I’m 35 weeks pregnant, and this pregnancy seems to be flying by. There is less fanfare surrounding it, fewer doctor visits, and I even forget to photolog special moments because I’m so busy being a mom to my first son. Until recently I didn’t really need to focus on baby #2 much more than to count kicks and make sure I eat healthy.

Then I took the one hour Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT test). And failed. Uh oh.

The GTT screener is a test all pregnant women take to screen for possible gestational diabetes. I was shocked when I called the doctor’s office to discover that my GTT test results were “slightly elevated”. What does that mean? For starters, it means that I had to take a follow-up test, a 3 hour GTT test, where I had to drink a second, much sweeter, nausea-inducing glucose drink (after fasting almost 12 hours) and have my blood drawn four times over the course of three hours, to determine if I have indeed developed gestational diabetes. Blech.

eight months pregnant belly photo

With my first pregnancy I had gained 23 lbs the entire pregnancy (and my son was 5 days late, and weighed almost 9 lbs, so a lot of it was him). This time, I gained 23 lbs by 5 months, and, because of the cold winter weather, have been pretty sedentary. Lots of calories + little exercise = lotsa pregnancy weight gain. I passed the 3 Hour GTT test, but marginally, so I knew it was time to do something about this serious issue, or else put myself at serious risk for developing gestational diabetes.

I decided to take the Map My Fitness Quaker Heart Health Challenge, and promised myself I’d walk at least 15-30 minutes a day, every single day, as well as watching what I eat (and how much). Pregnancy fitness and no more weight gain is my new goal, so every day when my husband comes home from work, he watches our son and I head out for my walk. Sometimes I take out the trash and mail, other times I randomly walk about our hilly streets, but out I go.

Because I want to have a healthy pregnancy, and a healthy baby.

Because I want to have an easier labor.

Because I don’t want to struggle to lose the pregnancy weight, get stretch marks, varicose veins, or have any of the long term health problems associated with excessive pregnancy weight gain.

Because I owe it to myself to not let myself go, and be the healthiest, happiest mama I can be for my boys.

So hopefully I’ll maintain my weight and manage not to gain much more in this last trimester. Since I started the challenge I already feel better because I’m doing something for myself. My doctor was very happy to hear that I’m committing to watch what I eat and starting to walk. As this baby grows bigger, hopefully I won’t, even though I’ll still eat a complete, healthy diet.

The Map My Fitness Quaker Heart Health Challenge tips to stay on track

Set aside the time to be active daily. If you don’t make a conscious effort to set aside time for exercise, it can be tough to fit into your schedule.
But be realistic; don’t try to fit your workout between appointments or at a busy time of day where you may end up skipping it.
Engage in an activity you enjoy so you don’t use boredom or lack of enjoyment as an excuse.
When you’re not motivated and start coming up with excuses, find a reason to negate each one, and remind yourself of your priority to do something for you, be healthy, and get in shape (much more imortant than those excuses).
Get an exercise friend, to motivate you, distract you, and keep exercising fun!
Focus on the small changes (like feeling great after a workout) until you see those bigger changes.
Be patient, because it can be hard to make an exercise plan a permanent part of your routine. Keep track of what you accomplish and goals you meet, and treat yourself once in a while with a manicure or massage for your hard work.

Want to join me and many others as we get in shape in the Heart Healthy Challenge? Whether you want to get in shape for the spring and summer months, renew your forgotten New Year’s Resolution, or maintain a healthy while while pregnant (like me), here is a chance to do something good for yourself, and with lots of guidance and support.

Joining the Quaker Heart Health Challenge is my first step towards becoming a healthier me. Now I’m curious to know, what motivates you to stay healthy?

For your chance to win $750 complete these two steps:
1.Share the Challenge with your friends
2.Tell us that you’ve invited your friends to join the Challenge AND share what motivates you to stay healthy below.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats Company.The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.