Really struggling through first trimester

[GR91]

I’m only 6 weeks pregnant and really struggling with sickness, nausea, light headedness and the general overwhelming feeling of being unwell. I am so happy to be pregnant but it really takes away the shine when you feel so terrible! I am barely able to get out of bed or off the sofa and I really don’t know if I can manage work next week. I am a nurse so have to be able to listen to my patients and I can barely hold a conversation at the moment. I’m worried that if I go off sick it will only get worse throughout the weeks and I won’t be able to have more time off.

I’ve been given anti sickness tablets by the doctor which help with actually being sick but I am still feeling so unwell. Please tell me I’m not going mad or just being pathetic? Everyone has such different pregnancies stories and some women can make you feel like you are being over the top !

Really sorry to hear you’re unwell. I am a pregnant doctor and have just been through very similar symptoms, I sympathise completely, it was awful! And I felt terrible for hating it because this was a long wanted pregnancy. All I can say is I’m 13 weeks now and starting to feel better. I didn’t feel like myself at all and spent as much as possible of the first trimester in bed. I think there is nothing to do but ride it out. I did pretty much nothing but work and sleep for two months. I was starting to feel like I would never feel human again but the puking is lessening and I feel less tired so you will get there too!

Definitely not being over the top. Pregnancy is hard work. I read an article that said it was the most intense endurance test in existence. I was never actually sick so I was fortunate but I felt so tired and nauseous for my first trimester and then SPD set in. Be kind to yourself, this isn't forever.

8+3 here and I feel the same. I have no life at the moment. I can just about work but I'm doing less hours than I should be by far and working from home more but apart from that I can't do anything. I've only actually thrown up on three occasions but I just feel so so awful, sick, tired, dizzy, thick headed, weak stomached and generally pathetic. My OH is doing everything for me bar showers and toilet trips. I feel miserable and pathetic, and to be completely honest it has totally killed my excitement.
So no comfort I'm afraid but a very sympathetic person in the same position, I'm told it will pass! Good luck xx

I know exactly how you feel. I’m also so so happy to be pregnant but I’ve found it extremely gruelling. Naively I thought the first 12 weeks would be me and DH living in our secret bubble of happiness and excitement. In fact I feel like I’ve just been existing and have spent everyday waiting for bedtime (9pm!). Constant nausea and struggling to eat has taken all my energy. I feel like I have a permanent hangover but no good night out to make it worthwhile!

On the positive side I’m 11+2 now and I’ve felt a huge improvement in my symptoms in the last week. Hopefully you’ll find yours do too as the weeks progress.

You poor thing I went through exactly the same period of constant nausea, fatigue and generally feeling awful for those weeks. It only started to ease up at 13 weeks. I was particularly bad with indigestion. Some tips that helped me through... I ate small amounts regularly even biscuits if you can stomach those between meals to ease any hunger pang that comes with meal times throughout the day. My nausea was worse when I didn’t eat on time. I also got several Huel drinkable nutrient bottles which really helped fill my stomach, hit the calories and nutrients you need in those times when you really can’t eat anything. Also helps on busy shifts! (I’m a hospital doctor) uk.huel.com/products/huel-ready-to-drink

Thanks for much for your words ladies it really helps knowing your not going crazy!

Ah the first trimester is brutal IMO, you are definitely not being OTT. I am pregnant with my second and this time I found it really difficult. I was much like you, so nauseous and tired, barely making it to 9pm at times. In the day I just wanted to lay down and hated 99% of normal foods. I lived off crackers and sucked on lolly pops to try and get rid of the nausea and bad tastes I was experiencing. Like other people have said though, mine improved, probably around 16 weeks with this one, 13 weeks with my first, and although I then had different complaints and health issues (!) I find the first trimester most gruelling as you have to hide it from most people, and the tiredness and sickness really takes its toll!

Fingers crossed it will pass for you quickly OP, hang on in there

Ahh god I feel your pain. In the first 12 weeks I struggled to open the curtains in the morning it was absolutely horrendous. I went to work and just existed. Had no energy whatsoever.. I work in retail sales and I found it so difficult to hit my target or even talk to anyone. It was endurance to the max but it will get better but it is a real battle. Just do what you can and don’t be afraid to talk to people about it. You can do this.