Let me start this by saying how blessed and grateful I am to be pregnant. I love this baby girl more than I could have ever known I could love someone I’ve never met.
I always thought when I got pregnant I would be one of those people who LOVED being pregnant, that I’d love every ounce of it, it would be so beautiful and fun and it would be the greatest experience of my life. And while to most extents it is the greatest experience of my life, and beautiful as to what my body is doing, it is FREAKING hard AF…. I’ve come to the theory that people either don’t talk about the not so pleasant stuff, or most people have SUPER easy pregnancies… I’m guessing its the first.
To start, i’ve been sick since about 5 weeks along, which now has become second nature to me to throw up daily. So I’ve comprised my own what to expect guide to help all my fellow mama to be’s out there!
Round Ligament Pain… Lets talk about this one first and foremost because its going to be with you for the long haul!
Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. It is most often felt during the second trimester.
This is going to be mild at first random sharp pains or jabs, but come the second trimester its going to be pretty persistent, and at times it will feel like your groin is literally going to snap like a wish bone.
As the baby grows you’re also going to start to get muscle spasms and cramps, especially when you have to pee, because the baby is sitting on your bladder… You’re going to stretch a LOT and thats going to cause a lot of discomfort.
This is all unless you’re one of those special humans who has a glowy, easy, ache free pregnancy. And sis if thats you… You’re beautiful and lucky and I’m jealous.
Nausea & Vomiting
If you’re one of the people whose morning sickness doesn’t go away with the 1st trimester, you may still get sick well into the 2nd trimester, this is ok sister. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s also ok if you need medication to help with the nausea, whatever your doctor prescribes is going to be safe for you and the baby so just do whatever helps you FEEL BETTER!!!
Additionally, if you have trouble keeping food down, find the foods that DO stay down and eat them. Its ok, the baby is going to get the nutrients she needs from you, so do whatever you can to feel better & get calories into your body! Diet Coke & Pedialyte are also SAVIORS – drink them!
Also FOOD aversions are real… Still to this day (at 22 weeks) cannot eat chicken. Get the calories in where you can, snacks are gold and if you want a cookie, eat the dang cookie!
Sleep
You’re probably going to be hazed by your body & baby… You’re going to be hungry & have to pee.. Unisom is safe to take and if you need sleep, its alright. (obviously i am not a doctor, but these “ok” options came from my doctor… Check with your dr… ) Naps are also key. If this is your first pregnancy, take advantage of the fact that you can NAP, if you have the time to do so… Going to bed early is also not out of the question. Remember you’re growing a human and you are allowed to do WHATEVER you want…
YOUR BUMP, YOUR BABY, YOUR BODY
Your bump may not look like everyone elses… that is ok
Your body is going to grow and change to accommodate the beautiful baby you’re growing! Any other comments other than, “you look fabulous”, “you’re glowing”, “cute bump” is not helpful and while may be unavoidable, should be ignored!! Also, exercise if you feel like it… Walk if you can get out… Move your bump when you feel up to it… Remember… YOUR BODY, YOUR BUMP.
The morale of the story…
- You are the one growing the human – nobody else’s opinion matters… except your husbands and even then you have the final say <3
- Your body is going to have aches and pains — sometimes they’re going to be so bad, you’re going to just need to lay down… thats ok!
- You’re going to feel lots of changes – embrace them, but also know its ok if you don’t love every change.
- You’re going to probably feel sick
- You’re going to cry
- Drink your water… it helps
- You’re going to feel beautiful one minute and like Shrek the next minute
- You’re going to have a LOT of people telling you what you should be doing or feeling or eating…
- You’re going to love this baby more than anything in the whole world
- You’re going to feel excited and scared
- You’re going to feel blessed and grateful, but also sometimes miserable all at the same time
Its ALL ok… Gorgeous, you are becoming a mother and you are doing it all the best you can!!
You are not alone mama <3
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