UncategorizedTips for Surviving the First Trimester July 30, 2014 Today is the first official day of my second trimester. The first trimester seems to be different for every woman, but one thing that seems consistent with those I’ve talked to is that it’s tough. We may all have different levels of symptoms, but the goal is to survive. At my first appointment, I was told that my only goal for then was to SURVIVE THE FIRST TRIMESTER. At that point, I was 8 weeks. I hadn’t felt great. I was more tired than normal, but in my head, I was thinking, “It just doesn’t seem that bad.” And I know for some lucky women, it isn’t. We found out I was pregnant one week before I came home from teaching to be a full-time blogger. I was planning to hit the ground running with the blog. I had posts and projects planned out for months and lists upon lists of all I was going to tackle, immediately. I really couldn’t wait. I had also always planned to be the fittest, most healthy pregnant woman in history. That may be an exaggeration, but I’m a perfectionist and I knew I was going to eat incredibly well and work out. When I found out I was pregnant, I had my daily schedule laid out for how I was going to balance it all. I would go to bed early so that I could get up early and start my day off. I would have a short quiet and prayer time, go to the gym, and work for the rest of the day. Let’s just say that I quickly learned my perfect little pregnant, full-time blogger dream wasn’t going to happen the way I’d imagined. From my personal experience, here are some tips that I wish I’d been told on the front end to help others survive that dreaded first trimester. When I heard you’re more tired during the first trimester, I assumed that meant I might require an extra hour of sleep a night and then I’d be okay all day. Ha. It seems most women have this in common, but for me, I felt drugged all the time. I have to take Dramamine for motion sickness at times and every time, it knocks me out. I can’t keep my eyes open no matter what I’m doing. That’s exactly how I’ve felt during the first trimester. No matter how much I slept at night, it would hit me throughout the day and I would fall asleep sitting up working or sitting on the couch. It didn’t matter. Out of nowhere, I would literally not be able to keep my eyes open. I really fought this in the beginning. I just tried to fight through it and keep working or still get up at my alarm. And what I learned, is to let yourself sleep! Now, I’m not arguing that because I’m pregnant, I should be bedridden. But there’s a reason you’re more tired! The placenta is developing during the first trimester, so not only are you creating a whole other human, but you’re body is creating an entirely new organ. You need more rest. I finally gave in and if an episode came on, I would take a twenty minute nap. Or allow myself to sleep in an extra hour in the morning. When I finally quit fighting it, the tiredness (though it still came in force) was so much more manageable. And I was mentally better, because I was no longer struggling internally about it. I’d given myself permission. Now, I know that not everyone has the luxury of sleeping in every day or taking a nap whenever you get tired. Many of you have jobs you have to be at at a certain time and they wouldn’t really like it if they found you passed out on your desk. But do what you can. Rest more on the weekends. Go to bed an extra hour early. Going beyond tiredness, I really tried to be my normal self. I didn’t see a reason much (other than no caffeine, etc.) needed to change. I thought the same amount of sleep would do. I thought my old favorite foods would still be my favorites. I should be just as productive at work, or even more because another mouth to feed is coming. The list goes on and on. And after a few weeks, I realized I was failing miserably! I just couldn’t keep the same pace that I had before. I was different. I get winded much quicker doing activities that used to be easy. I’m tired. I cry at everything and once it starts, it doesn’t stop. I learned to allow myself to be different. I had to accommodate for my new self and be okay with whatever that meant. I am such a firm believer in healthy eating and working out. I’m not perfect at it, but it’s a huge priority for us. I’ve been gluten and dairy free now for almost a year. I’m loving the results and feeling great. I eat tons of fruits and vegetables. I only eat meat once or twice a week. I thought, I’ve got this pregnancy health down. I looked at the list of nutrition suggestions and no-no’s at my