Experiencing the First Trimester for the First Time

Oct 30, 2020 – Jan 29, 2021

What a speedy 13 weeks! From finding out we were pregnant the day after Thanksgiving, to announcing to family Christmas Day – 3 midwife appointments later, and we’re into the second trimester! Still pinching myself that this is even reality, I’m gonna be a mama! 

While this pregnancy was, in fact, planned, we are still so in shock and surprised that this next step in our lives in well on its way. 

Reflecting on my first trimester is giving me all the feels, eh hem, pregnancy hormones *cue the tears* it’s already going so fast! Very much trying to be present in this journey, listening to my body, and taking it ONE DAY AT A TIME. I am one day shy of 16 weeks as I write this post, and so much has already changed! Looking back at the growth in the first trimester alone, a lot changed just in that time frame – but a lot stayed the same! 

In this post, I’ll round up some life changes I experienced in the first 13 weeks of this pregnancy, and I’ll hopefully provide some relief for new mamas like myself in sharing the many things that DIDN’T change!

As a creature of habit, change freaks me out a bit. So grasping on to a sense of normalcy and familiarity has made this pregnancy less scary! 

Things that changed:

My love for roasted bell peppers – Tay, I am so sorry. One of my favorite foods, alongside some grilled Italian sausage, now makes me want to vomit. Raw bell peppers, send em my way! But sautéed, roasted, heated in any way, let me book it to the other side of the house. 

The taste of Taylor’s homemade pesto – around the time I was 10 weeks pregnant, Tay and I made pesto together. A decadent blend of basil, Parmesan, and garlic. Pre pregnancy, this rich taste would be an aphrodisiac. That night it sent me straight to the bathroom heaving. 

Foregoing fasting before workouts – this was a temporary change. I usually do not eat before my morning workout, and my post workout protein would be the first ‘meal’ of the day. From weeks 10-14, that just couldn’t be the case. A low carb bread from Aldi spread with my favorite no sugar added peanut butter, did the trick. Had to pop that bread in the toaster before I could even brush my teeth!

Peeing 3x nightly – nighttime increased urination was no joke! Now into my second trimester, this has subsided. But wowza, 3x a night id be getting up to pee! In the first trimester, it’s not the weight of the baby pressing on your bladder yet, but rather, your blood volume increasing – your kidneys are working harder and making more urine!

So clumsy!! – this was annoying, more than anything. My spacial awareness had gone out the window, and I was dropping everything. Still am at 16 weeks. 

Intermittent constipation – probably my least favorite pregnancy symptom to boot. The iron in prenatal vitamins and the surge of progesterone and HCG back you up! I never had issues with constipation pre-pregnancy. Increased fluid intake, a probiotic supplement, chia seeds, and fruit have become my friends! 

Moody AF – among the mild physical symptoms in my first trimester, I felt as though the emotional symptoms were the most noticeable in the early weeks. I am not a crier, but I suddenly found myself getting choked up listening to a cardio anthem at the gym. I’d get upset over things I wouldn’t even think twice about pre-pregnancy. And Tay said his jokes weren’t landing the way they used to. Poor guy. At 16 weeks, I’m still dealing with mood swings, and some days that I truly don’t feel like myself. Again I say, ONE DAY AT A TIME. 

Caffeine intake decreased to 150mg daily – The recommended max during pregnancy is 200mg, so by cutting myself off at 150mg, I left myself some wiggle room for foods that have trace amounts of caffeine in them, like dark chocolate! I cut my 200mg preworkout caffeine pill in half, and switched to decaf coffee. An easier transition than I thought!  

Timing of snacks – I found if I spaced out my food into smaller, more frequent meals, I’d never let myself get hungry, which meant I wouldn’t be nauseas! Always have a snack with you! 

No Alcohol – not a huge life change, but no wine for Bachelor Mondays has been a bit of a bummer. 

Things that stayed the same:

My waist measurement and weight– in the first 13 weeks, my waist and weight did not change! I was surprised, but grateful. I attribute this to maintaining my workout schedule, and not letting myself get into the mindset of ‘eating for two’. When I met with my primary doc a few months ago to discuss wanting to get pregnant, she recommended that I try not to gain any weight in my first trimester – it was great advice and an attainable goal!

Macro intake – despite some intermittent nausea, I was able to maintain a high protein, low carb macro intake! Dried edamame was my low carb version of a saltine cracker, and those babies were life savers! 

Skin/Hair/Nails – prenatal vitamins do wonders for your skin, hair, and nails! I had taken prenatal vitamins for over a year prior to trying to conceive. I was happy to find my skin, hair and nails didn’t change during a surge of pregnancy hormones in my first trimester. 

Sleeping habits – I didn’t feel as much of the insane fatigue that so many mama friends of mine had described! I still slept my usual 8-9 hours a night. Occasional naps, but otherwise, no changes! As a tummy sleeper, I’m nervous for the weeks beyond 20 when I can’t be on my back or my tummy. Haven’t even started seriously shopping for a pregnancy pillow. 

Before I leave you with these thoughts, I wanted to share a few products I truly counted on in the first trimester! Check em out! 

Edamame – my low carb version of a saltine cracker. Quick, salty, high protein snack when the nausea onset is unexpected! Not to mention the 6g of fiber in each serving, your colon will need all the help it can get!

Bio Oil – I use this skin super oil a few times a week before bed, on my abdomen, my hips, and my breasts. Stretch Mark prevention starts early!

Probiotic – I started this probiotic supplement around week 11, and wish I would have started so much sooner. The bloating, slow digestion, and constipation of the first trimester is legit. A prenatal probiotic has helped immensely! 

Prenatal Vitamin – nothing fancy, your run of the mill prenatal vitamin. Look for one with iron, folic acid, and DHA/omega 3s! Gummy prenatal vitamins don’t have iron!

Chia Seeds – another go-to snack to help with constipation, and a fabulous source of omegas! You all know my love for an overnight chia pudding. This is even more of a favorite in pregnancy!

Facial Shaver – a friend recommended this to me during my first trimester. During COVID shutdown, my threading salon has been closed. And with prenatal vitamin induced hair growth, my facial peach fuzz and upper lip hairs have been out of control! This facial shaver solved my problem! 

Mamas, can you relate to any of these experiences?

Everyone’s journey is different! With 2 of my best friends from college also pregnant at this time, we’re learning from each other, and recognizing our very unique experiences! I am grateful what, overall, felt like a relatively smooth sailing first trimester. As we progress into the second trimester, I’m continuing to focus on the mantra ONE DAY AT A TIME. 

Feature photo taken in January 2021 by Brooks + Pine Photo. In this post, you will find affiliate links to my LIKE.to.KNOW.it account. Please know that I only use links to products I personally use; and I always have my readers’ best interest at heart.