Tag: prenatal health

Pregnancy

Glucose Test Part 2

by Rachel StoopsLeave a Comment on Glucose Test Part 2

After the dreaded call that I failed the one hour gestational diabetes test, I was determined to get part 2 over with as soon as possible. I was a little bit more nervous for this part, because it does involve fasting and drinking that sugary delight on an empty stomach. 😝

The call came in on Thursday afternoon, so I decided to go first thing Friday morning. The lab opened at 7:30 am, and I wanted to be there right around then. I walked into the hospital dawning my favorite mask, to a temperature check, which has now become the norm (thanks COVID!). There was already a short line forming at the lab door. I was one of those people. 😂

I got all checked in and was ready for my fasting blood draw – the first of four. The lab tech explained how the process would look for the three hours, and then we began. After the first blood draw, she gave me my drink to again sip down in 5 minutes or less. This time I was offered orange or fruit punch and went with orange. The drink for the longer test has even more sugar, so it tasted a bit thicker, but again, just like a flat orange soda. Not terrible.

I then headed out to the waiting room to start my first hour wait. The first hour was probably the hardest. I had moments of nausea and dizziness, but tried to focus my mind elsewhere. Wearing a mask didn’t help these feelings, making it a bit harder to breath, and I felt warm. Luckily it would only come and go, and eventually passed. I couldn’t help but think the worst: what if I vomit and void this whole test?!

I downloaded Netflix episodes onto my phone to keep me busy during my wait, and set my alarm for about 55 minutes, so I could head back in time for the next blood draw.

My alarm went off, and I was back for blood draw number 2! Back and forth I went for those three hours. After hour two the tech asked what I was planning for lunch afterwards. Must be a common topic among pregnant ladies during this test. 😂

Once my alarm went off for that third time, I was so happy to be finishing up! I’ve never wanted someone to draw my blood so badly. I survived!!!

I packed some snacks in the car, assuming I would be starving after this. Peanut butter crackers came in clutch. Normally I reward myself with Chick fil A after leaving the hospital because it is right across the street. But, in the event that I did indeed have gestational diabetes, I decided maybe I should go for something just a little bit healthier? Luckily there is also a Panera nearby, so I went with a salad.

Again, to my surprise, I felt pretty ‘normal’ after the test. No headache, and any dizziness had passed earlier on. I was able to have sips of water during my wait, so that helped with the dryness in my mouth. As soon as I left the lab, I chugged the rest of the bottle. I’m sure eating a nutritious meal immediately following also helped with avoiding any unpleasant feeling for the remainder of the day.

I did take it easy for a bit after lunch and snuggled with the dogs, but then did a solid prenatal workout later than afternoon!

I assumed because I took the test on a Friday that I would have to wait all the way until Monday to receive the results. How was I not going to think about this all weekend long? Luckily by mid-morning on Saturday, I had an email notification that new test results were in my portal. I have never been more nervous to click on test results in my life. 😂

I PASSED!!!!! All four draws were under where they needed to be, and I was so relieved.

It seems fairly common to fail that one hour test, so if I’ve learned anything, it’s not to freak out about that for next time. 😉

Laugh Often – Rachel

Pregnancy

Health & Fitness During Pregnancy

by Rachel StoopsLeave a Comment on Health & Fitness During Pregnancy

I’ve made it a goal to stay active during pregnancy. Being furloughed from work has certainly made it easier, having immense amounts of free time. I really don’t have an excuse to not do something active each day, but to be totally honest – it doesn’t happen every single day. And that’s okay.

I’ve been pretty consistent with 4-5 days per week of doing either a workout or a walk; sometimes both. There have been days that I haven’t wanted to get out of bed. It can be hard to be stuck inside, with seemingly no light at the end of this tunnel. But I’ve found that on the days I give in and lay in bed watching tv for half of the day, I stay in that slump and find it much harder to kick.

Waking up at a decent time, having a good breakfast, and getting a workout in early seems to make for the best of days. And then I have the rest of the day to do whatever I please!

YouTube has been a great source for finding fun workouts and has a plethora of options. It all started with wanting to keep my core tight, so I searched prenatal core workouts. I first found FIT by Larie and her 20 Minute Prenatal Core Workout. I loved this one because not only did she target the core (mostly obliques to make it safe), but she added in some bonus booty which I always appreciate! She also has some great HIIT workouts if you’re feeling up to it, or some lower impact options.

Shortly after I was searching prenatal workouts just to see what was out there and stumbled upon Body Fit by Amy. I instantly fell in love. 😂 She has so many workouts to choose from – many of her prenatal workouts are filmed while she is pregnant, so I always feel I can relate and keep up with her pace. She has some videos by trimester, and others are more general, but I can always find something fun to try! I almost have too many videos that I love to mention! A recent favorite was the Full Body Soup Can Workout – who knew soup cans could add so much of a challenge?! This is not prenatal specific, but she always makes sure to offer modifications to stay safe for all fitness levels. Prenatal Bodyweight Tabata was another one I really enjoyed – this format is great because it moves quickly and if one of the moves is hard, you know you’re almost done and won’t have to come back to it. 😂 A few other mentions that I find myself repeating are standing pilates, prenatal core, and cardio kickboxing. But check out her page because there are SO many great option, and plenty for non-pregnant mamas too! I hope to continue her workouts postpartum and beyond. She also has the best personality and positive attitude – you can’t leave her workouts unhappy!

A third favorite mention is GlowBodyPT. I started with her Prenatal Cardio Workout. It was hard. She goes pretty quickly and after I finished I remember telling myself I’d never do that again. 😂 A week or so later, I gave it another shot and found myself keeping up with her much better! I actually enjoyed it! So it’s been on repeat. It’s quick, but gets you moving. I also love her Low Impact Legs & Booty Workout – she has a handful of great thigh/booty workouts. I do like that she has videos targeting specific muscle groups/issues – such as your muffin top or saddlebags! Another favorite is the Prenatal Calf Shredder Workout. The first time I did this one I couldn’t walk for two days afterwards.  😂 Now I’m not so sore from it, but still feel a good burn.

Because many of these videos are quick, I tend to do about 4-5 for around an hour of a workout. I’ll usually start with one of the cardio options or tabata/hiit – something full body that really gets my heart rate up. These also tend to be on the longer side (sometimes). Then I’ll move to focusing on the core or booty, and the lower impact videos for some strength training. It’s worked really well and I always feel so accomplished afterwards! Not to mention it makes me want to eat healthier after my hard work!

workout
Featuring makeup-less Rachel 😂 26+ weeks

Our living room has turned into my mini home gym. 😂 We actually have quite a bit of workout equipment down in the basement and plenty of space, but I prefer to be on the main level with the bigger tv and some light of day coming in.

Laugh Often – Rachel