Surviving the First Trimester Blues

I’ve got the blues, the first trimester blues to be exact. I knew it was coming, but I was in a bit of denial. I had hoped I would not get hit with the extreme morning sickness. But, here we are and I have been so miserable both physically and mentally.

Let me start off my saying, I am so sorry I sound ungrateful or whiney. I am so thrilled to be pregnant, but I am a human after all and I can only take so much. I am hoping I can help someone who may be going through the same thing because I know they are googling every day to find some relief or to be able to relate to someone else.

This isn’t me obviously, but I can totally relate to this photo!

I am 12 weeks pregnant this week and my all day nauseous seems to be fading (fingers crossed). With Reese it seemed to get better with medicine by week 16. My first pregnancy I worked 40 hours a week. That was tough and boy was I tired. I never thought I would be the same person again, but after Reese was born the nausea instantly faded. I forgot all about it. (Funny how that happens)

This time around I am extremely thankful for the extra time I have at home to rest and the days that Reese goes to school so I can focus on my work and writing. It certainly has not been easy. I have been extremely anti-social with little energy. The energy that I do muster up I put it all into my clients because I have to do my job and do it well.

Some days seem to be worst than others. I’ve definitely got the first trimester blues and it really sucks. I thought pregnancy was supposed to be a happy time and that I would get that glow. Thanks to those like Kelly Clarkson who finally admit they didn’t love pregnancy, it makes me feel a little bit better to know I am not alone.

Surviving the First Trimester Blues

Take life one day at a time

For me, I get really depressed if I look at how many days left I have been pregnant. Take it easy and take your life one day at a time. It will make the weeks go by faster.  Also, sometimes I feel like I am really missing out on fun things when I am on social media. It’s so easy to start comparing yourself to those of your friends, family and colleges. But, don’t let your mind go there. Remember you are making a baby and it’s hard work. It’s okay to take a break for a few months. You might get to know yourself all over again.

Don’t beat yourself up

Some days I look at my daughter who is watching Sofia the First for the thousandth time and I want to cry. I feel like a horrible mother who is missing out on playing with her. The last few weeks I simply haven’t had the energy. I felt like the worst mother. But here’s a secret. Tons of pregnant moms do this – they just don’t go around shouting about it. That made me feel better. Their kids are fine, they don’t feel abandoned!

If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask

My husband has been our superhero. He has cooked dinners for us because my morning sickness seems to flair up in the morning and late in the evening. Whomever named it ‘morning’ sickness obviously did not have it all day long. During the weekends, he is more active with our kids so I can take naps. He has really been my full time nurse. God bless him.

If you need help because you think you might really be depressed, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. That is what they are there for.

Get the energy to get back into the world… even if it’s for one day

Today I made myself go have lunch with a friend. I also got my hair done. Although I dry heaved this morning and felt awful, I pushed myself to get outside of the home. I could have cancelled, but I didn’t. It was hard mentally to get ready, but I am glad I did. My morning out really lifted my spirits. Now that’s not to say I wasn’t happy to get home too and rest a little bit. Making a baby is hard work.

I keep reminding myself that this season will pass and I will feel like myself soon. Adios first trimester blues! I appreciate those who have understood why I have scaled back on my busy life. Right now I am taking life one day at a time and praying this morning sickness passes any day! Until then I will keep looking at the big picture: a sweet baby in my arms.