Our Unexpected Pregnancy Journey: Navigating Morning Sickness and Cravings on a Dream Koh Samui Honeymoon

It’s been quite a journey since my last post, hasn’t it? The past few months have been a whirlwind of significant life events, each one contributing to a truly transformative period in our lives. From the blissful afterglow of our honeymoon to settling back into work and celebrating my 28th birthday, every milestone has been wonderful in its own right. However, the most profound and exciting reason for my recent blogging hiatus, as subtly hinted by the photograph above, is a truly special one that has reshaped our future forever.

Yes, you read that right – we’re having a baby! Tristan and I are beyond thrilled to announce that we are expecting our little “foodie baby” in 2018! This incredible news has brought immense joy, excitement, and a whole new perspective to everything we do.

The timing of our discovery couldn’t have been more surprising, or perhaps, more memorable. We found out I was pregnant just three exhilarating days before we were set to embark on our three-week honeymoon adventure to the tropical paradise of Koh Samui, Thailand. While the initial wave of excitement was overwhelming, it was quickly joined by a new, less welcome companion: morning sickness. Despite the rising nausea, I was determined to go. After all, this was our long-awaited honeymoon! But little did I know, morning sickness was about to seriously kick my behind.

What was meant to be a carefree gastronomic exploration of Thai flavors and idyllic beach days soon turned into a daily battle against nausea and an ever-changing palate. Although I was surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and an array of amazing food, I found it incredibly difficult to fully immerse myself in the experience. The constant physical changes and the unpredictable waves of sickness meant that even paradise felt, at times, like a challenging landscape to navigate.

On top of dealing with strong, persistent nausea every single day, I discovered a shocking new development: I no longer enjoyed garlic, onions, and meat. This was a significant blow, as these ingredients are fundamental to many of my favorite Thai dishes. Imagine being in Thailand, surrounded by incredible food, and suddenly finding that the very components you love have become utterly repulsive. It was a strange and somewhat disheartening twist. To make matters worse, we had bought a ton of meat at Costco to keep in the freezer before leaving Japan for our move to Thailand. That turned out to be a huge, albeit well-intentioned, mistake, as the thought of it now made my stomach churn.

The vibrant street food scene, typically a highlight of any trip to Thailand, presented its own unique form of torture. Each waft of tantalizing aroma, each glimpse of colorful skewers, and sizzling woks was a test of my willpower and a challenge to my queasy stomach. The temptation was constant, but the ability to partake was almost non-existent. I watched wistfully as Tristan enjoyed the local delicacies, wishing I could join him in the culinary adventure.

Take, for instance, this irresistible cheese and honey grilled pancake that Tristan bought as a post-dinner dessert. It looked absolutely divine, and I managed one tiny, delicious bite before my stomach vehemently protested. That was all I could handle, a stark contrast to my usual dessert-loving self. It was a constant reminder of how much pregnancy was altering my enjoyment of food.

Apparently, many women find cold foods easier to keep down during morning sickness, and sure enough, my body began to crave cool, refreshing somen noodles. This newfound, very specific craving sent us on a mission. We decided to hit the supermarket at the Big C mall, which is known for stocking a wide array of imported food products. The relief of finding those somen noodles was immense – a small victory in the ongoing battle against nausea.

I also found myself craving salty over sweet – a totally new concept for me, given my usual preference for desserts. I was getting incredibly tired of the plain crackers I had brought from Japan, so we eagerly bought some cheddar cheese. Ice-cold orange juice was another intense craving I developed in Thailand. I simply couldn’t get over the distinct mineral taste in Thai bottled water, so a refreshing glass of orange juice truly helped to quench my thirst and settle my stomach. After trying several juice brands, I happily settled on Florida’s Natural as the best, offering that perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Our go-to restaurant, our culinary sanctuary during our stay in Koh Samui, became Ninja Crepes. We discovered this unassuming eatery right by our Airbnb, and it was nothing short of a lifesaver. It quickly became the place where I could consistently find sustenance without triggering another wave of nausea, a truly invaluable discovery during a challenging first trimester abroad.

Ninja Crepes offered so many options to choose from, which was a huge relief, as my preferences shifted daily. Crucially, the portions were small, which was perfect for my diminished appetite. I found comfort in their customizable dishes, allowing me to pick and choose ingredients that my sensitive stomach could tolerate. Each visit felt like a small victory against the overwhelming symptoms of early pregnancy.

What’s truly great about Ninja Crepes is the flexibility to choose your protein for your dishes. It was around this time that I started to realize my strong dislike towards chicken had developed, so I instinctively stuck to beef. However, I soon discovered that it wasn’t just chicken; it was all meat that I now couldn’t eat. This presented a continuous challenge in a cuisine rich with meat-based dishes, making Ninja Crepes’ adaptable menu even more precious.

