It’s the Year of the Cat and we’re having a girl! In Vietnamese culture, there is strong emphasis on the zodiac and the year you’re born. While Johnny and I believe each person will develop their own characteristics and strengths, it never hurts to have luck on your side! It’s N?m Quý Mão and quý translates to precious in English.

The moment we started telling anyone who is Vietnamese we were pregnant, they said they would pray for us to have a girl in this next year because everyone wants a precious girl. My Mom prayed every single day and while I always knew her love and appreciation for me was fierce, I was about nine weeks pregnant when she looked at me and said, “I hope you have a girl so she can love and take care of you the same way you do for me.”

As my second trimester is starting to come to an end, I’m very grateful I’ve had a relatively blissful pregnancy. Subtract the back, hip and tailbone pain and I have no complaints. I wanted to share a few things I’m doing to keep my body going, energy levels up and making the best of the second trimester.

Every pregnancy is different and at the beginning of my second trimester, I wasn’t feeling the “glow” and “energy” everyone was talking about. I was plagued with pain and fatigue. However, it faded and I’m so grateful!

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

I cannot recommend this enough. I’m not quite sure when this became the new “hot” thing, but a lot of doctors recommend it now. Plus, I believe it’s never too early to start in your pregnancy. I have a broken tailbone and as you know, the body is all connected. Seeing a good pelvic floor physical therapist will not only help you strengthen those pelvic floor muscles to best support you during pregnancy, but also prepare you for birth and postpartum.

I know every practice is run differently, but mine spends her time actually working on me in various ways and then gives me exercises to complete at home. As someone who has dealt with injuries before, I would recommend seeking out a pelvic floor PT and getting exercises from them versus using google or social media. You never know what exercises may actually do more harm than good.

Chiropractor

I’ve been seeing a chiropractor since I was 12 weeks pregnant and it’s made such a difference. I switch up when I go, but I’m currently 26 weeks pregnant and going every two weeks to help with my pain. It really is one of those “no pain, no gain” situations but I’m thankful my chiropractor can keep me mobile and living the life I want with a changing body.

Prenatal Massages

I get prenatal massages once a month and they are so worth it! I’ve used Zeel for years to schedule in-home (or anywhere really) massages. I really like how you can pick the time and all you need to provide are two sheets and a pillow case. If you’re pregnant and at home, have your pregnancy pillow ready because once you’re at a certain stage, you won’t be able to lay on your stomach anymore. I select prenatal and before the therapist gets started I tell her what I need. If you find a therapist you love, you can prioritize them and there’s a high chance if you book far enough in advance you’ll get them again! You can use this link to get $20 off your first massage!

Sweat Pregnancy Workout Program

Once I was cleared to workout by my OB and the pain subsided, I resumed the at-home workouts I started in the first trimester. I’ve been following Kayla Itsines’ workouts for years (2015 to be exact) and appreciate how they can be done in the comfort of your own home with minimal equipment. I set aside about 30 minutes a few times a week and knock it out. For me, my body feels so good when it’s moving and getting stronger.

Daily Smoothies

I swear by smoothies. Need to get your greens in? Drink a smoothie. Need to up your fruit intake? Drink a smoothie. Here are my two favorite recipes that taste great and are super easy to make!