first appointment and smiled a prideful, self-approving smile. I already do all of these things. And the few things I’ll have to give up will be no big deal. I mean, I’m having a baby, so it’s totally worth it. At that same appointment is when I was told to just survive. She said for me to eat as well as I could and exercise some, but that the second trimester when I felt better is when I would really tackle that. I laughed inside thinking, I’m going to the gym three times a week! I’ll just continue the way I’ve been eating for years. I’ll be perfectly fine and this will be the healthiest, most beautiful baby ever born. Okay, I wasn’t that prideful and full of myself, but I thought I had this handled. And then the nausea hit. And food aversions. And all of a sudden, the look of my usual green smoothie or the smell of my roasted broccoli literally made me gag. Suddenly, all I wanted were Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets when I don’t eat meat much and um…gluten-free doesn’t mean fried. I quickly learned what she meant by “try.” I haven’t worked out nearly as much as I was used to or planned to, but I try to walk most every day and do light weights when I can. I am not getting the same amount of vegetables as I was, but I try to force down anything possible to help my little one grow. And just a little tip, ginger mints from Trader Joe’s help a ton with the nausea! And all of this about sleep and nutrition leads into the next point perfectly… Don’t take all I said above to mean that it’s just fine for us to sleep and watch TV all day while munching on fifteen bags of Cheetos. I’m an all-or-nothing person. I expect a perfectly productive day filled with tons of blog work or nothing. Right now, that isn’t always realistic for me. And I have beat myself up for it all summer. This summer has been crazy. I’ve loved it, but in some ways, it’s about killed me. So far, I’ve been away (trips, blogging conferences, etc.) for three weeks. We have another long weekend trip this week and next week. They are all wonderful things, but piled one week after another, it’s tough. Now with blogging full-time, I’m trying to pack a full week’s worth of work into one or two days when we are here. On top of all of that, I’m trying to keep my eyes open and keep food down. What a lovely combination. Our lives are full. They’re full of trips, work, dishes, laundry, the unending list. And being pregnant has finally helped me to conquer some of the perfectionism that I’ve always struggled with. DO THE BEST YOU CAN. Do the very best you can on what’s in front of you, but recognize that in the first trimester (or at other difficult periods in life), your best right now might not be the best you’re accustomed to. And it’s okay. Let it go. Just do your best. There are days when my husband comes home from work and asks how my day was and I have so much exciting news to tell him and a huge list of all of my accomplishments to rattle off. There are other days when he comes home, asks the same question, and about all I can say is “I’m making a human.” Finally, I realize that it’s okay. My best will have to be enough during this season and during other busy and tough seasons in the future. I can’t be everything to everyone. I can’t make my little human, sleep enough, eat well, work out, go on fun summer travels, have a creative and well-written daily blog post, keep up with the business side of things, clean the house, keep the laundry caught up, keep the house clean… I can’t do it all. But I can do some of it. I can do my best. And I’ve finally accepted that it’s enough. I know what you other pregnant ladies are thinking. “Um…Lindsay…I throw up five times a day now…HOW COULD I FORGET ABOUT THE BABY???” I know, but I mean that a little differently than it sounds. I got so overwhelmed during the first trimester. Just like I’ve said above, I tried to do it all and be the perfect picture of a healthy pregnancy, and when I couldn’t, I beat myself up for days and was in a horrible mood. I can’t give you tips that will totally take the nauseousness away. I can’t fix your exhaustion. But I can remind you of one thing that was a game-changer for me. A little over halfway through the first trimester, I started reading 1000 gifts by Ann Voskamp. It has forever changed how I view life, but this stage in particular. She talks about how ingratitude is the stealer of all joy. And if we look hard enough, in EVERY SINGLE SITUATION, we can see a gift from God and be grateful. I read this on a day when the nauseousness was particularly bad, I couldn’t hardly