Pregnancy is a time of tremendous change. The first trimester is the beginning of it all: hormones, weight going up or down, and a mile-long list of other possible factors that can affect your body, mind and health. "Look at it as an unexpected carnival ride!" An experienced (and kooky) lady once told me. Though it sounded a little absurd at the time, it turns out that was actually great advice. She told me this because it was my SECOND pregnancy so I thought I had things rather well figured out. (Ha!) I did not. Because the first trimester is full of surprises. As far as I can tell, that's true for every time and for every woman.
It took time to realize that my days went better when I would start each day with fresh wonder. "What will today be like?" Perhaps I will feel hungry. Perhaps I will feel ill. Perhaps I will feel hungry and ill. Possibly happy, giddy and glowing. Maybe strong, nest-y & motivated to finish a project. First trimester mantra: You never know what the day will bring. That kooky lady was right!
Especially since the day before is NO indication of what will come up tomorrow. Even if you've been here before, there's the whole previous pregnancies to consider: that should be some indicator of how one's body takes to pregnancy, right? Alas, no. Friend after female friend of mine have all been shocked by new symptoms during second, third and even fourth pregnancies. If I had a nickel for each time I heard someone say "But this never happened to me with the other pregnancies!!" Spare yourself the outrage and expect the unexpected.
Now that I've spent several paragraphs telling you there is no way whatsoever to predict what you will expect during your first trimester of pregnancy, I will go on to tell you a few things you should probably expect during your first trimester. J
*Random bursts of energy and sleeplessness. This happens. Go with the flow: When you feel awake and up to hard work., do not lay down and try to squeeze in a nap. When you get a buzz of excitement about calling friends and family or planning a weekend trip, do it as the thought hits you!
*Feeling tired and wanting to nap…perhaps twice a day. Here's a piece of obvious advice that I find hard to follow myself sometimes. But that doesn't stop me from voicing it to my friends and dear readers: if you feel tired, lay down and rest, cancel dinner plans, turn off the computer and cuddle up in bed!
*New and interesting ideas about food: Smells were a source of discomfort for me when I was pregnant, especially during the first trimester. My sense of smell led to some serious food aversions. Food that I used to love, specifically chicken, became repulsive to me in every form. Chicken was OUT. Warm, brown sugar, cinnamon oatmeal was IN. Normal dietary habits may change completely. This often subsides in the second trimester, but could last the entire pregnancy. Caffeine was something I craved daily at 3:30pm. That Dr. Pepper in the fridge looked good EVERY afternoon but whenever I consumed more than three tiny sips it led to a headache. Just two examples of random first trimester food experiences.
*All-day sickness. I’m not sure why it’s called morning sickness. For many women, their entire first trimester is marked by constant queasiness (best case scenario) or bad nausea and frequent vomiting. It helps to shift from three big meals a day to small, frequent meals, keeping your tummy constantly full, but not too full.
The first trimester of pregnancy is your first hint that life will never again be the same. Embrace it! Be open to new feelings and experiences and take good care of yourself – and of your tiny baby.