Third Trimester Pregnancy Recap

Dress: ASOS (35% off!)

As I’m nearing the end of my pregnancy #38weekspregnant there’s so many emotions that are going through my mind. The third trimester is between weeks 28 and 40 (i.e. months 7-9). It’s so crazy to think that it’s been an entire 9 months and time has certainly flown by. I’m excited to meet this baby whose been kicking me everyday (I’ll miss those sweet kicks!), a little sad because I will honestly miss having this bump #stylethebump and nerves (also exciting at the same time) of how Labor & Delivery will go, postpartum and life with baby.

Below are my other pregnancy posts in case you want to catch up!

• Pregnancy Announcement

• Virtual Baby Shower

• Baby Shower at the Moshulu in Philadelphia, PA

• First & Second Trimester Recap

• Hospital Bag Packing List

Here are some questions I received during the last few weeks:

How are you feeling? Like I said above there’s a mix of emotions. Physically I feel great and I think because its been a combination of having a positive outlook throughout my entire pregnancy as well as staying physically active. I aim to get 30 minutes of exercise per day. Lately as my due date is approaching, we’ve amped it up with walking 2 miles each morning (which ends up being 30 minutes) and then in the evenings I’ll do various exercises on my exercise ball.

What have you done to prep for baby? It’s been a slow and steady prep I would say over the last few months. My husband and I both work full time and in the evenings we usually cook dinner together, I work on my blog and we catch up on tv so we mostly do projects over the weekends. Some of the things we have done are:

• Nursery (Not 100% done yet - there’s some decor items I still need to get but the main items are finished)

• Got our bedroom ready with the halo bassinet, changing area, etc.

• Installed the car seat

• Found a pediatrician

• Took classes such as childbirth and breastfeeding classes through our hospital

• Had a baby shower

• Packed our hospital bags (myself, husband and baby)

• Stocked up on food and snacks

Are you in “nesting” mode? I thought at #38weekspregnant I would have been in full on nesting mode but sitting around and doing nothing for more than a day drives me crazy! I’ve been keeping busy with my full time job, blogging and getting things around the house ready. I’m also not one to take naps - I can count the number of naps I’ve taken this whole entire year on one hand.

How has it been being pregnant during the pandemic? It’s been an interesting journey to say the least, not only is this our first baby but on top of that, going through it during the pandemic has been quite the experience. The worst thing I would have to say is that my husband is not allowed to come to appointments with me - so think of that first appointment you ever had and hearing the heartbeat, the 20 week anatomy scan, growth scan, etc. there’s so many missed moments. Luckily our hospital allows us to have one support person with us during our stay (however no visitors permitted). You also have to wear a mask during your entire time at the hospital - can you imagine delivering a baby with a mask on?

Have you experienced any annoying or bothersome symptoms in your third trimester? I didn’t experience any Braxton Hicks contractions as others do but I did experience the occasional nosebleed. We did get a humidifier for our bedroom which has helped SO much. Luckily I haven’t experienced much swelling and my feet are still the same size (LoL). I would say that for swelling keeping up with your water intake is super important to keep swelling down.

I remember you taking a poll on Instagram on how to flip baby.. What advice did you receive and did it work? From weeks 32-35 baby was in a transverse lie position (only 1 in 400 babies end up that way) and a few people recommended checking out Spinningbabies.com which has exercises that can help flip baby and get them in the head down position. Well after a week of doing exercises constantly daily the ultrasound at the 36 week appointment showed baby was head down! I was so glad if not then the recommendation was to do an EVC (external cephalic version) which I heard is painful and then if that doesn’t work then a C-Section is the way to go.

Are you nervous for Labor & Delivery? I would be lying if I said I wasn’t - but women have been having babies forever and our bodies are made to do this! I have an amazing husband and family - my support team. I also know I’ll be in good hands at the our hospital as I've heard amazing things. Everyones experience is so different so I try not to dwell much on it.

Are you taking maternity leave? Yes, I will be taking the traditional maternity leave from my full time job but will keep up with blogging on the side.

Have you gave any thought to postpartum? If so, what have you done? Yes! I’m so glad we live in a world where things are easily accessible and there are so many blogs out there to do research as well as advice from family and friends. I know that the hospital will provide alot of the items after labor & delivery but some things I have bought myself to have at home which I have heard are great are: Frida Mom postpartum kit, Frida Mom peri bottle, Frida Mom Sitz Bath, Earth Mamma products, Always Overnight Pads, Always Discreet underwear, Nursing Tanks, Nursing Bras and Nursing Pads.

