It’s been an incredible week, getting used to the idea that we are pregnant – a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but mainly just very exciting. Obviously I don’t show yet, but my body doesn’t let me forget what’s going on. I have been feeling good so far but not “normal”. I feel pregnant.
My pregnancy symptoms during the 5th week:
- Fatigue – yep, still snoozing and having cut out all caffeine is not helping!
- Bloating – very uncomfortable… Mornings are fine but by the evening I look 6 months pregnant (can I just wear yoga pants to work please?)
- Funny feeling in the lower tummy – this one is weird, it’s hard to describe. Not painful but not comfortable either. Perhaps this is the uterus growing
- Tender, swollen boobs – ouch!
- Need to pee a lot – also at night, which disturbs my sleep and makes me even more tired
Oh joy 🙂
Yet, I rather feel something than nothing and I’m very happy that I have not yet had any morning sickness. No one said being pregnant was going to be fun and easy, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the end.
First doctor’s visit
I was really looking forward to my first doctor’s appointment. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but had I expected some sort of a pep talk, reassurance or an examination, I’d been terribly mistaken.
After queuing outside the NHS health centre, I finally made it to the reception, only to hear that they had lost my registration forms (since we moved I had to change GPs) and test results from an earlier visit this week, for which I had needed to take time off from work. I was getting upset as I was again late for work and now they wouldn’t even take me in. Finally they agreed to squeeze in an appointment with the attending GP if I refilled all the forms. Not a great start.
The attending GP was a nice enough man, about ten years younger than me, but after he had miscalculated my weeks and told me to look online for the list of foods to avoid, I’d lost all trust in him. I walked out none the wiser, but at least I got a referral to a UCLH midwife. Apparently they may or may not call me regarding booking the next appointment around week 8-10.
That feels like a long time off. My partner comforted me by saying we could always go private if I felt nervous and wanted to get checked out earlier. Maybe we’ll book that early ultra sound scan.
Turned away from yoga
To my surprise and disappointment, I was turned away from my yoga class when I told them I was five weeks pregnant. It turned out that both of the yoga studios I go to strictly prohibit pregnant women from attending their classes during the first trimester (one sets limit at 12 weeks, the other at 16). After first trimester, I’d be welcome to the prenatal yoga. “But you can still meditate!” Oh yay.
I’d never do anything that could harm the baby, but I’m not going to lie, it feels difficult to readjust my lifestyle this much, even if it’s just temporary. I don’t really feel myself. Remember that superwoman feeling I was talking about earlier? Don’t really feel that anymore… which is silly because it’s now or if ever I’m a superwoman, growing a human in me!
It seems that there are many opinions about how much and what kind of exercise is good for pregnant women. It’s very confusing… When it comes to fitness/yoga centres I think it’s also a matter of insurance and them not wanting to risk being held accountable in case something happens.
This week I have only been walking. The weather has been beautiful so I’ve walked home from work a few times – it takes me about an hour. I’m sure I’ll get used to this slower pace, but I miss already that adrenaline kick from HIIT.
I’ll continue my research and will try to be careful until we cross that magical 12-week mark. My Fitbit is helping to keep track of my activity levels now that I’m not taking my classes.
To finish on a high note, isn’t spring in London just wonderful?! Below picture is from outside my office when I went to pick up lunch the other day.
xoxoxo,
Sini