Mid-Pregnancy Record: Entering Week 20 and Preparing for Maternity Leave
407 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
갤러리아백화점 명품관
Time is flying by as I navigate my second trimester. The beautiful September sky has been the backdrop for several major milestones: a clear anomaly scan, the first strong fetal movements, and the start of my maternity leave countdown! This month has been all about balance—managing a Gangnam commute while prioritizing a high-protein diet to support our growing baby.
From securing the iconic Stokke Tripp Trapp at Galleria to indulging in Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Burger, this diary entry captures the joys and challenges of being 17 to 20 weeks pregnant. Whether it's finding the perfect meal kit on Kurly or receiving heartwarming surprises from colleagues, September has been a month of deep gratitude and preparation for our baby girl.
Week 17-18: Fetal Movements and Growing Appetites
Entering week 17 brought the most magical sensation—fetal movements! It started as small air bubbles popping, but by week 18, during a coworker's wedding buffet, I felt a strong kick for the first time while standing up. It seems the baby enjoyed the meat as much as I did! At this stage, she's about the size of a paprika, and seeing her tiny 3cm sole during the checkup made everything feel so real and incredibly cute.
Preparation Milestone: The Tripp Trapp Mission
We headed to Galleria to check off a major item from our list: the Stokke Tripp Trapp. Since there's currently a 6-month wait, buying it now means it should arrive just as the baby is born. While I was tempted by the Indian Pink, we ultimately chose the classic Ivory for its versatility. Shopping was followed by a much-needed feast of pho and kimbap—though my stomach is still small enough that my husband had to finish most of it!
The Commute Struggle and Gangnam Eats
Commuting to Gangnam while pregnant has its challenges, especially with the difficulty of finding a seat on the subway. However, I’ve found comfort in my favorite Gangnam sandwich shops, focusing on avocado-heavy meals which are great for the second trimester. My desk has become a mini-pantry to manage the lingering nausea that strikes if I don't have regular snacks.
Weekend Escape: Everland and Safari Walks
A spontaneous trip to Everland was the perfect weekend refresh. The weather was mild, making it ideal for long walks through the Safari and Lost Valley. I skipped the rides, of course, but watching my husband carry a tiger popcorn bag amidst a sea of envious kids was a highlight. We ended the day with crispy udon and tempura, enjoying the simple pleasure of a meal that finally stayed down!
Countdown to Maternity Leave: Surprises and Gifts
With only a few days left until my maternity leave starts in October, I prepared small cookie gifts for my team to thank them for their support. I was completely moved by a surprise party they threw for me, complete with a beautiful pink cake for our baby girl. It was a happy day that ended in "heaven"—watching Crayon Shin-chan and eating BBQ chicken legs with my husband.
Would you like me to find the best local postpartum care centers near your area, or should I look up more high-protein delivery meal options for the second trimester?
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