I found out I was pregnant at 4 weeks, and while super exciting, it was also really daunting! My partner and I had only been trying for 3 months, which is quite quick considering most healthy couples trying will conceive within a year. Anyway, the first trimester was tough - lots of exhaustion, morning sickness, and weird food aversions (I couldn't look at meat or cook dinner for weeks!). Emotional symptoms were also prominent; I'd have frequent mood swings and random bursts of anxiety, which weren't helpful when working full time!
To help me through the first few months, my partner stepped up a lot, doing most of the cooking and helping with simple tasks like making coffee. Having him there to chat with and process everything happening in my body was really grounding. I also took this time to research all the best pregnancy books and read up on what to expect physically and mentally - it helped me feel more prepared for the weeks to come!
The second trimester was a breeze compared to the first! I finally had some energy back and could enjoy exercising and eating properly again. We started buying some nursery essentials and clothes in preparation, which was fun but also sobering - it made everything seem so real! I think the second tri was when it truly sank in that we'd soon be parents. We also did the anatomy scan, hearing the heartbeat and seeing our little one on the ultrasound was such a special moment - we celebrated by eating out at our favourite restaurant afterward!
The third trimester has been all about nesting and preparing logistically for the birth and beyond. I've organised the nursery, packed my hospital bag (and repacked it!), and done some freezer meals ready for after the birth. I'm now 36 weeks, and each week feels like a victory - I try to remind myself in these final weeks to enjoy the kicks and freedom before life changes forever! It's an exciting but overwhelming time, so I take each day as it comes, rest when I can, and remind myself that this journey is temporary.
I'm interested to hear others' experiences - did you have any unusual symptoms or feelings during your first trimester that stuck with you? How did you prepare for baby's arrival in those early weeks?
You're one lucky mom! Having a supportive partner who takes initiative is such a blessing. Many soon-to-be moms would feel so relived with the added help, including me!
As for my experience, the first trimester left me feeling exhausted and nauseous, with some serious cravings thrown in. I remember wanting specific foods and flavors that I normally wouldn't touch! Lemon water and sour candy were my go-to's. Along with the physical changes, a huge mental shift happened too - everything felt so new and overwhelming. I think the first trimester was the hardest emotionally; it was like an emotional rollercoaster with mood swings, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
I didn't have many people to share my feelings with, so I relied on online forums - it's amazing how helpful reading others' experiences can be! Knowing what to expect and connecting with other moms-to-be made me feel more grounded.
On another note, the cravings continued throughout my pregnancy, and the appetite changes were interesting. I'd often smell food from far away and know instantly whether I'd want it or hate the sound of it!
I didn't have many milestone celebrations, but like you, the anatomy scan was special. Finding out our baby's gender was exciting, and we treated ourselves to a day at the beach after. We also had a small baby shower, which was lovely - a few close friends came over, and we snacked, played some games, and opened some presents. It felt good to be pampered and celebrate the upcoming arrival!
I'm due in two weeks, so these last days are filled with anxiety and excitement. I try to keep active and enjoy the peacefulness of solo walks - knowing that soon, life will change dramatically! But hey, that's why they call it the "pregnancy journey," right? It's a process, and enjoying (or enduring!) each step is part of the deal.
