How My Second Pregnancy Is Going: First Trimester Recap + FAQ
pregnancy Q&A, a recap of the first trimester, and things that got me through it!
It’s been about a week since we shared our exciting news, and I just want to say, thank you. I had a feeling this community would be supportive, but the outpouring of kind messages, comments, and DMs still completely blew me away. You’ve made this time feel even more special, and I don’t take that for granted.
Now that I’m just over 19 weeks and well into my second trimester, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the early days of this pregnancy. The first trimester can be such a wild mix of emotions… joy, discomfort, hope, uncertainty… and doing it while parenting a toddler adds a whole new layer. I received so many thoughtful questions this time around that I wanted to answer here, along with a few things that helped me feel more comfortable and supported during those early weeks.
Before I dive in, I want to acknowledge something important:
As I shared on stories the day after my announcement, I hold deep compassion for anyone who is navigating the journey to grow their family. My sincerest thoughts and hopefulness are with you. I never want our highs to diminish anyone else’s hope or experience. Your story matters, too.
Over the past year, I’ve walked closely with dear friends facing infertility, pregnancy losses, and unimaginable heartbreak, including the devastating loss of one of my best friends and her baby at full term. These experiences have left me profoundly tender-hearted and acutely aware of how layered and emotional this space can be. I often remind myself: there is no finite number of babies in the universe. Someone else’s pregnancy does not take away the possibility of your own.
So with that in mind, this post is shared with sensitivity, care, and hope. Whether you’re in the thick of early pregnancy, preparing for it, supporting someone who is, or walking your own unique path, I hope this brings you a bit of comfort, companionship, or simply a reminder that you’re not alone.
here’s a glimpse into how the first trimester looked like for me:
I went into this pregnancy cautiously optimistic… fully aware of how sick I was the first time around, but armed with an arsenal of tips, tricks, and items that helped me survive the first trimester last time (you can find that list here). Naturally, most of them didn’t work this time around. It’s truly wild how pregnancies can feel so similar… yet entirely different.
This time, the nausea hit hard and early, and stuck around most of the day. I have had intense aversions to food and smells from the start, and I still do, honestly. But the biggest difference? You can’t just rest when you want to rest when there’s a busy toddler running around. We both work from home, so we did our best to manage the juggle. There were many nights I put myself to bed by 5 PM, and BK graciously handled the evening routine.
Something I wasn’t prepared for (something no one really warned me about) was just how much I should’ve cherished the downtime during my first pregnancy. (Not to scare anyone, truly.) But it’s funny how your perspective shifts. It’s all hard, honestly. First pregnancy, second, third, fourth… It’s just hard in different ways. And even with the flexibility I’m lucky to have in my schedule, this round has felt more physically and mentally demanding.
Still, we made it through the first trimester… and if you’re in the thick of it, I promise: you will too.
Pregnancy Q&A
Your #1 Most asked question: Are you going to find out the sex of the baby, or wait and be surprised?
Yes! We did the early blood test and genetic testing around 10 weeks, but I prefer to wait to share publicly until after the anatomy scan, just to be extra sure. I’ll be sure to share soon (any guesses?!). As soon as we got the results from the blood test, I had a dream that we found out via cupcakes… so naturally, I rush-ordered cupcakes with the color inside to share the news with our family and friends.
How did you know you were ready for another child?
Truthfully? I don’t know if anyone is ever fully ready. But something I kept hearing in my DMs really stuck with me, and I couldn’t agree more: “Ready is a choice, not a feeling.” Two children were always our hope, since Brian and I are both the eldest siblings of two, so we leaned into that and trusted the timing. Some days the idea felt exciting, some days it felt terrifying (still does, honestly). But ultimately, we chose to move forward with open hearts, even if we didn’t feel 100% “prepared.”
What Will The Age Gap Be?
Just shy of three years, 33 months to be exact! I’ve heard from so many of you who are on a similar timeline, which is SO fun and honestly makes me feel even more connected to this phase.
Because of that, I decided to start a dedicated pregnancy/motherhood IG channel to share more behind-the-scenes updates, thoughts, and tips along the way. It’s open to anyone, but especially if you’re currently expecting or parenting little ones close in age, I’d love for you to join!
Were you trying? I’m struggling with second infertility here.
First, I just want to say, I’m really sorry, and I’m sending so much love your way. If you’re walking through this right now, please know that I see you and I’m holding space for you.
Yes, we were trying. I mentioned this briefly in my last first-trimester post, but I want to expand on it here with care. When I was in the thick of my own TTC (trying to conceive) journey, I would read every blog, forum, and comment section I could find… searching for stories, timelines, anything that might give me hope. And truthfully, no matter what I read, it rarely made me feel better.
