Ayurvedic Pregnancy over the age of 35
Conception journey
I will start by saying we have done nothing to stop a pregnancy in 4 years. I'm very aware of my cycle and was beginning to wonder if another baby was in the cards for us. I was open to adopting my husband wasn't. He was adopted himself so that was not an avenue we would explore. I also personally wasn't going to go through IVF so I knew if it was meant to be it would or it would not. We were going to officially try in 2020, but of course 2020 happened which left so many unknowns so that wasn't the timing for us.
Last year I gave away all of our baby gear. I assumed it wasn't in the cards, I'm getting older I was 37 when I gave things away accepting the fact we will have one kiddo, whom we adore. I than at the start of 2022 I really wanted to get serious and do the practices I teach, and emotionally felt a bit more ready to invite a new little one into our lives.
In March I started the Ayurvedic fertility process which is a 3-6 month process. I stopped drinking wine, I ate very healthy, eliminating processed foods, started to lift weights 4 days a week. My morning routine became dialed in and I felt like I was gaining my ojas back.
Full Moon Circle in May
Than come to a girls weekend away in which we rented a cabin in the woods to get away. The retreat site cooked our meals, we each planned a small portion to help us all relax, I decided I would do a full moon circle. At that circle I declared I was ready to invite another baby. I was nervous and scared but really felt ready. Fast forward 2 weeks I was pregnant. I couldn't believe it!
Switching Hospital to Birth Center
I went to one appointment at the hospital where I was supposed to have my son, because I love my OB/GYN.
The first appointment was with a midwife. At this hospital it rotates every other visit who you see. My first visit the new midwife I found was not listening to me. I said I would like to decline the genetic testing. Personally I've found there’s a ton of false positives I don’t want to have extra stress or worry, I will just wait until the 20 week ultrasound.
She ordered me a test anyway in case I would change my mind. I saw how this was going to be me voicing what I wanted and her doing what she wanted. I thought while I love my doctor I can push through her appointments but I found out my doctor had gone down to two days a week of working. It was going to be very difficult to get onto her schedule. I took that as a sign to explore other options and I found a birth center near my home, and switched there at the 10 week mark.
I have only really been to 3 doctor appointments thus far-8 weeks after my first ultrasound at the old hospital and 14 week and 20 week ultrasound at the birth center. I feel very comfortable at the new birth center and it really feels like the right place to be. Since I'm 38 they do monitor baby every week until they arrive starting at 36 weeks with either an ultrasound or fetal heart monitoring to verify baby is doing great and my placenta is still in good condition. If anything is off I cannot give birth there and will deliver at the hospital down the road.
Since my first birth with my son I delivered at a hospital I've never been to since mine was full and turned me away I feel comfortable with this as baby and my health is my number one priority.
Ayurvedic approach to this pregnancy
- Meditation in the first trimester
- Reading yoga/meditation/Ayurvedic texts in the first trimester during the middle of the day
- First trimester for me was all about grounding the vata dosha and building the kapha dosha
- 2nd trimester I'm able to workout a bit more intensely only to a light sweat per Ayurvedic suggestions
- Watch what I consume emotionally
- 5 Senses awareness
Fitness
The first trimester I really just taught my exercise & yoga classes. I would occasionally get one lifting session in besides all of the classes I was teaching a week.
Around week 16 I started lifting 2x a week and at week 20 I downloaded the app Expecting and Empowered and love it. I don't have to think about what to do, it's created by instructors I trust. I love that it creates exercises that will challenge you but also not with barbells. I will be doing 3x a week of lifting and walk daily plus teach 6-10 exercise & yoga classes a week. So plenty of movement is happening.
I plan to slow down again in the third trimester. I will stop teaching my senior & yoga classes in January so will just be focused on my own movement/walks/preparing to give birth techniques.
Nutrition
This pregnancy I've ate healthier than I did with my son. I craved a lot more food with him, Annies Mac & Cheese. Which of course is his favorite food. I also am taking a much better prenatal vitamin that I bought online from the advice of a dietitian vs the store bought brands that mostly have fillers in them. I'm taking Seeking Health brand in case anyone is curious or wants the name of a trust worthy brand. I'm also taking vitamin D at the advice of my midwife, fish oil & magnesium. The magnesium has almost completely stopped by nighttime charlie horses I was getting. So that one I've seen a noticeable difference from.
The first trimester I had no aversions to vegetables like I did with my son and craved zucchini and bok choy sauteed with mushrooms. Now I will say I am starting to crave Reeses peanut butter pumpkins and peanut butter captain crunch. So more the artificial peanut butter so am mindful about how often I purchase those items.
I've also been craving soup and my digestion is quite strong right now. So I'm not trying to rock the boat too much on what I'm doing there.
Conclusion
As I write this I'm 22 weeks pregnant and will give another update as I enter my third trimester to see how things are going and shifting. I will say as I'm writing this I do feel baby growing and belly getting bigger. Not uncomfortable yet but am feeling lots of sharp elbows or knees jamming into my sides. I also look forward to going to local Blooma yoga classes in the coming weeks as well for a little mama self-care time.
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