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Week Eight
Published 03.12.2008 | Permanent Link | Comments (36)
Your baby:
- Is about the size of a gummy bear or kidney bean, and dear LORD I promise to be done with the bean comparisons soon, because it is all entirely too precious.
- Is extremely jointy, with fingers and toes and elbows and knees that s/he can bend and wiggle.
- Almost doesn't have a tail anymore.
You:
- Are possibly a walking ball of first-trimester misery, if I may project myself on you for a bit.
- *BARF*
- OMG I HAVE TO PEE I JUST PEED OMG I HAVE TO PEE AGAIN
- May be having trouble sleeping at night, despite being exhausted.
Oh, and allow me to introduce you to your sciatic nerve. It is, quite literally, a pain in your ass. And a pain down the back of your legs. Trust me, you'll know it when you feel it. Some women are prone to TERRIBLE sciatic pain throughout their pregnancies, which is caused by your expanding uterus putting pressure on the nerve. Some women only notice it occasionally, or only during certain times in pregnancy. (I had it from about week 18 on, but some women get it right away.) There's not a whole heap you can do about it, other than lie down on the opposite side of the pain if it comes at night. Keeping your legs uncrossed and your feet supported during the day can help a little too.
At this point you should definitely have a prenatal visit scheduled, and you may have had it already. (Mine is tomorrow. Whee. Yay. Etc.) Your first prenatal visit will probably consist of a pelvic exam, lots of questions about your family's health history, a urine test (pregnant ladies are AWFULLY prone to UTIs, on top of everything else) and some blood tests.
The blood tests will check your pregnancy hormone levels, but will also tell your doctor all sorts of other things: blood type, blood count, Rh factor, immunity for rubella and chickenpox, and will be screenings for Hepatitis B, HIV and syphillis. You and your partner's ethnic backgrounds and family histories may also lead to a recommendation for further genetic screenings (for stuff like sickle-cell, cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs).
Needless to say, it's all just terribly fun. But at this point, "uneventful" is definitely what you want out of your prenatal visits. If you're about 10 weeks along at your appointment, you'll probably be able to hear your baby's heartbeat with the doppler, but no such luck right now. Thank you, come again.
Oh Yeah, THIS: Wow. WOW. I really had forgotten what a cavalcade of misery the first trimester can be. Nauseated but hungry. Tired but unable to sleep. Pudgy but not pregnant-looking. In pain from a variety of complaints and suffering from a weakened immune system but forbidden from taking most over-the-counter remedies. Moody and cranky and irritable and weepy.
Maybe THIS is why I swore Noah was going to be an only child for all those months. Huh.
New This Time Around: The only one who had to suffer my moods and general crankitude (besides me, of course, for oh! how I suffered) last time was Jason. Who, frankly, was a big boy and could deal with it and probably deserved it a little bit. This time, there's a little two-and-a-half-year-old here who doesn't understand that Mama's head hurts or that she really needs some privacy in the potty or that she's just really, really tired. I'm snapping at him, I'm impatient with him, I'm serving him the same damn inoffensive pizza snacks for every meal because they're the only cooking smell that doesn't make me sick. And I feel terrible about it, which is awesome, because I clearly wasn't feeling terrible enough already.
Pregnancy Video for the Week:Fashion tricks to help you to dress great during your first trimester of pregnancy with Liz Lange.
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About this column
Zero to Forty is a week-by-week guide to the miracle of pregnancy and all the various indignities that come with it. The calendar follows the forty-week model and is complete for now, though the author plans to come back and add some more articles soon.
The follow-up to this column, Bounce Back, is about the postpartum experience -- the good, the bad and the gory. There Amalah is covering everything that happens to your body, mind and circadian rhythms after you have a baby, and (hopefully) help you make sense of the New Normal. You must go read that too!
The column is well-researched but not written by a health care professional. Consider it your internet BFF pregnancy guide. See our legal disclaimer below.
About the author
Amy Corbett Storch, aka Amalah, is a freelance writer and professional blogger from Washington, DC. She has since had this baby. His name is Ezra, he was born in October of 2008 and is delicious. Amy's first son Noah is in preschool and he's pretty edible too. NomNomNom.
Amy also writes Alpha Mom's Advice Smackdown.
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The Zero to Forty masthead and illustrations were created by the artist Brenda Ponnay aka Secret Agent Josephine. Brenda is very talented and these images are copyright-protected. You should hire her!
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Comments (36):
Rebecca said:
Ahh, thank you. My 16 month old ate cheerios and cheese for dinner last night. I feel better now!