eat or keep my eyes open, and I was crying because I had so much blog work to do and couldn’t bear to do it with how I was feeling. I opened this book and read those words and immediately, my perspective changed. God reminded me that I feel horrible and tired because I’m having a baby. Yes, that’s obvious, but I fully grasped it for the first time. God has given me what I’ve prayed for and I’m mad at the symptoms. I’m overwhelmed with the list of work to do because God has provided my dream job that will allow me to do what I love and stay home with my little one. Nausea or no nausea, overwhelming list or sense of accomplishment, I wouldn’t change ONE SINGLE THING about that life. I’m not saying that it’s now fun to be so nauseas that you almost throw up on the clerk in the grocery store checkout line. This happened to me, just yesterday. But my perspective is different. Every time I feel horrible, I place my hand on my stomach and think of the little one growing in there. I think of the life we’ll have with them, what we’ll teach them, how I’ll hold them, and it makes it easier to bear. Not fun, but easier. And before I know it, that tough moment has passed and I’m left with joy. Joy that overflows and fills me with warmth I’ve never felt before. So many women told me that on the first day of their second trimester, they felt like a switch flipped and they were themselves again. Well, today was that day for me and I had the worst nausea I’ve had yet, by leaps and bounds. But my perspective has changed. I’m more at peace. And I’ve learned how to be filled with gratitude and joy even in the midst of nearly throwing up on a stranger. Thank you guys so much for being patient with me during this time as I try to make this little human and figure out the world of full-time blogging, all at the same time. Thanks for your love and support and excitement about our Baby Buffalo! All of the e-mails and comments bring me such joy! I’m finally putting together those nursery boards and I can’t wait to share my vision with you! {And I know you’re seeing some exterior updates behind me above. I’ll have some new photos and updates on that soon!}
Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says July 30, 2014 at 7:17 am That first trimester is all about rest! Your body just needs to sleep. I do have to say that running (or if you don’t run brisk walking) and toning exercises really helped me feel good. I ran up until the end of my 7 month with Sam and then switched to walking because the pressure down there was heavy. I think I thought he would fall out if I ran anymore! LOL. From what I remember, the second trimester is great and you get your energy back. You look so cute preggers 😉 xo Kristin Reply
Lindsay says July 30, 2014 at 10:02 am Kristin, I am so impressed that you ran until 7 months! I hate running with a deep passion, haha! I’ve tried to be a runner so many different times, but it just isn’t for me. But the elliptical and brisk walking have been my best friends! And thank you for telling me my body just needs sleep. I always feel so guilty when I sleep through my 7am alarm and wake up feeling drugged at 9am! All I can think of is all the time lost to get stuff done! I’ve got to keep remembering that my body is trying to get what it needs! Reply
Baileywife @ Irishman Acres says July 30, 2014 at 7:24 am “I’m making a human”….love that! I made 4 humans, and am so completely in love with them all to this day. This too shall pass, and you will forever be a mommy. Now, as for blogging….it CAN wait, (but I am so excited to see every post you put up). Take care of you and that baby, and the rest will just come. ~Kim Reply
Lindsay says July 30, 2014 at 10:01 am Thank you Kim!!! I LOVE what you said, I will forever be a mommy. That just brings tears to my eyes. I thought I’d found my dream job with blogging, but I can already see that being a mommy will surpass it 🙂 Reply
Alice W. says July 30, 2014 at 8:15 am I am new to your blog…found you through a pin on pinterest and love your style! Congratulations on your pregnancy and those are some good tips. With my first baby I could not believe how tired I was all the time and then if I didn’t eat before I was actually hungry I got so sick. I think you will probably experience less of those symptoms soon and feel great and get to really enjoy these next few months (and then the uncomfortable ones come but then that sweet baby!). Wishing you the best! Reply
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says July 30, 2014 at 8:25 am Welcome to the happiness that is the second trimester! 🙂 I think you’ve got a great attitude about pregnancy and you’ll enjoy the next few months. Reply
