The second trimester has been my absolute favorite and I’m sharing all the details about how we found out the gender, my virtual shower plans, glucose tolerance test, deciding on a doula, my non-toxic baby registry favorites, our babymoon, and of course— the things I have loved and used to prepare for a healthy baby. If you missed my first trimester blog post, head back to that one here.

Pregnancy is such a gift and blessing from above. I can see now why it’s such a miracle and how God truly knits everything together in His perfect ways. As I’ve transitioned into the second trimester, I’ve seen so many milestones with this little life growing inside the womb. Luckily the second trimester has been a turning point for me and things are looking so much better and brighter in comparison to my first trimester! 

HOW I’M FEELING IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER

I am seriously feeling so good in my second trimester so far and I will never take an appetite for granted ever again. Once I hit week 13, I felt alive again and my nausea eventually subsided. It was such a wonderful time and I was so excited and emotional about eating again. I could finally nourish my body in the way I needed and wanted to. Overall, the second trimester was a golden time of feeling incredible! I know a lot of other moms feel the same way and say it’s their favorite 12 weeks of pregnancy. I would have to agree with that! My energy is great and I’ve been really focused and productive at work. I’ve been able to move my body well and keep up with walking 10,000 steps per day, prenatal yoga, and moderate housework. Also, I really popped around week 25 (proof below)!

I’m also eating like a champ again and making sure I have balanced meals, which wasn’t possible for me in the first trimester due to the sickness. Lastly, I’ve been sleeping soundly and getting 8+ hours of deep sleep each night which has been really helpful. I’m so thankful for all of these second trimester wins especially after such a rough first trimester of feeling pretty terrible. 

If you’re in the trenches of those tough few beginning months, stay positive and hopeful that it eventually will get better. The majority of pregnant women do find the nausea to subside in the second trimester and start to feel like themselves again! This was definitely the case for me too. 

MY SECOND TRIMESTER DIET + CRAVINGS 

As I mentioned before, my diet has been on point because I have my appetite back and can actually tolerate food now. I’ve been focusing on getting nutrient dense meals and snacks that are balanced with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. A huge myth in pregnancy is that we need to eat for two. While it is important to fuel your body and support your growing baby, most women will only need around 200 extra calories per day. 

I don’t count calories, but I do listen to my body! There have been days where I’ve been eating the exact same portions as I did pre-pregnancy and then there have been days where I have been hungrier and needed to eat more. I am usually a 3-4 meal a day person but I now find I do have to eat a snack or a small meal every 2-3 hours to feel my best. If I wait too long without eating, I feel some lingering nausea so this has been something I am mindful of. 

I wish I could say I had some fun pregnancy cravings and sent Ryan out to the grocery store at 2am. I really don’t have cravings for anything in particular where it’s something I NEED to have. I do, however, have foods on repeat that I am loving so much right now. The first is any kind of tomato. I am slightly obsessed and snack on them all throughout the day. I’ve also been enjoying lots of hydrating fruits like fresh watermelon. Other than that, I have been wanting more red meat so I’ve been enjoying grass-fed steaks and burgers a few days a week. 

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I did have one day where I felt like I could really go for a Wendy’s frosty (which I haven’t had in probably 25 years) so I recreated a healthy version of one!

Healthified Wendy’s Frosty

Hydration has also been huge for me and something I am constantly trying to improve on. I always stress the importance of drinking filtered water so I have been using and loving my Berkey water filter and adding Concentrace Mineral Drops to make sure I am re-mineralizing my water. This really helps me stay hydrated and energized now that the summer months are approaching. 

As usual, I eat specifically to support my gut and autoimmune health even throughout pregnancy. If you are needing help with that, you might be interested in my meal plan subscription which will help you with plans that are already balanced. I even have a few targeted prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum specific meal plans with gut health in mind in the membership too! 

BOOKS & RESOURCES I RECOMMEND IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER 

I really started ramping up my knowledge on birth through research and reading starting around week 20 to prepare for a natural delivery and healthy baby. There’s a lot to learn and I am really enjoying diving into these resources and learning as much as possible to equip myself for the journey ahead! 

