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Pregnancy is often portrayed as a beautiful and glowing phase, but let’s be honest —the first trimester comes with its own set of surprises that no one prepares you for. For many, this stage isn’t just about excitement; it’s about survival. One mum’s TikTok video has gone viral for capturing the raw and unfiltered truth about what you might experience during those early weeks. Here’s a deep dive into her story, along with insights and shared experiences from other mums who know exactly what it’s like.
Forget the misleading name. Morning sickness isn’t confined to mornings. For most, it stretches across the entire day, leaving you feeling constantly queasy. This mum shares that having something or anything in your mouth to nibble on becomes a lifeline. ‘You’re going to feel like rubbish all the time,’ she says, and it’s not an exaggeration. The nausea feels relentless, and it can make even the simplest tasks seem overwhelming.
‘Is anyone else so hungry but nothing sounds appetising? Just get nauseous at the thought of food,’ @em asked in the comments—a sentiment echoed by so many others. It’s a cruel irony, isn’t it? Craving food while simultaneously being unable to bear the sight of it. This contradiction is one of the first trimester’s harshest tricks, leaving you frustrated and often in tears. For some, the only relief comes from plain, bland snacks—crackers, dry toast, or maybe a handful of nuts—while others find themselves battling the urge to vomit no matter what they eat.
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Sleep doesn’t seem to fix the tiredness. Imagine getting 10 to 12 hours of sleep only to wake up feeling like you haven’t slept at all. This isn’t your usual fatigue; it’s a whole new level of exhaustion. Your body is working overtime, even if all you’re doing is lying on the couch. The mum jokes about turning into a slug while her partner takes care of everything, but for many, this level of fatigue is no laughing matter. It can feel isolating when you’re too tired to socialise, work, or even focus on your usual hobbies.
@Chloe empathised, ‘Don’t forget the dizziness and headaches. The first trimester is killing me.’ It’s not just about feeling tired; it’s about feeling completely drained, as if your body’s battery is permanently at 10%. Every small task—brushing your teeth, answering a text, even moving from one room to another—can feel monumental. This level of exhaustion often catches first-time mums off guard, as no amount of sleep seems to make it go away.
One of the strangest parts of early pregnancy is how your preferences turn upside down. Things you once loved suddenly become unbearable. This mum confessed, ‘If you used to love coffee, you now hate it. If you loved eating steak every night, you now hate it.’
Food aversions aren’t just inconvenient; they can be downright unsettling. Imagine looking at your favourite foods and feeling repulsed. It’s more than just disinterest—it’s a physical, gut-deep reaction that can bring you to tears. For some, it’s specific smells that trigger the reaction, while others find that even thinking about a particular dish makes them gag.
@leynaleynaa sums it up perfectly: ‘Being insatiably hungry but also not wanting to eat because of food aversions and nausea.’ This paradox can make grocery shopping and meal planning feel impossible. What do you buy when nothing feels right? It’s an exhausting mental battle that often leaves you craving the simplest foods, like plain rice or bananas, just to get through the day.
The thought of cooking becomes nauseating. ‘I literally haven’t cooked anything in the last three months,’ she admits. Even if you’ve been a whiz in the kitchen before, the mere idea of chopping or frying can turn your stomach. For some, even walking into the kitchen can feel like an uphill battle. The smells, the heat, the sight of raw ingredients may all be too much and get overwhelming.
Add to this the constant metallic taste in your mouth, as she mentions, and cooking becomes an impossible task. This strange taste, often described as sucking on a coin, is one of the lesser-discussed symptoms but can make eating and drinking a miserable experience. @Nicole brought up another overlooked challenge: ‘No one warned me about the constipation.’ Digestive issues can add another layer of discomfort, making the idea of preparing and eating food even less appealing.
Cravings during the first trimester are no joke. You might find yourself needing something you haven’t thought about in years, and you need it now. These aren’t just mild preferences; they’re demands your body insists on fulfilling. It’s as if your cravings are holding you hostage, and nothing else will satisfy you.
However, cravings come with their own complications. @samiti1231 captures the dilemma perfectly: ‘You want something to eat but can’t really eat it.’ This tug-of-war between intense cravings and aversions can leave you feeling exasperated. Imagine desperately wanting a slice of pizza only to take one bite and feel like you’ve made the worst mistake of your life. It’s a frustrating and emotional rollercoaster that can make mealtimes feel like a minefield.
While it might sound cool, an insane sense of smell can quickly become your worst enemy. Everyday scents suddenly seem unbearable. Whether it’s food, cleaning products, or even your partner’s cologne, everything feels magnified and, more often than not, unpleasant.
Imagine walking into a room and being able to pick up on every single smell at once. It’s overwhelming and often nauseating. The smell of someone’s lunch at work might have you running to the bathroom, while the scent of flowers you once loved now feels overpowering. @💐ÖHÊNEWAÄ asked an intriguing question: ‘Does it happen to someone with cryptic pregnancy as well?’ While experiences can vary, heightened senses and aversions seem to be a universal challenge.
Period-like cramps, dizziness, and headaches also top the list of lesser-discussed first-trimester challenges. These symptoms can be alarming, especially if you weren’t expecting them. @Kayt shared her experience: ‘Anyone else have period-like cramps?’ It’s a common symptom that can cause worry, but it’s usually just your body adjusting to its new role.
For some, these symptoms are mild, while for others, they can be debilitating. @Priscila points out, ‘This is more of a personal experience, I would say. I had none of these, maybe just nausea weeks 5-10.’ It’s a reminder that every pregnancy is unique, and no two experiences are exactly alike.
Beyond the physical symptoms, the first trimester is an emotional whirlwind. The combination of hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the weight of what’s to come can leave you feeling overwhelmed. It’s not unusual to burst into tears over something minor or to feel a wave of anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere.
This emotional turbulence can make it hard to feel excited about your pregnancy, and that’s okay. It’s important to remind yourself that these feelings are normal and temporary. Sharing your experiences with others, whether it’s friends, family, or an online community can help you feel less alone.
What this mum’s video and the comments highlight is the importance of sharing your journey. Pregnancy can feel isolating, especially when you’re navigating symptoms no one warned you about. But hearing others’ stories reminds you that you’re not alone. The first trimester might be tough, but connecting with others who understand can make all the difference.
© Mindsmaking 2024
