Even when it feels extremely weird and how to actually feel supported emotionally and physically, you're gonna hear from me where I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, but I'm gonna be cheering you on along the way. You can follow along each Wednesday because pregnancy deserves more than outdated advice and Google anxiety.
ight. Today we're gonna talk [:
The hormones are spiking, your symptoms are starting to peak, and you might be wondering. If it's normal to feel like you're falling apart, I'm Trish, a labor nurse for 16 years, a mom of seven, and I'm going to unpack over the course of the next weeks and months exactly what's going on inside your body and your mind.
eny tiny about the size of a [:
Here's what's happening in your body. Baby's neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord is closing. Their little teeny tiny heart is beating around 110 to 160 beats per minute. By the end of week eight, arms, legs, fingers, and toes are beginning to form, and organs like the lungs, the kidneys, and the liver are developing.
The placenta is also. Starting to form and take over the hormone production, but it's not fully in charge just yet. But here's the deal. Until your placenta steps in, your body is working overtime to sustain this pregnancy, and that's where these hormones spikes come in. So we're gonna talk about the hormones and why you feel so weird.
the hormone detected by your [:
levels at six weeks is about:
Thousand. That is a huge range, but it's totally normal. The next little culprit is progesterone. This relaxes smooth muscle, which is why you feel constipated and bloated. It helps thicken your uterine lining and sustain the early pregnancy. So your body is like working to prepare this home for your baby, but it also makes you feel very.
at every stinking commercial [:
So I wanna tell you guys, when I was pregnant with Lainey, she's baby number five. I was in nursing school, a total surprise. I remember I went to go to a play with my friend Prey. It was an Indian celebration. I was taking my daughter, Sitara, who's adopted from India, and it was, you know, like five, six or five, six o'clock.
ttle sleep. I run on energy. [:
And then I was like, holy, mother of God, I think I'm pregnant. Okay, so let's talk about some common symptoms and why they're not red flags. So let's normalize the weirdness. That's happening inside of your body. Nausea and vomiting affects up to 70, 80% of pregnant women, and it peaks between weeks six to 10.
So it might be starting for you, it may not. It may start around seven to eight weeks. For some, it just depends. It is thought to be caused by the rising HCG in the estrogen, plus the slowed down digestion from progesterone. Eat before you're hungry.
and carby. I know if you've [:
But if you don't eat, you don't feel better. Also talk to your provider 'cause they can talk to you about some safe nausea meds like B six and Unisom, which is called Diclegis, or other prescription options, depending on how bad it's getting. There are a lot of people who 100% believe in ginger.
I had a really hard time with ginger candy, but I could do ginger ale. I. I don't know, but just make sure that you're eating small little meals all throughout the day. As far as being tired. Fatigue is gonna be a huge problem. You're not lazy girl. You are literally building a human being. So if anyone gives you grief, turn around and say, Hey.
lacenta, and progesterone is [:
They're shifting really fast. Up and down and, and, and traveling all around, and your brain is adjusting to this new thing that's happening in your body. So you might have crying ragy moments, and then deep joy followed by panic. Totally normal. Your partner may get on your lost nerves right now. Totally normal for the bloating, the constipation, and the gas, uh, progesterone.
Again, it slows everything down. So think things like magnesium, warm water. Fiber supplements and getting in a daily walk. Even if you're exhausted, just do one. Also talk to your provider. But I find calm gummies, and we'll link in the show notes is one of the things that helped me the most. Okay. Cramps or light spotting.
freak you out, especially if [:
Call your provider If. The bleeding is heavier than a period or concerns you at all. If you just feel like something is off, if the cramping is sharp and constant and on one sided, talk to your provider. But always just trust your gut. The next thing that we wanna talk about. Scratch that. This is such a tender part of your pregnancy and you maybe you weren't planning to be pregnant or maybe you were, and now you feel like crap and you're hating it and you're feeling guilty.
magined. But let me say this [:
You're allowed to feel thrilled, terrified, neutral, mad, sad. All of them. You don't have to love every part of this to be an amazing mom. You just have to keep showing up. And I would really recommend trying this mindset shift every day. Look at yourself in the mirror, give yourself a high five and say, my body is doing sacred work.
Even when I don't feel like myself, I trust her. So. What I would recommend to do this week, here's what I recommend focusing on schedule your first OB or midwife appointment if you haven't already. We have a first trimester guide for you, and we'll link for that in the show notes as well.
It'll help you even navigate picking your provider, keep track of your symptoms, especially if they're affecting your daily life, so you can have conversations with your provider, because trust me, you'll think of a million things you get there and you won't ask a thing if you don't have it written down.
well, and it's totally free. [:
My membership for a Pregnant Mamas. We all need community. And girl, get some rest, like actually rest. Turn off the tv, get off of Labor. Nurse Mama's Instagram account and rest without guilt. Put on your head. AirPods. Listen to chill music and rest. And don't forget again to grab the first trimester prep pack.
If you haven't, it's free. It's packed with helpful tools, and it'll help you feel like you have a plan even when your brain feels like mush.
u're simply human and you're [:
It's hard. It's hard work. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, congratulations, whether you're loving it or struggling through it, we're so happy you're here and know this. You're already showing up for your baby by being here, and that's enough. Next week, we'll unpack weeks eight to 10, what to expect at your first prenatal visit with what the early ultrasound shows, and how to ask for what you need in those early appointments.
Remember, hit subscribe. Leave us a review now. Until next week, drink your water, take your vitamins, be kindly to your body, and remember you are magical and don't forget it. I'll see you again next Wednesday. Bye for now.
