And Then It Was May

Well, wow. 17 weeks and 5 days. We’ve made it through the first trimester, our genetic screening (<1:10,000 risk for Trisomy 13, 18, and 21), another check up (15 weeks, 3 days), and a slew of busy weeks at work complete with plenty of travel. It’s hard to believe that we’re already more than four months into this pregnancy, and that our anatomy scan is coming up on June 8. 

The most exciting development of late has been feeling some periodic movements from the nugget. They’re far from consistent and can only be felt on the outside periodically, but they’re definitely there. I’m sure that at some point I’ll want the kid to give it a rest on moving around, but the novelty of it all is still present. 

I’ll try to update this more as we progress through the coming weeks and months, especially as we get to being officially “out” on the pregnancy, but for now I’ll just document a few things that I’m grateful for thus far in this pregnancy. 

First and foremost, a healthy pregnancy. After a mild scare at our second check up, everything has gone smoothly. Baby Tarhall is growing and developing every day. We continue to feel lucky that neither the baby nor I have had any health issues thus far, and we hope that this reality continues. 

Reasonably subdued first trimester symptoms, and an easy transition into the second trimester. My biggest symptoms during the first trimester were a couple of weeks of nausea and some serious fatigue. Other symptoms made it in there (some headaches, breast tenderness), but most have been relatively fleeting. The second trimester has added a few new symptoms to the mix, but for the most part I just feel more like myself in the second trimester. I’m enjoying this while I can!

The fact that I can still wear my normal clothes. I do have a Pea in the Pod top that I LOVE because it’s very soft and doesn’t look like maternity gear, as well as some maternity leggings that fit well now and will transition well as I actually develop a belly. That said, I wear those more out of desire and because they’re comfortable and flexible rather than the fact that I need them. While some pants are starting to feel a little more squeezed in the waist, I’m enjoying the fact that I can still fit into my normal clothing and appreciate that I’m on borrowed time in this regard. 

I can still sleep like a normal person. Again, I realize that this reality is one against which I’m running on borrowed time, so I’m trying to appreciate that I can still sleep on my stomach for now. I may have to invest in one of those pregnancy body pillows whenever I have to transition to a new sleeping position. 

I’ve been able to stay active. Staying active is so important to me normally, and it has been a relief to still feel like I can workout during this pregnancy. More in Staying Fit. 

Finally, I can actually eat gluten without inevitable disaster. Apparently my body has plenty of other things that it’s focused on beyond getting angry at gluten, and I’m enjoying the fact that bagels can be part of the repertoire again. 

This has been an adventure so far. Here’s to the weeks to come!