hen she’s not scheming as Sami on
Days of our Lives or supporting contestants on
The Biggest Loser, Alison Sweeney is hanging out with 3½ year old Ben, warding off morning sickness with Cheerios, and trying to squeeze in a nap.
The Cradle:
Congratulations on your second pregnancy! Since you’ve “been there, done that," what are you doing differently this time around?
Alison Sweeney: Well, each pregnancy is a completely different experience – as I’m reminded, every day! I definitely thought I knew the deal, and was quickly caught off guard by lots of different, new symptoms for me. For example, I’ve had a lot more morning sickness this time, which has been a struggle. Thank God for Cheerios; the only thing I wanted to eat!
The Cradle: Your little boy is now 3½ years old – how does it feel knowing that you’re going back into the newborn world again?
AS: Even though Ben is only 3½ , it seems like forever since I’ve dealt with a newborn! I’m re-reading all the pregnancy books and new parent books to refresh my memory. I am looking forward to seeing Ben’s reaction to the new baby; I think that will make this whole experience completely new and different for us.
The Cradle:
Being that you’re a host for a show about weight loss (as well as an actress on a popular soap opera), do you feel the pressure to look a certain way during this pregnancy?
AS: It is always difficult when you’re pregnant to deal with body image. There are some (very lucky) women who don’t seem pregnant at all except for their "bump." I am not like that! I have been maintaining my workouts and trying to not give in to the cravings – not just for my figure, but for the health of the baby. But there are times when you have to relax and enjoy this different experience, keeping in mind that it’s not permanent!
The Cradle:
How did you lose the “baby” weight from your first pregnancy?
AS: When I found out that Ben only weighed 7 ½ pounds – I knew I was in for a tough road! It is NOT easy losing weight while dealing with a newborn and trying to go back to work.
Especially in the beginning I had to focus on nutrition more than exercise. You are encouraged to eat extra calories when you’re pregnant, and also when breastfeeding, but they have to be the healthy kind – not the sweets/snacks kind. For me it was about balance – not starving myself, or pushing myself into a super-strict diet that I would give up on, but trying to stay on a healthy path to getting my body back.
The Cradle:
What are you favorite pregnancy products?
AS:
A Pea in the Pod is a life saver. They have great lines of clothes that are perfect for any pregnant woman. I love them. There’s a full body pillow that I absolutely NEED. Can’t sleep without it now.
The Cradle:
As a working mom and mom-to-be, how do you stay balanced and find energy for all your projects and your family?
AS: Naps. Balance is what it’s all about – making sure that I fit in my exercise routine is really crucial too. Staying active helps me keep my energy up, eating healthy snacks helps, too. I cut caffeine (mostly), and processed sugar can be deadly for the quick high and then energy crash. And when all else fails – two pages of my favorite book and a cat nap are essential.
The Cradle:
Do you plan to keep working throughout this entire pregnancy? And will you continue right after the birth of baby #2?
AS: I am planning to work as long as I can. Hopefully I’ll have an uncomplicated pregnancy (knocking on wood) and I can stay at
Days and
BL until I deliver. Afterwards, I’m going to have to see what works best for my family... we have several scenarios worked out with production.
The Cradle:
In your experience, what’s the best thing about motherhood?
AS: There are so many amazing, wonderful things about being a mom. But it can all be summed up in the feeling you get when your child smiles at you and runs towards you for a big hug. In that moment everything is worth it.
The 6th season of
The Biggest Loser starts September 16th on NBC.
To catch
Days of our Lives, check your local listings.
