With all the talk about your baby, let’s not forget another very important person: you. Certainly all of these changes to your body are affecting you physically and mentally. You’ll be glad to know that you’re not alone. Join in the company of women here, as we explore the good, the not-so-good, the strange and the amusing sides of pregnancy. Please note that the responders are not medical professionals, and to always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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Physical Changes
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I began noticing my pants fitting tighter around week 10. Second trimester was very enjoyable in that I felt great and was able to do most things I usually do.
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Michelle, 8 months in Florissant
I do love my growing belly. I love to watch the little one inside me moving all around. I really don't mind people touching my belly, because I was one of those people before! I know how cool it would be to feel a baby move inside someone, so I don't mind if they feel, trying to catch a little movement. I think I look odd, seeing my reflection as I pass a store window. It catches me off guard. I still don't recognize myself in this form.
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
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I experienced a large amount of nausea and indigestion during all three of my pregnancies- the third being the worst.
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Andrea, 7 months in St. Louis
I had light nausea early in pregnancy and now as well as late in pregnancy due to baby pushing on my esophagus. This nausea now sometimes is so extreme I get a little stomach acid backup... that is all too unpleasant.
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
I was extremely lucky in that I didn't experience any morning sickness or nausea. I had a little bit of heartburn in the beginning, but it disappeared after a few weeks. I am carrying my baby low, so that is probably why it hasn't been much of a problem.
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Michelle, 8 months in Florissant
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I had a few food cravings, but nothing over the top. I did crave more meat than I usually do.
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Andrea, 7 months in St. Louis
Thirst seems to follow me around all day. Water always tastes best, but sometimes you need something a little jazzier. I turn to lemonade or juice, or maybe some decaf hot tea.
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
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On the plus side, my skin, hair and nails were actually healthier while I was pregnant.
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Andrea, 7 months in St. Louis
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I have the inability to grasp objects as well making me clumsier. I think this goes hand in hand with the hips and feet spreading, so have my hands. My grip doesn't feel as strong as it use to. I need help opening those pickle jars!
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
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I was incredibly tired in the first trimester and found myself needing a nap when I got home from work before I could do anything else.
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Michelle, 8 months in Florissant
Fatigue comes with the territory. Yes, the second trimester was the best. I need much more sleep at night now than ever.
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
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My feet are swelled and stretched. My shoes don't fit like they use to and I can't wear most of them anymore. I think that my foot grew at least a half size.
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
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My back and hips hurt considerably more with my second and third pregnancies.
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Andrea, 7 months in St. Louis
A few weeks into my Third Trimester, I noticed some pain in my hips - especially when I would get up after sitting at my desk. I found Yoga, daily stretching and kegels to help with this tremendously. These seemed to help with a lot of the common Third Trimester ailments.
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Michelle, 8 months in Florissant
I get leg cramps at night and restless legs through the day. Fabulous.
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
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Olfactory sensitivity is great. I can smell someone smoking the next car over at a stop light.
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
One of the first things I noticed upon becoming pregnant was the looseness in my joints. My husband and I walk a lot and I noticed my legs felt different and I was even more clumsy than usual!
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Michelle, 8 months in Florissant
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Emotional Changes
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I do tend to have mood swings when I am pregnant. There are days I feel there is a rainy cloud following me. On those days, I try to just take it easy and not feed the negative thoughts.
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Andrea, 7 months in St. Louis
I am very emotionally sensitive. I get emotionally sad when something is depressing on a movie, or when someone calls me "too big for 32 weeks." I also get emotionally happy when my husband goes above and beyond to make me feel better or at my baby showers when so many people came to love and support this new baby to be.
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Leslie, St. John
I have noticed that I am more sensitive to news stories, TV commercials and movies than I used to be.
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Michelle, 8 months in Florissant
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I have had a very strong nesting instinct with all three pregnancies.
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Andrea, 7 months in St. Louis
I have the need to get things done now! (When will we have time to do this later?) I want everything done and ready with nothing left to do when baby gets here. Yet, I feel unmotivated from exhaustion, overwhelming sense of responsibility, and inability to do the things I use to do. For instance just vacuuming the cars is something I can't easily do alone. I get very frustrated to have to ask for assistance to do anything. I use to be so independent. Now, I have to understand it's okay to ask for help, because I need it!
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
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I had an unhealthy view of myself during my first two pregnancies; however, the third was different. On my last pregnancy, I think I was able to take a step back and look at how beautiful the whole process is and how much of a blessing it is. Even if I don't like what I see in the mirror, I still feel so beautiful when I am pregnant now.
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Andrea, 7 months in St. Louis
I feel unattractive and fat. I feel like a giant penguin waddling around. I'm unable to bend over and pick up something I dropped and that makes me feel silly. I really don't like going places in the rain with people because they run into the building while I'm slowly waddling, trying not to slip, yet... I can't walk any faster anyway.
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
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I had mild anxiety with all of my pregnancies. I bled during my first and third pregnancies. My first daughter was born 6 weeks early and I have had 3 miscarriages as well. So, I have good reason to feel a little worried.
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Andrea, 7 months in St. Louis
One of the hardest things for me emotionally now, is just the fact that this movement inside me is in fact a baby... and it's ours. It is all so surreal since it took us so long to get here. I don't know if my brain will actually grasp the concept until I see our baby for the first time. Then, it may be weeks before it actually settles in... "I get to keep it!"
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Leslie, 7 months in St. John
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I did have a few low days after I have delivered. There wasn't anything in particular that made me feel that way. It felt separate from having a new baby and being so excited about them. It was just a lonely feeling deep within me. It usually went away a few weeks after the delivery.
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Andrea, 7 months in St. Louis
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