I’m super crazy late for writing this (now at 20 weeks), but we’re pregnant! Hugh and I are expecting a baby boy just before Christmas. Before I forget too much about the experience, I want to share more about my first trimester.
TTC and Finding Out
We didn’t keep it secret that we were going to starting trying to conceive January 1st. I went off the pill in the fall (September/October) timeframe to let my hormones adjust and learn my cycle. I had been on the pill that made my cycle like 90 days, so I was not familiar with a regular one at all. I used the Clue app starting in November or so and then got more serious in the new year tracking ovulation tests from Modern Fertility.
I’m 99% sure I had a very brief chemical pregnancy in February. Though it didn’t stick for more than a week and I never tested positive, my sense of smell skyrocketed and breasts got extremely tender. Sadly, I got my period the following week.
We were very blessed just two months later! I started taking pregnancy tests very early (they were supposed to be like 97% accurate on that day!), but kept getting negative results. I was expecting my period to show up and got pretty down about it. I tried one more time after going out to dinner with some girlfriends while Hugh was out of town and surprise! it was positive!
I called Hugh the next morning to share the good news. He was actually on a fishing trip with his dad and brothers (like actually on the boat when he picked up), so they all found out right away, too. I shared with my parents and sister immediately, too. We honestly didn’t keep very quiet about it for very long – we figured we could tell “our people” – those we’d want to support us if anything went wrong anyway.
“Morning” Sickness Isn’t Just In The Morning
I was lucky to not have extreme sickness or nausea during my pregnancy (so far!), but I definitely felt icky some days. I often had to reach for the stash of Cherrios on my bedside table to settle my stomach before getting up. There were evenings that I didn’t want to get off the couch. My biggest struggle was total exhaustion. That was especially challenging when keeping it secret at work (during a time where my team and job responsibilities were growing significantly), so I didn’t do much other than work and sleep for a good chunk of weeks early on.
And Now We Wait
It’s so bizarre in those early days – you find out you’re pregnant then don’t really do anything differently for weeks. You obviously cut out alcohol and some other things and make an appointment with your OB/GYN (for about 8 weeks), but you kind of just wait. You’re afraid to get too excited in those early weeks where miscarriage is fairly common and it can feel kind of lonely. I don’t think it was very real for Hugh just yet, even when we saw the little gummy bear at my first ultrasound.
Sharing the Good News
We announced on social media on Memorial Day with the picture above. I wanted to include our sonogram, but forgot to bring it Up North to the lake (can I blame pregnancy brain?)! I was at like 10 and a half weeks, so it was a little sooner than some people choose; however, with a healthy first prenatal appointment, we couldn’t wait any longer. It was so nice to read all the sweet messages from extended family and friends.
I also found out two of my close girlfriends are pregnant and due in December! When I told each of them (a little before posting on socials), I got a “OMG, me too!” in response. It’s been really nice to have someone to go through this with and bounce ideas around. (P.S. they’re having girls, so it’s been extra fun to send ruffly pink stuff their way).
Gender Reveal
Hugh and I wanted to know if the baby was a boy or girl ASAP, so we opted for the genetic blood test at my 12-week prenatal appointment. It was a little nerve-wracking (especially for my mom who was planning) waiting to hear back in time for our Fathers Day gender reveal party. I was actually at my cousin’s house in North Carolina when the nurse finally called back and she got to be the “Keeper of the Gender” and let the baker know which color frosting to use on our cake.
My mom put together a very cute party with festive blue and pink decorations, photo booth props, and a dress code (you had to dress according to your guess!). We FaceTimed with Hugh’s parents while cutting into the cake – the frosting was blue! I was honestly so thrilled.
First Trimester Wrap Up
Almost exactly when hitting Week 14, my energy totally shifted. While still tired sometimes (hey, I’m growing a human!), the exhaustion is gone and I am so grateful. Onward to Second Tri!
What was your first trimester experience like?
Are you pregnant or a mama? What was your first few months like? How did you feel? Any advice for us? Share in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you.
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