Happy Friday!
Today, I will answer all of your questions about my first trimester and all things pregnancy! It’s been so much easier to get on here and blog after announcing the exciting news. Now that symptoms are finally easing up in my second trimester, I hope to get some holiday recipes up, gift guides, and a few home update blogs. I started to think I would never feel like myself again, but things are finally looking up. If I missed any of the questions that you want to be answered, leave them in the comments, and I’ll respond back! 
My First Trimester Recap + a Q&A
Planned or Surprised?
We were definitely planning this pregnancy. Kyle and I have had “baby fever” for the past two years. We wanted to build a home big enough for a family, have all our finances in order, and then start trying. At the beginning of our relationship, we never talked about having kids. We were both so content with where our lives were at, but things just changed. We couldn’t wait to start a family, and we were both very ready.
Are you showing at all?
I finally started showing a few weeks ago! I thought something was wrong with me because I saw baby bumps on people who were ten weeks pregnant. I learned quickly NEVER to compare pregnancies or bodies. But yes, finally showing and having a hard time zipping up my pants. I purchased an extender for my jeans to make things a bit easier! I wanted to buy some maternity jeans from Old Navy, but I have no idea where to start with sizing. I may have to order a ton and try them all on. Maternity clothes are so confusing. I’ll try to post things that I have loved along the way.
Are you having any food aversions?
This has been the WORST. They are getting MUCH better, but the first thirteen weeks of pregnancy were terrible with food aversions. They would change daily, which meant if one day I liked having pizza, the next day, I would see it in my fridge and run to go throw up. The food aversions would prevent me from going to grocery stores, walking into my pantry, opening the refrigerator, or even hearing about what someone ate would have me running to the bathroom. I’m so happy they have settled down. Commercials still trigger me, but we’re getting better. Oh and coffee? I HATE IT! Haven’t had it in three months +
What are some of the uncomfortable side effects you’re having?
A few of the side effects have gone down this past week, but some of the worst that I didn’t plan for was dysgeusia, which makes it taste like pennies and sour patch kids are in my mouth at the same time. It also causes nausea because of how bad the taste is. It has finally gotten better, but I was worried I would have to deal with that my entire pregnancy, which scared me. Nausea and vomiting have been terrible, being out of breath just walking up the stairs, mild insomnia if I don’t take Unisom, migraines, and swollen gums. I had to call my dentist yesterday because my gums are so swollen that some of them are covering my teeth. I thought it was from over-brushing, but it’s a symptom of the hormones causing blood to rush to the gums. Pregnancy is filled with fun symptoms!
What are you most excited about when it comes to motherhood?
Am I allowed to say everything?
Do you have any fears about becoming a mom?
Gosh, yes! I can prepare myself the best I can, ask for help when I need it, and understand that motherhood isn’t perfect. Kyle is such an incredible partner, and I feel lucky to have him by my side through all of it.
How are you feeling right now?
Better. I probably would have started crying if you had asked me how I was feeling a few weeks ago. I hated when people told me that things would get better because I didn’t believe them. Now I do.
Did you use any apps to track your cycle before getting pregnant?
I used the FLO app to track my periods and ovulation for about five months. I wanted to track which days I was most fertile and see how accurate it was each month. I had a lot of stress before the wedding, especially grieving the loss of Grumples. My periods started to hop all over the place, so I wanted to do everything I could to track them properly. There were so many things about ovulation and getting pregnant that I had NO IDEA about, and I bet many of you are in the same boat as me. I thought I knew, but it was so much more complex. I watched a science video on YouTube that I think helped me the most when it came to an understanding of “how to get pregnant” because it’s not just about having intercourse. I know that’s going to sound strange, but timing is everything. Laugh now, but watch the video, and you’ll be amazed too! lol
Were you scared about having endometriosis and getting pregnant?
Absolutely. I have had many appointments with OBGYNS about endometriosis and pregnancy. I had a few ultrasounds before planning the pregnancy, and my doctors gave me the green light. My charts looked good, I was doing everything right, I never took birth control that would harm my body, and my doctor told me that getting pregnant could help me shed some of the tissue from having endometriosis. I have a few family members with endometriosis that have never had issues with having kids. I didn’t let it stress me out and chose to remain positive.
How many children do you want in total?
Kyle and I each come from a family of four, so we’re very familiar with that dynamic. I think we’ll stop at two (God willing.)
What have you been taking for sickness?
I have tried all the natural remedies! Ginger, preggo pops, lemon heads, ginger ale, essential oils, etc. The only things that have helped me at all have been Unisom and B6 before bed and Zofran on the days that I can’t keep anything down. The sickness sometimes lasts from 5 am until I go to bed at night. Everything started getting a little easier at week 15 as long as I could keep my medicine down at night! I tried to stop taking it a few nights ago to see if my body needed it, but that was a bad idea. I had a hard time keeping anything down and had to resort back to Zofran (which I only take in emergency cases.) Also…Diet Coke. I KNOW, I KNOW. But so many people messaged me telling me that Diet Coke saved them! 
How did you tell Kyle?
Since Kyle and I were trying, we agreed to take a test together. He didn’t want me to surprise him, and he wanted to know at the same time. He thought it would be much more special finding out together, and I so agree! Sharing that moment was so magical.
What is the strangest craving you’ve had so far?
Imitation crab meat! It’s something I loved as a kid, but it’s such a weird craving I have!
Have you started on the nursery yet?