Helpful Resources: 

• Ina Mays’ Guide to Natural Childbirth 
• Mama Natural Week by Week 
• The Vaccine Friendly Plan 
• Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast 
• Evidence Based Birth Website 
• Evidence Based Birth Podcast 

Helpful Courses: 

• Mama Natural Birth Course 
• Mama Natural Baby Course 
• Pain Free Birth Course 
• Taking Cara Babies Sleep Class

MATERNITY PICTURES 

We had such a blast taking maternity pictures and wanted to wait to do these after our anatomy scan appointment in the second trimester because up until that point, we didn’t have an actual ultrasound photo of the little guy. We hired Frank Scallo Photography for these and he captured the look I was hoping for so perfectly. It was also such a beautiful evening in May when we did these and the sunset made the photos so serene. 

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HOW WE FOUND OUT THE GENDER IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER

We really wanted to know ahead of time what we were having so we could plan the nursery and personalize the closet and baby gear. We both said it didn’t matter, boy or girl. We would have been so thrilled with either! All we really cared about was having a healthy baby. We decided to opt out of genetic testing and early gender detection, which meant we had to wait until our 21 week anatomy scan instead. 

I told the tech at my scan I didn’t want to know the gender but asked if she could write it on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope. I really wanted to find out with Ryan and not on my own because I felt that moment was so important and special to find out together. A few days after our scan we decided to take a drive to the Barnegat Lighthouse on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, which is a really special place to us. Ryan actually proposed on the jetty there years ago so it holds a lot of meaning. We thought it would be really neat to take the envelope there and open it up together at that same place! 

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The hour drive was torture and the anticipation to find out was through the roof. We were so nervous and excited and chatted about what life would be like if the baby was a girl or boy. I really felt we were having a boy based on intuition and an early dream but I was thrown off when I went to my acupuncturist and she said she was 70% sure it was a girl based on my pulse and chi (which in Chinese medicine means energy). Ryan also felt like it was a boy because he heard God speak a boy’s name as he was praying one morning. Our whole family was saying we were having a girl so I would say we went into it tossed, thinking it could truly go either way. 

We walked to our spot at the end of the jetty, prayed, and opened up the envelope together. We were SO shocked when we saw it was a BOY!! I was in shock and cried and Ryan was so excited he fell to his knees because deep down he really wanted to have a boy and this was a huge desire of his heart. That made me so grateful to see the Lord’s faithfulness and it just made the connection so much stronger for me. At first I was nervous about being a boy mom because it seems so unfamiliar to me, but now that I am here I seriously can’t imagine it any other way. I am beyond excited I’m having a son! Every mom with boys tells me the bond is so special and the absolute best. I can already feel that and after finding out, it made me even more excited for his arrival. 

BABY YELTON IS A…

Click the video to find out how we shared the news with our family. We had everyone wear the color they thought the gender would be and it was so awesome to hear the response. I think you can definitely tell everyone was really excited about the outcome! Their reaction was priceless and I’m so happy we got this on film and had a small get together to reveal the gender. 

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SECOND TRIMESTER GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST

The glucose tolerance test is typically offered in the second trimester around week 24-28 of pregnancy. It is to detect early signs of gestational diabetes which can result in complications if left uncontrolled. The problem with glucola, which is the drink most practices will make you drink for this test, is loaded with preservatives and chemicals. I opted for a more natural option that my OB approved. You can talk to your doctor or midwife swapping glucola with orange juice or pomegranate juice. 

There’s also this Glucola alternative that I found and is organic that would be another option. Many naturally minded mom’s have also eaten jelly beans which has been surprisingly studied and is just as effective in comparison to Glucola. The goal is to get 50g of glucose for this test. Luckily I passed which I was thrilled about. I decided to monitor my blood sugar anyway for my own knowledge because I find it really helpful to know how I am responding to my meals and meal timing during pregnancy. 

BABY SHOWER REGISTRY 

Finding non-toxic baby products has been a full time job! Being a first time mom, I really found myself doing a ton of research on what was truly needed and what the essentials were. I also had to dig deep into how products were made because that’s always something so important to me. I really wanted to keep the list simple and I didn’t want to feel pressured into getting all the baby seats, rockers, bouncers, walkers, etc. After doing a lot of research, I decided against using excess “containers” for the baby and instead would rather rely on the products that are essential for growth, development, and entertainment for the first year. 

I also wanted to include items I would need for the postpartum phase, breastfeeding, and practical things like diapers and wipes. Since I had such a wide range of items that I wanted to make sure we had for the baby, I ended up choosing Amazon for my registry and I was so happy I did! It was really easy to add items from different brands and I wasn’t limited to what one single store carried. I tried some other registries like Buy Buy Baby, Target, and even Babylist for other friends registries and I honestly didn’t find them as user friendly. So many of my friends and family told me after the fact how easy my registry was and since we had a virtual shower, it made life a lot easier. Everyone was able to send a gift to our address with the click of a button and not worry about shipping, wrapping, and sending the gift later. 

