Heather's Handmade Life

Pregnant … or just fat?

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Heather Laura Clarke

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

12 weeks, 2 days pregnant

I have been getting two types of reactions to my baby bump:

“Ohhh, look at your bump! You look so preggo!”
“Nah, nobody would think you’re pregnant.”

Talk about mixed messages! So of course, on a daily basis, I find myself playing the game “Pregnant … or just fat?”

I look at my reflection in mirrors and store windows. I peer over my (ginormous) boobs to see how my stomach looks from that angle. I examine my appearance when I get dressed in the morning. All while wondering, “Pregnant … or just fat?”

And it’s all in the clothes. Let me explain …

Exhibit A: Pregnant. I have discovered that I really look pregnant when I wear my maternity jeans. They go up nice and high (almost to my bra), so I just get a cute, rounded bump.

Exhibit B: Pregnant. Same goes with pants that go way below the bump (i.e. yoga pants folded down, loose PJ pants).

Exhibit C: Fat. This is the danger zone, ladies. I look fat when I wear leggings or tight pants/skirts that cut in at the belly button, because then my lower part pooches out — and could easily be a beer gut, instead of a wee bebe.

I like when people say I look like I’m showing, because I know I am showing — it’s sticking out of my body like … like … like something that wasn’t there before!

I suspect some people think it’s better to say that I don’t look pregnant, as a compliment? But if it’s clear that I am bigger, and people say I look normal, isn’t that a backhanded fat quip?

I would much rather look pregnant than just fat. Who wouldn’t, really?

Is it just me …

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Heather Laura Clarke

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… or are the legs on my graphic baby extremely skinny? Is this an accurate representation? Also, why doesn’t the back of his/her neck go in?

Hmmm.

Headache Hell

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Heather Laura Clarke

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Monday, November 23, 2009

12 weeks, 1 day pregnant

Pound, pound, pound. For the last week or so, my headaches have been out of control.

Headaches are a common preggo symptom, because of all of the extra blood whooshing around in there — and the hormones, which are to blame for everything. I used to get migraines occasionally before I got pregnant, so apparently this just means I’m more at risk for headaches now.

I’ve been taking Tylenol when I absolutely positively can’t stand it any longer, but for the most part I’ve been trying to cope without anything. That’s not too bad when I’m at home, because I can lie down in the dark and close my eyes …

… but at the office? Way different story.

When I woke up this morning to another headache, I did some research to see what can be done to ward these off when I’m at work:

Close your eyes and put your feet up for 15 minutes
Put an icepack or cold compress on the back of your neck for 20 minutes
Take a lunchtime yoga class, meditate, or do some breathing exercises
Keep eating: the low blood sugar that results from skipping meals can trigger a headache
Go slow if you’re giving up a caffeine habit
Avoid hot, stuffy places, and dress in layers so you can start peeling them off before overheating leads to a headache
Take fresh-air breaks a couple of times a day (or at least open a window)
Take breaks from fluorescent lighting and strong odors as frequently as you can
If you’re extra-sensitive to loud noises you can make it a point to avoid the worst offenders
Try not to slouch, slump, or bend over doing close work for long stretches of time

I think I’m going to try the close-my-eyes-for-15 minutes thing today. I may hide behind my door.

Seven days

Posted on November 22, 2009 by Heather Laura Clarke

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

12 weeks pregnant!

I’m 12 weeks pregnant today! Starting my 13th week! Three months along (in the non-technical, four-weeks-equals-a-month sense)!

According to the all-powerful internet, you’re not considered in your second trimester until you’re in your 14th week, so I know the next week is going to go by very slowly.

First trimester: Week 1-13

Second trimster: Week 14-27

Third trimester: Week 28-41

I pray nightly that Little Baby is still growing and staying healthy in there, and I’m trying to stay positive. But I will definitely be breathing a sigh of relief in seven days.

Weekly re-cap

Posted on November 22, 2009 by Heather Laura Clarke

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(Nov. 15 to Nov. 21)

Symptoms: Monster headaches (because of the extra blood flowing or something), mood swings (I ~~was possibly~~ ~~was slightly~~ was a huge, hysterical psycho-bitch today …)

Body changes: There is no hiding the bump — or my bigger knockers. Still have not bought a bigger bra, but that is a must-do goal for this week.

Energy level: Seems to have dropped off a bit from last week, since I haven’t been feeling that well. But I made a H-U-G-E list of things to accomplish to start getting the nursery cleaned out, condo de-cluttered, etc. I’m hoping to start tackling a few items this week.

Cravings: Cereal with skim milk, garlic fingers

Could not stomach: Mayonnaise — but actually managed to eat a bit of Caesar salad at the in-laws’ so maybe the tide will turn soon — chicken, ground beef. Also, the fridge is still really grossing me out.

High point: Our amazing first OBGYN visit, where we got to hear Little Baby’s heartbeat and sneak a quick peek with an ultrasound. Absolutely mind-blowing amazing.

Low point: Feeling guilty over my mood swings — poor Darling Husband.

Paranoid moment of the week: Leaving work an hour early because I felt feverish. I was convinced I had come down with the flu, but by the time I got home to check, I didn’t actually have a temperature. Still felt pretty bad for two days, though, so I laid low.

Weird moment of the week: Seeing photos of a pregnant friend on Facebook, and wondering (vainly) if my face will get quite so fat? I suppose it is very likely. I am not going to be a basketball girl, sadly, so I think gaining everywhere is in the cards.

Emotional moment of the week: Breaking down over Little Baby’s ultrasound photo. The emotion of seeing him/her didn’t totally hit me until I was alone that night, looking at that tiny, perfect little profile.

Best decision of the week: Getting maternity jeans! They are awesome, and I LOVE them.