29 weeks: Ginger vs. Tums

How I am feeling:
29 weeks are here and I have officially graduated to the 3rd trimester! It seems like the first day of my 29th week the indigestion came. It's not all the time but just when I am lying down at the end of the day. I have come to learn this is a slight case of acid reflux--something I have never experienced! As soon as my body is in a parallel position it invites all of the acid juices in my stomach to travel up to my throat. I become nauseous and immediately spring out of bed which stops the sensation. So, night time becomes a dancing in and out of bed game. Up I go to use the restroom, down I go to sleep. Tossing back and forth from side to side so that one side of my body is numb from lack of circulation. And up again from the acid reflux. I've tried everything. And finally I found relief. I tried ginger candy which caught my mouth on fire and the bitter taste was something unbearable. I tried positioning 2 pillows under my head, 1 under my back, and straddling a Boppy pregnancy pillow. This had temporary relief--and it makes sense: if the head and throat are elevated there would be less likelihood that the acid could travel to the throat. However, I was still being awakened out of my sleep to the unpleasant sensation. But at least I don't actually vomit, one of my least favorite things haha. Next, I tried cutting out acid-based foods: tomatoes, citrus, chocolate, and coffee. Its tough because those are all things I love. I don't drink much coffee but tomatoes were especially a daily consumption. The avoidance of these foods seems to help a bit but not completely. So what I find that works now is tums before every meal, acid-food avoidance, and Yogi organic Ginger Tea before bed. I also am sure not to snack 2-3 hours before bedtime. I still seem to have mild discomfort but at least I get a few more hours of shut-eye than I did before.

Baby Bradley is very active! By 8am he is demanding breakfast, he seems to like yoga as he moves about during class, noon its time to eat again, and then dinner by 5pm..sounds like a schedule to me! :)

What I am up to:
I just starting taking a new yoga class that is offered on base. Overall its a great class: challenging let a good stretch. However, I was disturbed about some of the instructors recomended positions. For example, crunches on a balance ball. This motion just didn't feel right and I was always taught that any type of ab crunch while pregnant was NOT permitted. Also, several times during class we were on our backs which I opted not to do as well. Just a friendly reminder that weather you're pregnant or not (but esp if you are) pay attention to your own body and do what feels right for you and your baby. Challenging yourself is great but nothing should hurt! I plan on asking the instructor for a little clarification as to how these positions are beneficial.

Other than exercising I am getting plenty of activity in by walking the beach! Really started to notice a difference in my calves after just the first day! I also still enjoy cooking, baking, and of course eating! I'm especially enjoying all of the fresh seafood here in North Carolina. Just a word of caution though: it is recommended that a pregnant woman consumes about 4-5 oz. of fish per week because of the possible mercury content. I esepcially enjoy shrimp and salmon. Another food favorite for the past couple of months, and I guess you would say its turned into a craving: peas. Sometimes I crave them at the end of the night like a dessert. Peas are high in fiber so perhaps this is a way my body is telling me what I need.