Vegan Pregnancy: Third Trimester — A Case For Plant Based
I cannot believe it’s the third trimester already! (Ok, truth be told, sometimes it’s flown by; other times it feels like time is dragging on). I have been sharing with you my journey and my experiences, as well as things that I have learned while navigating a vegan pregnancy. And now, it’s hard to believe it’s almost time to start navigating raising a vegan baby!
Symptoms
For the most part, pregnancy side effects that plagued my first and second trimesters have subsided. But in their place, a whole new lot of pregnancy symptoms have presented themselves!
Pregnancy is the gift that keeps on giving-in good ways and in not so good ways! In the third trimester, your body is physically changing more rapidly than you can even comprehend. And in response to the extreme hormonal changes, my body is “on the struggle bus.” 🤣
The best products I have found for my skin are Earth Mama Organics. In the third trimester, I have especially been using Earth Mama vegan belly butter on a daily basis. It provides so much relief and has been amazing for all of my skin.
Vegan eating
Most days, I am able to eat much healthier than I was able to in my first and second trimesters. However, I am able to eat far less in one sitting. Baby is growing so fast that small frequent meals are no longer a suggestion, they are a necessity! Plus, add to that constant heartburn and acid reflux, and small meals are essential.
I still don’t have any real cravings. Raw baby carrots sound good most days, but that’s about it. 🤷♀️
Taking care of yourself
Rest and preparing yourself both physically and mentally for a newborn are essential in the third trimester.
I am trying to be intentional about taking care of my wellbeing while still accomplishing the never ending tasks before baby arrives.
Preparation
Spending time with the hubs and pups is especially important to me the closer we get to delivery.
I have been preparing vegan freezer meals for after baby arrives. (Come back in 2 weeks to learn more!)
If you follow a vegan or specific diet, contact the hospital where you will be delivering and notify them of your dietary requirements.
Complete all of the delivery, baby care, breastfeeding, and CPR and first aid classes during this time. Take a tour of the labor and delivery hospital.
Have your baby showers, whether together or virtual. (These are certainly unprecedented times we are still in!)
We have chosen to hire a doula, and she has been absolutely amazing to work with! Especially for our first delivery, both my husband and I are looking forward to the added support before, during, and after birth.
Choose your baby’s pediatrician. I have done lots of research, and we will be using a pediatrician who is educated in and supportive of raising vegan children.
And finally, make sure your newborn has a safe place to sleep and food to eat (whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula). Other than that, everything else will fall into place. Don’t stress about having the perfectly decorated nursery or making sure every single task is complete before you bring baby home. More than likely, your list will never be finished. A safe, healthy, and loving environment is what your baby needs most. ❤️
We’re in the homestretch!
Ok y’all, baby is coming so soon! I need all the advice and recommendations I can get!
Birthing advice?
First time mom advice?
Vegan baby products you recommend?
Products for new mamas, breastfeeding, etc.?
Advice for my husband (who is not a baby person! He does much better with toddlers and older kiddos.)
Advice for acclimating the dogs with a new baby?
Thank you in advance! 🥰
For even more on a vegan pregnancy, be sure to check out:
Note: While I am an Earth Mama affiliate, I fully stand behind all products I endorse. I only promote products that I myself use on a regular basis- and love. By clicking on affiliate links, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links .
Originally published at https://acaseforplantbased.com on January 28, 2022.