I am seriously so grateful that our friends and family thought of us and showered our baby with so much love. We have everything and more that he will need for his first year thanks to the generosity of the people around us who we love so much! 

Here is a helpful checklist for anyone looking to put together a non-toxic registry. These were the items I chose but keep in mind there are so many other items. I hope this list helps inspire yours and makes life a little easier being in one place! 

MY (LOW TOXIN) BABY REGISTRY PICKS

1. Organic Toki Play Mat: I researched play mats for awhile and wasn’t finding anything that had the durability or materials I was looking for. This one far exceeded my expectations and I love the size and how easy it is to wash the cover. You can also buy additional covers separately if you ever want to change the look. This is going to get a lot of use for tummy time! 

2. Breastfeeding Essentials: I hear a good hands free pumping bra is obviously a must if you are planning to breastfeed and this one has over 36,000 reviews! I also added the Earth Mama nipple butter, these bamboobies soothing nursing pillows, and these organic washable breast pads that were highly recommended by a mom friend. 

3. Konny Baby Carrier: The organic bamboo material is so lightweight and comfortable. I am definitely planning to baby wear often and I like how easy this one is. I actually returned others I bought because they were just too complicated for me to figure out. I ended up loving this one the most and plan to use it all the time for the first 3-4 months while I am around the house. 

4. Baby Bjorn Carrier: I decided to go with this ergonomic carrier for a more sturdy baby wearing experience and support while on the go. I’ll be using this when we head out to the store or when we go on walks. I also love how easy this is to use and seems really supportive for my back. I also talked to a lot of other moms who highly recommended this one too! 

5. Breastfeeding Pillows: I actually ended up with 3 pillows, believe it or not! I added the Boppy with organic fabric to my registry and then was gifted My Breast Friend pillow. I hear it is helpful to have them in multiple locations or on each floor so you don’t have to lug it up and down for feedings. I ended up discovering this Sustainable Baby Co Moonwomb breastfeeding pillow that also serves as a pregnancy pillow to support sleep, a meditation and yoga pillow, and supports three different breastfeeding positions. The best part is it’s made from 100% organic materials and has a lavender essential oil pouch for relaxation. 

6. Haakaa: I wanted to get the Haakaa to help with manual pumping and to help express milk through suction. 

7. Organic Changing Table: I fell in love with this bamboo changing table and it will fit the nursery decor perfectly! I also wanted to get a few other non-toxic bamboo changing pad liners while the main pad is in the wash so I bought a set of these here. 

8. Bath Gear: I ended up going with these non toxic and mold free bath toys for bath time since a lot of toys have harmful chemicals and holes on the bottom, which can result in mold growth. I also added the Angelcare bath seat, Honest shampoo with this whale rinsing cup, and these bath mats and kneeling pads. These bamboo washcloths were highly recommended, along with these organic baby bath towels. I also couldn’t resist this adorable organic hooded bath towel for our baby boy! Lastly, I ended up adding the Summer My Bath seat for when he is a bit older and can sit up in the tub. 

9. Baby Bottles: I ended up choosing Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow since they are clinically proven to reduce colic and have a slow flow from the nipple. Since they are glass, I also added these silicone bottle sleeves. I also ended up getting a few Comotomo bottles since they are also BPA free and good for travel as they’re made of silicon. Comotomo is highly recommended as well because they mimic breastfeeding to reduce bottle rejection. I’ve also learned that it’s helpful to have a few different bottles on hand to see what your baby likes best. 

10. Stokke High Chair + Accessories: I knew right away when we found out we were having a baby that I wanted to go with the Stokke high chair. It is made of sustainable materials and is designed to help with feeding position. It also grows with your child from the infant stage through the toddler years. I added all the accessories such as the tray, infant seat, baby chair and seat harness, and seat cushion for when he is older. 

11. Newton Waterproof Crib Mattress: Not only is this crib GOTS certified and non-toxic, but it’s also 100% organic and breathable to reduce the risk of suffocation, which for me was so important! We also got the breathable crib mattress pad and protector and organic sheets from Newton as well. 

