Maternity Style 2.0 – second & third trimester

Hi everyone, today I’m sharing a quick update on how I’ve added to my wardrobe over the past few months. The last time I wrote a similar post I was 16 weeks pregnant and in that difficult ‘is-she, isn’t-she?’ stage. You can read that post here.

My staples consist of a few basics like some much-loved jeans from H&M that I wear probably 4/7 days a week *yikes* The ones I prefer are a skinny, jegging type, over the bump cut. The only criticism I have is that they are a little long for my stumpy legs.

Another gem from H&M (see what I did there?) is a 3/4 length sleeve plain top from their ‘Conscious Collection’ I have this in navy/white stripe and dark purple. This range is 91% organic cotton and so incredibly comfortable. They wash really well, to the point that they still look new despite being worn to death!

 

I’m still finding that I can wear the majority of  my ‘old’ wardrobe. As I mentioned before most skirts and dresses that are skater style will fit for a good while, possibly your whole pregnancy though they may get a bit short! I’m also still using the trick of having blouses unbuttoned under a fine knit jumper.

I’m also wearing a lot of the tops I used to but with a longer strappy top underneath so as not to flash any flesh. Jackets and accessories have also stood the test of time.

A lot of maternity clothes in places like Mothercare, JoJo Maman Bebe etc are extremely expensive so my advice is to make sure to try everything on and try to buy stuff you would wear anyway. That way you’ll feel happier and more comfortable as you won’t be changing into some kind of odd mummy-hybrid of your former self and so you’ll get the most out of pricier purchases.

My current struggle is with footwear. Finding shoes that are comfortable and stylish can be a bit difficult with swollen ankles. One thing I’ve done personally is embraced the trend for trainers with dresses. Not for everyone I know but I think it looks vaguely okay and it feels great!

One thing I’ve sadly noticed whilst writing this is that I have virtually no pictures of myself. Not that I have model ambition but I think it’s a bit sad that I haven’t documented my pregnancy with a new more snaps other than selfies. I will have to try to sort that out asap. Here are the few I could find!

My next step along the road of maternity fashion is buying a few pieces that will transition into the postpartum period. For example I need a few nursing tops and I fancy treating myself to a summer dress and a few tops that will hide the pooch and make me feel a bit better about my post baby state. I’m sure I’ll blabber on about that when the time comes. Tick tock.

xo

32 Week Update

Hello :) When this baby is born i’m going to bite it right on the butt. Yes, you read that correctly. I am going to bite my infant directly on the bum with my adult human teeth.

My main motivation for this is revenge. For the last few weeks I’ve had a pinched nerve in my right ass cheek that makes me hobble, trip over and wince like there is a bat up my rectum, usually with no warning. Don’t judge me.

So today I am 32+2 and firmly established in the third AND FINAL trimester. I know everyone says this but I really can’t believe I’ve made it this far! Where has the time gone? etc etc. I saw the midwife at 22 and 30 weeks and baby is happy according to her! All my bloods are coming back fine so that’s a relief. She did say that baby is measuring on the bigger side but not ‘officially big’ I also got another rap on the knuckles for being a bit dehydrated. oops.

I have another appointment in a week or so and i’ll let you know if fatty has slowed his/her growth spurt or not.

Symptoms?

Aside from the electric shocks in the bum and leg I am still doing fine. A little tired and puffy after a long day but nothing much of note. Heartburn persists but I’ve learnt to put up with it.

Stretch marks?

Still none.

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

Cravings?

Nothing in particular. I tend to be leaning more towards savory foods these days and I’m less picky and indecisive.

Happy or moody?

I’m feeling totally fab, really honestly couldn’t be happier. Sorry!

What’s New?

I’m pretty sure I could poo on demand. If a stool sample is required without notice I don’t imagine i’ll have any problem producing the goods. Not sure if this is a third trimester thing or I’m just eating lots… I’ve also started having braxton hicks. Usually a few times a day and not painful at all, just unusual.

If you’d like to read the rest of my pregnancy updates – click here!

Til next time! x

16 Week Update – Second Trimester

Howdy! Today I am 16+4 and it’s time to check in with you all.

Your baby is now around 10cm long from crown to rump, about the size of an avocado, and weighs about 100g. In the next three weeks she’ll go through a tremendous growth spurt, doubling her weight and adding centimetres to her length. Now that their backbone has become stronger your baby will start to straighten out their head and neck more. Tiny bones in your fetus’s ears are in place, making it likely that the baby can hear your voice when you’re speaking at 16 weeks pregnant.

Symptoms? I’m finally starting to get more energy! Don’t get me wrong I’m tired all the time but I can stay up past 10 again (: This is definitely making life easier as I can spend more time with Matt and fit in all the fun stuff I was giving up to do work, chores and sleep. Stretch marks? Still none. Cravings? Nothing in particular, just all the foods. Happy or moody? Feeling on a more even keel now, which is nice. Still easily upset but able to keep my emotions in check more. This week it’s been extremely cold in Edinburgh, today we even had a bit of snow. I’m almost finished my Christmas shopping but having a few issues with some things that arrived damaged and need to be returned. Grr. Another point of note this week is something that, unfortunately, I can’t go into a lot of detail regarding. Without being overly secretive I’m having some problems in work regarding annual and maternity leave, I’m in the process of getting some legal advice and hopefully things will be resolved soon as it’s extremely stressful.

