So as of today (2.17.19) I’m 17 weeks pregnant. Which doesn’t seem that far along but it’s definitely far along enough for me to notice changes in my body. Which, honestly, has been the hard part for me. Prior to becoming pregnant, I had already gained close to 30 pounds in about 3.5 years. I was previously on birth control, which was the main reason I gained so much weight. It was so hard for me to lose weight while on birth control that I actually stopped trying. I finally made the decision to get off birth control because my husband and I were ready to start our family. I figured that as long as I’m watching what I’m eating (I normally eat very healthy anyways) that I can focus on really losing weight after the baby.
With all of that being said, fast forward to today, and I am currently growing a tiny human being and am gaining more weight. As I’ve been seeing my body change, I’ve had to consistently encourage myself and tell myself that it’s okay. This is the first time I’m going through this so I don’t know what to expect with the body changes. I mean my stomach is getting bigger and harder, my boobs have gotten bigger and I’m not really sure I like that, and I think I’m retaining water. I know that more changes are coming and soon I’m sure. Which is okay. I think the more I talk about it the more I can accept everything that is happening. Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond excited to be pregnant with our first child. This is something I’ve been wanting for the last year. It’s just so weird to see my body changing this way.
Every day I look at myself, I’m reminded of what a miracle life is. It’s so crazy to think about how God created the female body with the ability to create life like this. It’s such an amazing experience. As crazy as it can be, it’s so worth it.
My first trimester was not easy. Granted it may not have been as bad as what other women experience but it was still hard for me. I was consistently nauseas and not able to throw up. Which I would have rather done just to get rid of that feeling. I was so exhausted all I could do when I got home from work was lay on the couch for a few hours then go to bed. All I could eat was scrambled eggs and toast. So much so that after 2.5 weeks of that, I literally couldn’t stand even looking at eggs. That lasted for about 3 weeks. I started to feel really about the fact that I could barely eat. I started to feel guilty, like I wasn’t taking care of myself or my baby well enough. When I went to the doctor and explained what was going on, she basically said, “Right now, you’re just eating to survive. Eat what you can. This will pass.” Once I heard her say that, it was light a weight was lifted off my shoulders.
Now that I’m in my second trimester, my appetite is back fully and my energy is somewhat back. I’ve concluded that I will probably be tired for the next 18 years now so I’ve come to terms with it already.
For those women who may have just found out they’re pregnant, don’t be scared. You got this. Our bodies were made for this. We’re strong and we can do this together!
What is your favorite part of pregnancy so far? Let me know in the comments below!
(Shirt pictured above from Confident Motherhood. Shop here!)