Lindsay says July 30, 2014 at 10:00 am Thanks Elizabeth! I’m SO excited for the second trimester! I do feel better already most of the time, but am still having short bouts of really bad nausea, but they’re SHORT! And the nesting desire has already started 🙂 I feel the need to whip the whole house into shape, redo things, reorganize, and get ready for the little one! I’m sure they’ll notice how horrible our closets and pantry are… Reply
Katie says July 30, 2014 at 8:43 am Yes! Loved this! I’m currently 20 weeks pregnant and I bookmarked this post to send to all of my friends when they get pregnant because it is true! I didn’t tell my employer/co-workers until my 2nd trimester, and I didn’t want to miss work, but there were some morning where I told myself that if I would just go to work and sit at my desk for 8 hours and try my best, I would consider the day a success. Reply
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says July 30, 2014 at 8:52 am I’m so very happy for you, Lindsay! Very good advice! Reply
Rainey says July 30, 2014 at 9:47 am Thanks for being real and sharing these tips. I appreciate them because although I am not pregnant, I can see myself reacting the same way when the time comes. I’ve also been reading One Thousand Gifts for devotions recently, and have found the same peace and joy washing over me in unexpected moments these days – when I come home tired from work, when I feel overwhelmed about all of the house projects on my to-do list, etc. Her book is helping me to “weigh down the moments,” and be okay with how things are – imperfect, incomplete, but full of beauty nonetheless. It’s a good challenge to live the now and see God in all of it. Reply
Lindsay says July 30, 2014 at 9:58 am Rainey, I’m so glad that you read this BEFORE being pregnant 🙂 I so wish I’d had more of this perspective going in. It would’ve been drastically different for me! You chose the right word..it’s definitely a “challenge” to live in the now and see God in all of it! I have to constantly remind myself of this when I react horribly, but it’s amazing the difference when you’re able to see God in it. Reply
Lindsay @ Makely says July 30, 2014 at 10:09 am HOORAY for the 2nd trimester! Such awesome news. 🙂 Reply
Emily @ Two Purple Couches says July 30, 2014 at 10:32 am I think your tips apply beyond pregnancy as well! I am not pregnant, but I recently changed my work schedule from full-time to part-time so that I can focus more on my blog and hopefully turn it into a full-time career. And I suffer from almost all of these feelings – beating myself up when I’m not as productive as I was planning to be that day, trying to check all 100 items off my to-do list at a time, and feeling guilty about spending a day relaxing. It’s been a good lesson in cutting myself some slack! And I cannot even image trying to do this plus making a human! But the human-making part is definitely more important 😉 Reply
Kate Brittain says July 30, 2014 at 10:46 am Oh man my 1st trimester was the worst by FAR!! Sea bands and lots of carbs kept me sane…and resting and take out 🙂 I hope you start feeling better! 41 wks and 4 days today…am I in the 4th trimester? Lol being induced tomorrow 🙂 Reply
Courtney says July 30, 2014 at 11:01 am Congratulations!! I am 10 wks pregnant and am going through the exact same thing, I am counting down the days to the 2nd trimester, I hope its like flipping a switch because, wow I’m exhausted all the time. I feel bad for missing work or the piles of laundry and dishes but all I can do is look forward to the weeks to come! I am going to check out that book, I feel like I need a little change of perspective. Thanks for the tips 🙂 Reply
Sandi says July 30, 2014 at 12:27 pm I love this post. Well said. I think we get caught up in the idea of what pregnancy will be like, but then it’s a game changer when you feel like garbage all the time. I was blessed, only a few weeks of intense nausea and then nothing. Funny though, those ginger mints from TJ’s totally made me gag. I still can’t even look at them and my daughter is a year old haha. Reply
Kelley Lively says July 30, 2014 at 3:06 pm Totally agree with you! I felt so guilty for being tired all the time in my first trimester, my work suffered and I wasn’t able to do nearly as much for my blog. I hope your 2nd trimester is much better! Mine has been so far but I think as I’m gaining weight, the tiredness is kicking back in a little. Reply
