Section 1.1: The Struggle with Constipation

Constipation was never a problem I faced before becoming pregnant. However, just a month into my pregnancy, I found myself in discomfort so severe that sitting, lying down, or even driving became agonizing. I resorted to Lamaze breathing techniques just to endure trips to the bathroom. My skin felt sensitive, and even applying hemorrhoid cream was painful.

I tried everything I could think of—adding dietary fiber to my meals, drinking plenty of water, and even consuming foods known for causing diarrhea, like eggs and tofu, but nothing worked. I took stool softeners regularly and experimented with various techniques, including using a squatty potty. A friend even introduced me to a technique called "splinting" via a viral TikTok video. Despite my efforts, nothing alleviated my discomfort.

Then, I met my friend Cheryl, a nutritionist, for brunch. I confided in her about my struggles, and she suggested kiwis, a recommendation I had never encountered before. I ordered kiwis through Instacart and devoured four as soon as they arrived. That night, relief finally came; it felt miraculous! I immediately texted Cheryl, expressing my gratitude and jokingly suggesting I name my child after her.

While I don't need a kiwi every day now, I still indulge in them once or twice a week. It's become a staple I plan to keep, even post-pregnancy.

This video showcases the two-week wait symptoms and how they signal pregnancy, exploring personal experiences and insights.

Section 1.2: Dealing with Excessive Belching

Shortly after confirming my pregnancy, I began to experience persistent belching. While morning sickness was minimal for me, I dealt with extreme nausea for a couple of weeks, accompanied by dry heaving and burping. As the nausea subsided, the belching persisted, much to my partner's surprise.

As my pregnancy progressed, heartburn became a regular companion, something I had not previously experienced. I relied on Tums, papaya enzyme extract, Pepcid, and Prilosec to manage the discomfort, but still found myself belching uncontrollably. At a recent prenatal appointment, I informed my doctor about my struggles. She recommended switching to Nexium, a medication considered "Class B" during pregnancy, despite some concerns from animal studies.

Once I began taking Nexium daily, my heartburn disappeared along with the incessant belching. I felt like my old self again, and it was a relief.

This video discusses the early signs of pregnancy, detailing various symptoms and experiences shared by new mothers.

Section 2.1: Rib Pain

Before pregnancy, I had never experienced rib pain. I had heard stories from my mother about the discomfort she faced as my brother grew, but I didn’t anticipate suffering from similar pain myself. As the fetus grew, I began to notice persistent aches and sharp pains in my ribs due to the crowding of organs.

On occasion, I would wake up in pain, and stretching my sides often provided relief. A combination of arnica gel and Australian Dream Cream became my go-to remedy, effectively alleviating the discomfort.

Section 2.2: The Itchiness of a Growing Belly

One symptom that caught me off guard was the itchiness of my expanding belly, which I had not anticipated. The stretching skin prompted me to apply lotion regularly to soothe the irritation. When friends visited, I shared my newfound understanding of why pregnant individuals often rub their bellies—it's often a desperate attempt to relieve itchiness rather than merely a gesture of affection.

Section 2.3: Unexpected Stretch Marks

While I was prepared for stretch marks on my belly, I was surprised to find them primarily on my buttocks. Despite being pear-shaped before pregnancy, I hadn’t expected such changes. I've embraced this transformation, knowing that these marks will fade over time.

Section 2.4: Discomfort in the Pubic Region

Since entering my third trimester, I've felt a constant ache in my pubic bone, leading to a characteristic "pregnancy waddle." This discomfort, caused by the hormone relaxin, made everyday movements painful. I found relief through shallow Epsom salt baths, heating pads, and using a belly band for support.

Section 2.5: The Mystery of Pregnancy Cough

Toward the end of December, I developed a persistent cough, which I initially attributed to a cold from my sister. However, I felt perfectly healthy aside from the cough. My midwife explained that this could be a common symptom during pregnancy, often triggered by heartburn or heightened sensitivity in the respiratory system.

Section 2.6: Struggles with Insomnia

My last struggle is chronic insomnia. While I could fall asleep, staying asleep proved difficult. I often woke up hungry or had to visit the bathroom, leading to restless nights. I explored various remedies, including exercise and magnesium supplementation, but ultimately found that hormonal changes were the main culprits affecting my sleep.

As I navigate these unexpected challenges, I hope to shed light on symptoms that others may face during pregnancy. Each journey is unique, and while my experience may differ from others, sharing can provide support and insights to fellow expectant parents. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy, and it's crucial to find what works for you.

Good luck to all the soon-to-be parents! If you found this article helpful, consider giving it a "clap" or sharing it with others.