I get lots of questions from non-pregnant friends, and it's really made it clear how scary pregnancy can seem. Personally, I had to give up reading a lot of books because of how nervous they made me (wait, wait... I'm going to leak WHAT from WHERE???) and I really didn't want to spend these months in terror of symptoms that may or may not happen. I figured that since I'm sick on the couch, I might as well address some of the questions and "myths" of my personal experience.
Morning Sickness.
"They" say you forget. "They" say not everyone gets it. "They" were clearly not laying on the bathroom floor with me for almost two straight months, propped between the toilet and shower, wondering how this earth could possibly be overpopulated if this nonstop hell was even a possible symptom of pregnancy. I have not forgotten. I doubt after Turtle comes that I will forget. I consider myself a tough cookie, but that was too much, even for me.
How to deal? Just keep on eating and drinking. I kept crackers on my nightstand and got something in my stomach the second I woke up in the morning. I carried plastic bags and towels in the car, and I always travelled with snacks. I still got sick, but keeping something in my stomach really seemed to help. It wasn't fun, but I got through it.
Restrictions on Foods & Drinks
This falls into the category of do what you're comfortable doing. For example, the only food I've avoided has been sushi. Granted, I usually do a shrimp tempura roll, but the cross-contamination risks frighten me. I'm extremely particular about my sushi, and this is where my comfort level puts me. I will be looking for a good sushi place in June, though.
Deli meat? I've eaten it, freshly sliced from reputable places. Soft cheeses? 99% of imported cheese is pasteurized, so I'm usually fine. I prefer to be able to check the label but I've had feta in my Panera Greek salads, and bleu and brie at home. We are going to a restaurant that serves a lot of goat cheese on Thursday, and I don't think I'll be able to resist. Fish? I've eaten salmon, shrimp and tuna, always well cleaned and well cooked, and try to limit it to once a week. Caffeine? I'm comfortable with a little tea (iced or hot), chocolate, and even the occasional coke or frappacino. My doctors all said it was fine, and I am not concerned about my intake. Alcohol? While I can smell a good pinot noir being poured at 50 paces, I've been good. My doctors are alright with a small glass of red wine here and there, so again, do what makes you comfortable.
Ask your doctor if you have any more specific questions.
Body changes & weight gain.
I admit, this did surprise me. I thought I would be in hysterics as I ballooned, stuffing my face and packing on pounds. Well, here's a funny thing. As baby grows, he apparently takes up room inside your body, pressing on your stomach and lungs, most significantly. I can barely get through a snack without feeling stuffed. At 35.5 weeks, I've gained 25 pounds, and it is all in my belly. I did have to buy some new bras early on (went from a 36C to a 38D), but I was able to stay out of maternity pants until about week 30. I can still technically fit in my regular jeans with a bella band, but it's not that comfortable, so I bought a few pairs of maternity jeans for the final weeks. As I get down to my final weeks, I've been extremely conscious of my sodium intake, to avoid any water retention. So far, my plan is working. I'm actually really looking forward to having my maternity pictures taken at the end of the month - it's the first time in my life when I think I'll be comfortable showing off my belly.Hormones.Yes. They are there. They act up. DH takes pride in bragging that I've been very low-maintenance and even-keeled through my pregnancy. I've cried a few times. I've flipped out once or twice. I may even have (gasp) overreacted to a thing or two that he's said. But I've really tried to keep my hormones in check. Getting upset only puts strain on my body and isn't healthy. A few times, I've gotten frustrated with situations I just can't take, but it all passes. And he's been a very supportive and wonderful husband, which makes it easier to stay rational. :)How to deal? Avoid Publix holiday commercials and any shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Tell me what no one tells you.I could write a book on that alone! First, everyone is different. What works for me may not work for others. My experiences are not everyone's experiences. Save my morning sickness time, I've had it easy. I've stayed in good health (no gestational diabetes, low blood pressure, excellent rate of weight gain), and Turtle has been growing well, with strong heartbeat and great activity. My biggest "problem" is that I feel limited in what I can do. I have a hard time breathing with him pressing on my lungs and I get worn out so easily. I hate that feeling.On the plus side, my nails and hair have never been healthier. I'm eating better than I normally would. As far as my "evil symptoms'?Round Ligament Pain: This is going to feel like you are being stabbed in your pelvic area. I assure you, it's perfectly normal. Although I did tell the doctor that I believe Round Ligament Pain is a term that was invented to cover all manner of unidentifiable pregnancy complaints just to make it easier, and he didn't deny it, so... It goes away, never fear. It's just your ligament stretching as your uterus grows.Sciatic Nerve Pain: This is a later one (for me, started at 35 weeks). It's really just sort of like a nerve pinch up high in my leg or butt, that makes me leg a little weak for a minute. Really fun when I've just put weight on that particular leg.Bodily Functions: Despite the fact that pregnancy is a "womanly condition," there is nothing feminine or delicate about it. Gas and constipation are among the fun things your body will throw your way. Most pre-natal vitamins boast a stool softener, which I recommend.Fatigue: Naps are my friend. That is all.Other things I've heard of: leaking breasts, hair growth in abnormal places (namely the abdomen), elevated blood pressure, migraines. My conclusionPregnancy is what you make of it. Everyone has a different view of what it should be like, and everyone handles it differently. Some women would spend the rest of their lives being pregnant; some people never want to do it again. There is no right or wrong. For me, the most important thing is do what makes you comfortable. Be comfortable with your doctors or midwives; be comfortable with your hospital or birthing center; be comfortable with the choices you and your partner have made for your child. Set your goals and stick to them, no matter what others say. Keep informed and research your decisions, and don't second guess yourselves.My goal is to safely deliver a healthy son in a few weeks. I am going to try for a natural childbirth, but I'm also going to go in with the attitude of "hope for the best but expect the worst." For once in my life (please note: I'm as Type A as they come), I realize that flexibility is important, because I have no idea how things are going to go, and I need to be able to roll with the punches, should the punches arise. DH is on board with this approach. We have discussed the way we would like things to happen, and we both know to be open if things don't happen quite the way we expect.And finally, and most important, take care of yourself and your baby. :)
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