my first trimester experience
Hey guys! So, now that we have officially announced baby sims coming in November, I wanted to share with y’all what my first trimester was like! This was such a hard secret to keep for 8 weeks, so today I want to quickly fill you in on my experience so far, what I’ve learned, helpful apps, and a few other random things. (I partially want to share this because when we first found out we were pregnant, I scoured any blog I could for any kind of pregnancy tips or any info on what the heck I was supposed to do now haha. Can I take advil? Should I stop taking melatonin? Can I still drink coffee? When do you start doing something for stretch marks?! etc.) I researched like a mad woman from the second we found out we were pregnant, because your first appointment with the doctor typically isn’t until 8 or 9 weeks. How was I supposed to wait 3 weeks with all of these questions?!
So, we found out that we were pregnant when I was 5 weeks. (At the time I was thinking we were like 3 weeks pregnant. I had no idea you technically count the two weeks before you ever even ‘conceived’. Still so confusing to me haha). I had a feeling end of February that I might be pregnant. I can’t really explain why…I just felt like I was. I wasn’t nauseous, didn’t have any symptoms…I just had this feeling. So, I bought a pack of 3 tests..and I took all 3 tests over the course of about 7 days. Why? Because all 3 of them were negative…but I just refused to believe that was true! I knew I was pregnant. I could feel it.
One Thursday night when Michael was in class, I was walking Beau around the neighborhood and praying about it. I told the Lord I felt so disappointed that those tests were negative because I really thought I would be pregnant. Something in me just felt like I needed to go buy one more test, but I refused. I mean, I already had 3 negatives! When I was praying about it, I said “If I’m supposed to take another test, I’m gonna need you to give me some major sign that I need to go buy another one.”
Well, the next morning I was running with Beau and while we were running, I noticed that my boobs were hurting! (Sorry for any guys reading this haha). I took that as a sign to buy just one more test…and that one was positive!!! I always thought I would tell Michael in some really cute sweet way when I got a positive sign…but as soon as I saw that “+” sign, I just started yelling “OOOHHHH MY GOSH” and crying and laughing and Michael instantly ran upstairs haha. It was truly one of the most special, sweetest moments of my entire life. Both of us were just so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. (So, moral of the story…apparently pregnancy tests can’t detect things THAT early on lol).
ANYWAY. Onto the actual pregnancy things! I called my doctor right away to make an appointment, but they said you usually don’t have that first appointment until 8 or 9 weeks. So, I downloaded an app called Ovia which I love! (I downloaded several pregnancy apps haha but Ovia has definitely been my favorite). It has “food safety look up” “medication safety look up”, and also gives you an update on baby every day, and an update on baby’s size every week! This week the app told me that baby can bend his or her elbows, move around, and even suck their thumb! Ah, gives me chills just thinking about it. So, I love this app and highly recommend it.
Between the time we figured out we were pregnant and my doctor’s appointments…like I said, I researched a lot. I know people say “google is a pregnant woman’s worst enemy”, but I didn’t just look at random forums. I made sure to look at actual medical websites, or ask friends who are nurses or doctors. I wanted to know if I could still work out, if I should be eating any differently, etc. To be honest…I was extremely paranoid my entire first trimester – but especially between weeks 5 and 8. I know how common miscarriages are, and my heart truly goes out to any momma who has experienced this heartbreak. I was very fortunate in my first trimester to hardly have any symptoms – no nausea, no food aversions…I was tired, but not like “I can’t function” tired. I was still able to run and do flywheel without missing a beat. All of this is a huge blessing, I’m aware! But, when you have tons of friends also in first trimester who are puking or super nauseous or can’t get off the couch because they’re so tired…my paranoia got the best of me. I kept doubting that I was actually pregnant…that this was all just too good to be true.
For anyone who has never experienced this before, I realize I probably sound like a crazy person right now. But, I think Satan really knows how to get us where we are weak and how to make fear a very real enemy. And my fear got the best of me for a lot of my first trimester. It really wasn’t until my 12 week appointment when we got to hear that sweet heartbeat that my fears were calmed (at least for the time being). So, I don’t share all of this with you guys so that you think I’m crazy…I share it to let you know, fear and anxiety are very real struggles that so many people face. Whether it’s related to pregnancy or not. And I want to share what helped me battle this fear throughout my first trimester (and even still today):
- Don’t keep it to yourself. You might think if you say your fear outloud to a friend or to your husband, you’ll sound crazy. Maybe you will, but you need to talk to someone about it. I would text my mom and sisters or talk to Michael or women in our small group about my paranoia. I would just ask for prayer for peace. Prayer is so powerful, and talking through your fears is also super helpful. Don’t leave it in the dark and don’t keep your fears and anxieties to yourself. You’ll make it worse and overanalyze things to death.
