As a first time to-be-mother, pregnancy was a completely new experience for me. I had a lot of questions and was fondling to understand the changes taking place in my body. I was equally worried about the growth of my baby inside my womb.
With this blog series, “Pregnancy Week By Week”, I hope to extend a helping hand to all expecting parents by telling you about my journey.
There might be some things that you would be able to relate to and would even give you solace to know that someone went through the exact same thing as you. Hope I’m able to help!
Disclaimer – This is entirely my personal experience. The intent of the blog is not to advice but only to share. Any medication, medical examinations, dietary intake or exercise, mentioned in this blog, were prescribed as per my pregnancy and my body. Please do not perform these without consulting your medical adviser.
Sudden Surge in Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 11 of Pregnancy
This too shall Pass
The good thing about time is that changes
I’m fine
A few chants that I repeat throughout the day to keep myself afloat. Pregnancy week 11 was much harder than anticipated.
Every evening from 5 pm onwards the struggle to keep food inside would start. Most of the time, I would lose.
Do pregnancy symptoms get better at 11 weeks?
For many expecting mothers, pregnancy symptoms settle by week 11. At 11 weeks of pregnancy, you are nearly towards towards the end of the 1st trimester and many women feel that their vomiting and nausea has come down.
Though Fatigue still remains your struggle with vomiting and heartburn might come down.
So do pregnancy symptoms settle for everyone? Not really! Like I mentioned, my pregnancy symptoms came back with a vengeance this week. Nausea and vomiting were my most troubling symptoms, followed by fatigue.
Are You Prepared for Pregnancy?
During this week, my biggest revelation was that I wasn’t mentally or physically prepared for this ordeal.
At least in my case, a lot came about pretty quickly. Nearly all symptoms appeared in week 5 itself and started off with great intensity, instead of increasing gradually.
I felt unprepared for this. It was a change so sudden that it made me think about my choices and question my decision. What dawned upon me that I was ill prepared for what was in store.
Last few months I had only focused on reading about getting pregnant and not about what comes later. Also, once I got a positive on my home pregnancy test, I didn’t have long to prepare myself.
So for all readers, I would like to mention a few things.
Be aware of pregnancy symptoms
First, it’s important to be aware of what might be in store in terms of pregnancy symptoms, how to deal with them and likely change in your schedule etc.
While different people have a different threshold to surge in hormones in their bodies, it’s still good to have some idea about what might be coming your way.
Some women might be lucky and would have a smooth pregnancy but for most, some pregnancy symptoms might appear.
Brace yourself, it will be tough
Second, it will be tough. Brace yourself. Since pregnancy symptoms start as early as the fifth week itself, you will find yourself incapable of doing most things that you were about to do till 2 weeks back.
You might not be able to sit on a chair for long, rigorous exercises would need to be done away with, so many changes will come about in your schedule as your nausea will arrive at its own will – morning, evening or throughout the day.
It will be a challenge and you will need everything in you to sustain yourself.
Ask for help
Third, if you can get help from family, friends, hired help, please go for it. Don’t think twice.
First trimester by all means is the toughest and all major organs of the baby are developing in this period.
In such a scenario, take it slow. You don’t need to confine yourself to bedrest, unless and until recommended, but a little help will do you wonders.
If you are someone who isn’t having too many symptoms, you should not restrict yourself – ofcourse take your doctor’s approval on what all you can continue doing and with what intensity.
Be mindful of what is working best for you
Fourth, try to be aware of what is suiting your body and what is not. You will have a learning curve on this front but be observant about which food items are making you gassy, nauseous or uncomfortable.
Some people also prefer to maintain a food journal. It helps them zero down on the food products that aren’t working for them.
All in all, it is a steep journey for majority of the women. So prepare yourself mentally and have your arsenal ready! Amen.
To know how the next week went, read by blog post on Pregnancy Week by Week – Week 12.