Amber says July 30, 2014 at 4:14 pm You.are.so.precious. Enjoy every minute of every nap. Your next pregnancy won’t allow any napping because you’ll have the first Baby Buffalo running around! I adore you and your transparency! Reply
Anna Foster says July 30, 2014 at 9:43 pm So excited for you!! Madison is already missing you (and school hasn’t even started), but she could not be happier about your news!! Looking forward to following along for the rest of your pregnancy. Can’t wait to see your little bundle of joy!! Congrats!! Reply
Natalie Klemek says July 31, 2014 at 10:19 am You made it to the second trimester! And such wonderful and real to life first trimester tips. They’re exactly what I did … And had to work and have a very active three year old son! I hope that switch flip REAL soon for you and believe it is really like flipping a switch … All of a sudden you feel “normal” with your energy back. So funny! I totally despised broccoli (which I usually love) during both of my first frimester. And I craved like a crazy animal salt (pizza, mcchicken sandwiches & BLTs). Glad to hear you’re still getting out there and moving — so important! And it’ll help with having a healthier pregnancy & lil buffalo. I’m still doing cross fit and even though it’s tough — so worth it! And such a cute baby bump … Makes me smile : ) Reply
Tricia says July 31, 2014 at 2:03 pm I’m one of those women who was sick the entire time of my three pregnancies so I can’t comment on what a normal pregnancy is like. My physician wanted to put me in the hospital each time for iv’s but I refused. I just kept drinking & eating small bites of food and throwing up about every 30 minutes. The only time I didn’t throw up was when I slept. Two things I can’t stand today are colas & bananas. The doc gave me a prescription of cola syrup to take but one smell & I ran to the bathroom to, you guessed it, throw up. Needless to say I tossed that syrup in the trash. My husband loves bananas & the odor of them used to set me off whenever I passed the kitchen. Hopefully, you will feel much better soon. Sleep as much as you can while you can. Ha! Because that little one will consume all of your time. Congratulations & best wishes. Reply
Jennifer @ Brave New Home says July 31, 2014 at 6:23 pm The first tip really hit home for me. With my first pregnancy, I would come home from work, fall asleep, and wake up the next morning. I felt so unproductive! But really, is there anything more productive than creating a life? All the best to you in your second trimester, Lindsay! Reply
Bethany @ Dwellings by DeVore says August 1, 2014 at 2:35 pm You definitely don’t need to feel guilty about anything, you are doing great and that baby is very lucky to have you as it’s mommy! You look beautiful! Reply
Laura @ The Turquoise Home says August 7, 2014 at 5:40 pm Yep! You pretty much nailed it. I think “drugged” perfectly describes the first trimester, because that’s EXACTLY how I describe it to my husband. My head is foggy and I’m just not me. But for me, as soon as the second trimester hits, the nausea dissipates and I come out of the fog. Hope you’re having a blessed second trimester! And congrats on the girl!! So fun! Reply
Stevie says August 12, 2014 at 10:20 pm Linds! Lesli told me you were preggers and I’m so happy for yall!!! Send me your address in an email or something?! Stevie 🙂 Reply
Annie says November 19, 2014 at 3:03 pm Hey Lindsay, my name is Annie and I’m in the middle of my First Trimester and I have to say how wonderful it was to read your blog. I’m a preschool teacher so some might say I have a stressful, demanding job! And yes I have been getting very stressed out and it’s very hard for me to take that “step back “. Beacuse like yourself I am a perfectionist!, so I try to do my best at everything. And I’ve always wanted more then anything to be a mom and now I’m on my way! And to read all the things you said and put in such an easy perspective that made me really think “yes My dreams are coming true” “I’m making a human”. And after I read your blog reality finally set in and I said to myself “Annie you need to relax and enjoy every minute of it because it goes by so fast! And it’s important to put your hands on your belly and say ” I have a human growing inside of me” and it’s the most exciting thing in the world! Reply
Lindsay says November 21, 2014 at 11:19 am Annie, thank you so much for this sweet comment! I loved reading your story and am so happy that you shared it. I’m so grateful to hear that my tips helped you! You learn so much by experience and while it may be too late to do much about it for yourself, knowing that it can help other people to really warms my heart! I wish you the best of luck with your little one and your pregnancy! Reply