- True peace does not come from circumstances. The truth is – yes. Miscarriage is very common, and it’s so sad. I could not find peace in the fact that “I’m sure the baby is fine and completely healthy”, because honestly…I didn’t know that! I had to find a deeper peace that’s found in this truth: God is good, He is loving, and He is in control no matter what. No matter what my circumstances are, I can rest in that and trust in that.
- Prayer prayer and more prayer. When I would start to feel anxious or fearful, I wouldn’t let myself dwell on those thoughts. I would instantly pray for the baby and for the baby’s safety, and I would ask the Lord to redirect my thoughts and bring me peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but instead, pray about everything” – Phil 4:6
So, that was all very raw and very real…but I wanted to put it out there for anyone who might be having that same struggle during their first trimester. Or, for anyone who’s been battling fear and anxiety in another area in life! It’s still something I battle daily with pregnancy but feel like I’ve made a lot of progress over the past few weeks.
SO. Outside of the fear and paranoia…honestly, pregnancy so far has been amazing. Other than being tired (and super irritable from weeks 10-12 lol sorry babe)…I have felt great! I’ve also been way more emotional than usual, and craved even more sweets than I usually do (which is saying something). Oh, and diet lemonade from Chickfila, and anything dark chocolate. Pregnancy really is even more amazing than everyone says it is though. Every day I wake up I feel this overwhelming gratitude that the Lord has blessed us with this gift. And everyday I can’t wait to read an update on what the baby is doing today. It truly is the most amazing miracle I could ever fathom! I can’t wait until baby gets bigger and I can feel him or her move! Confession: I definitely poke my belly pretty often to try and see if I can feel the baby wiggle haha. Nothing yet!
Other differences I’ve noticed: my skin *insert upside down smiley emoji*. First trimester my skin was actually great. But within the last 2 weeks I’ve definitely had annoying breakouts that I can’t seem to keep under control. I’m still using all of my Drunk Elephant products though, other than Babyfacial because of the salicylic acid! (Which is so sad because I’m obsessed with that mask). I checked with my doctor and all of these are safe to use during pregnancy. But again, make sure you check with your doctor and don’t take my word for things! Hoping my skin will calm back down soon. I’m sure the surplus of sugar I’ve had recently isn’t helping the situation!
I haven’t had any nausea, but…digestion issues are real haha. I won’t go into further detail than that, but, I’ve definitely had some stomach issues, without the nausea! 
Like I said, I’ve still been working out about 5 days a week since being pregnant. And it honestly makes me feel so much better! I have more energy, my mood is better…I love it. I have definitely shifted my mindset though with my workouts. Before being pregnant, my mindset was “push yourself. push through. you can do this. you’re getting stronger”. And now, if I’m starting to feel tired or out of breath, my mindset is “let’s take it down a notch”. So, I still run. But instead of running 6-7 miles at an 8:30 pace, I’m doing 5 miles at an 8:55 pace to make sure my HR doesn’t get too high. I still do the stair master, but instead of doing high intensity intervals, I put it on a lower setting so my HR doesn’t shoot up to 170. My doctor told me anything I was doing before pregnancy, for the most part, I can continue doing. I’m just modifying things to make sure I don’t get too hot, or my HR doesn’t get too high. I’m also hydrating A LOT more than I used to. Tons of water before, during, and after a workout! (If you are pregnant though, make sure you talk with your doctor about what would work best for you and your body! Everybody is different).
Outfit Details: Tie Front Top (similar here and here) | Distressed Jeans (fit tts, wash is ‘old hangouts’) | Platform Espadrille Sandals | Gucci Crossbody here and here | Tassel Earrings
Okay, that was a lot of information and kind of all over the place! Just wanted to update you guys on these last 8 weeks. Also, I am obviously 100% SO NEW to this whole pregnancy thing! So, if you guys have any tips or apps or advice, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Also wanted to add in here…for anyone who has experienced miscarriage or is going through that now…please know that my heart truly breaks for you and I pray for God’s peace and comfort all over you and that situation. I don’t want this post to seem insensitive to that heartbreak in any way. My heart really does go out to you and prayers are with you!
Thanks for reading friends, and for joining me in this journey!
About laurenkaysims
I was the same, no nausea but definitely digestive issues! It subsided in the second trimester 🙂 Use shea butter for stretch marks, I’m genetically prone and have a couple inside my legs that I got when i was younger, but used shea butter during pregnancy and got NO stretch marks! It was literally a miracle product, youd never know from my stomach that I had a child! And you were very sweet and sensitive about miscarriages, I had one at 5 1/2 weeks before my daughter (it was IVF so I’d already had 2 blood tests confirming the pregnancy) and I don’t think women talk and share with each other enough about it.
Congratulations to you and your husband!
<3!