12. UppaBaby Stroller & Carseat: After a lot of research and trying out a few brands, we decided we really wanted to go with the UppaBaby Vista stroller because it can be used in so many different ways. It comes with a bassinet, infant seat, and toddler conversion. You can also get adaptors to use it for other children as well once a family expands. For us, we felt this would last a long time. We also got all the accessories to go with it like the snack tray, cup holder, and compartment carry bag/organizer. We ended up choosing the UppaBaby Mesa car seat as well so that it can connect to the stroller without an additional adaptor. 

13. Feeding Accessories: Although baby boy won’t need these for a while, I chose this BPA free plate, cup, utensils, bowl, bibb, snack cup, and eating mat for meal and snack time. I also chose this feeding set to introduce baby led weaning. 

14. Mushie Items: I added this Mushie swaddle, stacking cup play set, burp cloths, teething rings, and pacifier clip which are all non-toxic and come in so many colors. 

15. Frida Baby Items: These are apparently a must! I ended up getting most of the FridaBaby items like the BabyBasics kit, MediFrida, infrared thermometer, and silicone freezer teethers. I also really wanted this FridaBaby humidifier and diffuser which I hear is a must have. This will all come in so handy! 

16. Infant Optics Baby Monitor: I chose this monitor because of the reviews and because it was lower in EMF’s compared to some of the other brands I looked into. I also like that it doesn’t connect to Wifi which was a huge thing for us to prevent hackers and ensure safety. My parents are all about safety and gifted us with the Owlet Smart Sock as well which keeps track of the baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels at night and will sound an alarm if something is wrong. You can never be too safe with this in my opinion. I don’t love the idea of the EMF’s the sock let’s off, however we do have EMF blocking devices in our home and in the baby’s room which helps a bit. To us, the benefits of the sock outweigh the small EMF exposure. 

17. Toys: I ended up adding any nontoxic toys I was able to find or items that are made in a sustainable way without harmful glues, chemicals, and metals. 

18. Books: We are so excited to add to his library and there were so many sweet books to choose from! We can’t wait to read to him before bedtime! 

19. Pack & Play: I wanted to go with something non-toxic, GOTS certified baby safe, light, and easy to travel with and take apart. We went with the Lotus Travel Crib and I love the size and how easy it is to fold up. 

20. Snuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger: This was the first thing I ended up buying because I knew I wanted to have a safe place to put the baby down when needed. It is organic, breathable, and so soft! I also ended up adding the puddle pad which helps protect the lounger from any fluids. I think that will be essential! 

21. Diapering Essentials: I added the Ubbi diaper pail to keep all those dirty diapers in. I also decided to go with Offspring diapers because they are free from harmful chemicals and are hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. I love all the patterns and how thick they are. I hear great things about these and that they can withstand even the worst blowouts. We will put them to the test and see how that goes. Water wipes are also essential for the first few months and I also added these non-toxic wipes as well once the baby is older. A few other diapering essentials included the bum brush, this diaper cream, and bum spray rinse free wash. 

22. Organic Muslin Burp Cloths: I ended up getting a lot of these because I don’t think you can have enough for those early months. They are really thick and are made with organic materials. 

23. Hatch Baby Sound Machine: I’ve been using my Hatch for a full year now and it has been such a game changer for my sleep, so I knew I wanted to add this noise maker for baby too!

24. Burt’s Bees Clothing: There are so many adorable footie pajamas, outfits, and onesies by Burt’s Bees. I also got hats, mittens, and socks too. All of their materials are eco-friendly and breathable. There’s so much to choose from and I ended up sticking with this brand for pretty much all the clothing I added to my registry. 

OTHER ITEMS I’M LOVING 

I also invested in a few other items that I absolutely loved and couldn’t get on Amazon or add to my registry:

Willaby Blanket: This incredibly soft blanket is made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and has 3 layers of thick gauze which makes it so durable and comfortable. This was a splurge but something I was so excited to get! 

Kyte Baby Clothing: I am officially hooked and obsessed with all Kyte Baby clothing and accessories. The light bamboo organic material is butter soft and breathable and the colors are neutral and earthy. I invested in lots of onesies, zip up pajamas, and loungewear for baby boy. I also got a blanket, lovie, hair brush set, and sleep sack from this shop and everything has been high quality and adorable! I will be shopping here a lot once the baby boy needs more clothes. They even have adult pajamas that I ended up getting for the hospital because they are the same bamboo material. 

Nini Pacifier: This was highly recommended to me as a pacifier since it is the closet shape to a nipple and mimics breastfeeding movement and latch. 

