Since we have officially reached the end of the dreaded first trimester – here’s my update for the third month of pregnancy and a little look back over those first 13 weeks!
Important note – none of this is intended as medical advice. This is an honest account of my experience, but every pregnancy is different. If you have any concerns please contact your doctor or medical professional.
Second scan –
Because I’m going away my first trimester ultrasound had to be brought forward by a couple of weeks and we ended up having it at 9 weeks and 1 day. We finally got to hear the heartbeat (146 bpm) and could see Baby Barefoot kicking little legs and waving a little arm at us. It’s truly incredible how quickly they go from just a little blob to something more closely resembling a baby. Baby Barefoot was actually measuring 9 weeks and 5 days so we got to skip ahead a few days and have a new estimated due date of November 16th.
More travel –
This time long-haul with a long trip back to the UK to visit family and friends and a trip to France. Much like the trip to NYC, this was all planned before we knew anything about our little stowaway, Baby Barefoot.
Bloated and breathless –
I have started to notice that by the end of the day I am pretty bloated and uncomfortable with the start of a little bump. Nothing in the morning but a little bloated and firm belly by the evening. Generally speaking though, I’m not really showing yet. I mean no more so than I would have done pre-pregnancy after a big meal…
I’ve also started getting breathless, particularly when I am talking. This could be exacerbated slightly by a little cold that I’ve picked up after all the plane travel.
Nausea, or lack thereof –
Still no morning sickness, at nearly 14 weeks am I in the clear?
The only nausea I get is if I am really, really hungry and my stomach is empty. Then I get waves of nausea. This was particularly inconvenient at the airport at 5:30 am on our way to the UK, but I seriously can’t complain, all things considered!
Boobs –
Are out of control and have grown several cup sizes already. Given that I was fairly blessed in this area to start with, that means that I am running out of letters of the alphabet as my mammaries expand. A recent shopping expedition at good old Marks and Spencer left me in tears of frustration as the only thing that fitted and was remotely comfortable was a wireless nursing bra in a somewhat dauntingly gigantic size. Depressingly it won’t even fit when I actually am nursing as there already isn’t much room in there now.
Moisturizing –
I have started using Bio Oil – no idea at this point whether it will do anything for my potential stretch marks but I feel like I should at least try… I try to remember to do it morning after my shower and use it all over. Possibly should have bought shares in it before I started, I think I’m going to get through quite a bit of it.
Illness –
After all the flights I succumbed to my first cold while pregnant and let me tell you, it is not much fun! One of the joys of pregnancy is a change in your immune system which may mean that you get sick more easily and that it lasts longer. Coupled with the fact that there is seemingly nothing available that you can take safely means that I feel pretty poorly and very sorry for myself.
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Napping –
One of the nicest things about our holiday (apart from seeing beloved family and friends) is the unfettered access to naps. I have been taking full advantage of this, especially during the 3pm – 4pm slump when it is totally frowned upon to nap while I’m usually at work. I’ve napped like a champion these last couple of weeks. Totally unashamed.
Sleeping on which side? –
Speaking of sleep… since I’m entering my second trimester, I’m trying to be a lot more careful of my sleeping position. I typically move around a lot when I sleep and can quite happily sleep on my back for long periods of time (in a hot climate it’s cooling). But, you’re not supposed to sleep on your back as it impacts blood flow to your placenta by restricting the vena cava as your expanding uterus and baby get bigger. The optimal sleeping position is on your side, especially your left side, which I am rather struggling with at the moment. I’m going to invest in a pregnancy pillow to see if that helps! ~ Mamas, have you got any tips?
Pressure and pains –
Week 13 came with quite a few abdominal twinges and pains, I wasn’t cramping and it wasn’t particularly painful, there were just lots of odd feelings and pressure. I’m fairly confident it’s just everything stretching out and moving around in there, but there seemed to be a lot going on. Judging by the leaps in size every week I guess this is to be expected.
No more mood swings –
I feel like (and hopefully the husband would agree) that the mood swings and irritability seem to be leveling out a bit. Which is a relief for everyone. Towards the end of your first trimester the placenta starts to shoulder some of the hormonal load which means a calmer and happier mum-to-be. I’m told these will likely return later in pregnancy but, for now, we’re enjoying a bit of respite.
Dr’s appointment –
The end of week 13 brought another doctor’s appointment – this was my fourth one so far. More monitoring of my blood pressure (more on this in an upcoming post) and urine tests. Listened to the baby’s heartbeat on a fetal doppler. Everything is looking good. I’m scheduled for another scan next week.
Pregnancy Month Three At A Glance –
- Feeling: Sleepy
- Craving: Pain au Raisin (well, I was in France for a few days… bonus!)
- Missing: the delicious French cheeses
- Struggling with: Big meals – I’m more interested in eating little and often
- Enjoying: All the naps
- Milestone: Second scan at 9w5d and reaching the end of the dreaded first trimester!
- Baby is the size of a: Jalapeño
- Baby weighs: 0.8 oz
- I weigh: +2 lbs
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Please note: Early pregnancy posts were written in real time, but not published in real time.
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