Because of that, I’ve chosen not to go into the specifics of how long it took us. I say this with deep respect: I never want to contribute to the comparison game or unintentionally make anyone feel behind or less than. Everyone’s journey is different, and this one is so deeply personal.
That said, I do want to share something that might be helpful. After everything that happened with my friend Kelly, I felt this strong pull to be more proactive this time around. Things weren’t happening as quickly as I had hoped, so I reached out to a fertility center and began the process of getting support. In what felt like a wild twist of timing, I actually found out I was pregnant during the two-week window before I was supposed to start bloodwork with them.
Because I was already in their system, they took me on as a patient right away, monitored me very closely, and prescribed a few medications for conditions that my regular OB likely would’ve missed. I’m endlessly grateful for that early care. If there’s one thing I’ve learned through both of my pregnancies and postpartum journeys, it’s this: you are your best advocate. You know your body better than anyone else. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to speak up, seek a second opinion, or explore other paths. You deserve to feel supported and heard.
How are you feeling, and how are you handling your body changes this time around?
Thanks for asking! I’m feeling… okay. Definitely emotional… there’s a part of me that’s trying so hard to make this pregnancy feel as smooth and supported as possible, but I’m really just taking it one day at a time.
Body-wise, it’s been a bit of a mental journey. Over the last three years, my body has been through so many phases… pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, healing… so this time, I honestly wasn’t sure if I was “showing” or just carrying the softness that never really left. (And I say that with love.)
I’m doing my best to stay active: I go to Pilates twice a week and usually walk 2+ miles a day, but I’ll be honest… I’m tired. Like deep-in-my-bones tired most days. So I’m learning to give myself more grace and lean into rest when I need it. It’s not about bouncing back or pushing through, it’s about listening to what this version of my body needs right now.
When did you start to need new clothes/bras? I’m a couple of weeks BEHIND YOU and need some bump style inspo!
First off… congrats! This is such an exciting (and often confusing) stage when your body is changing quickly, but it doesn’t always look like it yet. You’re definitely not alone in wondering what to wear.
If you’ve been pregnant before, you probably know the game: wear your regular clothes until you can’t button your jeans anymore, then switch to maternity wear. But please don’t wait that long when it comes to your bras. Most breast changes happen in the first trimester, and you’ll be much more comfortable if you refit early.
As I mentioned in my maternity and nursing bra guide, the general guidance is to go up one band size and two cup sizes during pregnancy. I also recommend picking up a few comfy bralettes or wire-free styles for sleeping and lounging. I’ve been loving sheer bralette (use code CARALYNFS15) and this wire-free bra. I also have a full roundup of my favorite wire-free bras right here, many of which I’ve worn through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
as for clothes…
I actually went over four months sharing my daily outfits without most people realizing I was pregnant, so I can confidently say that a lot of your existing wardrobe can work for longer than you might expect. I only needed to buy a few basics:
Stretchy leggings/pants: I really love these for an updated pair, but have also been wearing these for workouts or casual days, and these (that I dusted off from my first pregnancy) when I want a non-athletic looking pair! I recently splurged on this pair of kick flare pants, which I cannot wait to style! Spanx pull-on pants have surprisingly worked really well for me, too, despite them not being maternity!
Layering tees/tanks: A little pro-tip is that you can purchase “long-torso” options if you’re resisting maternity, but I would confidently say that these are my favorite maternity basics! If you’re looking for more plus-size friendly styles, I also really love these and these (which come in long).
Supportive bras and undergarments (the biggest game-changer!): I recently wrote a post about my most-worn styles and why, so be sure to check that out! I’ll be doing a more pregnancy-focused one again soon.
I’ve found myself leaning into stretchy, body-hugging silhouettes that I never gravitated toward before… bodycon dresses, ribbed knits, etc. Embracing the bump can feel really empowering once you’re ready! You might even surprise yourself with how your style evolves. See my “bump style” tips and favorites with my first pregnancy here!
You can check out all of my recent outfits from the last few months here, most of which are bump-friendly and can be easily adapted depending on where you are in your pregnancy.
Any cravings or aversions surrounding food?
As someone who loves food, this has been one of the hardest parts, just like it was during my first pregnancy. My friends and family have genuinely asked, “Are you okay?” because I’ve had zero interest in food. Not even pizza excites me anymore… which feels extra tragic considering BK just invested in a pizza oven and all the accessories. Timing, right?
This time around, my MVPs were sesame bagels with extra plain cream cheese and lemonade or orange juice with ice, the only consistent combo that actually sounded appealing. When I could stomach it, I’d also choke down these protein shakes just to get something substantial in my system. It wasn’t glamorous, but it helped.
any tricks to combat nausea?
Definitely check in with your doctor before trying anything new, but here’s what helped me (even if just a little!):
I added crystallized lemon to my water throughout the day, it gave it a little extra kick and helped ease the queasiness.