Wellements Baby Bundle: This was a must for me. I love this newborn bundle that includes just about everything a baby would need for the first 6 months including probiotic drops, vitamin D drops, gripe water, chest rub for congestion, and so much more! 

VIRTUAL BABY SHOWER EXPERIENCE 

Times are interesting and it definitely felt odd to have our shower over the internet. The one good thing about advanced technology is the ability to have a safe gathering without meeting in person. I really tossed the decision to go virtual back and forth and of course I would have loved an in-person shower. At the end of the day, safety for us, the baby, and our friends and family was the most important factor so we ended up making the best of it and having a fun virtual event. 

My mom sent out flower seed favors and an invite and we met for about an hour and a half. It was so nice to see everyone and have some time to thank everyone for the prayers, well wishes, cards, and gifts we got for the baby. We played a few short games where Ryan and I were asked some questions about who would do specific things or be a certain way when baby is here and we both had to individually hold up a sign saying either “mom” or “dad”. It turned out to be hilarious and definitely made for some good laughs. 

We also played a quick Baby Price is Right where everyone had to add up the cost of items from my birth year back in the day. Whoever was closest to the total won! Fellisse, my amazing graphic designer on the team, created the game card for us. You are welcome to print and use it for yourself using this link here if you have a virtual shower coming up! 

Overall it was a really special day and we loved connecting with our friends and family. We got together outside with our immediate family for a small shower the week after and enjoyed some delicious food and beautiful weather! Our family made this baby feel so loved and cared for already and we feel so blessed for their support. 

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DECIDING ON A DOULA 

Evidence proves having childbirth support from a doula can significantly improve your chances of a natural childbirth, along with other positive birth and postpartum outcomes. A doula is a trained labor specialist who provides non-medical care to expectant mom’s. I knew early on that I wanted the support of a doula and someone who can help us as an advocate for what we really wanted our birth to look like. Especially given the fact we are birthing in a hospital, I felt even more confident this would be worth the investment. 

Here are some impressive stats on doulas: 

• You are more likely to go into spontaneous labor 
• You are 60% less likely to need an epidural 
• Less likely to need vacuum or forceps assistance during birth
• Less likely to have a cesarean birth 
• Moore likely to have a positive feeling and experience about childbirth 

We interviewed a few doulas in our area and ended up choosing one early on in the second trimester. I would recommend this because our doula has been there through every question and concern and I am so thankful I have a birth expert to call/text anytime. I find it really helpful how local doulas can help with other referrals too when we need it, such as a chiropractor, acupuncturist, pediatrician, etc. We feel really confident in our decision to hire a doula! Once I share my birth story, I’ll be sure to reflect on how our doula supported us through birth as well. 

OUR SECOND TRIMESTER BABYMOON

I would highly recommend taking one of these if you are expecting! Ryan and I weren’t sure if we truly needed this until we actually got away for a week. It was so nice to relax and feel refreshed with all the planning and baby preparation we were busy with. I also felt it was such a sweet time to spend together since it won’t be the two of us for much longer! We wanted to stay close by just in case of an emergency and we also wanted to go somewhere where we could do pretty much everything outside except sleep. 

Here are some highlights from our babymoon!

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We ended up booking a random and last minute adventure to Chesapeake Maryland and stayed at the Hyatt. It was only 3 hours away and was a nice change of scenery. We went swimming, lounged at the pool, played cards, shopped, went golfing, and of course enjoyed all the good food. Our favorite were the King crab legs and peel and eat shrimp which is a must if you are in Maryland! Overall I am so happy we did this in the second trimester while I was feeling really good and not too big. At a certain point I knew it would get tough for me being in the heat if we waited to take this trip sometime in the third trimester. 

Top 3 reasons I recommend taking a babymoon: 

1. Help you connect with your partner
2. Allows you to take a break from the chaos and catch up on rest and sleep 
3. Helps you get excited and in the right frame of mind for the next season of you life 

NURSERY PLANS

As soon as we found out we were having a baby boy, I already knew the nursery theme I wanted. I actually got the inspo from Serena and Lily and below is my inspiration picture. 

We are going with a “Shades of Blue” theme and I want to tie in some coastal wood vibes with some boho decor mixed in. I am so excited to see it all come together. I’m starting to get all the items together a little at a time so we aren’t waiting until the last minute. Although it is funny how parents work so hard to get the nursery ready before babies are born, when in reality they stay in the room with us for several months! I can’t wait to share the completed nursery in my third trimester recap and must haves post. 