Posted on March 12, 2008 10:14
obabe said:
WHATEVER IT TAKES to get you through the first trimester of hell, is my motto. 14+ weeks now, and i've finally gotten over the hump, but around weeks 9 and 10 my husband traveled for two weeks straight, and i hadnt yet gotten my zofran and was throwing up constantly. i have no shame in saying my 4 and 2 year old picked their dinners (pizza is a well balanced meal!) and watched them in front of blues clues for those two weeks. it was survival mode for everyone.
it will get better, and noah wont remember your crankiness.
and for the record? ive sworn this is my last kid. i cannot go through those 7 weeks of hell again. ever.
Posted on March 12, 2008 10:21
procrastamom said:
Oh duuuuh! I've only given birth to three babies and I never knew before today why they make you give a urine sample every time you have a checkup. Little old unassertive me just followed directions when they shoved the cup over the counter at me and didn't ask questions. My only thoughts about this were: "Wah? Do you test my urine to make sure I'm still pregnant? Doesn't my rapidly expanding belly confirm that for you?"
*headdesk*
(I swear I'm a competent mother and that they're all still breathing to this day!)
Posted on March 12, 2008 14:06
gaffentine said:
Um, I have a question about the first prenatal visit...I didn't get any blood taken. And I didn't realize it until after I left. I KNEW they would take blood beforehand, but it wasn't until I was pulling back into my driveway that I realized they hadn't. What would they have taken the blood for? (Meaning, should I call them and say, "Uh, hello, nine weeks and no blood work over here, what's the deal, Doc?")
Posted on March 14, 2008 11:26
Zoot said:
Man - I heard you about someone other than your husband dealing with the mood swings. My poor kids.
Also - I've only ever had the Pain In The Ass happen once and it was grocery shopping at Target and I spent the whole trip with one hand on my ass trying to rub out the pain. I'm guessing that's why they banned me from coming back.
Posted on March 19, 2008 08:47
tara said:
i am right here. i cannot believe that i forgot how horrible the first trimester is and having a 2 1/2 year old makes it so so so much worse.
only 4-6 more weeks of feeling like complete crap....woo-hoo.
Posted on April 2, 2008 12:30
Ecakes said:
I get the Pain in the Ass thing all the time! And I'm so glad that someone explained it to me. Thanks. This is my first ... hoping this pain doesn't last too long. Blah.
Posted on May 13, 2008 00:45
Roseytoesies said:
The ass pain! I forgot about the ass pain! And now? I'm 7 weeks (yes i like to read ahead because I'm all excited) and I just remembered about the pain in my ass that lasted from week 9 until about oooh... week 40! This is gonna be sweet... Also, I have a 2 /2 year old and he is NOT happy with Mama and her moodiness and would like goofy patient chipper mama back ASAP OKTHXBYE.
Posted on May 26, 2008 15:44
Jennie said:
Man, it's such a relief to read about other moms losing their patience and otherwise not being *perfect* in their first trimester. I've been grumpy and feeling horribly guilty about it. My son is older - 8 1/2 - so he's a little more tuned into my moods.
Luckily the Zofran is working wonders and I'm only feeling constipated-queasy-ish all the time instead of all pukey-unstable. Makes surviving these hellish weeks easier.
Posted on July 10, 2008 20:30
Beth Parker said:
Well, this is about where I am now. I have been nauseous for a couple of weeks but now I am having trouble keeping things down and I wonder, if I take my vitamins and then throw up half an hour later, should I take them again or just call it good enough?
The fatigue is getting better, I think. I haven't had to take more than one nap a day lately. I think I even went one day without a nap.
The weepiness is something new. I didn't experience this with either of my previous two pregnancies. It's so bad that if we watch something on TV that is even slightly touching I am in tears. I made my husband modify our Netfilx queue last night so it is ALL COMEDIES!! If they make me cry, I am totally going to give up TV for awhile.
Posted on August 6, 2008 15:16
Jeaninne said:
SO this is my first baby, and I am as excited as ever. BUT the random pain shooting down my leg and no sleep at night is driving me crazy! I am 8 weeks and I thank God everyday I have not been sick once. However --before you begin to hate me-- my migraines are out of control, I need to sleep everyday at 3 or I pass out wherever I am (including the car), and this pain in the ass is constant. I am glad I am not the only one with it. I don't feel as confused now. It really lasts ALL pregnancy!?!
Anyone have any tips on how to stay awake in the middle of the day? I teach high school kids and its getting rough 7th period. :/
Posted on August 11, 2008 19:28
Anonymous said:
This is so helpful! Most sites out there are so full of gloom and doom.. don't do this or else! I love the positive and understanding vibe. Any thoughts on continuing the site after the birth?
Posted on August 22, 2008 12:22
Charity said:
My first child, I was drained, exhausted and throwing up four times a day at least. I lost 14 pounds in the 1st.
