I’ve said that this 4th pregnancy has been the easiest – hardest pregnancy yet!

I have rough pregnancies. And it’s something I have come to realize is a part of my story, and I am ok with that. The season is hard, debilitating most of the time, but the reward is so great!

Let’s just say the 4th time around you know a thing or two, but I can also say that this pregnancy has been SO different. My other 3 pregnancies were identical, down to the very week. This one has been easier and harder in so many ways. 

Here’s a look at pregnancy in-real-life as a holistic nutritionist with baby #4 and what has actually helped me feel my best self this season. Let this blog post be your go-to pregnancy journal!

Here’s My Pregnancy Journal Tips—They Really Work!

* Not medical advice, simply sharing what has helped me. Please always consult with your medical professional first.

Start Your Day with a ‘Shot’ of Quinton Hypertonic Deep Sea Mineral Drops

Pregnant or not, I get light-headed often and have very low blood pressure—it actually runs on my mom’s side of the family. It gets significantly worse my first half of pregnancy and always has, so something I just knew to expect this time around. 

Either it was way more intense this pregnancy or it’s the fact that I have 3 small children to take care of which keeps me up and down all day long, maybe both. But the one thing that has helped my lightheadedness is consistently taking Quinton Hypertonic drops.

It’s the first thing I reach for each morning and take a second round before dinner. I saw such a significant decrease in feeling light-headed I thought wow, this works. 

Quinton are highly concentrated deep sea mineral drops that absorb in your body similar to an IV. You’ll actually find them at most pharmacies around Europe as a natural alternative.

I use these often with clients who are navigating headaches, fatigue, blood sugar dysregulation or dehydration.

Just open the vile, add to a splash of water and take a shot.

Get Quinton Hypertonic deep sea mineral drops >

Give Acupuncture a Try

I grew up with acupuncture, thanks mom!, and have always had a very positive experience, pregnant or not. My experience and opinion has been, it’s a holistic tool that is very worth the investment, if you are working with the right practitioner who is truly going deep and addressing the whole picture, physically and mentally. It is a must in my pregnancy journal!

This pregnancy, I am so thankful to have an amazing acupuncturist close to my house so it’s been very easy to go consistently. She could quickly tell that my body was receiving nutrients but not utilizing them properly because my energy was in a depleted state. 

I have seen significant improvements in my digestion (it was a total mess first trimester), energy and hydration—I went from gulping 18+ oz of water in the middle of the night to only waking up once to use the bathroom and get a small sip. 

Acupuncture is the one of only 2 tools that actually helped decrease my pregnancy nausea every time.

Add Green Compass CBD to Your Routine

*Not giving you any medical advice, simply sharing what has helped me so much. Please consult with your medical professional first.

The only thing ‘physically’ different this pregnancy versus my other 3 is adding in Green Compass CBD to my daily routine. 

This pregnancy, nausea and energy wise, has been quite easier. Truly a miracle, but also I believe that this has shifted my body and hormones into a place of balance to better handle the very real stress and depletion of pregnancy.

I was SHOCKED at how I was still able to handle life even through first trimester nausea [research on the benefits combating nausea] and my other pregnancies involved months not eating and not getting out of bed. Trust me, it’s still been hard, but it’s been a “I can do this hard”!

CBD directly balances your nervous system—responsible for energy, sleep, digestion and mental capacity— and hormones, no matter what hormone season you are in. You have a high concentration of CBD receptors in your reproductive organs (aka hormones) and digestive organs all which need extra support during pregnancy. 

Green Compass CBD has been a game changer for sleep, always a pregnancy struggle, and sleep is a KEY puzzle piece to blood sugar balance (I have autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes), nausea and any anxious thoughts. Also, I haven’t had one pregnancy migraine this pregnancy and normally those are horrific for me!

My Daily Routine..and Your Future Routine!

I can quite literally feel a wave of calm and balance wash over me as soon as I take my daily CBD and it helps with anxiety and overwhelm SO much. I mentally have never felt better!

• Nano Jelly [Broad Spectrum]: your daily baseline of balance, long-lasting (24 hours of benefits), slow absorption
• Hemp Flower Extract: in the moment, instant, quick acting support. Use for nausea, overwhelm and pain. Can take a small bit throughout the day to calm symptoms and support your entire body and nervous system.

Buy ONE get ONE FREE >

PS…Get the pain cream while you are at it for your back. You’ll thank me later.

Stop Trying to Figure Everything Out—Letting My Body Be

Everyone has an opinion…especially when you are pregnant. With each pregnancy I have been sick, sick, sick! And people have always come to me with “oh try this” OR “oh you just need to eat more protein” OR “oh that means your hormones were out of balance” OR “oh you’ll be fine by 14 weeks.” And I was not!

I had a huge mental shift with my third pregnancy, and even more with this one, that this is just how my body responds to pregnancy and that is OK. My body is not failing me, in fact it is growing a miracle. I don’t have to try to hack it or drive myself crazy trying to figure it out. I can let the hard be hard.

This pregnancy number 4, I have been so mentally free, able to ride the curveballs of pregnancy and life with way more ease, simply accepting that my body is strong and will get through this.

Not every symptom needs to have a cure or an answer.

* For the record, eating more protein and more frequently can help so many women during pregnancy but it makes me significantly worse. Listen to your body, it is guiding you!

