Whether you planned to get pregnant, if it was an accident, if you used IVF (or other fertility means) or you are using a surrogate. There is a moment of "oh wow", a moment where you know a huge change is coming to your life. Who do you call first? What do you do next? Are you excited? Scared?
Breathe. Deep in, slow out. You've got nine months. Celebrate the positive. It's ok to be worried and nervous.
Go ahead and schedule an appointment with your OBGYN, if for no other reason than to figure out how far along you are. Once it is confirmed with a doctor, by ultrasound or bloodwork, you get a cute little picture of a little thing that looks like a bean. It's ok if you don't feel an immediate connection, I mean...it looks like a lima bean if I'm being honest. A cute lima bean, but a bean, nonetheless. If you are one of the lucky ones, you have mild nausea for the first twelve weeks. But there are some, the unlucky few, that are sick the entire nine months. And even still, there the unfortunate ones that experience what is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum or HG for short. (I will discuss HG a bit more in later posts)
You may feel overwhelmed at the task ahead. People are already asking you so many questions ranging from "Was this planned?" -to- "How are you going to decorate the nursery?" You have the power and ability to tell them nothing. You aren't sharing your plans, the name ideas, due date, anything. Or you can be selective, "The due date is....", "We aren't finding out the gender.", little tidbits to maintain your privacy but share your joy. You can also share everything. The point I'm getting at is that this is your pregnancy. Your thoughts, feelings, and wants are all valid. Most importantly, take time to revel in the fact that your body is doing something amazing, it's growing a whole person.
I may be biased in my next statement BUT looking into birth doulas are a huge help. A good doula can help you maintain a calm during all stages of pregnancy, they can be a sounding board for your wants, needs and aversions, they can help you figure out many things. But most importantly they can help you feel confident in your pregnancy and help you be strong in your labor.
Until next time loves,
Sara Engle
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