First Trimester
Weeks 1-13
July 10 to October 14, 2007
It is so hard to believe that the first trimester has come and gone already. It seems like just yesterday that I had the positive pregnancy test. It was August 10th on a Friday morning before work. I didn't necessarily think that I was pregnant, but we were headed to the lake that weekend with a bunch of friends, and I knew we would be drinking (and likely a lot!). So for peace of mind, I took a pregnancy test, assuming it would be negative, and I was going to have a good time that weekend, guilt free. Well, plans changed! The test was positive. Looking back, it sort of made sense, I had been really moody that week and had gotten mad at Jon the night before for something really stupid. Now I know it was the hormones to blame! We were in complete shock, I don't think either of us said anything for at least ten minutes, or at least it seemed that long. Then, we both had to go to work, talk about a hard day at work when you just find out news that like that and can't tell anyone! On top of that, we spent the weekend with our friends at the lake making up excuses as to why I wasn't drinking that weekend. We hadn't even talked about the fact that we were pregnant, we certainly couldn't tell our friends yet. We had great intentions of not telling friends and family for at least a few weeks, maybe closer to the end of the first trimester. Well, that didn't last. We were too excited to keep the secret, plus, it was getting a little difficult to go out to dinner with friends who were wondering why I wasn't having a glass of wine or cocktail with dinner. These people know me too well, I couldn't lie anymore! So I think by week 7 or 8 we ended up telling everyone, looking back, I don't think there is any way I could have waited until 13 weeks to tell people. I am bad a keeping secrets.
I did learn something new when I found out I was pregnant, that the first 2-4 weeks of the 40 week pregnancy you are not actually pregnant, this is just the first few weeks of your normal cycle. They are included in the 40 weeks because you cound the days/weeks from you last period. By the time you actually find out you are pregnant you are considered 5 weeks already. Who knew?? Talk about confusing!
I could not have asked for a better first trimester experience. I felt really good throughout most of the 13 weeks. There were a few days that I felt a little nauseous in the morning, but I just had to eat a little and it usually went away. Eat to feel better? No problem! I did gain a little weight early on, that was probably another early sign that I was pregnant before I knew it. My face got puffy and I was just feeling more bloated than usual. This lasted only until about week 10, and then it just went away one day. I actually lost 2 pounds during the first trimester, likely water weight. I was tired off and on and my face got a little broken out, but things that can hardly complain about. I am just so thankful that I was not nauseous or puking early on. Jon is really thankful, he thinks I sound like an old fat man when I throw up. Somehow some horrible, deep noise comes out of me when I get sick. I woke up just about every morning wondering if today is the day that the morning sickness was going to start, luckily it never did. Probably the biggest pregnancy change was my mood/emotions. I could be happy and fine one minute and sad or upset for no reason the next. That was the hardest part, feeling upset and not knowing why. I'm sure Jon loved coming home not knowing what kind of mood I was going to be in, oh the joys of having a pregnant wife!
We had our first visit with our OB at 9 weeks. Dr. Strand was referred to us by my primary care doctor. He is in the same practice and office, so that made things easy, at least. He is also the head of the residency program at St. Vincent's, so that made me feel more comfortable, too, that at least he likely knows what he's doing! I was nervous before the first appointment, just not knowing what Dr. Strand was going to be like and not knowing what to expect for the visit. Plus, I didn't feel or look pregnant, and there was a small part of me that thought that the OB was going to tell me that I was crazy and not really pregnant. Well, obviously, that wasn't the case, and we both really like Dr. Strand and the appointments have been just fine. He laid out what the next 7 months would be like, explained all of our screening/testing options, and gave us information about Women's Hospital where I'll be delivering. I have never felt like he's rushing to get out of our room to see another patient. Our doctor is really laid back and has a good sense of humor, which is great when I'm asking all these questions about eating deli meat or drinking caffeine. I've never done this before, I want to make sure I am doing things right, and he makes me feel very comfortable that I'm doing fine (and that it is safe to have a cup of coffee!) Jon likes him, too, I think it's because he laughs at Jon's jokes and he's a huge Colts fan!