As of this writing, I’m nearing the finish line on my third pregnancy, and have noticed some major differences on pregnancy with Trim Healthy Mama vs without Trim Healthy Mama.
I’d jumped ship so to speak on Trim Healthy Mama near the beginning of this pregnancy, and have learned quite a bit about how helpful THM can be (especially during pregnancy) along the way.
Since then I’m slowly working on going back to the THM lifestyle, but it’s a process… especially in a four generation household.
Disclaimer: every pregnancy is different, and there are some factors that could be caused my pregnancy itself rather than a lifestyle/nutrition change… this is just my own personal observations and what I’ve noticed.
Managing Blood Sugar
After having gestational diabetes with all three pregnancies, I can tell you that it is overall easier to manage your blood sugar on Trim Healthy Mama (a low glycemic lifestyle) than to count carbs or just try to wing it.
My first two pregnancies with gestational diabetes (following THM) were diet controlled, and I used a birthing center for both (up until labor for my first – transferred to a hospital due to high blood pressure).
This pregnancy (my third), NOT following Trim Healthy Mama has found me on not one but TWO types of blood sugar management – an oral route and insulin – while also needing to meet with a dietician and still battling high blood sugar throughout it all. I can NOT use a birthing center or midwife, in part due to needing blood sugar medication management.
They also have told me (after yet another special ultrasound to track growth and development) that my third baby is measuring bigger around the belly (disproportionate) around the belly vs everywhere else – a sign of my blood sugar issues affecting her growth.
Nausea and Energy
Nausea and energy might not sound much like a pair, but they are… because when I’m nauseous all the time I either feel drained of energy or don’t want to do anything because I feel so sick.
My first two babies – pregnancies with Trim Healthy Mama VS without like this pregnancy – I was only nauseous for the first trimester at worst, and it eased up and I was able to function. That has NOT happened this pregnancy. I’ve been nauseous the entire pregnancy, taking both over-the-counter AND prescription medication for nausea daily. When I trialed a pause on the nausea meds in the third trimester, I got so sick that I went back on them after only two days.
This pregnancy, even when I’m feeling fairly normal nausea-wise, I often have no energy and feel like I cannot properly function… NOT a good situation with two young boys running around!
I wrote Morning Sickness and Trim Healthy Mama during my first pregnancy, and even explained how nausea is a normal part of my life – but never did I expect this third pregnancy to be a constant barrage of sickness and rushing to grab a bucket or zip up bag (handy for in the car or traveling!).
Overall Pregnancy with Trim Healthy Mama VS Without
Overall, pregnancy with Trim Healthy Mama VS without has been a whole different ballgame. My first two (Trim Healthy Mama) pregnancies had less blood sugar issues, less nausea, and I struggled with physical exhaustion much less – even in the third trimester.
It doesn’t escape me that I now have TWO littles instead of none or one, but I am blessed to live in a four generation household with someone willing to help at nearly all times… it also doesn’t pass notice that I have been the LEAST functional this entire pregnancy vs my first two Trim Healthy Mama friendly pregnancies.
Although SOME factors could be related to each pregnancy being unique, I personally tend to believe that many of these issues stem from a SAD diet (standard American diet) vs a healthful one, and have found that the more I try to get back on plan this pregnancy, the better I’ve been feeling with energy and nausea both.
This pregnancy truly ended up being an unplanned nutrition experiment, and although there are some cons to following Trim Healthy Mama while pregnant – cravings, anyone? – overall it was NOT worth it to satisfy some cravings and abandon Trim Healthy Mama, even for a few months.
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
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