Signs & Symptoms

With G, my mood was overall cheery with teary sentimental spells. Though I’m a pretty easy crier anyway, this was further exaggerated by pregnancy. Seeing children and parents or partners in loving relationships on TV or in real life would make me pause and appreciate the moment (while joyfully crying). Some of the other signs and symptoms I had came on in this approximate order:

·         Nausea – flu like feelings, pretty constant through 1st trimester

·         Heightened sensitivity to odors

·         Fatigue

·         A positive home pregnancy test

·         Frequent urination

·         Tender, swollen breasts

·         Shortness of breath - frequent

·         Constipation - significant

·         Abdominal bloating

·         Skin Changes and breakouts

·         Cravings

·         Stretch marks

·         Linea Nigra (darkening belly line)

·         Carpal Tunnel – left hand, weakness and sharp pain centered in thumb

·         Feet and ankle swelling

And this time – though we’re over the top excited about the new baby on the way, my mood is all over the place (largely due to my hypoglycemia, I think). I have already experienced many crying episodes some happy some sad. What seems to cycle is stress about not having enough time and energy right now. So far, the other signs and symptoms I’m experiencing happened in this sequence:

·         Abdominal bloating

·         Implantation bleeding

·         Fatigue

·         Cravings

·         Shortness of breath - occasional

·         A positive home pregnancy test

·         Tender, swollen breasts

·         Skin Changes and breakouts

·         Heightened sensitivity to odors

·         Nausea – comes on sudden

·         Frequent urination

·         Constipation – minor

·         Back aches/Back spasms

·         Low grade fever

·         Carpal Tunnel – (both) hands, weakness and pain/numbness from mid-palms to near elbows

Although these may look like lengthy lists of discomfort and change, I adore being pregnant! I love feeling the natural changes is my body, feeling the baby move, and feeling the love grow in our family. I recognize and am grateful for such a wonderful partner in life and partner in parenthood. My joy is in large part due to my wonderful and supportive husband. Thank you! I wouldn’t be here without you :)

“The carpal tunnel is a bony canal formed by the wrist bones on three sides and a ligament that runs across the wrist on the other. The swelling and fluid retention that's so common during pregnancy can increase the pressure in this relatively narrow and inflexible space, compressing the median nerve that runs through it. The median nerve gives sensation to the thumb and the index, middle, and half of the ring finger and is responsible for movement of a muscle at the base of the thumb. Pressure on this nerve is what causes the symptoms.” (Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/0_carpal-tunnel-syndrome-during-pregnancy_234.bc)