MY SECOND TRIMESTER MUST HAVES

Beef Liver Capsules 

These have been an absolute game changer in helping me to improve my energy. Beef liver is a nutritional powerhouse packed with food based vitamin A, iron, and B-vitamins that are essential for baby’s development and to support my body through pregnancy. I have felt incredible energy throughout my pregnancy and I credit these liver capsules for a lot of that! This is also helpful to those individuals who cannot tolerate eating liver. 

Pregnancy Tea (Earthly) 

I love all Earthly products and have been enjoying this organic pregnancy tea both hot and over ice. It includes herbs that support nourishment to the womb, tone the uterus, support gut health and help improve digestion. You can use code nikkiyeltonrd at checkout to save 15% off your first Earthly order. 

Mint Pique Tea 

Another tea I’ve been absolutely loving is the Pique brand mint tea after meals to support the GI tract. Mint is excellent for digestion and I love that the tea crystals are hot and cold water soluble. Since the weather has been hot where I am I am enjoying it cold with lots of ice. It is so refreshing and is helping me get in my extra water intake. I rave about Pique teas because they are one of the few that you can trust to support gut health without heavy metals, molds, and mycotoxins. Most tea bags do more harm than good so I really appreciate the science behind their teas. During pregnancy, I personally choose to avoid caffeine during pregnancy so I stick to the teas that are naturally decaffeinated. Their caffeine free ginger digestion tea is also great! You can use the code nikkiyeltonrd at checkout for a discount on all Pique teas and products. 

Maternity Pants and Shorts

I’m definitely at the point where my bump is growing and my regular clothes are uncomfortable. I’ve been living in these maternity pants and also got these maternity shorts. I’ve also been able to wear a lot of flowy maxi and babydoll dresses I already had because I’m lucky to have a growing baby bump around summer. For anything I bought new, I just sized up on so I didn’t have to spend a lot on actual maternity clothes. 

Pregnancy Pillow 

This has been a game changer in helping me sleep comfortably and I love that it is made with organic materials. It does take up a lot of space so I would recommend it only if you have the bed to yourself or if you sleep next to your partner, only if you have a king size bed.

Fearless Mama Stretch Mark Cream 

I started using this right away in the first trimester and plan to continue it throughout the rest of my pregnancy. It is completely non-toxic and clean with some of the best known ingredients to prevent stretch marks. I seriously love how this feels and it soaks into my skin quickly. 

Primally Pure Skincare

I have been using and loving Primally Pure products for years now and I am so happy they are all pregnancy safe and made with safety in mind for mama and baby. I even ended up stocking up on the baby balm lotion for diapering for when the baby is here. The ingredients are top quality and I love how they feel on my skin. I feel like I spent a day at the spa every time I apply these products. I’ve been using the cleansing mask a few days a week, the everything spray, the lavender complexion mist, and the face serums. I also use their sea salt soak when I take baths and it is so relaxing! Lastly, I alternate the Fearless Mama stretch mark cream with the Primally Pure body butters because I love them both! You can save 10% on all Primally Pure products using the code NY10 at checkout. 

Collagen Peptides 

Collagen naturally declines with age and is a powerhouse for gut health and helping to improve the integrity of skin. You can read more about the health benefits of collagen here! I have been adding this collagen to my smoothies or hot teas to support a healthy pregnancy and to help prevent stretch marks since collagen improves skin elasticity. 

Prenatal Supplement

Once the morning sickness subsided, I was able to resume my prenatal. I always recommend the Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal because it has everything needed to support a healthy pregnancy with active forms of vitamins. This is really important for anyone with MTHFR and genetic SNPS. If you aren’t sure if you fall into that category, I would still recommend it to ensure you are getting the best forms of your B vitamins. The downside to this one is you do need 8 per day, but I find it to be easy if you divide that in half and have them with breakfast and lunch. 

Exercise Ball

I found a yoga exercise ball so helpful in place of my desk chair to alleviate back pain while working. Since I sit for long periods of time, this has really helped my posture and body support. As you get further along in pregnancy, using a bouncy ball can actually encourage your baby to get in the right position for birth! It is a win win! 

You can check out these other articles and my first trimester and third trimester recaps for all my must-haves and helpful resources. I’m sharing the courses I took to prepare for childbirth, books I found so helpful, essential oil blends I made for labor, the completed nursery, my natural birth plan (with all the details), what I packed in my hospital bag, lactation cookie recipes, and a lot more!

I would also love to hear from you if you are in your second trimester! Did you find out the gender of your little one? What are some of your must haves??