Chapter Three: Learning to Slow Down — Lifestyle Shifts and First Trimester Lessons with Kira West

As we continue our journey through Kira West’s pregnancy, we take a deeper look at how she’s adapting her lifestyle, routines, and mindset during the often-overlooked first trimester. It’s a time filled with quiet transitions, uncertainty, and, for many women, an emotional and physical overhaul — all before most people even know you’re expecting.

Kira’s reflections remind us that early pregnancy is less about “bouncing forward” and more about tuning inward, finding stillness, and trusting your body — even when that feels impossibly hard.

Redefining Movement and Rest

For someone who has always embraced movement, Kira approached pregnancy with curiosity and care.

“I’ve stopped focusing on long runs and I’m not currently training for any races. I’m thinking of labor as the marathon I’m training for. I’m focused on doing what feels best for my body and allowing that to be fluid.”

Her approach to fitness has shifted from intensity to intuition. Gone are the early morning runs — replaced by daily walks with her dog, strength training, and low-impact prenatal Pilates. She’s still moving, but with one guiding principle: only if it feels good.

“Fatigue was the hardest part. I could sleep 10+ hours and still be tired.”

Instead of pushing through, she began honouring her body’s call for rest. Her workouts, once daily, have scaled back to 2–3 times per week — a pace that supports her energy, not drains it.

She also found comfort in routine-building for the future. Exploring London’s prenatal Pilates studios allowed her to create a fitness rhythm she could carry into postpartum life

Small Nutrition Shifts, Big Impact

Like many mums-to-be, Kira faced the unpredictable appetite of early pregnancy. Rather than fixate on ideal meals, she turned to small, proactive choices that support her changing needs.

“I eat pretty much as soon as I get up because it sets my day up for success.”

Her morning ritual now includes a mix of comforting foods — fruit and an English muffin — alongside nutrient-dense additions like bone broth for protein and collagen.

Planning ahead helps her stay nourished on even the most difficult days, and while she’s not following a strict nutrition plan, she’s made peace with doing her best — and letting that be enough.

Managing the Emotional Unknowns

Perhaps the most profound part of the first trimester is the internal journey — the invisible emotional work of becoming a mother.

“It’s so scary to be going through one of the biggest things you’ve ever gone through… and most people have no idea.”

Kira opens up about the deep uncertainty many expectant mothers feel in the early weeks. Between the first positive test and the 12-week scan lies a long stretch filled with questions, fears, and the desire for reassurance — especially after experiencing a previous missed miscarriage.

“I was scared to trust my body. I focused on positive affirmations and leaned into the foundation I’d built.”

To support herself emotionally, Kira turned to:

• The “Is It Normal?” podcast for expert week-by-week insights
• Reassurance scans for peace of mind
• Positive affirmations and journaling to stay grounded

Searching for Trustworthy Guidance

Navigating a sea of pregnancy information — some helpful, some overwhelming — was one of Kira’s greatest challenges.

“It’s hard not to Google everything… but that can do more harm than good.”
She shares her go-to resources for trustworthy, calming advice:

• NHS Website – her anchor for evidence-based medical guidance
• The Bump Class – especially their early pregnancy course
• Little Bean App – for checking skincare and beauty ingredients
• Chatting with friends who recently had babies
• Early conversations with a doula, who offered clarity and care

These tools helped her move from reactive searching to proactive, mindful research.

Partner Support in the First Trimester

Pregnancy may be experienced in one body, but it’s lived in partnership. For Kira and her husband, the early weeks brought both joy and new challenges.

“He was excited and supportive, but it’s hard for your partner to understand how you feel unless they’ve been through it.”

To stay connected, they relied on open communication — even when Kira wasn’t sure what she needed — and used shared tools to feel more in sync.

Their favourite? The Flo App (Pro version) — a simple, science-backed app that gives partners weekly updates on baby’s growth, how mum may be feeling, and practical ways to help.

Final Thoughts from Kira: Grace, Not Guilt

Pregnancy — especially in the first trimester — doesn’t always look or feel like you imagined. For Kira, the biggest shift has been learning to honour her limits, slow down without shame, and redefine what “productive” looks like.

“I can’t do it all like I used to — and that’s okay.”

At Blue Almonds, we believe these honest stories are powerful. They remind us that every mum’s path is uniquely her own — beautiful, challenging, and worthy of celebration at every stage.

Coming Up Next...

In our next chapter with Kira, we’ll step into the second trimester — a season of renewal, planning, and growing connection with baby. Until then, we invite you to share your own early pregnancy wisdom or questions with us on Instagram @bluealmondssw3 and to follow Kira @bykwest. Her thoughtful and highly curated blog is also a must-read https://bykwest.com/ 💙