OB appointment scheduled for this Wednesday night, so now I have to go for a second ultrasound tomorrow morning.  They will compare this one to the first to monitor the size of the baby and the hematoma.  I don't/haven't had any bleeding and the heartbeat was strong at my last appointment.  However, the baby was measuring 6 days behind at my first ultrasound, so I guess that's why they are being more cautious.  Hopefully everything looks okay tomorrow and she's happy with the baby's progress on Wednesday.  Until then, I've decided to cool it on the workouts.  I will be taking a little break until I speak with the doctor about what's safe and what's not.  Have a good week!

9 weeks, 2 days

I took off yesterday because I felt like straight garbage.  I did go for a 2.5 mile walk with my husband and dogs, but that was about it for my workout.

I went to bed early and woke up feeling GREAT today.  Still a little stuffy, but fine otherwise.  This is the first time in a few weeks I've felt like I had energy again.  I went grocery shopping, did a bunch of laundry, cleaned the house, AND went to the gym.  Today made me realize just how tired this pregnancy has made me.  It's so crazy what a change in hormones can do!

Anyway, here's today's workout-

Lifting:

Deadlift: Deadlift (110 lbs) 2x12
Quads: Leg press (90 lbs) 2x17
Quads: DB walking lunge (25 lb DBs) 2x20
Hamstrings: Seated leg curl (40 lbs) 2x13
Vertical push: Standing DB shoulder press (15 lb DBs) 2x14
Vertical pull: Narrow grip pulldown (60 lbs) 2x12
Rear/medial delts: Cable upright row (60 lbs) 2x12

I'd also like to note that I decided to take out most ab movements a little earlier than I had originally planned.  I thought I would be phasing them out closer to 12-13 weeks.  However, for the past 1-2 weeks, I've been noticing some weird pulling feelings on my sides.  It seems like it's one of the ligaments that attach from my pelvis to my ribs.  I'm sure it's normal, but since I feel it, I decided to play it safe.  I will be substituting ab movements with plank-type movements from now on.  Always important to listen to your body and do what you're comfortable with!!

8 weeks, 7 days

I ended up skipping the gym on Thursday because I finally caught my husband's sinus cold that I have been trying to avoid all week.  I wanted to give myself a day to rest.  Not that it helped much- I still can't breathe today!  Since I'm pregnant, I'm just sucking it up and not taking anything.  I do have my Neti Pot, which I LOVE, and that's helping a bit.  Thank goodness for that invention!!  Sick preggo's dream!

Anyway, I took it slow at the gym today.  Nothing about this workout was all that strenuous, so it was a good one for a sick day.

Warm up:

500 m easy row
10 m inch worm forward (with 10 sec hold in plank and hamstring stretch)
10 m inch worm backwards (with 10 sec hold in plank and hamstring stretch)

Lifting:

Vertical pull: Parallel pull ups 3x6
Horizontal pull: Underhand EZ row 2x13 (45 lbs)
Rear/medial delts: DB side lateral raise 2x13 (10 lb DBs)
Biceps: DB twist curl 2x13 (15 lb DBs)
Vertical push: Seated barbell shoulder press 2x11 (45 lbs)
Quads: Barbell walking lunge 2x20 (45 lbs on back)
Hamstrings: 45 degree back raise 2x12 (20 lb DB)
Horizontal push: Push ups 3x10

8 weeks, 5 days

First ultrasound today!! I was so nervous all day.  I was making myself feel sick!  Everything looked great though.  The baby is nestled safely in the right spot and is measuring 7 weeks, 5 days.  So, it's little behind in growth, technically, but nothing alarming.  I wasn't tracking my ovulation or anything like that.  Heartbeat was 165!  My OB appointment is next week, which is when I'll get to meet one of my doctors and do some more tests.  For now, just happy to know that everything looks good.  Hopefully it stays that way! :)

8 weeks, 4 days

Well, my PLAN was to do this workout yesterday and then go to the gym to lift today, but I ended up getting tied up after work and got home super late.  Soo I ended up pushing this to today and I'll lift on Thursday.

My first ultrasound is tomorrow night and I am SO incredibly nervous.  I hardly slept at all last night and I'm sure I won't tonight either.  Hoping everything looks good and the little alien that is taking over my body is growing like it's supposed to!  💓💗

Anyway, today's workout:

2 rounds of 25 reps each movement-

Mountain climbers
Air squats
Push ups
Burpees
Left side lunge
Right side lunge
Right side plank crunch
Left side plank crunch
Jumping jacks
Plank shoulder taps

This was way harder than I thought it would be in my head.  It's 500 reps total, so I'm not really sure what about it screamed "easy day" to me.  Then again, when you now get winded going up a flight of stairs, I guess it's to be expected.  This took me a little over 20 minutes.  I wasn't keeping time, but I know around when I started/stopped.  I took very few breaks and transitioned quickly between movements.  I wasn't speeding through the movements because I was trying to control my breath most of the time.  All-in-all a good, quick, full body workout!

8 weeks

I actually made it to the gym today!  It's a miracle!! 👍👍👍

I'm going to be honest- I definitely thought it was going to be easier to workout during the first trimester.  I thought I would maybe have modify a few things and that would be it.  I wasn't prepared for the fatigue.  Although, I don't really know if I would call what I am experiencing "fatigue" because, honestly, I'm not really that tired.  I've never been one to nap, and I haven't needed to this entire time.  I'm not tired.  I'd call this pregnancy symptom "laziness" instead.  My body just doesn't want to get up and do what my mind is telling it to.  Also, when I do workout, I feel like I've gained 50 lbs and get out of breath as soon as I start.  I've been told I'll get my energy back in the second trimester.  Regardless, I'll keep pushing myself to make sure that I stay as healthy and active as possible throughout.

Warm up:

500 m row (easy pace)

Lifting:

Horizontal push: Push ups 2x11
Vertical push: Inclined DB press 2x10 (25 lb DBs)
Tricep: Barbell seated tricep extension 2x10 (25 lb barbell)
Horizontal pull: 1-arm dumbbell row 2x13 (25 lb DB)
Rear/medial delts: Barbell upright row 2x12 (45 lb barbell)
Hamstrings: Lying leg curl 2x12 (50 lb)
Quads: High bar squat 2x11 (110lb)
Abs: 1 min plank hold x3 with 1 min rest in between

7 weeks, 6 days

Oh, man!  I feel like a broken record lately, but HOLY LACK OF MOTIVATION!  I just want to sit on my couch and do nothing as soon as I get home from work!  I am tired and I feel like a big, bloated whale.  I haven't had an ultrasound yet (next week!!!), but I feel way bigger than I thought I would at this point.  Apparently, I am NOT going to be one of those girls that you can't tell is pregnant until 6 months... womp womp!  :(

Thankfully, I was able to muster up some motivation to do a little something tonight.  Couldn't get my butt to the gym, but this was better than nothing...

Warm up:

Tabata (20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest)-

2 rounds-

Jumping jacks
Air squats
Jump rope (pretending like I have a rope, in my case)
Mountain climbers
Push ups
Butt kicks
Butterfly sit-ups

Workout:

4 rounds-

10 goblet squats
10 goblet thrusters
10 kb swings
10 push ups

I used a 35 lb kettlebell for the workout and I could not believe how out of breath I was!  I ended up taking way more breaks than I thought I would need to.  I timed myself just for kicks.  I didn't really care about my time, but I finished in 11:56.