Why the First Trimester was Hell for my 33 Year Old Body

I\’m 13 weeks pregnant with baby number 3, and I can\’t even begin to tell you how different this pregnancy has been from my other 2 kids.

Ok, well yea, actually I can begin to tell you.

Think of every first trimester pregnancy symptom you can think of, and that\’s pretty much how the last 12 weeks of my life have been:

• Nausea
• Exhaustion
• Aching boobs and uterus
• Frequent urination
• Terrible, terrible mood swings (like crying over ice cream)
• Spotting (& that was scary)
• Food cravings (yay strawberries)
• Food aversions (fxck water)

I\’m like, is this because it\’s the 3rd kid? Or is it because I\’m older now than when I had my first? Either way, the first 12 weeks were hell, and I\’m happy they\’re over. And if you don\’t know what I\’m talking about, keep reading to see all the \”fun\” I experienced.

The Nausea

I hate throwing up. Like I absolutely will do any and everything I can to not throw up. That\’s why I hate when my kids get me sick with a stomach bug. There\’s just something about it that makes me want to cry. I hate it. I hate the feeling, the sound, the everything.

So when I started feeling my mouth watering and insides get all woozy, I immediately tried finding relief. I\’d go outside for fresh air, take deep breaths, lay down, and even shower. I actually even tried these Preggo Pop candies that had crazy good reviews.

Smells, food, time of day, and pretty much my mood could trigger me to feel nauseous. It was terrible.

It’s been one of my least favorite symptoms, and I’m just so glad I’m not feeling it nearly as much now!

The Exhaustion

I was really tired when I was pregnant with my daughter. This exhaustion has been on another level. I have fallen asleep at my desk while working during this pregnancy! I have never done that, nor do I normally fall asleep when reading. I have been struggling to keep my eyes open while flipping pages lately.

Thankfully, this symptom has declined, and I’m getting a little energy back.

The Tender Breasts and Aching Uterus

This pregnancy symptom hasn’t full resolved itself, and I’m still experiencing it. I can feel the heaviness in my boobs every morning when I sit up. I can feel my uterus stretching, and it aches as it does.

But I know this is normal. Our bodies go through so much for our babies. My aching uterus just reminds me that it’s growing to hold my growing baby. And my sore boobs remind me that soon they’ll fill with milk, so I can feed my little one.

The Frequent Bathroom Trips

I had some days where I was literally tired of going to go pee. I hate being woken up from sleep, because I have to go pee. Those nights are less and less for now. I know there will be a point where it picks back up again, but I’m enjoying the good days.

It’s also helpful to not drink much water before bed to lessen those bathroom trips!

Mood Swings

Quite simply, I hated my husband the first several weeks of pregnancy. I know, that’s harsh. But that’s the harsh reality we’re living in, man! I’ve thankfully gotten past that stage and love my sweet man dearly. He definitely almost got choke-slammed a few times this pregnancy, though.

Besides the anger, I have been very sensitive emotionally. I have gotten upset very quickly and easily over really trivial things. My husband brought me ice cream, because I asked for some. I didn’t specify what kind of ice cream I wanted, and he brought several options that I hated.

So I cried!

It was ridiculous, but I had to give myself some grace at the end of the day. I know that’s not my normal reaction to something like that. But it felt so ridiculous!

Spotting and Migraines

I already hate getting headaches, so these pregnancy migraines have been taking me out. I’ve had to lay in bed for hours because of it. They’ve lessened and are less frequent now, thank goodness.

The other awful symptom that scared the crap out of me was spotting. And it wasn’t normal spotting, it’s as brown spotting. Well, brown spotting is actually common when you’re pregnant. It’s usually old blood being pushed out of the uterus. It happened very early in my pregnancy, and I’d never experienced it with any other kid. It was terrifying, but it only lasted a few days and hasn’t returned.

Just know that if you ever experience spotting, it’s best to reach out to your doctor to make sure everything is ok!

Food Cravings and Aversions

Strawberries have been my best friend this pregnancy. It’s like I can’t get enough of strawberry foods. I try to take it easy though, because I have this weird phobia that I’ll develop some strawberry allergy or give the baby one?!

What I could not stand during my first trimester was water. Yes, water. It tasted disgusting to me! I could only drink spring water, it had to be out of a plastic cup, and it had to be ice cold. I couldn’t drink out of my Stanleys, and that made me so sad. I would get nauseous every time I drank water.

I can now proudly say that I’m able to drink water like a regular functioning adult!

Welcoming Trimester Two

I’m so looking forward to gaining a bit of energy and getting some normalcy back. Even though this has been a chaotic first trimester, I still feel completely blessed to be able to experience it. It’s my 3rd baby and is just as special as my first two.

To my pregnancy mamas, hang in there. We got this!