We were already married for 7 years when we welcomed our bundle of joy. While we did not plan to have kids right after the wedding, we also didn’t foresee we would have a hard time conceiving when we thought we were ready.
By year 3 post-marriage, we started building our little family. But after months of trying, I felt something was off. After a trip to the OB-Gyne, we confirmed I had PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), a hormonal disorder that prevents us from conceiving. I got treatments (pills plus metformin), went on diet, worked on stress management, and tried to live a healthier lifestyle. We fervently prayed too for the arrival of our little one. But God wanted us to wait.
We conceived when we were no longer stressed about conceiving – surely it says a lot about how God’s timing is always perfect. After waiting for a long time, I thought that when I finally got the first two lines on the pregnancy test kit, I would be filled with joy. Elated, yes, but worries creeped in. Is this false positive? Would my baby make it to full term? Am I ready for childbirth?
But a trip to OB-Gyne helped me address that. I was prescribed folic acid and iron, which the World Health Organization said help prevent maternal anemia, puerperal sepsis, low birth weight, and preterm birth. During the first check-up, we were told to undergo ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and determine the age of our growing baby. I was given the pregnancy-baby book and it made it all real!
After the ultrasound, my OB-Gyne and sonologist found out I had subchorionic hematoma or hemorrhage, or “bleeding under one of the membranes (chorion) that surrounds the embryo inside the uterus.” I was told to go on bed rest for two weeks and was prescribed medicines to help lessen the bleeding and to keep the baby safe.
I followed doctor’s orders – was on full bed rest meaning I would get up only if I needed to use the bathroom. I ate healthy food, and thankfully did not suffer from morning sickness. I had Anmum chocolate twice a day, and surprisingly loved the taste (hot or cold).
By week 10 of our pregnancy, my condition improved and was given clearance to go back to work. I still had it easy and had nice officemates buy food for me so I don’t have to overwork myself or walk a lot.
That first heartbeat
It was an experience like no other – hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time. While our OB-Gyne did the procedure, she was calling me and my husband “Mommy and Daddy” while encouraging our baby to move for that strong heartbeat sound. Of course we cried tears of joy, and I knew in my heart I was forever changed. I still carry that first heartbeat recording on my phone and listen to it when I get sentimental. Ah, the wonders of life and God’s love.
I also downloaded a day-by-day pregnancy app, just to find out how my little pea is growing. The Glow app helped me visualize my little one’s growth - from choco chip to orange!
Embracing changes
Nearing the end of the first trimester was also a good time to tell family, close friends and some work colleagues. You can be creative about it or in my case, I just showed them the ultrasound image.
No need to fuss about buying baby stuff yet, but I really needed some wardrobe upgrade! The skinny jeans no longer fit and my breasts were starting to grow bigger. I invested in maternity bras, which usually don’t have underwires for a comfortable fit. I also started hoarding maternity leggings and maternity shorts that were useful even postpartum – they’re fashionable, comfortable, and “grows” with you in pregnancy. It’s also wise to buy dresses that can be nursing clothes.
I also started seeing skin changes, especially in my underarms! Well, blame it on the hormones again. Pregnant women get darker underarms during pregnancy, (no) thanks to extra estrogen the body produces. If you are fond of wearing tank tops and sleeveless dresses before you got pregnant, and cannot yet confidently flaunt your new-colored armpits, you can opt for off shoulders, and polo tops.
Embracing these changes is just the beginning of many wonderful things. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, we all know that every new baby is a new beginning. Enjoy it, mama!
TAGS:first-trimester
