Dear Diary,

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It’s hard to believe how long it’s been since I’ve last posted on the blog. Needless to say, life has changed quite a bit in the last few months! If you don’t follow me on other social media platforms…I’m pregnant!

I’m currently 27 (+5 days) pregnant with our first baby! Baby boy is due on June 13th, 2021.

The First Trimester:

Though we were SO excited, the first few months of pregnancy were really hard. I was extremely sick (“morning sickness” is a lie…it’s 24/7!) and didn’t have the energy to do anything. You hear so much about how difficult the last few months of pregnancy are, but I feel like the first few aren’t talked about much.

(Trigger warning: fear of loss)

Most people decide not to tell anyone that they are pregnant until around 12 weeks because the risk of miscarriage is much lower by then. Though I understand why people choose this, I never knew how hard it would be. Not only was I horribly sick, but I also felt terribly alone. Sean is the best husband and was absolutely incredible, but nobody can prepare you for how isolating (especially in a pandemic) it all feels.

My hormones were insane, I didn’t feel myself, I was scared, and beyond exhausted. Every ache and pain left me holding my breath wondering if the baby was okay. One minute I was jumping off the walls excited, and the next I was shaking with fear of losing the baby. It was a roller coaster of emotions and my mental health declined. I felt terrible guilt for the way I was feeling and the lack of energy I had. I felt like I wasn’t “pregnant enough” to be feeling this way. All I felt was sickness and crippling anxiety. I had to be reminded that my body was working SO hard to make this little baby and it was okay to slow down!! Though this isn’t what most people want to hear about those first few months, I feel like it’s worth mentioning since we tend to only see the magical moments of pregnancy and parenthood. If anyone can relate, know that you are not alone.

We slowly started to tell more people and I slowly began to feel myself again. I realized that if something ever did happen to the baby, I would want the support from family and friends, so why were we hiding it? Everyone has their own opinion on this, but I think next time we would tell more people earlier so we had more support through those first difficult months.

First Trimester Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, bloating, gas, food aversions, constipation, mood swings, dizziness/faintness, stuffy nose, breast tenderness, increased sense of smell

The Second Trimester:

Once I hit the second trimester, I felt almost instantly better. My energy was back, I wasn’t disgusted by every food put in front of me, and I felt more like myself! Since the second trimester started, my pregnancy has been pretty easy. I’m so thankful to feel so good! I’ve been able to workout almost everyday and feel stronger than ever. I am just loving every second of carrying this little boy!

Second Trimester Symptoms: increased energy, pregnancy brain, cravings, heartburn, frequent trips to the bathroom, breast tenderness/growth, dizziness, increased appetite, backaches, shortness of breath, round ligament pain, braxton hicks contractions, nesting

It’s my last week of the second trimester, so you’ll have to come back for my third trimester updates and symptoms!

Common Questions I’ve Received:

Q: How did you manage sickness and mental health during the first trimester?

A: It was rough. I ate really bland and tried to stay hydrated as much as possible. I rested when I was able which usually meant naps after work because I was up sick most of the night. After weeks of sickness, my OB suggested that I take Vitamin B6 and Unisom. This combination finally gave me some relief!

As far as mental health, I think it’s important to find a support system. I had Sean, my mom, and I see a therapist. It also was great once I had more family and friends to talk to, especially fellow mamas. My biggest advice would be to let yourself feel whatever you need to. Try to allow yourself to rest without guilt and find things that bring you joy, even if it’s small.

Q: What workouts do you do?

A: The first trimester I had little to no energy to do a workout. Even if I did, I ended up getting sick. But since hitting the second trimester, I’ve been able to keep up a consistent routine. I try to move my body in some way at least 4 times a week, but this definitely doesn’t always happen. I do a combination of home workouts such as spin, yoga, and strength classes on the Peloton app (they even have prenatal programs) and Prenatal Barre on Beachbody on Demand. Now that it’s getting nice out, Sean and I try to go for a walk everyday and sometimes that’s enough movement for me! I know keeping up a workout routine while pregnant isn’t for everyone (always check with your OB), but it helps me feel like myself since I was very active before pregnancy. It also helps me sleep at night, gives me energy throughout the day, and helps with all those pregnancy aches and pains!

Q: When did you tell your family and friends?

A: We told our parents the day after taking a test (we couldn’t wait!!!). The rest of our family and friends we told between 8-11 weeks and then we announced on social media after 12 weeks.

Q: Do you have a name picked out?

A: YES! We knew his name pretty instantly! Only some family and friends know it. We will share his name with everyone else when he is born!

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We couldn’t possibly be more excited to meet our sweet baby.

Make sure to subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss more pregnancy content! I will be sharing my pregnancy favorites, maternity fashion, nursery updates, and more!

Thanks so much for stopping by to read my not-so-secret diary!

xx,

Beth