Looking back on your pregnancy is there anything different you would have done? I honestly have to say there isn’t. I am happy that I kept an active lifestyle and I feel as though I did the best that I could do. Looking back on my journey pregnancy isn’t scary and it’s a beautiful experience. I’m so blessed to carry this sweet boy.

Thank you all for your sweet and kind messages throughout my journey!

Holiday Photo Outfit Inspiration

Sweater Dress: ASOS / Heels: Sam Edelman
Purse: Chanel

Wondering what to wear for holiday photos? You’ve come to the right place! A few years ago we started the tradition of taking photos for our holiday cards. The holidays are the perfect time to wear that sequin, sparkly dress or go plain with a bold color such as this beautiful red dress. Last year I opted for a plaid dress which incorporated both red and green (blog post HERE). As I’m in my final weeks pregnancy this year I opted for this green maternity midi sweater dress and love how it fit! These were taken on one of my favorite streets in Philadelphia, 1700 Block of Addison street as its trees stay strewn in white lights all year long!

I linked some of my favorite holiday dress picks below!

My Hospital Bag Packing List

Pajama set: PinkBlush (c/o)
Luggage Bag: Away / Tote: Longchamp / Packing Cubes: Amazon
Nursery Items: Glider: DaVinci Glider / Crib: Babyletto / Mattress: Newton / Crib Sheet: Pottery Barn / Elephant Photos: Etsy - VTDesigns

By popular demand today I’m sharing what I packed in my hospital bag! I never realized how important it is to pack a hospital bag I honestly never gave it much thought but these days it’s been all that I can think about! It’s recommended that you have your bags packed by 36 weeks in case baby comes early (and even earlier in other circumstances) and of course I procrastinated and packed it at 37 weeks - at least packing a bag is something you can control and be prepared with!

I packed everything in my Away carryon suitcase and used these packing cubes from Amazon to keep everything organized. I split my items up into Labor & Delivery versus Postpartum. It’ll make things easier when packing up to switch rooms.

Labor & Delivery

Things in your labor and delivery bag should be whatever makes you comfortable before giving birth!

• ID, Insurance Card & Birth Plan

• Big waterbottle and liquids to drink (I packed coconut water and broth)

• For labor I purchased my own maternity gown from Amazon (I know it’ll get dirty and am planning on throwing it out after). I also have anti-slip socks and slippers to walk around in.

• So many of you recommended a small fan (like a stroller fan) as well as a heat pack and an ice pack. During our childbirth classes the instructor also recommended to bring a couple of washcloths that you can place on your forehead and also a tennis ball to massage your back along with massage lotion/oils.

• Toiletrees (more below) but also pack chapstick (I heard from multiple people that your lips get very chapped!) and mouthwash

• Entertainment -Magazine, Books, Camera mines is the Canon G7x Mark III, extra long phone charger, Ipad and Laptop

• Barefoot Dreams Blanket & Pillow

Postpartum

• Maternity Robe from PinkBlush (c/o)

• Sleepshirts/Nightgowns - I bought this nursing dress from Target and this sleepshirt by Eberjey both in dark colors (here’s a similar sleepshirt from Target).

• Cozy pajamas - These cozy pajamas from Target I bought with buttons down the front also in a dark color

• Cardigan - In case it’s chilly and/or to cover up with

• Toiletrees - I packed my makeup kit and travel size deodorant, facewash, facewipes, bodywash, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, etc. Also a plastic bag to put dirty clothes in.

• Shower Flip Flops

• Nursing Tanks (on sale!), Nursing Bras, Nipple cream and Nursing Pillow

• I also packed the Frida Mom peri bottle since it’s better than what the hospital provides and was also recommended the Frida Mom disposable underwear (since they are much better than the mesh underwear that the hospital provides). The hospital will also provide the rest of the things (Dermoplast spray, Tucks pads, Ice packs) so I didn’t bother packing those.

• Sleepmask - I was told that it’s important to try to get some rest and that the nurses will consistently come in and out of the room to check up on you and baby

• Bath Towel - The hospital has towels but they’re thin and small.

• Going home outfit - I purchased these dark joggers from Target and this maternity top (I heard wearing a dress is better for the ride home but it’s also going to be the middle of December and I don’t want to catch a cold!)

• Thank you gift cards - To the wonderful nurses who will be helping us during our stay at the hospital

Baby

• Clothing: 2 Onesies (two different sizes), Blanket, Going home outfit and Pacifier

• Newborn mittens & Nail cutter/filer - Some babies come out with long nails!

