At 30 weeks pregnant with baby #2, I’ve officially entered the phase where everything feels… harder. 😂 And honestly? 30 weeks hit me like a ton of bricks this pregnancy, exactly the same way it did during my first.
One minute I felt relatively functional, and the next:
- Rolling out of bed became a workout
- Tying my shoes felt impossible
- Sleep turned into getting up to pee 3x a night
- Workouts became modified
- Simply moving around started feeling noticeably harder
By this point, your body is really bodying LOL. So while I’m definitely not operating at my pre-pregnancy level, I’ve been focused on maintaining healthy routines, pregnancy-safe skincare, and little wellness rituals that help me feel strong, supported, and like myself during this season. These are my current third-trimester saving graces!
This pregnancy has looked very different than my first. I’m older, busier, chasing a toddler, working, creating content, and trying to keep my body and skin feeling as balanced as possible while hormones do their thing. So many of you have been asking what products, skincare, wellness habits, and routines I’m currently loving during pregnancy — especially for melasma prevention, energy support, and maintaining healthy skin without Botox, lasers, or all the usual things we can’t do right now.
Here’s what’s helping me right now in my third trimester….
Morning Routine: Sunlight, Movement & Fresh Air
One thing I’ve stayed consistent with this pregnancy is getting outside first thing in the morning. Most mornings start with either a sun walk with my French Bulldog, Sonny, or a coffee walk before the chaos begins. I like to splurge on one good latte or coffee every day because I am capping caffeine at 200 milligrams. Even 15-20 minutes of sunlight and movement help my mood, energy, cortisol levels, and my sanity!
My Current Pregnancy Workout Routine
I’m still working out daily, but let me be honest: I can’t do what I used to! Between pelvic pressure, constantly having to pee, lower stamina, and being short of breath from low iron, my workouts have become much more modified this trimester.
Here’s what my typical gym session looks like lately:
- 1 hour total movement
- Light cardio + strength training
- Incline treadmill walks
- Short intervals on the StairMaster
- Rower or SkiErg for quick cardio boosts
- Lower impact strength workouts
Running? Absolutely humbling right now. 😂 I can barely make it through a short jog without needing a bathroom immediately, so I’ve learned to stop fighting my body and adapt instead. At this stage, movement is less about aesthetics for me and more about maintaining strength, supporting circulation, helping energy levels, staying mentally balanced, and preparing my body for labor and postpartum recovery.
Low Iron Pregnancy Struggles
One of the biggest challenges this pregnancy has been low iron. It’s been causing fatigue and shortness of breath, forcing me to slow down more than I’d like. If you know, you know, it’s frustrating when your mind wants to go full speed, but your body says absolutely not.
I’ve been focusing heavily on:
- Protein intake
- Iron-rich foods
- Hydration
- Electrolytes
- Balancing blood sugar
- Not overdoing cardio
What I’m Eating Lately
Pregnancy has made me crave balance over restriction. I try to prioritize protein, fiber, healthy fats, probiotics, and nutrient density while still allowing myself the things that make me happy right now!
My Typical breakfast lately:
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Protein smoothie
- Fruit + fiber
- Half a bagel (mandatory 😂)
And yes — the bagel must be covered in cream cheese! One swap I’ve loved is the probiotic cream cheese from Nancy’s. It tastes good and sneaks in extra probiotics, which my gut has appreciated this pregnancy.
For smoothies, I’ve also been loving coconut milk, frozen berries, flaxseeds, protein powder, and greens like spinach to boost my iron.
On days when I absolutely cannot handle swallowing what feels like 47 prenatal pills, I’ve been adding the vanilla prenatal powder from Needed into smoothies instead. Much easier!
Gut Health & Probiotics
Pregnancy digestion can honestly be chaotic. One thing that’s helped me a lot is focusing on probiotics and gut support. I’ve been obsessed with Coconut Cult lately for gut health and digestion support. It’s potent, so a little goes a long way, but I notice a difference when I’m consistent with it. They even have one flavor that’s packed with protein, so another win right there.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare I’m Loving
This pregnancy, I’ve been focused on keeping melasma at bay while still keeping my skin glowy and healthy. Hormones can really humble your skin! Since pregnancy limits so many treatments and active ingredients, I’ve been focusing on consistency, hydration, barrier support, and professional pregnancy-safe treatments.
Monthly Pregnancy-Safe Facials
I’ve been doing monthly facials with trusted providers that focus on:
- gentle exfoliation
- hydration
- extractions
- pregnancy-safe products only
I also work in the occasional Hydrafacial when my skin feels congested or dull. I go to my nurse, Elizabeth, at Dr. Kassabian’s office in Beverly Hills for these.
One underrated treatment I’ve enjoyed this pregnancy is dermaplaning. It helps remove peach fuzz, smooth texture, and gives makeup a cleaner finish without harsh treatments.
And because I’m counting down the days until Botox can return after breastfeeding 😂… I’ve also been loving buccal massage for facial contouring and lymphatic drainage. It makes a difference in reducing puffiness and helping me feel a little more sculpted during this season of life.
Preparing for Labor This Time Around
One thing I’m doing this pregnancy differently is being much more intentional about labor prep before the final stretch. I’ve started incorporating bi-weekly massages — either lymphatic drainage massages because my digestion is definitely slowing down at this point, or sessions with my pregnancy chiropractor to help align my body and get it ready for labor. The lymphatic work has helped so much with swelling, circulation, and that overall heavy third-trimester feeling.
I also plan to start acupuncture around 34 weeks to support relaxation, circulation, sleep, nervous system regulation, and labor prep.
And one thing I’m especially grateful for this time around: I’m bringing a doula onto my birth team. Honestly, I wish I had found her during my first pregnancy! Even having the extra emotional support, guidance, and education this time has already made me feel calmer and more empowered heading into labor and postpartum again. Pregnancy the second time around teaches you quickly that support is not a luxury — it’s essential if your goal is a natural, unmedicated birth. That’s my preference for round two.
Clean Skincare Products I Keep Reaching For
Agent Nateur
I’ve stayed pretty loyal to Agent Nateur during pregnancy. Their products feel luxurious but still clean-conscious, and my skin tends to stay calmer and more hydrated when I use them consistently.
Their eye cream is one product I genuinely swear by. And they’re having a 25% off sale this Memorial Day Weekend, which almost never happens. Time to stock up!
Stretch Mark & Body Care Favorites
At 30 weeks, my belly is growing by the day, so hydration has become non-negotiable.
I’ve been using Pure Mama products, and I LOVE them. Here’s everything I’m using:
They’ve become part of my nightly routine and help my skin feel less tight and itchy as everything stretches.
Clean Deodorants That Actually Work
Can we talk about how many “clean” deodorants still irritate sensitive skin? I learned the hard way that baking soda in natural deodorants gives me a rash. The two that have worked best for me during pregnancy are Salt & Stone and Nécessaire. Both have been effective without irritation, which honestly feels rare!
Makeup Products Worth the Splurge
Even during pregnancy, I still love makeup products that help me feel polished quickly.
A few luxury staples I keep repurchasing:
They’re definitely splurge products, but they’re usually included during Bloomingdale’s beauty promotions, which is the best time to grab them!
To Finish Things Up…
If you’re pregnant too, especially in the third trimester, I hope this reminds you that doing your best does not have to look perfect.
Some days, surviving with a smoothie, a walk, and enough energy to wash your hair is the win. 🤍 It will get easier just around the corner! Hang in there, mama.
With so much love and gratitude,
Jo
Questions, Comments?