I also used aromatherapy sticks (those little inhaler-style tubes) that helped distract me from the waves of nausea.
My doctor recommended Unisom and B6, which I still take regularly, and also suggested I limit dairy in the afternoon and evenings, surprisingly, that made a noticeable difference.
If you can find it, Vernors Ginger Soda is elite. It’s the most “ginger-y” of them all and became a go-to for me.
On a more emotional note: being nauseous just makes me cry. Maybe it’s the feeling of helplessness or knowing that throwing up might be around the corner. So any kind of distraction… lying down, deep breaths, and yes, avoiding getting body-slammed by a toddler, was essential. It’s a tough symptom to manage, but I promise you’re not alone. Even small comforts help.
Are there any apps you use to track baby, symptoms, etc.?
I like a little variety, so I’ve been using a mix of Flo, What to Expect, and Ovia. They’re all great in different ways, and I enjoy checking in weekly for the updates and size comparisons.
I’m definitely not tracking symptoms as closely this time around (second pregnancy energy) but I still like popping into the apps to see how baby is growing. Ovia is a favorite for the fun size comparisons (it currently compares your baby to French pastries and other random items, which I love sending to my family for laughs). It adds a little joy to the journey each week!
now onto some of my tried and true favorites…
first-trimester must-haves
(Round two)
Every pregnancy feels different, and this time around, I found myself reaching for some tried-and-true favorites and discovering a few new essentials that helped me feel a little more like myself through those early weeks. Here’s what’s been in heavy rotation during this first trimester:
Stanley Tumbler - I switched back from my Brümate, and honestly, there’s just no beating the Stanley. Between the handle, straw, and the fact that it fits in my car cup holder, it keeps me hydrated and helps me actually track how much water I’m drinking. Pro tip: When plain water didn’t sound appealing, adding flavor with these electrolyte packets or crystallized lemon and lime made all the difference.
CRZ Yoga Leggings - An absolute lifesaver for comfort and support. They’re soft, stretchy, not see-through, and just the lightest amount of compression. I wore the regular pair early on, but glad to know they carry plus-size and maternity versions as my bump continues to grow.
Mesh Bra - Lightweight, breathable, and wire-free, basically everything I want in a bra right now. I’ve been wearing this one nonstop at night. Use code CARALYNFS15 to save!
Defy Bra - Still one of my all-time faves. It’s soft, stretchy, smoothing, and supportive enough for daily wear, even as my body keeps shifting. See more of my favorite wire-free bras here.
Nerina Bra - This one has a beautiful stretch lace top and is super practical. Paired with bra extenders, it’s perfect for that in-between stage when your ribcage is growing but you’re not quite ready to size up.
Cakes Nipple Covers - A must-have for wire-free and unpadded bras, gives just enough coverage when you want a little extra modesty without poking any eyes out. Use code CARALYNM at checkout.
Chantelle Brief - So soft, seamless, and stretchy. I restocked this pregnancy because they’re the kind of underwear you literally forget you’re wearing. See more panty solutions here.
Non Compressive Fit-to-You Shorts & High Compression shapewear Shorts - These have been clutch for layering under dresses and feeling a bit more put together, without sacrificing comfort. These honestly feel like air. No compression, just light smoothing and a stretch that adapts with your body as it changes. I’ve worn these the most under dresses and days when I want zero restriction. These ones offer more compression and support, great for moments when I wanted a bit more shaping or was trying to keep the bump under wraps earlier on. Two totally different vibes, but both have a spot in my rotation. Use CARALYN15 at Spanx!
Bio-Oil Lotion - I started using this early on to help keep my skin hydrated and prevent stretch marks. It’s lightweight, absorbs fast, and leaves my belly and chest feeling moisturized without being greasy.
Disposable Puke Bags - Not glamorous, but truly essential. Keeping a stash in the car and by the bed helped so much during the morning sickness stretch. A must for those unpredictable moments.
Ritual Prenatal Vitamins - Still my go-to prenatal. They’re gentle on my stomach, made with clean ingredients, and the lemony flavor makes them easier to take, especially on those queasy days.
Babe Lip Mask - Pregnancy = dry lips. This is my nighttime essential. It’s super hydrating without being sticky, and I wake up with smooth, soft lips every morning. For more skincare favorites, see my pregnancy-safe skincare from my first pregnancy and my current skincare favorites (published pre-pregnancy).
Whew… That Was a Long One!
If you’re still with me, thank you for sticking around and being a part of this journey. It means more than you know to be able to share these little (and big) moments with you. Whether you’re here for the baby updates, the bump-friendly outfit inspo, or just cheering from the sidelines, I’m so glad you’re here. More to come soon!
xx,
CMK
Photo at the top by Margo Burgio