People not understanding how hard the first trimester can be - ‘you don’t look very pregnant’

[Montydin]

I’m currently 8 weeks pregnant and I feel AWFUL, I’m pretty much nauseous from mid-morning until bedtime, which is now at about 7pm as I’m unable to keep my eyes open past then! I’m so exhausted I actually fell asleep at my desk last week (luckily I wfh). I’m bloated constantly which makes me feel sluggish, feel dizzy in crowded places and just generally feeling crap.

However I’m really struggling to get across how badly I’m feeling to people that know I’m pregnant and can help which I think is because most of them (mainly males) think that I don’t look very pregnant. My DH is sympathetic but I’m not sure he gets it completely. I asked my manager if I could flex my hours to start later when I’m needed in the office to avoid crowded transport, but he sort of implied I’m not very pregnant so probably not necessary yet. I asked if I could sit down on a crowded bus last week as I genuinely thought I would faint and no one would stand up, presumably because I don’t look pregnant, even though I explained I am!

I really think more could be done to raise awareness of just how difficult it can be more women in their first trimester. AIBU?

Ugh yes, i was so Ill. I had hyperemesis first trimester, ended up in hospital numerous times on a drip. I had my auntie roll her eyes at me when i said i felt ill haha.

What pissed me off most was i was inpatient with preeclampsia. After birth baby was in neonatal, i was still at risk of seizure and blood pressure high, had stitches as was rushed to theatre. I was allowed an hour out to buy baby clothes as she was so small we had nothing. At a bus stop an old man sat on my lap in protest that i should give him the bus stop seat lol didnt even ask me to move...just sat on me. I was in so much agony and legs were buckling i just cried haha