• Letterboard/Announcement items

• Car Seat

Support Person (Husband)

• Clothing

• Toiletries

• Entertainment

• Snacks

• Pillow/Blanket

If you packed something that’s not on this list that was helpful, please let me know in the comments! Thanks so much for reading!

PinkBlush Black Friday Sale + Giveaway

Hope everyone is ready for the upcoming holidays! One thing I love to do this time of year is shopping and scoring a great deal for Black Friday. Since I’m also pregnant (I’m currently at 36 weeks) I’ve opted to do all my shopping online and it’s honestly been so convenient. One of my favorite brands, PinkBlush (a brand for maternity and beyond), is having one of the largest sales of the year for Black Friday! If you’ve been following me on Instagram, they are the same brand that gifted me the adorable and cozy MAMA sweatshirt I wore in October to a fun day at Linvilla Orchards (blog post here).

PinkBlush Black Friday Sale Details

PinkBlush is having the largest sale of the year for BlackFriday offering up to 50% off sitewide (50% off clearance, 40% off dresses, 30% off bottoms & jumpsuits, 25% off tops, sleep, and robs) as well as free shipping to U.S. and Canada on all orders beginning November 22 through November 29 with code BLACKFRIDAY. PinkBlush has a huge selection of maternity clothes such as such as dresses, sweaters, pants, delivery robes and so much more - all at affordable prices (they also have non maternity items!).

Today I am teaming up with PinkBlush to bring you three looks which are all perfect for the holiday season.

Sweater Dress: Black Knit Off Shoulder Maternity Midi Dress

At 36 weeks pregnant it’s hard to find a dress for the holidays that is stylish yet comfortable at the same time. This knit off the shoulder midi dress from PinkBlush checks off all the boxes. I also love the off the shoulder detail and am definitely going to wear this for the upcoming holidays! Also, how cute is the baby bump in this knit dress?

Sweater: Heather Grey Soft Knit V-Neck Scalloped Trim Maternity Sweater

This casual look is another one that I love. This gray sweater is very soft and has a beautiful v-neck with scalloped trim. This outfit just screams cozy and can be worn all day from running errands to lounging at home with family. It’s perfect to pair with leggings and boots.

Sweater: Waverleigh Ivory Balloon Sleeve Boat Neck Knit Maternity Sweater

Last, but not least, this cozy ivory balloon sweater is perfect for a growing belly! This sweater is definitely one of the most softest tops I own and I love how you can dress this sweater up or down. I wore this look on the way to a holiday brunch in the city paired with leggings and over-the-knee boots.

PinkBlush $75 Giveaway

If the news about the PinkBlush Black Friday sale wasn’t amazing enough, to help you with your holiday shopping, I’ve partnered with PinkBlush to give one of my lucky readers a $75 gift card! The giveaway is being run on my Instagram account today (11/24) and closes at 12PM EST tomorrow (11/25) and is open internationally.

Below are the giveaway rules:

1. Follow me @MyGoldenBeauty and @pinkblushmaternity on Instagram

2. “Like” the photo with the giveaway on my Instagram account @MyGoldenBeauty

3. Tag a friend in the comments section in the photo with the giveaway on my Instagram account @MyGoldenBeauty (Each comment counts as one entry!)

Anyone who has won a @pinkblushmaternity or @shoppinkblush giveaway within the last 6 months is not eligible to win.

Thank you to Pink Blush for sponsoring this post.

Pregnancy First and Second Trimester Recap

Dress: PinkBlush (Similar)

This post is long overdue but better late than never - am I right? I’m currently at 35 weeks in my pregnancy journey but realized I never got around to doing a first or a second trimester recap and Q&A! Time is seriously flying by and what I thought would never be here in the beginning is going to be here before we know it - I wish time would slow down!

The first trimester was exciting yet nerve wrecking not only because this is our first pregnancy but going through it during a pandemic! I’m not sure what’s considered “normal” for appointments but we had our first appointment at 10 weeks and then once a month from there which was a mix of telehealth appointments and in person appointments. Notable moments during the first trimester was finding out the gender (which we waited to tell) and telling our family and friends we were pregnant! we also did a photoshoot for pregnancy announcement at City Hall in Philadelphia which was alot of fun.

Dress: ASOS

A few notable milestones during the second trimester included the anatomy scan at 20 weeks as well as a 32 week growth scan (this one was optional but we jumped at a chance to get more ultrasound pictures!). We also did a gender reveal around Labor Day weekend for our families which was soo much fun! We are both the oldest on both sides so this is our parents first grandchild on both sides. Other notable moments have been feeling the baby kick and having the hubby see and feel baby kicking as well.

