Growing a Life: Stages, Struggles, and Strengths in Pregnancy - Part 2

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading Part 1 of my "Growing a Life" series. It gives a raw, real-time insight into the complications that uterine fibroids can cause for women trying to conceive. My journey may sound extreme to some, but for many women struggling with fibroids, it will feel all too familiar.

Now that I’ve walked you through that part of my story, let’s talk about what happens once you get that positive pregnancy test. The first trimester can be an unpredictable ride, but having an idea of what to expect can help ease some of the uncertainty. While every pregnancy is different, I hope sharing my experience can offer both reassurance and preparation as you embark on your journey.

The Moment of Truth: Pregnant Again!

After going through my miscarriage, I didn’t know how long it would take to conceive again—or if I even would. But within two months, I was staring at another positive pregnancy test. Excitement, fear, anxiety, hope—all of these emotions hit me at once. I knew I wanted this, but after what I’d been through, I also knew I had to brace myself for whatever was coming next.

Surviving the First Trimester: A Rollercoaster of Changes

The first trimester is often described as the foundation of pregnancy—it sets the tone for the months to come. Some women have an easy ride, while others (like me) are hit hard by symptoms, fears, and hormonal shifts. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, knowing what’s happening inside your body can help you feel more in control.

Early Signs: Your Body’s First Clues

For most women, the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. But let’s be real—your body starts dropping hints even before that.

Here are some common early symptoms:

• Fatigue: It’s not just being tired—it’s a deep, bone-level exhaustion that makes even simple tasks feel monumental.

• Morning Sickness: Don’t let the name fool you—nausea can hit any time of day.

• Tender Breasts: Hormonal shifts can make your breasts sore, swollen, or incredibly sensitive.

• Heightened Sense of Smell: Ever walked into a room and immediately smelled something no one else noticed? I did—many times. One day, I caught the faintest whiff of something rotten, only to discover it was a tiny piece of pepperoni stuck inside the fridge. My younger sister laughed and said, "I think you're pregnant!" She was right.

• Frequent Urination: Your body is already working overtime, which means extra bathroom trips.

  
  

Every woman’s experience is different. Some might breeze through without a single symptom, while others, like me, feel every single one in full force.

The Emotional Rollercoaster: When Your Hormones Run the Show

Hormones are no joke. One minute, I was crying over a commercial. The next, I was side-eyeing my husband, wondering how he got off so easy while I was stuck on this hormonal thrill ride.

Common emotional changes include:

• Excitement: The thrill of knowing you’re growing a tiny human.

• Anxiety: Worries about the baby's health, your changing body, and the unknown future.

• Mood Swings: Feeling like a different person from one hour to the next.

• Fear of Miscarriage: Especially for those who have experienced pregnancy loss before.

  
  

After my miscarriage, the fear of losing this baby was overwhelming. My OBGYN told me that if I could make it to 20 weeks, my baby had a fighting chance—even if they had to spend time in the neonatal unit. But I didn’t want to think about that. I wanted to carry my baby full-term. The pressure to do everything "right" was crushing, but I had to remind myself that so much of pregnancy is beyond our control.

What’s Happening Inside: Physical Changes & Adjustments

Even if you don’t look pregnant yet, your body is working around the clock. Here’s what’s happening in the first 12 weeks:

• Your baby’s major organs, including the heart, brain, and lungs, begin forming.

• The placenta starts developing, ensuring your baby gets all the nutrients needed to grow.

• Your body increases blood production, which can cause dizziness and headaches.

• Hormonal shifts lead to bloating, constipation, food cravings, and aversions.

  
  

I remember feeling completely out of sync with my own body. It was like I had no control over anything. But these changes, as uncomfortable as they were, were signs that my body was doing exactly what it was supposed to do.

Common First Trimester Concerns & How to Handle Them

1. Morning Sickness

• Eat small, frequent meals (I learned the hard way that an empty stomach makes nausea worse!).

• Ginger tea and crackers became my best friends.

• Stay hydrated—sip water throughout the day.

  
  

2. Fatigue

• Rest when you can. I took naps that turned into full-blown sleep sessions.

• Eat a balanced diet to help maintain energy levels.

  
  

3. Spotting & Cramping

• Light spotting can be normal.

• Mild cramping is expected as the uterus expands.

• But if bleeding is heavy or pain is severe, call your doctor immediately.

  
  

4. Food Aversions & Cravings

• If something smells terrible, avoid it!

• Get creative with meals to ensure you’re getting proper nutrition.

  
  

My First Doctor’s Visit: What to Expect

The first official prenatal visit is both nerve-wracking and exciting. Here’s what my doctor did:

• Confirmed the pregnancy with an ultrasound. (At this stage, the baby was just a tiny "blip" on the screen!)

• Estimated my due date based on my last period.

• Discussed my medical history and prenatal care plan.

• Gave me prenatal vitamin recommendations.

  
  

This is the time to ask ALL the questions—no concern is too small when it comes to your body and baby.

Celebrating the First Trimester Milestone

Making it through the first trimester is an accomplishment! Some women wait until after 12 weeks to announce their pregnancy, while others share the news earlier. Do what feels right for you.

The first trimester is tough, but it’s also a time of incredible transformation. You’re growing a life—give yourself grace. No matter the challenges, every day brings you closer to meeting your little one.

So, take a deep breath, trust your body, and embrace the journey. The best is yet to come!