The First Trimester | My First Pregnancy

My husband and I had the next 5 years planned out; purchasing a home, getting married, babies and moving. In January 2020, the third step of our plan was put into action - it was finally time to have a baby. Fortunately, we were very lucky that I was able to get pregnant right away. Going forward, you'll be able to experience first hand - what my journey was like as I began to navigate through my pregnancy. I'm readily prepared to share with you detailed information about the first trimester - which people don't usually want to talk about.

The Planning

At this stage in my life I have been on birth control for over 10 years, and I started taking it when I was in high school. So, naturally I was worried about some long-lasting side effects the birth control may have caused. My first step was to see my doctor who specializes in women's reproductive systems. This appointment took place in June 2019. After this appointment, I was taken off my birth control and blood tests were taken to ensure I wasn't deficient in any important nutrients. I then also began taking prenatal, iron and folic acid supplements. These supplements were recommended to me by my doctor after reviewing my blood work and diet - please speak to a professional before taking any kind of vitamins or suppliments. With the first doctors' visit being over, I began my 6-month journey to ensure my body was as healthy as it could be - less drinking, more eating whole foods and more working out. Mind you, I was still enjoying the evening wine - everything in moderation, my friends!! 

The Pregnancy

In January 2020, All my work paid off, and I conceived. Once the excitement and mini-celebration of the pregnancy calmed, the symptoms started to show:

Morning Sickness 

The most common symptom spoken about is morning sickness - I thought it would be like in the movies, where you're walking along casually and then BOOM! you're sick.  I was anxiously waiting for that arrival - but it never came. Instead, my 'morning' sickness was 24/7 nausea. Most of the time - it was bearable, and after a while, I did get used to it. I took it easy and listened to my body - cut out foods that made it worse and took breaks of fresh air throughout the workday when I felt like it was too much to handle. It really does help - you just need to listen to your body. Overall, my secret weapon was hot water and lemon, it cured the nausea, and was safe for the little baby.

Sense of Smell 

Most food smells did not affect me - however, the ones that did, were overwhelming. Specifically, the following: 

- anything dairy 

- beer 

- onions 

- garlic 

- cooking rice 

My poor husband could not have any of these items in the house while I was home, I could sniff it out before I entered the front door!

Tip: Eat what your body wants - even if it's unfamiliar with you. There was one week that most smells made my stomach turn, and all I could stomach was plain white bread with peanut butter and jam. And so, I ate like a toddler. Your prenatal vitamins should be giving you and your baby the nutrition you need. So just eat what you can and focus on food nutrition in the second trimester (trust me, it gets better!).

Cramping  I had cramping almost every day during my first trimester. I was worried and spoke to my doctor, and she told me it was completely normal - it's simply the uterus growing. A muscle I have never used before. Speaking to the doctor did make me feel better, but it's still an unnerving feeling. If you are going through this right now - call your doctor and speak to them, but also know its normal - and you're not alone with this feeling. 

Bloating, Gas and Other Unmentionables...

Now THIS was the symptom I hated and struggled with the most.. I would wake up looking 6 months pregnant even though I was only 6 weeks. None of my jeans fit anymore and I had no idea how to control it. Unfortunately, I must mention I was a pretty 'backed up' which I believe caused the bloating in the first place. I try to follow a high-carb vegan diet, and while pre-pregnancy this diet worked great for me, in my first trimester, I suffered. In the end, I discovered a higher protein intake and a lower carb intake was the key to help with the bloating.. Oh, and water! Drink more water! But, for me - it took time to figure this out. At first, I thought I needed more fiber - so I started eating dates and pears but nothing changed. After a couple of weeks I changed tactics, switched the rice with quinoa, ate more tofu, and had smaller amounts of bread while also adding beans to everything. And eventually, my bloating went away. 

Bloating is a common symptom of pregnancy - no matter what your diet is. Your body is changing and your hormones are changing with it, so it makes sense that what you are used to doing is going to feel different now. If you're dealing with this right now - call a nutritionist and see what they have to say, they may have some great advice for you and can help lead you in the right direction - and away from the painful bloating and constipation! 

Depression 

This is one symptom that I have discovered is less talked about, but is incredibly important. When I first got pregnant, I was excited for about the first 2 weeks. And then, the depression hit. I had no idea why I was feeling so down - all I wanted to do was sleep or lie in bed - and I am usually jumping off the walls if I'm cooped up in my house all day. I was sad and didn't want to talk about the pregnancy or the baby. I even distanced myself from my pregnant friends because I didn't want to associate myself with them. This is a serious issue - and if you are dealing with this it's incredibly important that you open up to someone you trust immediately. I had my husband and my mom who I spoke to about this. At first, I felt like a burden on them, but they quickly made me realize that it's okay that I'm feeling this way and that I need to continue to speak about it. Having an outlet where I can say what I am feeling without being judged was what helped me through those tough weeks. 

Overall, this should be an exciting time. Although your hormones are taking you on a roller coaster of emotions and your body is changing in ways you never thought, this journey in our lives is the most exciting and spectacular one we can take. I've started my second trimester this week - and I already feel amazing! ALL of my symptoms are pretty much gone, and I am excited to see how I will grow and develop into motherhood.  

I would like to take this moment and recognize that I was lucky to conceive so quickly. My journey and my symptoms greatly vary from all of my friends, family members, and maybe even you. Speaking to other women and hearing their stories is great and powerful - but please do not compare your journey to another woman's. What works for me -- may not work for you and that is okay. It's best to take this information and process it in a way that works for you and your body. And finally, find yourself a strong support system. It takes a village to raise a child, and I think this statement can be seen as you still being a child of the village, but also that the little bean you are growing already needs the support. Do not be ashamed, and reach out - there is always someone there to support you. 

Photo's by Kristina Paukshtite

Written March 2020