As the calendar creeps on by, I had the startling realization today that I’m creeping into my third trimester, oh… tomorrow. Where does the time go?

Time flies when you’re gestating.

Something a friend posted on her Facebook had me thinking about my first trimester again. She’s a few weeks into her third tri and (what seemed) rather threateningly posted that it was like the first trimester, redux. Is that really what I have to look forward to starting this week? Yikes.

There are a lot of things people warn you about during your first trimester, like the morning sickness, but they sure do forget to mention a few things…

Overwhelming Fatigue

This was my biggest pregnancy symptom for the first 14 weeks. I was constantly exhausted and slept like the dead. I was awake for maybe 20 hours through all of Labor Day weekend, and managed to still be tired for work on Tuesday.

It’s no wonder, really, as your body is busy at work multiplying cells and making a baby. This is totally exhausting work and warrants as much sleep and as many naps as you can possibly fit in. If you’re lucky enough to be a first time mom, get your nap on, because this is the only pregnancy where you won’t have another child/baby/toddler demanding your attention.

Cramping

I thought that without the period, I wouldn’t have the cramping to match.

Haha, wrong.

Even though your baby is only the size of a grain of rice or a raspberry or some other irrelevant food object, your uterus is stretching and making space for the fetus to come, and that doesn’t come easily. With all of the bits and pieces inside moving around and adjusting, expect some cramping. However, if it gets really bad, don’t hesitate to call your doctor! Take care of yourself, mama, you’re growing a life that’s going to need you in good health.

Worry

Even though I’ve never miscarried or experienced another pregnancy, I couldn’t help but worry. I worried (and still sometimes do) about everything – would the baby make it to term? Would I be a good mom? Is the baby healthy? Am I gaining too much weight? What am I going to do for work? When do I tell my boss/friends/family?

It’s enough to make your head spin.

Don’t let it get you down, though. Unless there are signs of anything to the contrary, trust that your body knows what it’s doing – you were made for this, you know. Keep the worry at bay any way you can and try to enjoy your pregnancy. I recommend sleeping as much as possible (see: overwhelming fatigue).

Acne

I looked like a high school freshman for my entire first trimester. I had figured all of that was behind me, it was 10 years ago, after all.

I don’t have good advice here except to draw on what you know was effective at controlling your acne back then and hope it works again. Don’t use anything crazy harsh like Accutane, of course, but keep it clean and moisturized and know that the first trimester flies right by eventually.

Your Pants Stop Fitting

This was totally to be expected, actually, just not as soon as it happened. Right around 7 to 8 weeks gestation, waistbands, button bands, and any pressure in general on my stomach became incredibly uncomfortable. And, despite not showing much yet, my maternity bands became standard issue gear around week 13, with maternity jeans following shortly thereafter.

Be comfortable. Don’t squish the baby. Wear yoga pants or belly bands or cute maternity jeans, and don’t worry that it’s “too early” to be wearing maternity jeans. Bloat is very common during the first trimester, so make sure to drink plenty of water and wear those comfy pants.

I spent most of my first trimester asleep and I don’t regret it one bit. If I could sleep like that again, I totally would, but everything wakes me up now, from the baby moving to the cat burying its business in the next room.

Enjoy your first trimester, mamas! Pregnancy is beautiful, if not always glamorous.