Fit By Sara: Second Trimester the “Feel Good Trimester”

There are plenty of good reasons to love the second trimester. With the second trimester, you’re over the hump of feeling “big” or “fat” and begin to look and feel pregnant. Everyone else starts to notice too. This trimester is also marked by an increase in libido which is great for connecting with your husband or partner. With Mother’s Day around the corner, there is a realization that you will soon join the ranks of other women honored for being mothers.

Here are 3 simple tips to make the most of your 2nd trimester:
1. Daydream. On Mother’s Day, take some time to fill your mind and soul with pleasant thoughts of being a new mom. You will soon hold your baby in your arms. Daydream about your little one growing up and drawing pictures for you or picking a flower and saying “Here mommy”, or best yet, “I love you mommy”. Take it all in, and celebrate that you are momma to be!

2. Relish the Libido. In the second trimester hormones are fired up and your sex drive typically increases. Take advantage of a higher sex drive and use this opportunity to connect with your husband/ partner physically and emotionally. Keep the lines of communication open by letting him know what feels good. Certain positions such as him on top will likely feel uncomfortable because of the pressure on your belly. However, you may be able to still make love on top, and if so both you and he will enjoy looking into each others eyes while he caresses your new full breasts.

Also try spooning with him behind you, and request that he kisses your neck and whispers in your ear. Try him behind you in doggie-style and have him stroke your back and touch your hair. Experiment with what feels right for both of you. Believe it and feel it…you are sexy, beautiful, and pregnant!

3. Fit in Some Fitness. As your belly grows you can and should exercise. Exercise will help boost your mood and help you body bounce back faster after your baby is born, plus it’s a great time to connect with your baby and yourself. Try the following exercises to keep your energy up and your body and mind in tip top shape.

Tone Your Buttocks: If you’re looking to firm your buttocks and thighs try walking intervals of slight inclines. Walking is something you will be able to do through most of your pregnancy, and with the added hills you get more toning results. Be sure to pace yourself. If you feel out of breath, take a break and drink some water.

Define Your Arms and Chest: Try wall pushups! Place your hands on a wall, chest level and shoulder width apart with your feet about 3 feet from the wall. Inhale: bend your elbows, bring your chest towards the wall, turn your head to the side then exhale and extend your arms straight. Work up to three sets of 10-15 reps. Take a “stretch break” in between each set. Clasp your hands behind your back and lift your arms up together at the same time. This will stretch out your chest and shoulders, while squeezing out any tension in your body.

Tone Your Thighs and Shoulders: The squat shoulder press will strengthen and tone your thighs while defining your shoulders. In a standing straddle with your feet slightly turned forward, and your back and head lifted, bend your knees to a “squat”. Next bring your arms up so they are parallel to the ground and bent in 90 degree angles. Inhale, then as you exhale extend your legs straight and press your arms straight up towards the sky. Repeat the squat shoulder press 10-20 reps. As you get stronger, you can add 1-3lb. hand weights.

Baby Break: Stop your movement, close your eyes and place your hands on your belly. Notice how your baby responds to your exercise. Do you think your movement woke your baby up? Or do you think your movement rocked your baby to sleep? Now breathe in a cleansing breath and tell yourself and your baby “by taking care of me, I’m taking care of you baby.”