As part of my new'ish series profiling pregnant moms, this week I'm featuring Vanessa Haywood, who is expecting her first baby. You might recognise Vanessa from District 9, or from various magazine covers, or from endurance cycling and running events.

Vanessa, who is married to endurance runner Ryan Sandes, is 27 weeks' pregnant with a boy, and answered my questions here:

When and how did you announce your pregnancy?

We announced it at about 14 weeks with a "family photo" of Ryan, Thandi (our fur-child), myself and an empty pair of baby Salomon trail running shoes – Ryan is sponsored by Salomon. 

How did you feel during the first trimester, and how do you feel now?

I have to be honest – I felt like death. I was incredibly ill and even ended up in hospital. The morning sickness lasted almost four months but thank heavens I feel great now, other than the odd bit of heartburn but I now know what sets it off so I'm just careful with what I eat now. All the sickness is so worth it now though – when I feel baby move and kick in my tummy, it's the best feeling ever! 

Do you have any cravings?

No, not really. It became more about managing what would stay down. Ha ha! I had about a week of craving melted cheese… on anything! 

Do you have any aversions?

There were all sorts of smells that made me what to get sick and sometimes even did! Yuck! But what made me feel queasy on one day, didn't the next! Right now, I can't touch carbs or gluten of any kind which is a good thing I suppose! Carbs/gluten set off my indigestion and heartburn. 

Are you still very active? What exercises are you doing?

I didn't do much in the first trimester other than the odd run and hike – I simply wasn't well enough. I unfortunately can't run any more as I have an old coccyx injury which is now raising its ugly head, now that my pelvis is tilting. I see my strength trainer once a week and my biokineticist for pilates once a week now, and I try fit some indoor cycling in for some cardio. 

Will you encourage your child to cycle or run? And will this just be leading by example, or will you actively promote it?

It doesn't really matter – as long as he understand the value of being outdoors and keeping healthy. We will actively promote outdoor activities without a doubt! I grew up on a farm and was ALWAYS outside so I want to be outside with my child as much as possible.

What is the best pregnancy advice you’ve received?

To not take my vitamins when I was really queasy! Your preggie vitamins can actually make you feel worse.

What is the pregnancy advice you’ve received that you’re going to ignore?

Nothing really – I've received and read a ton of advice and all of it is valuable in some or other way 

What advice would you give other pregnant moms?

Don't travel internationally in your first trimester if you have morning sickness! I made that mistake even though I had read on line that "the best" time to travel is in your first trimester… I would highly recommend that you don't.

What are your favourite pregnancy products (e.g. beauty products or supplements to make you feel good)

Bio-Oil for all over including tummy, and then Oh-Lief's tummy wax.

What kind of parent do you hope to be?

Strict but fair, and one who instils good morals and values

What is the one thing that has surprised you most about being pregnant?

The crazy changes that your body goes through; from being "deathly" ill, to exhaustion then having high energy again, mood swings, my "innie" becoming an "outie" etc etc! Ha ha! You feel different every day!

What are your favourite pregnancy resources, e.g. books, websites, experts?

An app called The Bump which in conveniently on your phone and explains to you from week to week what is happening to baby and to you. I'm also reading Marina Petropulos' book, "The Baby & Child Care Handbook". 

If you'd like to be featured in either the pregnancy or mom series, please comment below, or email me here. I would love to feature you!