Tiny Beginnings: Inside the First Trimester

Dear Diary,

Let’s chat about the reality of the first trimester. As I approach 10 weeks, I’ve had some time to come to terms with the realistic expectations for myself in these first 3 months of pregnancy.

The truth is, it is so incredibly difficult to stick to your ‘healthy lifestyle’ plan in the beginning. I was someone who went to the gym every morning at 6:00am before work, lifted weights, did 20 minutes of light cardio, and tried to hit between 6000-8000 steps a day. Cue pregnancy, I’m lucky if I’m able to drag myself to the gym once a week. It was so discouraging at first. I felt like I was letting myself, my baby and my husband down. I had worked so hard in the gym, for over 3 years and I felt like it was all slipping away in a mere 10 weeks. I had to face the reality that these first 3 months were going to be different and difficult. My body needed rest and I shouldn’t have to apologize, feel guilty, or explain myself for needing more sleep, more rest days and some grace. I mean, think about it, I’m building a freakin’ baby! My body was using all its energy to build a little heart, a brain, lungs, fingers, toes. I needed to learn to be okay with not being able to get to the gym every day.

Besides, everyone tells you that once you hit 12 weeks, your energy shoots back up and the nausea subsides. (Really crossing my fingers that this is true!) As my body gets used to these changes, I’m trying to get myself to be more active, even if that means just taking a short, slow walk. As April arrives, hopefully we get some warmer weather to make walking easier! For now, we are taking it day by day and giving my body the grace it deserves.

Any tips from other moms out there on how to beat the first trimester blues?

B.