Xristina says March 10, 2015 at 5:10 pm Thank you for this post 🙂 I’ve just started making my own little human… Just 3 weeks in but already the tiredness has hit me, coupled with a very demanding job. Looking forward to times ahead when it passes. In the mean time, I’m off to have dinner – hopefully I’ll still like my Spanish chicken bake 😉 X Reply
Mallory says April 21, 2015 at 12:02 pm Whew! This is refreshing. In the past couple of years I have been eating clean with no fast food, fried food, or beverages besides water (except for the occasional glass of wine). I am now on my 8th week in my first trimester and had told myself the same advice as you, but I as well have been gaging at my green morning smoothie and my usual salad for lunch. Chick-fil-a sandwiches have been my recent refuge! I am trying so hard not to beat myself up for having constant exhaustion and greasy cravings when I was previously working out 5 days a week and avoided such foods. This post is really an encouragement! I know it won’t last too much longer, but it’s great to know we’re not alone in this. Reply
Lindsay says April 21, 2015 at 3:20 pm Mallory, I am so glad this helped you! That’s exactly why I wanted to post my experience! I needed someone to tell me all of that was okay 🙂 I say do the best you can, but do not beat yourself up for those cravings and for being tired! Your body is doing a major work creating that little human right now and what you’re capable of/what you need to fuel yourself is totally different 🙂 Congratulations on that new little life! I can tell you as I type this with my little one wrapped to me asleep, you will blink and this will be a distant memory and that sweet little one will be in your arms! Reply
Savannah says July 9, 2015 at 3:52 pm God is so faithful to provide encouragement when we need it. So glad I came across this post, thank you! Reply
Paige says January 13, 2016 at 4:20 pm Seriously needed this right now! So glad I found this. Working from home for a second day today since morning sickness hit me hard this week. All while work thinks I’m “sick”. I’m only 6 weeks so we haven’t told anyone yet (waiting for first apt at 8 weeks) and I’m sure my coworkers are starting to think I’m lazy. The struggle is real! Now I just need to keep reminding myself to do my best and think about how I’m making this baby we want so bad. THANK YOU. Reply
Jessica says April 21, 2016 at 11:58 am I have a at home biz too and I’m also in my first trimester for the first time! I’m glad to see in not the only one struggling with this. I finally gave myself permission to sleep as long as I need until I wake up naturally. I feel pretty guilty sometimes but I have to remember this baby making stuff is a huge deal! I usually sleep from 10 to 10! And work fills in the spaces of when I feel good like sand into nooks and crannies. Thank you for your blog on this topic! I giggled to myself as I related to your pre morning sickness confidence! I thought all the same things. Oh and I also related to not having joy despite knowing I had prayed for pregnancy. I plan to look that book up. Reply
Simona says September 14, 2016 at 1:16 am Thank you so much for this. This is my fourth child and I still go through the exact thing. This really made me feel like I’m doing great even though I feel like shit and my husband will never know the feeling!! Reply
Kelly says December 29, 2017 at 3:38 pm Thank you so much for this – I’m on 8 weeks and I constantly feel like a blobl (I also have severe overian hyperstimulation syndrome which has caused me to gain 26 lbs of fluid, so that doesnt help) – but yeah, sooooo tired and feel like i need to avoid it or go overboard convincing my husband that im not just lazy (not that he has suggested otherwise) – my energy is just out the wazoo so thanks for this, it is a big help to know im not just totally abnormal! Reply
Sarah says January 11, 2018 at 4:50 pm Thos post was so beautifully written! Currently 9 weeks pregnant for the first time and constantly remindedhow hard growing a human being is! I like you am a perfectionist and when we found out at five weeks we were expecting told myself I too would be the best pregnant lady ever. That lasted a good two seconds! Taking it day by day and remembering how worth all the crappy days will be. Also have to agree 1000 Gifts is one of the best books of all time is recently started re-reading! Thank you for sharing! Reply