Skip the Plain Water When You’re Feeling Nauseous

BEST. ADVICE. EVER. People are shocked when I say this, especially as someone with Type 1 diabetes who watches my sugar intake. 

Plain water is VERY harsh on your stomach. Think about it? If you were extremely dehydrated or recovering from the stomach flu, you wouldn’t chug plain water. Plain water is harsh and at times could even dehydrate you more without the proper minerals and electrolytes.

Instead, during the super nauseous days or weeks, drink grape juice, or whatever juice sounds good to you, ginger ale, Sprite (only thing that helped me some weeks), or electrolyte water with a splash of juice. Mix this half and half with plain water, or whatever ratio works for you. 

Try these drinks instead…

• Grape juice in particular is known to be very soothing on the stomach and actually coats the stomach — fun fact, it’s always my go to whenever my kids are sick and we normally don’t drink juice!
• Arnold Palmers — 1/2 tea and 1/2 lemonade helped me endlessly this pregnancy. Something about that little caffeine kick with something sweet and sour instantly calmed my stomach and made me feel alive again.
• Strawberry Lemonade Electrolytes — I couldn’t stomach these at first but now they are a lifesaver. I can literally feel my energy and hydration levels shift.
• Experiment, knowing that what works one day may not work the next, but ultimately ditch the harsh plain water when you are super nauseous.

Living in Awe of Your Children’s Joy at New Life

It’s often talked about how hard it is to be pregnant while taking care of other children, and it IS.

But what isn’t often talked about is the joy that comes with watching them fall in love with new life and a “new baby”. 

Watching their little hearts be filled with awe at the miracle of life. 

Through the sickness, the exhaustion and the countless solo parenting days of military life, listening to their sweet prayers over the new baby, asking endless questions like “how does the baby eat and breathe” or “is the baby coming tomorrow” has truly sustained me!

Listening to Your Weird Pregnancy Cravings

I have had the most intense yogurt and milk cravings this pregnancy. I was telling my acupuncturist this fact the other day and she opened up a book that explains cravings and symptoms. My cravings were in line with my symptoms and also what she was seeing in my body.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, yogurt is actually a food that helps balance digestion and the Spleen and can help bring up the body’s energy by tapping deep into the body’s energy and nutrient reserves. How amazing is that, that in a season of depletion, my body is signaling it is trying to compensate. 

And I have been eating all the yogurt—what’s interesting is that when my energy started to balance out a bit, I never honestly get that rush of second trimester energy like some do, my yogurt cravings significantly decreased.

Cravings are signals!

• salty or snacky, junk food — need adrenal support and electrolytes
• sour or fermented food (pickles, sourdough) — the body is trying to release suppressed emotions, frustrations etc
• protein — need more protein as it is the building block for healing and building life (exactly what you are doing in pregnancy)
• chocolate — need magnesium, adrenal support and nervous system support (the body is attempting to calm frazzled nerves or emotions)
• carbs — carbs are the quickest energy source for the body and brain, under stress both acute and chronic, the body is searching for a quick fix to sustain life. Need mineral balance, rest and adrenal support.
• dairy — a comfort food often craved during times of stress or more energy expended, also to replenish calcium going to creating the baby, can also calm an upset stomach/heartburn

Take a HTMA test to really dive into your specific cravings, deficiencies and symptoms. YES you can feel great >

FAQs

1. What are Quinton Hypertonic deep sea mineral drops and how do they help during pregnancy?

Quinton Hypertonic deep sea mineral drops are highly concentrated mineral supplements that help with hydration and replenishing essential nutrients. They are especially helpful for those experiencing light-headedness or low blood pressure, which is common during pregnancy. Taking them daily can significantly reduce these symptoms and provide essential minerals for overall well-being.

2. How can acupuncture benefit me during pregnancy?

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that can improve digestion, energy levels, hydration, and reduce pregnancy-related nausea. It helps balance your body and mind, addressing both physical and emotional symptoms. For the blogger, acupuncture has been a game-changer in managing pregnancy-related discomforts and supporting overall wellness.

3. What role does Green Compass CBD play in pregnancy wellness?

Green Compass CBD is used to balance the nervous system, improve sleep, manage anxiety, and support hormonal balance during pregnancy. It has been particularly beneficial for reducing nausea and managing migraines. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding CBD to your routine, but it can be a helpful tool for many women navigating pregnancy challenges.

4. Why should I avoid plain water when feeling nauseous during pregnancy?

Plain water can sometimes be harsh on the stomach, especially during nausea. Instead, the blog suggests sipping on electrolyte-rich water, juice, or ginger ale to help soothe your stomach and keep you hydrated. Drinks like grape juice, Arnold Palmers, or even Superieur Strawberry Lemonade Electrolytes can be more gentle and nourishing when you’re feeling under the weather.

5. How can I interpret my pregnancy cravings?

Pregnancy cravings are often signals from your body, indicating specific nutritional needs. For example, craving yogurt may suggest your body is looking to support digestion, while cravings for salty snacks or chocolate could point to adrenal support or magnesium needs. Listening to your cravings and understanding their potential meanings can help guide you toward what your body truly needs. Get a cost-effective HTMA test to set your pregnancy and postpartum season up for success and pinpoint exactly what your body needs.