How has pregnancy changed your diet & exercise? 
I’ve always been an active person, so I tried my best to keep that going during my pregnancy. Admittedly, I’ve had to slow down more than I anticipated during my pregnancy, taking rest breaks and maybe not pushing myself as hard as I normally would. I am growing a human being, after all! I’ve become more methodical about the workouts I’m doing, making sure I’m walking every day, even if it’s only for 20 minutes, to keep my endurance up, and ramping up my Pilates because a strong pelvic floor and core are so vital during labor, delivery, and postpartum.

Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve done my best to maintain a well-balanced diet, knowing that my little girl is soaking up the nutrients that I’m consuming. I’m a firm believer of intuitive eating….eating when I’m hungry, allowing myself to have those occasional treats (hello Big Spoon!), never restricting….your body needs fuel in order to get through the day, pregnant or not! I’ve always been a lover of fruits and vegetables, but I do my best to consume lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains as well.

What part has been the most difficult and why?
‍The first trimester of my pregnancy was by far the hardest for me. I was tired all the time, but still had to muster up energy to teach 8-hour days starting at 6 a.m. in the morning. I would nap whenever and wherever I could. I was also really sick during my first trimester. Morning sickness is no joke! Ginger chews and pretzel thins were my go-to anti-nausea tricks to help ease my upset stomach.

Have you picked up any health habits that you’ll continue after the child comes?
Drinking more water! As an athlete, I’ve always known how important hydration is to replenish and help the body recover, but during pregnancy, it’s amazing how staying on top of your water consumption can help with the not-so-fun symptoms, like fatigue and Braxton Hicks.

What’s been a surprising element of being pregnant?
‍Being pregnant during a pandemic has been more challenging than I anticipated. During my first trimester, it was perfect because I was home more during those times that I needed more rest; I could socially distance with ease while I was still trying to disguise my growing bump. Though, as the pregnancy, and pandemic, have progressed, I have felt isolated at times…not being able to see friends or family during a very happy, yet emotionally and physically draining time. Not to mention some of the milestone moments, like the gender reveal ultrasound, where my husband couldn’t be in the same room as me during my appointment due to hospital policy. If I’ve learned nothing during this time, it’s been to roll with the punches and to expect the unexpected.