Yes! I always share sneak peeks on Instagram. We are doing a puppy dog-themed We wanted to start early on the nursery and work on getting something done each week that way, we aren’t in a rush later on in the pregnancy.
What is one piece of advice for someone else going through a challenging pregnancy?
DO NOT compare your pregnancy, body, or current lifestyle to anyone else. I had to unfollow a few popular bloggers who are currently pregnant. It wasn’t because I didn’t like them, but I wouldn’t stop comparing myself to them, and I got angry at times. I would see them out doing things after I just finished throwing up, or they’d be eating food that made my stomach churn, and they’d share bump pictures looking six months pregnant, and I’d start two worry about myself. Their easy and healthy-nut pregnancies just “pissed me off” for no reason. I will eventually re-follow them because I like them, but if you find yourself comparing, remove yourself from the situation! Also, take people’s advice with a grain of salt because you know your body more than anyone. I’ve also been better about leaning on Kyle for help. My love language is acts of service and giving. I love to do little things around the house, cook and do little surprises. I have completely shifted and have leaned on him for helping with the dogs, getting groceries, cleaning, and asking for something even if I feel “needy.” You can’t do it all!
Will you share photos of your children online?
I shared my thoughts about motherhood and blogging during my announcement blog! You can read that here.
How did you tell your family you were pregnant?
We told a lot of our family on FaceTime since they live in different states! We told my mom and dad during my mom’s birthday dinner with fake lottery tickets, and it was so much fun!
Did you tell your friends before announcing?
Absolutely! I told my closest friends weeks before announcing on social media. I think chatting with them about struggles or having them understand why I was so distant made it easier. You can only say “no” so many times before people start wondering what the heck is up!
Which prenatal are you using?
I was using Pink Stork gummies, but I started to have aversions and gag every time I chewed them. Now, I’m taking the One-a-Day prenatal. I find them so much easier to handle. I was also taking the Smarty Pants ones for a while, but something about the vitamin taste in the gummies didn’t sit well with me.
What were your very first symptoms before testing positive?
I had shortness of breath on my walks, mild cramping, moodiness (like crying over anything), I was so thirsty, constantly having to pee, and so tired. We walked through an outdoor nursery when it was like 90-degrees out while Kyle’s mom was visiting. She didn’t know I was pregnant, and I sat on a bench under a tree and fell asleep. I could sleep for days if someone let me. The first pregnancy symptoms are very similar to your period, so it’s all confusing around that time.
Do you think your dogs know you’re pregnant?
I have a feeling Tux can sense it because he runs up to me in the yard and sniffs my stomach when I bend down to him. Leo is oblivious to everything He has no idea! I am working with him on boundaries right now.
Are you going on a babymoon?
We would like to! Let me know some good spots we should look at traveling to. I’m thinking warm and relaxing!
Is Kyle allowed to go to your appointments with you?
Yes! I’m allowed to have one person with me during appointments!
Are you hiring a Doula?
Nope. It’s just going to be Kyle and me. We have a few classes lined up to help us prepare, though!
Epidural or natural?
EPIDURAL!
Will you breastfeed?
If I am able! I would love to know all of the breastfeeding advice and what pumps you loved. I am so overwhelmed with everything right now.
What changes did you make before getting pregnant?
I was eating SO HEALTHY and balanced. I ate salmon, vegetables, fruits, nuts, yogurt, lemon water, and I cut down my sugar. I kept walking 3-5 miles a day and started taking prenatal gummies right after the wedding. I also started drinking half-calf coffee, which cut my coffee intake down to 48 mg a day. I’ve never been a big drinker but will sip the occasional wine if at a party or if it was offered at dinner, so that wasn’t a problem for me. I can’t tell you the last time I finished a glass of wine, but I’m just a dessert over wine type of gal.
How are you maintaining a healthy diet while pregnant?
HAHAHA! The biggest lie I told myself. “I am going to eat so healthily while pregnant.” The first few weeks started great. I had no issue with eating healthy, but then food aversions and sickness happened all of a sudden. I ate for survival. Right now, I’m slowly introducing eggs and avocado toast back into my morning breakfast, and it sounds good. I started eating spaghetti squash, and fruits don’t repulse me as much anymore. I think I’ll be able to eat healthier as the pregnancy goes on because it truly is essential!
Are you worried about your body changing?
So many people asked this question. NOT AT ALL. I have been in such a positive place with my body for the past few years. I live a healthy lifestyle the best I can, and I plan to do that even after I have my baby. I KNOW my body will change, and I won’t “bounce back” like the average person, but having a baby is so much more incredible and exciting, and my body bouncing back is the least of my worries. It makes me sad seeing people try so hard to diet and lose pounds after having a baby. If you put too much focus there, you won’t put your focus on what’s important! Celebrating your baby and soaking up all the moments while they’re young is so important. I plan to go on walks, stay active, and be a good example, but that’s as far as I’ll go!
Are you still exercising?
I’m walking on days when I feel good (and days when I don’t because Leo lays by the door with his leash.) I plan to join a local prenatal yoga class as soon as my “throwing up” is under control! I’m terrified of joining a class and then having to throw up. It’s my biggest fear right now.
Are you having a boy or a girl?
We are waiting until birth to find out!
Do you have then names picked out?
We have our girl name picked out for sure! We still go back and forth with the boys names. We have some good contenders.
Will you be sharing baby products and gift guides?
I will share products that I love and maternity products!
I appreciate all the sweet messages and comments you have sent me so far! The honesty in my DMs has been so comforting.