Snowy Scenes

I also had the great excitement of having a Christmas present from my Mum arrive this week! She’s sent us a Breville Halo airfryer <3 i’m super excited to use it to make dinner. It will shave a tonne of time off making healthy chips at home. Keep your eyes peeled for some delicious dinner posts coming. Maybe i’ll do a week in the life of my belly and show you all the dinners I make next week… hmm. This weekend we’re going to a nearby city (Glasgow) to do some shopping and see a concert. We’ll also be staying the night – fingers crossed our hotel room is lovely. Hope you’re all doing well and having a good week so far. If not, don’t worry, it’s nearly over!! xo

If you’d like to read the rest of my pregnancy updates – click here!

A Pregnant TwentySomethings Christmas Wish List

Well hello there you lovely thing!

Today I am feeling rather poorly. I’m not sure if I’m coming down with something or I’m just over-tired, time will tell. The last few weeks I have had family asking me what I’d like for christmas this year and I’ve found it a little difficult to steer them in the right direction.

The usual things people would buy me include clothes, vouchers for shops or restaurants and alcohol. Most of those are kind of redundant this year due to the fact that I’m pregnant. Not that I’ve sworn of fashion and meals out but it’s harder to please a hippo than a normal Hana. Also, as Matt and I have been living in Edinburgh for a few years now we really have all our house bits and don’t need much in that department.

Here’s the scoop on what’s top of my santa list…

All of the food, all of the time!

I’d also like a few pampery bits. Basically anything from Soap & Glory and some nice nail polish. I have actually asked my Mum for an airfryer/actifry/health grill so that I can make delicious chips healthily in half the time. I already make them once a month or so (the healthy way) from scratch in my oven but it takes a lot of time and attention. I’m also hoping to use it to try some new chicken drumstick recipes and make Matt some nice hot wings. I have a feeling that between it and the slow cooker our poor oven will be redundant!

This Christmas I’ve treated my pregnant self to some non alcoholic mulled wine <3 *mmm I can smell it already* and I’ve recently picked up some new underwear for my rapidly expanding chest which feels great! I look and feel a lot better thanks to this german engineering that’s currently strapped to me.

Above all I’m really looking forward to a cosy relaxed Christmas season spent in Edinburgh with Matt & friends. We’ll be skyping with family on Christmas day and visiting Ireland in January.

What’s on your wish list this year?

xo

Maternity Style – First & Second Trimester Awkwardness

Hi Everyone,

Today I’m sharing some maternity style tips I’ve picked up – mostly through learning the hard way! It’s pretty easy to go on any website or into a shop and see tonnes of gorgeous outfits for a full bump but during that doughy first and early second trimester these items just don’t have the same effect.

I started having to use a hairtie to expand my skinny jeans around 10 weeks, at this point I also bought some cosy winter leggings that are very forgiving. I decided to pack away some of my tighter dresses and tops to be brought back when I have a gloriously full bump to flaunt. I’m certainly not about hiding away and concealing your figure but in the early days you often just look like you have a bit of a food baby going on. Raging hormones are enough to contend with nevermind feeling like a sausage that doesn’t fit in its skin every time you pass a mirrored surface.

Now that I’m almost 16 weeks along I’m making a few new purchases and finding ways to repurpose items I already have and love. My first brain wave came when I was in despair at not being able to wear any of my cute shirts and blouses anymore.

My solution is to wear a nice fine-knit jumper with a round or v-neck over the top and simply leave the last few buttons open. You can still show off your cute collared shirt and no-one would know that you’re busting out of it. This is an inexpensive way to keep your style going throughout the first and second trimester. You probably already own a lot of these kinds of items.

The second thing I did was purchase some maternity jeans. Whilst I don’t have a big round bump to fill out the stretchy band they are really comfortable and two of the pairs I own stay up without a belt. I highly recommend purchasing from asos.com or h&m as they seem to make maternity versions of whats currently in style as opposed to the boring plain ‘mom-wear’ that isn’t always to your taste. I think it’s really important to find a way to keep your look or style as it helps to avoid that frumpy feeling. I personally prefer the full over bump style of jean as I feel warmer and more secure but it’s down to personal preference.

I also found that I’m able to keep wearing the majority of my dresses which is great. Anything with a skater skirt, empire waist or that is fit and flare should last into your second trimester. I plan to switch tights for leggings when my dresses start to get a bit short thanks to an expanding bump.

Something I have considered getting is a pack of maternity staples. You can get these in a lot of places and they usually include longer vest tops, bump bands, leggings and camisoles. The tops in particular are great to wear under something you already own for a big more coverage between your existing t-shirts and your jeans. The pack below is from NewLook.

Once my bump is fuller I’m really looking forward to wearing more cute figure-hugging dresses and just normal things like fitted shirts to show off my growing baby.

Above all I think they key is to find comfort that retains your personal style and not to be afraid to embrace your new shape.