15 years later, I feel fine, maybe not quite as much energy, but not bad, no throwing up, feel great, and barely a difference in the emotional sensitivity. So, I guess pregnancies can be very different from one another!
Posted on October 15, 2008 14:02
Tracey said:
Glad to hear - the only way I can travel to work in the morning without vomiting is to suck a lollipop so consequently my 21 month daugther has a lollipop as her 2nd breakfast every morning!
Second time round feel like my stomach is huge already!
Posted on February 16, 2009 11:01
Marisa said:
Yes, also you can tell what is not going to be good in taste and smell before you even try its like some crazy preminion thing sept without the funny look on your face or the dramatic music.
Posted on March 5, 2009 12:54
Marisa said:
Sorry did I say no funny face, well lets add possible pained expression to that.
Posted on March 5, 2009 12:56
Holly said:
Oh boy! I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks the first trimester is MISERABLE!! This is my first, and while I'm excited to have a child, my experience thus far is making me not excited about going through pregnancy. Family keeps talking about how excited we must be, and I just wanna say, "actually I'm completely miserable!"
My house is a disaster 'cause I have no energy to clean it. I can barely eat anything without feeling nauseated or intense heartburn, which by the way keeps me from taking naps during the day even though I'm totally exhausted because laying down only exaggerates heartburn. I haven't cooked a decent meal in three weeks because despite the fact that I'm starving, the idea of eating makes me sick to my stomach, forcing my overworked husband to live on pizza and chicken nuggets. I didn't realize how much pride I took in my domestic abilities until I couldn't do them. The worst is trying to keep the whole thing under wraps from my job 'cause I don't want to tell them until the 2nd trimester. I promise, I'm not becoming lazy!
I've already sworn up and down that I will not go through this again. We will only have one child! ; )
The best was the look on my husband's face when I started to cry during "Britian's got Talent!" Are you okay?! ; )
Posted on April 17, 2009 12:42
bobeesah said:
I thought the first pregnancy was tough, but trying to run after the 1.5 year old and do the same things before the constant seasickness and lack of appetite is so much harder. I don't know how you mommies of +2 do it!! All I want to do is eat without feeling like I'm going to re-visit my food all too soon. haha and ewww.
Some good, though, we all got to see prospective baby #2's tiny, bitty heartbeat and...oh, it was so cute.
Posted on April 17, 2009 18:58
gtdnmkluv said:
I have two boys - 1 and 6, and completely forget how un-fun pregnancy can be. The first two were constant heartburn and spending my days having a face to face conversation with the toilet. Luckily, kids dont get tired of eating chicken nuggets or noodles EVERYDAY. Not proud of it, but I'm glad to hear other moms do that as well.
This time its just nausea (and no heartburn- yay!), but nausea where I am only capable to lay and watch the kids play until my husband gets home. I've tries sea bands in my last pregnancy and they do help somewhat - better than nothing. so this time i bought the newer psi bands. My 6 year old asked me if they were to make me less grumpy and told me to put them on right away... he was very disappointed to find out thats not what they did :) ....and hoping for a girl
Posted on April 23, 2009 16:40
Monique said:
No vomit yet, but by the time I scramble to eat something to get rid of the nausea (something that does not make me want to puke) I am retching.
I am so glad to hear all of you have no motivation to cook and clean. I can barely get through work every day!
Has eating become the single biggest chore ever to find something that doesn't make you sick? I'm supposed to be watching my weight gain, but veggies and fruit are way too nauseating!!
Posted on May 25, 2009 19:32
Ruby said:
LOVE your blog. Just introduced to your web site by a poster on Fertility Friend. THANK YOU!
Posted on May 27, 2009 17:01
Katie said:
Thank you! I've been feeling so guilty for hating this part of the pregnancy. Of course I'm excited to be pregnant, but this part totally sucks. I'm starving but nothing appeals, I'm so exhausted I can barely walk down the hall to the bathroom (which I now have to do waaay more often), and when I get home from work all I want to do is plop down on the sofa for the rest of the evening. And that part about not being able to sleep even though you're exhausted? Yeah, not cool.
Thank you for making me feel normal!
Posted on June 11, 2009 13:19
Sarah said:
Love reading this each week!! So many of those things perfectly described me - I'm starving but can't figure out anything that sounds good, I know I need to cook/clean/etc but I just stay on the couch anyway, I'm so tired that I'm in bed by 9pm but can't fall asleep... I feel so lucky not to be throwing up but this constant queasiness is no fun! I'm so grateful to be having symptoms though, since I'm still not convinced there's really a baby in there!!