Although there have been so many good moments, COVID-19 has brought about another level of stress and unknowns. Luckily we were able to do a virtual shower for our family (blog post HERE) and a baby shower for our local family/friends in Philly (blog post HERE). It has been disappointing that the hubby is not able to attend any appointments which can be scary as a first time mom not knowing what to expect! It was disappointing that he was not able to attend the big scans (anatomy and growth scan but at least I could facetime him).

My Outfit: Dress: ASOS Maternity / Jewelry: Teardrop Earrings

First and Second Trimester Q&A

1. How and when did you find out? When are you due? We found out together in April and it was sort of un-eventful as we were both working from home as the pandemic was at its peak. For the second piece, I am due in December - less than 5 weeks left to go!

2. How are you feeling? I’ve been feeling really good! I am a firm believer that no two experiences are the same and everyone will give you a different answer when they are asked this. I’ve been blessed and did not experience any nausea during the first trimester. I was a little tired during my second trimester but nothing too bad - a nap here or there was what I needed to combat fatigue. I also believe that keeping up with a workout regime and eating well balanced meals help. Lastly, make sure to have a good prenatal vitamin and iron.

3. Do you have any food cravings? Any food aversions? I’m actually really surprised with myself that I haven’t had much food cravings. We make it a point to plan a weekly menu ahead of time on Sundays evenings and we cook mostly Monday-Fridays. Weekends are usually a combination of cooking, ordering in and leftovers. If we order in I like to get pizza (from Angelos of course), ramen (especially if it’s a chilly day) or tacos. I haven’t had any food aversions. I have also read that if you are craving strange items you may be lacking certain nutrients in your body. Also, the hubby has been SOOO great with making sure I am eating properly. My breakfast is usually eggs with veggies and toast. Lunch is usually a wrap or salad. Dinner we plan ahead and we usually pick a cuisine (we switch it up between Indian, Mexican, Asian, Italian, etc).

   Also the entire “you’re eating for two” is totally inaccurate (I should move this down to the pet peeves section but thought it fit good with the food cravings section!). If you look at the amount of calories you need by trimester it’s actually not THAT many and it also depends WHAT you’re eating - choose to focus on nutritious foods that keep your energy up while supporting your baby's development is the best advice I can give! Although there’s nothing wrong with a cookie or donut here or there… lol.

4. What is your skincare and beauty regime while pregnant? What are you using to prevent stretch marks? Once we found out I went through my face and body creams and put away any products that contained harmful ingredients - this I mostly found in eye creams. As far as makeup goes I have been wearing less since I’ve been working from home pretty much my entire pregnancy and don’t need to get dressed up. It’s more on the weekends I use makeup if we’re shooting content or going out to eat. For stretch marks I am using: Elemis Body Oil (recommended by my friend!), Bio Oil and Palmer’s Cocoa Butter.

5. What exercise routine do you follow? Workouts look ALOT different from what they used to be. When you’re pregnant you can’t workout at 100%, no doing ab exercises and avoid exercises in which you could trip/fall. There’s a few videos through Youtube I use if I’m working out inside such as Prenatal HITT and Prenatal Barre. Sometimes we’ll go out for a walk - there’s a park a few blocks away so it’s always nice to get out and get some fresh air. Regardless if I’m inside working out or outside I aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

6. Where do you shop for maternity clothing? I’ve been wearing my non maternity shirts and sweaters so far. I have bought maternity jeans and leggings for the growing belly. Some of my favorite places to shop for maternity clothing is: H&M, ASOS and PinkBlush.

7. What are some must have items to get through pregnancy? A good stretch mark cream (your skin will be feeling itchy since it stretches), comfortable clothing such as a good pair of leggings, water bottle and a pregnancy pillow. Also keep snacks with you if you’re going out such as a protein bar, nuts or fruits.

8. Biggest pregnancy pet peeves? With the pandemic and not going out much, I haven’t “normal” pregnancy things that irritate people - such as strangers touching your belly, commenting, etc. What I don’t like, however, is unwarranted advice and advice that doesn’t have any rhyme or reason.

9. Are you take any classes to prepare for childbirth? All classes are virtual and essentially are limited but we are taking a childbirth class through our hospital which is offered online and I also recently took a virtual breastfeeding class.

10. What are you packing in your hospital bag? EEEK!!! I haven’t gotten around to packing a hospital bag but at #35weeks I know I have to get on this! I’ll be doing a separate blog post on what we are packing in our bag so keep an eye out for that!