Keeping your pregnancy under wraps in the first trimester
How to Conceal Pregnancy in the First Trimester
How do you disguise the nausea, the inability to drink alcohol, the growing bump? Here are some tips for keeping your pregnancy secret:
- Lies – The miracle of pregnancy may begin with a white lie or two: You can’t have alcohol because you’re feeling unwell, your tummy is bulging because you’ve been eating lots of cake…all lies! Remember, that if all goes well with your pregnancy, all these lies will be exposed. For this reason, try not to create elaborate stories. Develop subtler ways of concealing your pregnancy.
- Do not tell your other children – Your children, especially if they are young, probably do not fully understand the concept of a secret. They may spill the beans nonchalantly, without meaning to.
- Reveal your secret to one trusted person – Besides your partner, find one person who can act as your confidant. This will give you the satisfaction of having someone to talk with about what you’re going through. If this person is a friend, he or she may also be able to help you disguise your secret when you are going out with other friends.
- Sneakily avoiding alcohol – One of the biggest tip offs that you are pregnant is your constant refusal to drink alcohol. Sure, you can play the “I’m on antibiotics” card, but this can only get you so far. If you are running out of excuses, try some of these tips: Drink for two – Have your partner or a trusted friend sit next to you and drink for the two of you. As the glasses are next to each other, most people will not notice that the person next to you is drinking your drink as well. Virgin drinks – Order water or soda, add a lemon or lime, and walla! You have yourself what appears to be a glass of vodka. For more flavor, you can also order a virgin cocktail such as a pina colada or margarita. Try ordering before everyone else arrives. Don’t forget to sip your drink slowly, as you would with an alcoholic beverage.
Fatigue and nausea
- Blowing off your engagements – If you are tired or have morning sickness, joining your friend for your daily morning jog may be out of the question. You may try rescheduling engagements for later in the day or tell your friend you are feeling unwell. No need to elaborate with intricate lies.
- At the workplace – Prepare in advance! Stock your cabinet at work with ginger tea, saltine crackers, and whatever else will ease your upset stomach. Throughout the day, drink sprite, tea, ginger ale, and lots of water. Keeping a good level of liquids in your body will help you fend of nausea. If possible, give yourself a few extra minutes between meetings for bathroom breaks or simply to catch your breath. Also, to avoid being questioned why you don’t want to join your friends for 5 dollar sushi at your regular dodgy joint, simply be sure to bring your own lunch from home.
Dressing your growing bump up
Most first time moms may not start showing till after the first trimester. However, if you find your clothes starting to get tight around the middle, you can try some simple adjustments such as looping a rubber band through your pants’ buttonhole to give you some extra breathing from. If you want to dress to impress, but your waistline looks awkward, simply throw on some Spanx to smooth things out. Another good option is to invest in a few garments that are one size up. Also, try wearing skirts or stretchy pants, as these make it easier to hide the bump.