We ended up going to Ninja Crepes at least once a day, sometimes even twice. It wasn’t just for the appropriately portioned, consistently delicious food that offered such relief to my morning sickness, but also for the lovely couple who ran the restaurant. They were always so warm, welcoming, and genuinely treated us like family. Their kindness and understanding made each visit a comforting experience, turning a simple eatery into a true home away from home during our challenging honeymoon.

As much as we loved the romantic notion of eating authentic Thai food on the beach, feeling the gentle breeze, and watching the spectacular sunset, the relentless morning sickness eventually led to a powerful craving for the familiar comforts of home. My body yearned for simple, recognizable flavors: sandwiches and pasta. The desire for a taste of the familiar became overwhelming, prompting us to seek out new culinary options.

So, after a quick Google search for comfort food, we happily discovered Homemade Burgers and Sandwiches. Finding a place that offered exactly what I was craving felt like hitting the jackpot, a much-needed break from the intense flavors of Thai cuisine that my pregnant palate was rejecting.

Tristan, always ready for a good meal, indulged in a satisfying breakfast plate for just 130 baht (which is less than 4 US dollars). It was a testament to the incredible value and delicious food available even in tourist-heavy areas if you knew where to look.

As for me, I savored a classic cheeseburger with a generous side of fries for 170 baht (approximately $5). The simple, familiar flavors were incredibly comforting and exactly what my pregnant body needed. We were so incredibly happy with the food and the sheer relief it brought that we made sure to go back for another meal the day before we left the island, cementing its place as a favorite during our Koh Samui adventure.

Green Leaf was another unexpected highlight of our trip. We had originally planned to have dinner at an Italian restaurant next door, but to our dismay, it was closed. With my pregnant self too weary to walk or drive around in search of another restaurant, we decided to try Green Leaf, a small, inviting place nearby. It was a decision born out of necessity, but one that led to a delightful surprise.

And we were absolutely not disappointed! The pasta here was simply amazing. Even though I could only finish about half of it before my appetite waned, every bite was pure bliss. The photo definitely doesn’t do it justice, but this fettuccine amatriciana was undoubtedly one of my favorite meals on this trip. The rich, savory sauce was incredibly comforting. Tristan had fettuccine with pesto, which was equally delicious and satisfying. It was a testament to how simple, well-prepared food could become the highlight of a trip when you’re battling pregnancy symptoms.

We loved this little restaurant so much that we even stopped by for breakfast a couple of times. It became another reliable spot where I could find meals that appealed to my ever-changing palate and settled my stomach, offering a sense of normalcy and comfort amidst the challenges of pregnancy travel.

During our breakfast visits, I kept noticing that maple syrup seemed to be non-existent in Koh Samui. French toast and pancakes were consistently served with honey instead. It made me wonder if maple syrup is perhaps too expensive or simply not readily available in this part of Thailand, a curious observation that stuck with me.

Fisherman’s Village was another highlight of the trip, largely because I absolutely adored its unique atmosphere. However, during the day, it was incredibly quiet and the heat was almost unbearable for my pregnant self. I found I couldn’t stand the scorching temperatures for more than 5 minutes at a time, making daytime exploration quite challenging.

We tried stopping by a charming restaurant/café, thinking it would be cooler in the shade, but they only had a ceiling fan, which I found didn’t make much of a difference to my overheating body. Of course, Tristan and other non-pregnant tourists had no problem with the temperature, enjoying the warmth. For me, however, every minute felt like an eternity under the intense Thai sun, a stark reminder of how pregnancy amplifies physical discomforts.

The true magic of Fisherman’s Village came alive every Friday night. The atmosphere completely transformed as shopkeepers set out their stalls, and the street burst into a lively, bustling night market. It was a spectacle of sights, sounds, and smells, a truly vibrant experience that offered a stark contrast to the quiet daytime hours.

There were endless stalls selling an incredible variety of street food, from grilled seafood to sweet desserts, alongside vibrant t-shirts and unique trinkets. The energy was infectious, and despite my food aversions, I found immense joy in simply soaking in the lively ambiance, watching people, and experiencing the local culture in full swing.

It was only after getting back to our Airbnb, completely exhausted but happy, that I realized I hadn’t taken any photos of the actual food we ate there. In the whirlwind of the crowd, the sensory overload, and my constant battle with mild nausea, snapping pictures had simply slipped my mind. It was a small regret, but the memories of the vibrant market itself were more than enough.

Now, several months into this incredible journey, I find myself in my fifth month of pregnancy, and thankfully, the intensity of morning sickness has significantly receded. While it hasn’t completely vanished, I’m grateful to be able to embrace each day with renewed energy, feeling more functional at work and generally enjoying this unique phase of life. There are still moments of challenge, of course, but overall, I’m relishing the experience of carrying our little one and looking forward to meeting our “foodie baby.”

As I slowly but surely ease back into the rhythm of blogging, I’d love to connect with other experienced mom bloggers out there. Any advice, wisdom, or shared stories on navigating the beautiful chaos of pregnancy, preparing for motherhood, or managing the post-baby phase would be incredibly welcome! Here’s to new beginnings and embracing the journey ahead!