#1 – The exhaustion can be so unbearable, you’ll struggle to keep your eyes open.
Feeling exhausted and craving your bed? For many women, the extreme tiredness of the first trimester is quite a surprise. And it’s an especially hard transition for those who are normally go-getters with lots of energy. Women who usually need only six hours of sleep at night often find they need nearly double that during these first weeks of pregnancy. And, for others, daytime tiredness is paired with trouble sleeping deeply or for more than a few hours at night. Fortunately, this is normal. It’s a signal from your body to slow down and give it time to adjust to the amazing changes happening inside. Hormone changes also play a big role in making you feel fatigued, especially the hormone progesterone, as this hormone rises sharply in the first trimester. The good news is, the extreme fatigue of the first trimester is soon forgotten with the glow and boost in energy that comes with the second trimester.
#2 – You’ll become anti-social.
Even if you’re typically very outgoing, you may find that all you want to do is stay home and sit on the couch — and end up in bed at a shockingly early hour. Not surprising, given the fatigue that we just discussed. Plus, if you’re still not telling people that you’re pregnant, it can be hard to hang out with that giant “secret” looming over you — and when you can’t drink alcohol with your friends.
#3 – You’ll start googling pregnancy symptoms and turning to the Internet for medical advice — which is a VERY bad idea.
You’ll feel inclined to google every little twitch and movement you feel in your body, which will lead you down a terrible, terrible rabbit hole of untrustworthy and irrelevant information. NEVER a good idea when you’re anxious and tired and hormonal — but you’ll probably do it anyway.
#4 – However, you’ll also discover online communities that become your lifeline.
Pregnancy and baby forums of expectant moms going through the same thing can be a tremendous source of support and sanity.
#5 – You may find it hard to truly enjoy being pregnant at first.
Not only are you likely feeling nauseous and tired, but you’re also experiencing anxiety during these precarious first few weeks of pregnancy — making it hard to fully embrace your pregnancy just yet. Totally natural.
#6 – You’ll wonder if people can tell you’re pregnant.
It is fun, however, when you’re out in public and keep thinking to yourself, “I’m pregnant! I have a baby growing inside of me!” and wonder if people can tell.
#7 – You’ll feel closer to your mom.
You rolled your eyes when your mom would always say, “You’ll understand when you’re a mom”… but now you do. And you’ll likely only grow closer to your mom throughout this journey.
#8 – Your bladder will become your worst enemy.
No wonder you’re tired all the time when you’re peeing 501,236 times a day (and night).
#9 – “Morning” sickness doesn’t always strike in the morning.
With both of my pregnancies, I was nauseous 24/7 during the first trimester (couldn’t even keep water down, which was a problem) — and actually LOST weight. But that quickly changed when I entered the second trimester, thankfully.
#10 – You’ll have the urge to read every article, book, newsletter and magazine about pregnancy that you can get your hands on.
“GIVE ME ALL THE INFORMATION!”
#11 – The first time you see your peanut on the monitor, you will be moved to tears — even if you have no clue which blob is actually your peanut.
And the first time you hear the heartbeat? *SOBS*