You Have Questions, I Have Answers
April 13, 2009
Thank you everyone who left comments, emailed, called and sent notes in the mail (Yes! Even notes in the mail!) to congratulate us and to ask how we're doing. The number one question, by far, has been about how much I suffered during our first trimester. And this is the part where most mothers in world will hate me. Or at least roll their eyes with jealousy.
I had no nausea (as long as I ate something every three-ish hours), no vomiting, no heartburn. No smells turned my stomach, I had no specific cravings of MUST EAT IT OR PERISH, and my appetite has neither increased or decreased. I had no exhaustion, no aches, no pains, not even pregnancy dreams. In fact -- other than a missed period -- if I hadn't seen our baby on ultrasound, I might not believe that I was even pregnant. (Which makes this documentary about women who didn't know they were pregnant until they went into labor seem a little more plausible, except really? That expanding belly and those fetal movements didn't give it away?)
The most difficult part of pregnancy for me, so far, has only begun to occur in the second trimester. You see, I've been trying to teach myself to sleep on my side for quite a while - but side-sleeping is painful! I don't understand how people do it. My hips go numb and my hip abductor muscles are shooting with pain and I don't think it's a coincidence that Mario Badescu just sent me an email about diminishing puffiness and tired eyes. Because I am not getting any sleep. Which is why I've started shopping on Craigslist for a recliner that I can use during pregnancy, because that's the only way I foresee getting any sleep: propped up on my back, cuddled under a blanket, and NOT ON MY SIDE. Is this a normal problem? Because I've not heard anyone talk about this before, and I think I've tried every variation of side-sleeping and pillow combination ever created.
(Though I have to admit: it's doing an awesome job of preparing me for when the baby comes. So there's that.)
The second most common question you asked was whether I'm showing yet, and the answer is: just barely. At 16 weeks, I'm still wearing nearly all of my pre-pregnancy jeans, and I've only just begun wearing maternity tops. But mostly because many of my shirts are fitted, and when I wear them and my stomach pokes out, it looks like I'm a little more plump around the middle rather than pregnant. I have exactly five maternity tops: black, pink, blue, grey and white, and I have a feeling that by the end of this pregnancy I might need to burn them. (Though I'll still admit to feeling giddy every time I put one on.)
And the third most common question was about this website. Will it turn into a mommyblog? I don't have an answer to that question quite yet, though I think it's fair to say that I write about my life, and this is a part of my life. Also: I've been holding this news in for a loooonnnnnggggggggg time. You'll have to bear with me while I flush all of the newness of writing about baby, baby, OMG BABY out of my system.
Comments
I have to admit your pregnancy sounds exactly like mine (and yes most people I know are jealous). The side sleeping is terrible, a recliner sounds like a great idea. I've never tried it. I hope everything continues to go well. Keep us posted. By the way our babies will be 160 day apart. :o)
Posted by: Brandy | April 13, 2009 05:29 PM
A recliner! Yes! Why didn't I think of that when I spent the last 2 months of my pregnancy sleeping propped up on the couch in a nest of pillows. Yessirree, Bob! That's a great idea!
Posted by: Lulabelle | April 13, 2009 09:35 PM
Jes, I just saw this on twitter, many congratulations!! And I LOVE your scrabble letters, such a cute idea.
I couldn't sleep on my side either (ow, numbness) and always ended up on my back. Sometimes I'd prop a little pillow under my hip or lower back to take the pressure off.
Posted by: jessica | April 13, 2009 11:23 PM
I spent many nights in the recliner. (heartburn and then of course baby) -- My suggestion is to find one that you have room to prop pillows beside you, easy to close and very comfy.... Oh and a table by the recliner is a must.... leave room for a small lamp, drink, and a enough room to put a book. I have spent MANY years sitting in a recliner with sick or teething kids, nebulizer treatments (one has REALLY bad asthma) - Uncomfy recliners will be the straw on the camel's back! Oh and be sure that it is easy for you to rock. (that way you don't need a seperate glider) -- Besides, gliders are not NEAR as comfy as a good recliner. Of course easy to clean is good too... LOL - Had one with projectile vomiting... not so good.
Ok... I don't need to write a blog on your blog about the usefulness of a recliner and a good warm fuzzy blanket to snuggle with.... :)
And yes, you will probably type more about the mommy stuff than you want, but this will consume you... that's a good thing!! Keep on writing!!
Lots of happy baby wishes to you!
Posted by: Michelle | April 14, 2009 08:12 AM
I didn't have any huge problems with sleeping on my slide. Got one of those big noodle pillows and somehow managed it although I much prefer sleeping on my back. However, my dear little boy was not so little and after about 4 or 5 months I could no longer lay flat on my back because it would put pressure on something inside me that made me feel dizzy and want to pass out. Needless to say, I figured out how to sleep on my side and also had a very nice dentist who did my checkup standing up so I didn't have to put the chair back very far! Good luck with the sleeping thing! Even if you find a comfortable position, it is inevitable that the hormones and bathroom trips will keep you awake or wake you up in the middle of the night, but it definitely prepares you for the little one doing the same later! :)
Posted by: Mel | April 14, 2009 12:21 PM
From a previous comment - "bathroom trips will keep you awake or wake you up in the middle of the night, but it definitely prepares you for the little one doing the same later!"
Seriously, this time is your training ground for what is called "mother's sleep". That's the waking up every couple/three hours. As far as I can tell, this lasts about, oh, 18 years. Sounds dreadful, I know. But, you'll get used to it. And then wonder how you ever slept 6 hours at a stretch.
Posted by: Lulabelle | April 20, 2009 11:24 PM