Seventeen Weeks

Weeks along: 17
Weight: 194 (3-4 lb. gain so far)
Waist: 38"
Symptoms: No movement yet. I haven't really had cravings, although once I hear about something I like it's really hard to get it out of my head. So far this pregnancy that has included pasta, cheese and crackers, chocolate-filled croissants, cheese-on-a-stick (corn dog with cheese instead of dog), french fries, and, most recently, chocolate chip cookies.

One new development was a threatened fainting spell at work. I was standing at one of the computers and, I assume, leaning hard enough on the counter that it cut off some circulation. I moved away to go back to my work area and a wave of nausea swept over me. Following right on its heels was a feeling of light-headedness and general weakness. I thought about kneeling or lying down in the middle of the floor (there were no customers at the time), but my stubbornness wouldn't let me. I wasn't going to allow myself that humiliation. Not that it would have been better had I passed out, but I was too busy holding myself up to think of that. Once I thought I had it under control I started to walk back and realized it wasn't a good idea. I got to one of the squashy chairs and put my head between my knees until I felt better. It hasn't happened again (thank goodness), but I was scared spitless that it would happen again while I was driving.