Usually when morning sickness hits, we dread it.  Every morning (and sometimes night time) when I let loose, I am thankful.  I tried to explain this to my hubby, at first he was pretty confused.  My first doctor appointment isn’t for about 2 more weeks (a little later than normal, but that’s what happens when you have an awesome doctor and she is always busy).  When I had my miscarriage, I wasn’t very sick at all.  Every time I throw up, I see it as positive.  This little baby has to be growing because the hormones are racing through my body still.  With all of my other pregnancies, I haven’t felt as horrid as I do this time around.  Thankfully it’s only a stage!  My poor family hasn’t had too many homemade dinners lately and my house is messier than I want.   I just keep telling myself, a short time of less than stellar nutrition won’t affect them long term (they probably won’t even remember this time). This too shall pass…this too shall pass…this too shall pass.

Sometimes I know I can be a wee bit crazy (or driven as some may say).  Has anyone else ever felt this way too, thankful and happy to vomit?

It is always important to be in touch with your body both mentally and physically.  For now, we will just chat about the physically awareness.  During pregnancy, I believe it is even more important to cue into the signs your body gives you.  A happy body functions better right?  Don’t get too busy and forget to take care of your body.  Your baby needs you, he/she is depending on you.  It’s good the baby takes from your body what he/she will need before your actual body gets to use the nutrients.  On the downside, you can become depleted which can make you more susceptible to illness and possibly hospitalization.  You know the saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”  Also, after having the baby it is vital to take care of yourself so you have a full milk supply, patience to take care of a crying baby, and avoid postpartum depression.

• Tired/Weary - During the beginning and near the end this can be a huge problem.  If you feel your feet dragging, take a cat nap.  During lunch time or early afternoon, allow yourself 20-30 minutes to rest.  Set an alarm, and take a snooze.  Also, in the evening if possible, go to bed an hour earlier than you usually do.  For me, that makes a huge impact.
• Nausea - This is trial and error.  What may work for someone else or even a previous pregnancy, may not work now.  You can leave a couple crackers by your bedside at night.  When you wake up, take some nibbles and let it settle before getting out of bed.  If after you eat, it feels your food may make a reappearance, take a rest.  Put your head down on the table or your desk, or sit up on the couch with your head resting on the back.  Then close your eyes and rest for 5 minutes.  You can also try chewing a piece of mint gum or sucking on a mint.  Also, eat smaller amounts and eat more often so you aren’t ever very hungry.  Sometimes, you just have to let yourself vomit in the morning before putting anything in your stomach.  That certainly is the case for me this time around.  Puke, get it over with, then enjoy breakfast.
• Swallowing the vitamins - I have always found, in the morning, they would cause breakfast to reappear.  Eat a couple bites of something right before bed, then take your vitamin.  Your body needs some food to be able to distribute the nutrients from the vitamins so make sure you eat a little something too.
• Equilibrium - Your center of gravity is changing.  Be cautious going down stairs or hills (especially the steep ones).  This is really important if you continue to exercise, just be aware.  Trust me, the stair climbers and ellipticals can be a doozy.  Be conscious of your foot wear.  I’m a heels kinda gal.  There are times when I have no problem, then times like Monday where it seemed I had never walked in them before.
• The baby - Always listen to your gut.  If you feel something is “off”, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.  Please promise me you will go to all your prenatal appointments?!
• Breathing - Deep breathing is great for the mind and body.  All the air you take in, goes to your baby too.  If you feel stressed (the baby feels that too), take some deep breaths.  Sometimes I find myself taking shallow breaths.  When you feel this or stressed, take a few minutes to close your eyes, breath deeply, and focus only on your breaths.

Move through your world with a little more caution.  Remember the belly does need a little extra space.  What other tips do you have?

I feel like I am really putting myself out there with this post.  I will be honest I am scared.  I am pregnant again.  For those of you who were with me last May in my journey, know my fears.  For those who weren’t, I had a devastating miscarriage.  I wasn’t going to say much until I had that first appointment to hear the heartbeat.  Something inside of me just says to put it out there.  My hubby and I talked about it, and if I lost this little one, I would be done.  We want a large family, however, I couldn’t take another blow. 

I have been sicker than with any other pregnancy.  I have been more emotional, and even have cravings (I never really had much of any).  Perhaps a good faith offering?  Sometimes I believe God gives us these little things to hold on to.  That little glimmer of hope we need to get through every day when we are uncertain of our path. 

Please keep my family and I in your thoughts and prayers.  I know I certainly need each and every one for the next month until I have my first appointment.