The First Trimester: When Joy Meets Nausea, Fatigue, and a Side of Existential Crisis
Ah, the first trimester — that magical time when you’re meant to be glowing, gently rubbing your belly, sipping green smoothies and planning cute announcements with tiny shoes and ultrasound pics.
Except… no one warned you it would feel like having the worst flu of your life, the hangover from hell, and an emotional rollercoaster without a seatbelt.
Welcome to early pregnancy. You’re not alone — and no, you’re not doing it wrong.
“I can’t survive without my coffee… oh wait, I literally can’t stand the smell of it now.”
You used to wake up excited for that morning cup of caffeinated joy. Now? One whiff of your favourite brew and you’re dry-heaving into the sink. It’s cruel. It’s confusing. And it’s common.
Tip: Try peppermint tea, ginger infusions, or the sacred art of sniffing a lemon until the queasiness passes. Also: give yourself permission to grieve the temporary loss of your flat white.
“I’m starving but nothing looks edible… except maybe dry toast and salted chips.”
You’re ravenous. But nothing sounds good. Unless it’s beige, salty, and vaguely childhood-related. You planned quinoa salads and protein smoothies. You’re now living off dry crackers, toast triangles and mashed potato — and you know what? That’s okay.
Tip: Eat what you can, not what you should. Nutrition can come later. Survival is the priority right now.
“Why am I wide awake at 2am but falling asleep at my desk by 10am?”
Insomnia in early pregnancy is a thing. So is crushing exhaustion. You’re sleep-deprived, emotionally fried, and walking through the day like a well-meaning zombie. You expected tiredness later… not now. Surprise!
Tip: Nap when you can, keep lights low in the evening, and rest without guilt. You’re literally making a human. That takes more energy than climbing a mountain.
“I had a pregnancy fitness plan, but I can’t even roll off the couch.”
The Pinterest vision of pregnancy: daily yoga, ocean swims, power walks. The reality? You might feel too nauseated to move or too exhausted to care. If your greatest achievement this week was putting on a bra, you’re doing just fine.
Tip: Gentle stretching, slow walks, and giving yourself immense compassion are just as valid as any prenatal bootcamp.
“If one more person says ‘sleep now because you’ll never sleep again’ I may scream.”
Suddenly, everyone’s an expert. Your neighbour. Your barista. The man at the post office who’s never owned a uterus. They’re full of clichés, horror stories, and unsolicited advice — and they mean well, but bless them, they’re not helping.
Tip: Learn the sacred pregnancy skill of smiling politely while mentally tuning out. Your body, your baby, your boundaries.
“I’m thrilled to be pregnant. So why do I feel so overwhelmed?”
Because it’s a lot. You’re adjusting hormonally, physically, emotionally and spiritually — all at once. You’re growing a brand-new life while also mourning parts of your old one. That’s deep work.
The love is real. The fear is, too. Excitement and terror are not opposites — they’re companions. You’re allowed to feel both.
You Are Not Broken. You Are Becoming.
The first trimester is messy. It’s wild. It’s humbling. You may not “glow” (unless sweat and tears count), but you are transforming.
You are adapting, expanding, shedding, and softening into something profoundly powerful: motherhood.
So eat the chips. Cry at the toilet paper ads. Tell the advice-givers to kindly zip it. And above all?
Be extraordinarily gentle with yourself.
Need some real support, not just random opinions?
Call Julie on 0401 265 530
Email: [email protected]
Whether it’s help navigating birth choices, setting up a care plan, or just having a good laugh-cry together, you’re not alone.
