Happy Friday! Today is an exciting day for me because it marks the start of a new blogging chapter. I decided to start a “pregnancy” section of my blog to share some of my experiences, and I hope to use it as a way to connect with others who have gone through or may be going through the same things. I thought it would be good to start off with a general pregnancy update just to get the ball rolling 🙂 So this first post is going to be all about my first trimester symptoms and experiences (and please feel free to leave me advice below, cause girl, I need it!).
*This post is not sponsored and may contain affiliate links. All content and opinions expressed are my own.*
Pregnancy Update
So I’m currently 17 weeks and 1 day pregnant according to my due date. This means I’ve been in my second trimester for almost 4 weeks (first trimester ends at roughly 13 weeks and 3 days). Learning all the pregnancy lingo and signs and symptoms were pretty easy for me, but there were a few surprises!
Weird First Trimester Symptoms
I had a lot of the normal first trimester symptoms, like extreme fatigue, nausea, sore boobs, etc. But a couple symptoms I experienced were a little concerning, weird, and gross LOL.
The first was cramping. I guess I just never realized that cramping throughout the first trimester was normal, and not a sign of miscarriage. We’re taught to freak out if we have period cramps or spotting during pregnancy, but really it’s just your uterus stretching to accommodate it’s new tenant.
Secondly, and this may be TMI but…the discharge! #OMG I didn’t realize my vagina would turn in to Niagara Falls, but there it was. It’s something that’s mentioned, sure. “You might experience increased discharge…” But let’s be real, the internet should actually just tell you your body is creating it’s very own slip and slide.
My First Trimester Experience
I feel pretty lucky compared to most mom-to-be’s because my first trimester went rather smoothly. I was extremely tired, but that was probably the worst first trimester symptom. Honestly it was so bad that some days I couldn’t even get off the couch. I didn’t work out at all during the entire first trimester, which is a huge change for me. I used to workout 4-6 days a weeks for an hour to an hour and a half. So this was a drastic change for my body. Even though it was a change for me, I felt like it was needed. I tend to push myself pretty hard, so listening to my body and just allowing myself to rest was probably exactly what I needed.
Ok, ok, I’m sure you’re wondering “but what about the morning sickness?!” Well, I got pretty lucky in that area. I had a lot of nausea that would start around 11:00am and last till dinner time, but I only threw up a handful of times. Trust me, I’m thanking my lucky stars on that one.
The Emotional Aspect
All in all, my first trimester went fairly well! The hardest part for me was internal. I know this is totally ridiculous and no one seems to understand how I feel, but the physical change in my body shape has been the toughest thing for me to deal with emotionally. I don’t want to seem vain, but I was pretty proud of my body before I got pregnant. I had worked for a year and a half to lose 40lbs, and I went from a size 14 to a size 4 during that time. So watching my abs disappear, my legs and arms swell up, and my waist start to disappear has been really hard on me emotionally. I’m trying to change my perspective as I am SO GRATEFUL for this little girl growing inside me, it’s just been a hard change. If any of you mommy’s have a perspective you’d like to share, please leave me a comment! I really would appreciate the advise 🙂
Thanks so much for reading, and please let me know what other pregnancy related posts you’d like to see!
xo,
B
Sweater is from Zara, jeans are BLANKNYC from Nordstrom Rack, shoes are Enzo Angiolini from DSW, backpack is from Target.
Photos taken by Rachel Cossette Photography and edited by me.
happy first trimester being over!! I’m 19 weeks and its amazing how life gets so much easier once youre through the first! and yes, the first trimester is crazy! congrats on the little babe!
Aw thank you dear, congrats to you too!! xo
Love reading about your experience! I don’t have any babies yet, but I have a feeling I will feel the same way about my body changing…it’s definitely a struggle that I think a lot of women go through!
It’s such a weird thing, cause while I know it’s normal, I can’t help but judge myself for it! We just need to give ourselves a break!
I can definitely relate to this! I’m in my second trimester and the discharge is unreal! Some days are better than others and I know it all serves a purpose but it’s definitely one of the more uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy!
Ugh it is so crazy! It’s definitely something I’m not gonna miss about being pregnant!
I’ve got two kids, and the first trimester had been the worst in my life. So I can totally understand what you’re going through right. Be strong! If it’s any consolation, you look pretty!
Aw thank you 🙂 I’m glad I’ve moved into the second and am over halfway done!
I bled through my first trimester and was told some people just do, and that’s OK. Thought I had twins for a minute but after scans, there was only one very active kid in there! And now she’s nearly 4 and just went to her first tap class.
Just give yourself a break, give in to your cravings, and be well.
xox
My mom had the same thing, bleeding throughout her pregnancy. So interesting how everyone is different. Thanks so much for sharing your kind words!! <3