Earthy and Expecting: Um, what trimester am I in?

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Week 15 and I can’t help but feel like the first trimester is a race I’m trying to finish, even though I’m technically in the second trimester. Every mom, every doctor, every book and website tells me I should be getting my energy back. Waiting … patiently waiting … ok, impatiently waiting …

Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been that bad. I know many women have had it much worse than me. Still, I have a bit of evening sickness as opposed to morning sickness — which at least makes it easier to get through my work days!

But as soon as I’m off, if I don’t eat right away, it’s not pretty. It’s a night hangover. I carry around the proverbial crackers and water, and usually Jon–my equally earthy partner in life, love, and prenatal parental crime–has some non-trigger-food dinner started for us when I get home. (Incidentally, my triggers include strong fishy smells/tastes, anything grainy and syrupy sweetness. I will, however, cry with joy over food gifts of pizza, Cheerios, fresh fruit and — only once a week because they have a moderate amount of caffeine — those bottled Starbucks frappuccino drinks. Mocha, please. I will name my child after you.)

Luna the Puppy, my baby for now.

The nausea is moderate, comes and goes. The fatigue and dizziness, though, have their way with me. We like to take walks after work, especially since we just got a new puppy and live only a few minutes from a good spot to hop on the Rail Trail. I have to really steel myself to do this little bit of exercise that, pre-plus sign, would’ve been literally nothing for me.

In fact, I’ve accomplished some serious avoiding of physical activity in the PM hours since becoming pregnant. We’re talking an undisputed gold medal in couch-sitting. USA! USA!

And that’s not me. I love the outdoors. I loathe the gym. Give me hiking and swimming and climbing around on rocks over a treadmill or spinning class any day. So it’s disconcerting that I’ve been having such a hard time keeping up with those activities.

The worst part is, I know exercise will make me feel better. I’ve always loved that sore muscle feeling after a long hike, plus I sleep better those nights. I’m also addicted to taking pictures outside. The cool plants and animals I see, the rocks and flowers I collect, the fresh air and sunshine–these are major mood-boosters for me.

But you can’t wish dizzy away. (Can you? Is there an app for that??)

I’ve decided to get to that trail as often as possible and just do what I can do. Jon and Luna are an excellent buddy system if I start feeling wobbly.

In the meantime, I’ve got a prenatal yoga video on my Amazon wishlist and tunnel vision for that second trimester reprieve. I hope it comes before the third.

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