1) Bloating.
From Day 1 of finding out, I feel as bloated as I do just before the start of a menstrual cycle.
Even though technically, people dont start showing 'til later in the first trimester, I sometimes feel I have a beer belly/muffin top when I wear my usual jeans and pants.
I have taken to unbuttoning the first button on my pants/jeans - it just feels more comfortable. Which has led me to feel as though I have an extra roll of fat in my mid-section. (Not like I had a flat, toned abdo to begin with!)
2) Burping.
Lots and lots. Usually first thing in the morning and when I get hungry. Kinda gross.
3) Tender areola and generally sore mammary glands.
Much like at the onset of a menstrual cycle.
4) Sporadic nausea.
Definitely very mild compared to stories of friends/patients. Occasionally, I get a wave of nausea which is like a 'ball' in my throat but is usually settled with a mint/chewy/lolly.
5) Fatigue.
I need a nap when I get home from work and usually on weekends, I have at least a 2 hour nap. Despite this, Im ready to hit the sack by 9pm.
6) Spotting.
Yes - the very thing which I dread because of its possible ominous tidings.
I did start losing it over the weekend - but after much calm talk with a friend who is an O&G reg, I calmed down. Even though she told me exactly what I already knew and had tried telling myself, it's different when it is someone else.
I am so thankful for each of this Sx because it reminds me and it tells me that my body is working hard at helping a little life grow inside of me. I would rather be nauseous and sick the whole day then to not have any Sx at all - because then I would know that things are still ok.
The last few weeks have seen me in a balance of emotions. My joy is very bridled because of what I know. Being a doctor, I have been trained to expect the worst-case scenario and in a situation like this, it is not helpful. I have had to make a conscious effort to expel the negative thoughts and hold on to God's Word and promises for this little one. I have been emotional at times leaving my husband rather helpless - the only thing he can do is to pray with me from the Word of God.
Today at church, we had 2 amazing sermons about faith. And I am reminded again of how without faith, it really is impossible to please God. (Heb 11). That I 'don't need to see it, to believe it'. That God's salvation work on the cross was also for this little one that has yet to be fully formed.
So this week, I will start by stepping forward with bold steps - knowing that the battle is won; knowing that God has purposed for us to be given this blessing at this particular time. That He sees things to completion.
I need to remember all the faith-building seeds that have been sowed so far - but that, I will leave for the next post.
