the journey to hiraeth

Becoming pregnant for the first time is a journey filled with excitement, joy, and anticipation. However, what many fail to mention are the strange and unexpected experiences that can come along with it. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience of being pregnant for the first time and the peculiar symptoms and changes I encountered, shedding light on the less talked about aspects of pregnancy. My hope is that by sharing these experiences, others will feel less alone and better prepared to embrace the entire journey, both the joys and the challenges.

The First Unseen Clue:

Before I even realized I was pregnant, my body started sending me subtle signals of change. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a missed period that tipped me off initially. Rather, my emotions began to fluctuate dramatically. Overwhelmed with anger, sadness, and unexplained bouts of tears, this emotional whirlwind left me puzzled and concerned about what was happening with my mental state. Little did I know that these unexpected feelings were the first clues to the incredible journey of pregnancy that lay ahead.

During my first trimester, I was hit with constant fatigue, often dozing off in unusual places. What surprised me even more were the sudden and intense food aversions. Formerly loved foods like eggs became intolerable, while beans, sour, spicy, and salty dishes became my new cravings. Pickles, in particular, had an inexplicable hold on me, leaving me yearning for them day and night, even incorporated into sandwiches and potato salad. These quirks made mealtime a fascinating journey of discovery, embracing the uniqueness of my pregnancy experience.

Heightened Senses and Gag Reflex:

Throughout my pregnancy, my sense of smell became incredibly heightened, which, paired with an overly sensitive gag reflex, made for some challenging moments. The most mundane scents would trigger my nausea, making daily tasks, like cooking and going for evening walks, a bit of a struggle.

Entering the second trimester brought some relief to my energy levels, although new obstacles surfaced. I was taken aback by the intense ache and unexpected heaviness in my pelvic area, along with early Braxton Hicks contractions. Discovering these discomforts so early in my pregnancy was surprising, and I had no prior knowledge of the heaviness that would accompany my growing belly. Additionally, the looming reality of the “pregnant waddle” was entirely unknown to me until then.

The Brain Fog:

Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating plagued my second trimester. I struggled at work, feeling guilty for not being as productive as usual. Whether it was the stress, lack of sleep, or hormonal changes, my brain seemed to be functioning in slow-motion.

As I progressed into the third trimester, the physical challenges intensified, making it a truly testing period. The frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes so convincing that I wondered if labor was imminent, added to my anxiety. My bladder seemed to shrink even further, leading to constant trips to the bathroom, disrupting my sleep and leaving me feeling restless.

The most excruciating discomfort, however, came from the relentless tailbone pain caused by the baby’s growth and pressure. Sitting or even finding a comfortable position to rest became an arduous task, and I longed for some respite from the constant ache.

Amidst these physically demanding challenges, I encountered some puzzling and unexpected developments. A pyogenic granuloma, a small benign tumor, appeared on my finger, seemingly out of nowhere. Although harmless, its continuous growth and tendency to bleed made it an unwelcome addition to my already eventful journey.

And then there was the bewildering phenomenon of my toilet seat turning blue. At first, I suspected some cleaning product was responsible, but after some investigation, I discovered that this was an odd occurrence reported by other pregnant women as well. It left me with more questions than answers, adding to the surreal nature of pregnancy.

Navigating the final trimester with its unique set of discomforts and surprises proved to be both physically and emotionally challenging. Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations, I found strength in knowing that I was on the precipice of bringing a precious life into the world, a journey that, despite its difficulties, filled my heart with boundless joy and anticipation.

Embracing the Whole Journey:

Throughout my pregnancy, I realized that while there were undoubtedly joyful moments, there were also hardships and uncommon experiences that made me feel alone and abnormal. It’s crucial to break the silence and discuss these aspects of pregnancy openly. By sharing our stories, we can offer support to others and make them feel less isolated on their own journeys.

My first-time pregnancy was an adventure filled with both happiness and peculiar surprises. While the less talked-about aspects of pregnancy can be overwhelming, they are also essential to share. By acknowledging the unexpected challenges, we can create a community of support for expectant parents, allowing them to appreciate the entire journey with a sense of understanding and resilience. Let us embrace the highs and lows of pregnancy together, empowering each other through shared experiences and knowledge.