OK, what’s going on? I wrote before that I was lucky, no real nausea to speak of in my first trimester. Perhaps I jinxed myself, because this past week I have been feeling quite nauseated and really tired. I don’t know if I’m coming down with something or what, but every night if I haven’t eaten in awhile, I can tell by the sick feeling in my stomach. Even after I get something down, I will still feel not right, kind-of queasy with heartburn. I moved the bottle of Tums to the side of my bed, that’s how bad it’s gotten!

Crazy, this is when all the books tell me I should feel my best and have the most energy. Today, I woke up, had a conference call and then went back to bed for several hours—that’s not like me at all! Oh well, I guess I get to chalk it all up to the wonderful experience of pregnancy!

I did speak to my doctor about the sweating; he says there is really nothing we can do, just to make sure I empty my bladder more frequently, so as not to trigger the dysreflexia. That has appeared to work; this past week has been much better, at least with the sweating.

I gained 1.5 pounds last week—wow! I guess the little bugger is really growing, or at least my belly sure is. I just tried on my biggest pair of capris and nope, can’t do it. I’ve gotten too big! I’m going to have to pack up most of my closet so I don’t get sad about all the clothes I can’t wear any longer. And then I guess I’m due for a shopping trip for some maternity clothes. That should be an adventure, trying on clothes with this big belly. I hate trying on clothes normally, and now with five additional pounds on my belly, well, not something I’m really looking forward to. But if I don’t get some clothes soon, all I will be able to wear will be my pj’s and sweats!

They tell you that one of the side effects of pregnancy is edema, or swelling of the feet. Well, let me tell you, the swelling has truly started in my feet! I usually have issues with swollen feet in the hot summer months anyway, but I think this is going to be a new record. I have to say, I’m not ready to have grandma feet and ankles!!! I’ve started lying down with my legs elevated in hopes of helping and I’m thinking about putting a brick or something under the foot of my bed to elevate them when I sleep. I’d try putting my legs on pillows, but the spasms are so crazy, they won’t last on the pillow very long.

I still haven’t felt the baby move, although they say that it would be early for a first time mother to feel the baby right now, and a paralyzed mom, well that would possibly be a miracle! But, it doesn’t keep me from checking each night; I put my hands on my belly and see if I can feel anything. My mother told me to feel for the baby to move first thing when I lie down, as they usually move around from the change in positions. But, I haven’t felt it yet, I’ve thought I’ve felt something, but I’m sure it’s just my imagination because I want to feel something so badly!

I have been trying to exercise as much as possible, but this past week with the nausea and fatigue, I haven’t been as good about that as in past weeks. Oh, well, I have to learn to be flexible with myself and do what my body tells me it needs, which this week has been rest. Who knows what it will tell me next week. Stay tuned...

See Related Articles
Disability and Pregnancy, Part 2—Week 15

Disability and Pregnancy, Part 4—Week 17

For more information about Muffy Davis, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.