Wouldn't it be great if we all felt fabulous our entire pregnancy?
These thoughts have pondered my mind several times throughout my mothering years, questioning why some women claim they feel extraordinary while many others agree that they've felt miserable. The majority of women that I've talked to regarding their pregnancies admitted that it was the first trimester that made them feel the worst. I can agree that the first initial months can be depressing. Not only are you lightheaded, nauseous and blowing chunks at every smell you encounter, your napping like a toddler and dreading every moment of getting dressed for the day. Even leaving the house can feel like a chore.
Instead of calling this phase of pregnancy the first trimester, they should call it the hibernation phase.
Hibernation fits perfectly because that's what many of us want to do when we're experiencing some or all of these symptoms. This can be challenging for moms who work away from home.You're not feeling or looking your best and the last thing you want to talk about is how awful you feel. Which always leads to the question of why you feel so horrible. Many women do not want to talk about our pregnancy or announce it right away for several reasons. The main reason ( I'm assuming) for most women would be the fear of a miscarriage, especially if you've already had one. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester and the emotional pain you endure can be extremely heartbreaking.
Some other reasons you may want to stay in the house and hibernate can be found in this hilarious article found on the Women's Health website. Not all women feel this way but many can relate. I think you will find the commentary to be quite accurate.
While we're on the subject of hibernating, that is precisely what I've been doing for the past few months. It all started this past November when I missed my period. I wasn't too shocked because I sometimes have irregular periods due to my hypothyroid. December was a difficult month for us because everyone was sick. In a family of our size, illness can last several weeks because it goes through each family member one at a time. Not only was I exhausted from taking care of everyone, I had no idea that I had missed another period until January.
At this time, I was still feeling nauseous while everyone else was felling better. Realizing that the nausea had extended its welcome is when I started to have thoughts of pregnancy. It wasn't until my son was making a peanut butter sandwich in the kitchen and the smell of it made me want to vomit. I love peanut butter. Especially chocolate and peanut butter but something wasn't right. At that moment I just knew for certain, as a mother of five already, I was pregnant. Taking a pregnancy test would only confirm my thoughts and the way I had been feeling, I just didn't want to know. Hibernating is the only thing I wanted to do. And that's exactly what I did.
During this phase, the straining of gagging and coughing also irritated my umbilical hernia which caused painful stomach pains.You can read all about my umbilical hernia experience here. In January I decided to be brave and face the truth and ended up taking a pregnancy test. It was positive. I knew it and now it just became official. We're having another baby! Hello baby number 6.
Although this is exciting news, your mind and body are truly experiencing a rough and dark time. But don't worry it will pass. Around 12-13 weeks you should start feeling better. On the other hand, it could also last a little bit longer. With all of my pregnancies, the first trimester symptoms lasted up until around 17 weeks. It's different for each of us. Each pregnancy I tell myself I don't want to ever go through this again but I end up doing it anyway. Smile. The way you feel when you hold your baby in your arms for the first time makes it all worth it.
Yes the beginning process can be draining but carrying and nurturing a baby in the womb is one of the most beautiful life experiences. If you are one of the 70-80% of women who experience nausea during pregnancy, I totally feel your misery. Once the second trimester comes, you should feel much better and have a much more enjoyable experience.
Thanks for reading and if you're pregnant Congratulations! If you enjoyed this post please leave me a comment in the box below.