You’re so inspiring and your love for God is contagious! I wish you the best! Good luck and I am excited to continue in this journey with you!
I am so happy for you!!! You’re absolutely one of Ltd favorite bloggers and I’m so excited to follow you on this beautiful journey with you!!!
aw thank you so much!!
I had a miscarriage and then got pregnant with my son 6 months later and had the easiest pregnancy. No nausea, barely tired, no back pain. I feel you on being paranoid! I was convinced something was wrong. But my sister-in-law told me over and over again “God already loves this baby and knows this baby” and that gave me so much peace during the scary times when fear was getting the best of me. You’re in the right headspace and keeping yourself peaceful is making you such a great mom already!
One thing I wish I had done with my pregnancy was workout more, so I’d love to read more of your pregnancy workouts so I can log them away for future kiddos 🙂
Congratulations!
oh kaia, I am so sorry to hear that. I love what your SIL said – such solid truth and an encouraging reminder! as far as workouts, i’ve shared some in my recent bump date blog posts if you’re curious! thanks girl!
Right there with you! I also took a million tests before finally getting a positive and I’m also due in November after having a miscarriage in October. I too didn’t have any crazy symptoms. No nausea or crazy aversions so I completely understand the fears and anxieties of it maybe not being real. But I’m almost 16 weeks now and everything seems to be going great – and now I’m craving sweets! Praying for a healthy pregnancy for us both!
aw susan I am so happy for you! congratulations! I can’t even imagine how heartbreaking it was to go through your miscarriage, but I am praising the Lord for your healthy pregnancy! such a blessing!
Your posts are a delight to read and I am so happy for you and your journey. Keeping you and your growing family in my prayers.
aw thank you so much!
I am also due with a baby in November! This is our “Rainbow Baby” as we lost a tiny little girl back in January. We unexpectedly got pregnant again SO quickly and I can wholeheartedly agree with the fears of pregnancy. My miscarriage was probably the hardest thing that’s ever happened to my faith, but I have felt God so close to me throughout this rainbow journey. He is so faithful and so redeeming! Pregnancy is an incredible experience and I am so thankful you’re willing to share your fears and emotions, because they are so real for so many of us! I’m glad you’re feeling well and so happy for you and your little one! Here’s to healthy, happy, and wonderful November babies!
oh girl, I can’t even begin to imagine what that was like. congratulations on your rainbow baby!
So crazy how each person’s experience is unique! I never had nausea with my pregnancy but I did have some serious fatigue in my first trimester. I used the Ovia app too and my favorite part was seeing the size of the baby’s hand and foot each week. So fun! My little guy was born in November last year and it’s such a fun season being right before Christmas. So excited for you! Enjoy every moment!!
yes I love those on the app too! congrats on your little guy!
Honestly got tears eyes through this whole post. I am just so, incredibly happy for you. I’ll be praying for your anxiety, I can only imagine the emotional stress that causes. Maybe this sounds cheesy or weird… but I honestly just feel honored that you would share all of this with your followers.. with me. Thank you so much!
Not going to lie. Im a little jealous! Im due in November as well. I’m 14 weeks. Pregnant with my third, so I know every Body is different but I def dont look like you do in those bikini pics ??? Also so lucky you weren’t feeling sick! Its the pits! Congrats on your pregnancy! Relax over the things you cant control and enjoy the journey ?
aw thanks monique! congrats on your little one! and you’re right, it really is so different for everyone and that’s totally ok! hope your pregnancy is going well!
Lauren! I am thrilled to read this post. I haven’t followed you for long but I love your willingness to be open about the hard parts of this life. I miscarried in February at 18 weeks (Don’t let that scare you!) and my heart felt the same things you felt during your first trimester. I wrestled through the anxiety and girl… let me tell you that the things you posted about resting your heart on God’s goodness is EXACTLY what got me through the first trimester and then again through miscarriage. I keep being in awe that God’s truth stretches far beyond circumstance. The same God that took me through the trial of miscarriage will lead you and others through healthy pregnancies and beautiful babies. All for his glory! not for ours.
Keep preaching to yourself and you’re right. You’ve made progress. I’m making my own too.
Thanks again for the prayers for those miscarrying. <3
aw karis, I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. I can’t even imagine how difficult that’s been. so incredible to hear about your trust in the Lord and finding comfort in Him alone! thanks for sharing + reading!
I have been using kopari coconut oil, and it has taken away the stretch marks i have on my legs!
Ah Lauren!! This is just so beyond amazing. My babe is 9 months old on Sunday so the entire pregnancy experience is still fresh for me. My nauseau was horrendous until 17 weeks so I am so thankful you’re missing out on that gem!! If it does happen to you, though, ask your doctor about Diclegis – it was my saving grace. Also, invest in a Belly Band as soon as your bottoms start to feel tight – I had a terrible time finding cute pregnancy shorts and the Belly Band helped me stay in my regular shorts almost my entire pregnancy :). Can’t wait to follow your journey!! Babies are the best!
oh this is all so helpful! thank you!
