Approved by the What’s Up Moms Medical Advisory Board
Booooooooooobs!
Right? It feels good to get that out of the way.
Your little one is about the size of a blueberry and is now busy forming bones (though they won’t harden for some time) and eyelids. Kidneys are in place, and, yep, that means baby will be soon eliminating waste — aka peeing — inside you. Isn’t science amazing?
You aren’t showing yet, but you may as well have a big scarlet P on your forehead because you’re feeling so unlike yourself. Everyone’s experience is different but you’ve likely got some combo platter of unpleasantries going on: fatigue, nausea, headaches from increased blood flow, constipation, and, of course, tender, massive melons (thanks, estrogen and progesterone). These early days can honestly be some of the toughest to power through. Your to-dos this week: 1) Get some inexpensive wireless bras (don’t invest in pricey maternity bras yet – your boobs will continue to “evolve.”) 2) Keep little bags of snacks with you at all times to prevent your stomach from getting too empty.
The cat may be out of the bag already — it’s tough to keep a pregnancy on the DL when you’re bolting out of meetings to vom. And loved ones may be suspicious because of that night you declined a glass of Cabernet (so unlike you!). Needless to say, The Big Reveal doesn’t always go according to plan. If you’re debating when to “tell,” know that there isn’t a right or wrong way, though everyone will bombard you with their own strong opinions about it. Some people, including those who have experienced a loss, may wait ‘til the start of the second trimester when they can breathe a small sigh of relief; the chance of miscarriage decreases at that point (80% of miscarriages happen in the first trimester), and they may have some results from genetic testing. Others want to shout the news from the rooftops while the pee stick is practically still in hand. So, moral of the story? You do you.
If you haven’t already had it, your first OB appointment is coming up which is suuuper exciting for the chance get to hear or see the heartbeat (btw it takes awhile to get used to the fact that you won’t be seeing a doctor every day of this Big Deal journey, doesn’t it? Usually it’s once a month or so until the last several weeks.) Using the date of your last period and measurements, the doc will determine your due date, though think of it as a “due week” that baby may or may not completely disregard.
Plan to discuss your health history, learn your options for prenatal genetic testing and get a few tests done – blood type, pelvic exam, urinalysis, etc. You’ll also discuss pregnancy nutrition and talk about which foods to avoid, during which time you will nod obediently but inside quietly weep over your hiatus from soft French cheeses and sushi, AKA two things worth living for.
But so is that little blueberry of yours, of course. You got this, gurl.
