We're Pregnant!
We knew I could be pregnant when we took our honeymoon in Aruba, but I didn't believe it would happen so soon. When body parts get sore and the smell of a turkey bacon club sandwich made me both queasy and famished at the same time, we had a funny feeling. After the 5 hour flight back home (where I gripped my husbands legs for most of it, because I loath flying) I sped back to our house and took a test.
Sure enough, it was faintly positive and as we scarfed down bagels before bed (hadn't eaten for hours), we saw two little lines. Being me, of course, I was in disbelief. Matt on the other hand was very nonchalant, like yeah well... that is what happens.... I think secretly he was a little more shocked, but he was expecting it. I had to take another test, even though a piece of plastic wasn't very convincing. Once again positive!
A few days later we headed to the doctor to get reassurance. The nurse assured me three pregnancy tests meant yes we had a baby on the way. Then she sized us up and said, "So, is this... a wanted pregnancy?" Apparently we looked nervous or 17 - maybe both! As I stepped out of those doors, I remember thinking 'here starts our little journey'. The past 2 years I've realized I am much closer to the real 'me' than ever before and if I am going to be a good mother it's already decided - waiting longer would not change me. So now, we embark.
We were soon reminded I can't lie. Our cousins in-law came over the day after we got back from Aruba and joked, "so, are you pregnant now?" I turned into a tomato and answered with a "hah.. yer funny!". That night we realized we just need to fess up to anyone we saw going forward.
Symptoms
Until week 6 I felt nothing - just a little tired and nervous. Although I'm not complaining, it did make it hard to believe. Then, suddenly the weight gain set in. Just 2 lbs at first. But then another 2 and another.... I knew I was in for an interesting ride!
Some symptoms were typical, like exhaustion (esp. between weeks 7-10), some growing ligament pains, weight gain, soreness and the lovely digestion issues. As if that wasn't already a part of my everyday life! (TMI). The exhaustion was mostly funny, even though it left me cranky, especially driving home in horrible Boston traffic - thanks I-95! Matt has several videos of me passed out, drooling on the couch well before the news came on. At 12 weeks the soreness went away, but the weight gain is still in full swing. Every 1-2 weeks I have gained about 1-2 pound. They say some people lose several pounds and that you should not gain more than 3-5 in the first trimester. I gained 8-9 lbs the first trimester, but I continued to work out and eat well. I thought I can't really do too much else - I don't even crave much ice cream or desserts (can you believe it?), mostly fruits and eggs. Some people told me they are 7 months pregnant and just started to gain now. My sister encouraged me to "embrace your bigger self while you are making the baby, you will get it back after". I still run and workout without a problem, just feeling for signs from the body. Prenatal yoga has been a big help!
But, my midwife did mention to me I've gained more than most women and that "the weight will come on so fast later on and be uncomfortable, so you want to be careful now" - cut back on sugars and focus more on proteins. It was a good kick I needed. The first trimester was all about comfort foods and trying to function normally in society. If I started to get hungry I would eat so I wouldn't feel sick - now that I've hit trimester 2 with way less exhaustion and sickness, I am eating normally and healthfully!
What did I never expect? 6-7 weeks in I started getting this terrible taste in my mouth (I know yuck, but pregnancy isn't for the faint hearted). Brushing my teeth and mouthwash were no help, but I tried! I can't even explain what it tasted like, but it did not help the nausea. My prenatals are suppose to be one of the best for bad taste, but my blood work came back recently showing my iron intake was off the charts (the main reason for prenatals I guess). They reviewed my diet and told me to stop the prenatals and just take folic acid as I get enough proteins, vitamins and calcium for the baby. Since then, the taste has vanished almost entirely AND my digestion is back to normal - YES :).
Also, my skin broke out worse than on my 7th grade ski trip. I never had such terrible skin in my life and I don't have best skin in the first place. They say girls take away your beauty, so maybe it is a girl or just a boy teasing me like his father does; either way I unfortunately don't have that pregnancy glow they speak of. ::sigh:: what can you do?
Anxiety has always been my main outlet for dealing with emotional times, so of course it reared its ugly head on my pregnancy. Some people get angry, others cry a lot. I was expecting to be more emotional - like crying at diaper commercials or maybe throwing things at my husband. Nope, not me. I just live on the edge....of uncertainty and stress! For weeks 6-9 I was super nervous and wondering 'What I was thinking having a baby; What the Heck did I know?' I knew I would love the baby with all my heart. What kept me going was knowing my husband will be a great dad and thatI am sure as heck not alone. But feeling sick and exhausted, I could not help but wonder how I will do it. My main fears were our financial responsibilities (keep an eye out for a post coming up!) and just how good of a momma I'll be. Once I hit about 12 weeks, I was more confident and laid back. I am still having moments of overwhelming realization, but I am learning to keep the negativity at bay (for now).
There are few unmentionable symptoms as well... some good, some not so good! I will leave those to your imaginations.
10 Pregnancy Fact No One Tells you
Lifestyle Changes
What do I miss the most? Sleeping through the night (already up 2-3 times a night - must be prepping me for my new life) and wine. I love wine, I am sorry but its just magical. I'll have a glass or a beer (love those Coronas) by the beach this summer, but it's not the same. It's only a short period of life without it, so I will manage :)
I leave you with a hilarious trailer from the upcoming What to Expect movie, so timely!
"She's like a magical pregnant unicorn"....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wuIltIHQXY
What about you?
Kudos to all you women embarking on pregnancy, thinking about it or who've been through it. Between sickness, exhaustion and constantly managing your emotions - it is quite the ride. I can't imagine struggling to get pregnant only to feel so horrible the whole time - double kudos to those women. I hear 3rd trimester is no picnic either - long live 2nd trimester!
You can betcha I will cheers with some champagne once I compose myself after baby is born.
What was your experience with your pregnancy? I want to hear from others!
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