Thank you for this blog! My husband and I have been married for 6 years and are just now trying to have a baby. Hearing stories like yours encourages me to keep my eyes on God and not on my fears.
Please do more blogs about your baby experiences 🙂
aw that is so exciting! so happy for y’all. will definitely be sharing more baby posts soon. 🙂
Dear Lauren,
I have been following you on instagram for couple of months .Not sure why I clicked follow button…but its probably meant to be .Love your shared stories. And what a beautiful surprise ! Your pregnancy announcement .Very happy for you ! I am expecting our long waited baby no.3 at the same time as you .Weeks & days ( 14wks +2d today ) Our miracle’s due date is 11.11.18 .Thanks again for sharing your journey .
Good luck & lots of love to you from other side of the world – London UK !
Aurelija
I cant wait to watch you become a mom. I have a 4, 3 and 18 month old and I geek out over anything pregnancy/birth related.
I also can’t wait to see how your fashion changes once you become a mom, or if it will at all. So often I love what you wear but as a stay-at-home mom it’s just not practical for my life. Finding things with wide enough straps to cover nursing bras and high enough necklines that I’m not falling out all over the place when I’m chasing toddlers. I’m always trying to modify trends into things I can run around the park with a baby on my hip haha
So excited for you! Can’t wait to hear about all things baby. Will you find out the gender?
thanks so much sarah! I will definitely keep y’all posted on how my style adjusts during pregnancy. 🙂 and yes, I think we will!
I’m in my second trimester of my first pregnancy too and definitely had some fear and anxiety during those first few weeks, knowing the possibilities. A good friend (who happens to also be my doctor) told me that you become a mom when you see the positive and you immediately start worrying about your child because that’s what moms do— they worry about their children! She reminded me worry is a sin and you have to train yourself now to pray for your children instead when you are tempted to worry. She also said pregnancy is a great opportunity to trust in the Lord because He’s growing this child in you and so much of it is beyond your control. Some of the best advice I’ve received!! Praying for you and that baby! Enjoy your miracle!
I will be 12 weeks tomorrow and like you have had some anxiety and worry about the baby! It’s so hard not to. I feel like every time I feel something different I instantly worry but like you said praying is all we can do. It’s amazing how much peace I feel when I pray about it. I went to the doctor today and finally got to hear the baby’s heartbeat and it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard! Congratulations to you and many prayers! <3
Thanks for sharing!! So happy and excited for you guys! Thanks for letting us all in on the journey. Since workout is such a big part of your life I wanted to pass along info on this awesome Pilates program that I’m part of. I’m not sure if Pilates is something you are or ever have been interested in but this gal has a preganancy program that is so wonderful, especially towards the last trimester when you’re more restricted in what you can do. Also good exercise that will strengthen your body for labor and delivery. She is also pregnant with twins right now has been adding a few new videos with modifications for pregnancy! I’m not sure if she has open enrollment at the moment but she tends to open it up fairly often so if not now she probably with soon. I love her heart and mentality behind her program. Anyway, Incase you’re interested her web site is http://www.thebalancedlifeonline.com
Congrats again!!!
I’m so excited for you! How long were you and Michael trying for?
Enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved being pregnant twice – I found that I really enjoyed making sure by body was nourished appropriately (I know you eat healthy) but it made me so happy that I was giving it even more attention. I loved running and working out through both pregnancy – don’t listen to the nay sayers 🙂 I even did a few races (not fast of course). I think all of this gave me a healthy birth process. Enjoy the fashion part too 🙂 so much fun – cherish every moment it goes by too fast! can’t wait to follow along your journey
Congrats! This is SO exciting!
My first trimester was the same! I was waiting for the morning sickness to come but it never did! I was so tired my entire pregnancy, but I was so thankful for no sickness!!
I used a midwife for my birth, and she had me take lots of natural herbal vitamins. One thing I learned through all my fears of pregnancy is that we cause ourselves a lot of extra stress about things that work themselves out. God made our bodies to conceive, carry, and birth a child. So I found peace in that He was the creator of my body and my child and she would be okay. Sometimes our fears still try to take over. Just wait for the crazy dreams and thoughts you have! Haha I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear what you are having??
NOTHING has made me learn to trust God more than pregnancy and having kids. It is such a daily struggle to hand them over to god, knowing that He is the one in control of their little lives and He will take care of them in a way I never could. It has brought me to new levels in my faith for sure!
I’m so excited for you and Michael!! Keep handing that baby to God, knowing He will take care of them. <3 2 Timothy 1:12b was a truth I declared over my mind all the time during pregnancy. I'm praying for you guys!!