Posted on June 12, 2009 16:35
Teri said:
I just love this blog, and am so glad I found it - it really gives a realistic view of all that's going on with our bodies when we're pregnant. It makes me feel so much better to know that all this is normal, the tiredness, the nausea, everything, I don't remember it being this bad when I was pregnant the first time!! I, too, feel bad that my 2 year old can't understand why Mommy gets crabby so easily, or just wants to lay on the couch. I was crying about it the other day, cuz I felt like such a crappy Mom, but it makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one who goes through it! So, thank you for your blog - I love it!!
Posted on June 22, 2009 13:44
Baby Minky said:
It's so reassuring to read your blog and all of the posts! I just had my 8 week checkup on Friday and we heard the heartbeat for the first time - and saw it on the screen! Our little tiny baby looks just like a little sea turtle with the little paddles... adorable! Although this is our first child, I'm a pre-school teacher so I completely understand what you all are going through! From the second I get to work till I stumble exhausted out the door, it's a roller coaster of nausea and emotion - yikes! Thanks for all of the encouragement :)
Posted on July 19, 2009 15:32
Sarah said:
What a relief it is to know that everything I'm going thru with my second pregnancy is completely NORMAL!! Thank you for your blog!
Posted on July 26, 2009 22:25
Melissa Armstrong said:
I guess I am one of those lucky ones except of course for the cramping...oh my god the cramping. It freaks me out everyday, but the doctor says everything is okay. Thanks for this blog! It's funny and relatable. Love it!
Posted on August 5, 2009 14:47
allison said:
I thought I didn't have any symptoms, and they're not much, but now I recognize the hungry but nothing sounds good thing. Switched up to a larger bra, and much more confortable there. I just had my first visit and saw the heartbeat. Wow. Going for another ultrasound on Monday (!) since I don't know exactly how old baby is :) I'm floating on a cloud, and don't want to do anything I'm scheduled to do this afternoon/evening. I want to go shopping for baby things and read this blog. That is all.
Posted on August 7, 2009 13:39
meredith said:
So glad to hear others are also exhausted each day. I was just about to talk to my doctor about it at my appointment tomorrow because I was convinced something was wrong--I was never this tired during my first pregnancy. then again, didn't have a 22 month old to run after either. Guess it makes a difference!
Posted on August 10, 2009 13:45
Melissa said:
It is comforting that I'm not alone in the nausea..and the fact I can't nutritiously feed my other two children (5 and 3) because just being near the kitchen makes me want to hurl. I just want to sleep until week 15 and pray that this horrible feeling is gone by then.
Posted on August 23, 2009 23:02
Lori said:
Oh yes, the hungry but nauseous. That's where I am right now. Wondering about this Zofran. My dr said I couldn't take anything in the 1st tri so I'm having to suck it up. Soooooo hard.
Posted on August 24, 2009 20:20
Anonymous said:
I am SO TIRED I can barely function. Please tell me this gets better!
Posted on August 26, 2009 13:14
Candi said:
I am almost 9 weeks along and, oh my goodness, this whole pregnancy thing just hit me like a ton of bricks like, just now. I am everyhting you describes above and feel like just hiding in bed until I hit that glorious 4 month mark (only laying down makes the need to hurl even worse. so does watching tv. and cooking. and washing dishes. and laundry. ugh.)
Posted on October 23, 2009 14:09
Tammy said:
I love reading your blog, they make me laugh which is hard to accomplish with all the being sick and feeling like crap going on right now.
I have found that instead of eating having a meal replacement drink helps me feel less queesy in the morning. Also, for the ridiculous heartburn and blaoting I am taking Zantac as per my doctor. It is a miracle. Last week you would of assumed I was 7 months pregnant because of the bloating, now I look and feel normal again.
Posted on November 5, 2009 14:13
Anonymous said:
hmmm mabey somethings wrong with me...
all i can think about is food! I want to eat everything!! I get a little nautious sometimes but its okay...I only have thrown up once...im only 8 weeks pregnant but sometimes i dont feel pregnant at all...i have a little "pooch" and sometimes i feel heavy and lazy, until i get out and do things i get going and i feel fine... I crave pickle juice like 24/7 but thats nothing new ive always loved pickle juice, haha.
i feel fatigued early in the day like around 6pm and i usually go to bed then :( but recently ive been having a hard time getting up in the morning, like i feel like ive had morphine or something i just cant get up !.... is this normal? it seems everyone has such horrible symptoms in their first trimester but i dont think its that bad ... maybe i have just repaired myself for it i dont know...
Posted on November 5, 2009 19:52
Melissa said:
After a week of the hungry but full of nausea, I finally threw up yesterday. And totally peed myself at the same time.
Walking ball of misery? YES!!!
Posted on November 30, 2009 13:46