Its no secret that pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but that may make you view it through rose tinted glasses. Looking back, there are many things I wish I’d known before I
saw that first positive test. Here is a list of them to help you along the way.
Morning sickness isn't just for mornings...
Before pregnancy, I assumed that "morning sickness" would end by 12pm as afternoon crept in, but let me tell you this is wildly incorrect. Morning sickness can come at any time of the day and it can also last allllll day too, my fave tips to help you combat nausea are
-eat mild flavours little and often
-sip peppermint tea
-save pregnancy supplements for just before bedtime
-if you're really struggling you can get medicine from your GP.
Tiredness is real....
Its actual fatigue not just a tired day, you will feel exhausted at times and if you attempt to carry on as normal you'll end up feeling hungover. You are growing a whole human that takes some work and it gives you a free pass to take a nap.
Your senses will change
Things you used to enjoy you will now hate, things will smell ten times stronger than before. It's actually an in built protection mechanism to stop you from eating anything that could harm your baby. But it means you might not even be able to stomach your fave meal, or even a hot drink... rest assured your regular senses will return post baby.
You need a support system
Pregnancy and being a new mum bring so many questions every single day, you need a group of people who you can sound off to, ask for advice but crucially not be judged, find your support system in other mum friends, and family...if you find yourself in need of a tribe, I have created a whatsapp group for this exact reason, ill put the link here join if you want to https://chat.whatsapp.com/CZhf0M4wFHLACfajk1Edar
Bodily changes might have you freaking out
For me, pregnancy changes were expected it was after that really caught me off guard. However there are some that you might not expect, skin changes, changes down below, boobs can become veiny, nipples change...the lot. It doesn't last but your body will likely be changed in many ways after giving birth, being prepared for that can help you feel a bit more at peace and accepting of it when the time comes.
You will have to advocate for yourself in birth
It is a common though that we should just do as were told during pregnancy and birth because they know best however, when we look at the state of the way women give birth now and the lack of evidence based care, plus the amount of women traumatised by giving birth it is becoming more and more clear that you have to take control of your own birth. So it is vital to know your options, know the right questions to ask to make your decisions so you can advocate for yourself. Informed consent is your right and you can only give informed consent if you have all the information at hand. There is a course you can do to learn all you need to know about birth and how to make decisions, it's £30 ill leave the link here https://www.thismumhypnobirthing.com/challenge-page/onlinehypnobirthing?programId=f1098135-d56e-4b4d-a0a5-abab33894f9c
Emotions are in overdrive
Your emotions do not feel rational during pregnancy, you can cry over absolutely anything in any given moment and the rage is something else. Your hormones dictate everything pregnancy, birth and postnatal, so cut yourself some slack learn about them and ride the wave, it eases after pregnancy and you go back to your pre pregnancy (still hormonal) self.
Google will be your best friend
It isn't always sensible, but it is something that most of us do, google 'is 'this' normal in pregnancy' and 'is 'this safe for pregnancy' sometimes though, google can throw up a load of results that are often dramatic and not accurate, this can make you worry rather than be reassured, its helpful to ask someone reputable like your midwife or check out reputable websites.
You need a birth plan
It is absolutely essential to plan for your birth because it helps you understand your options and make your own decisions which in turn helps reduce your chances of suffering from trauma after birth. If you want the best chances of your birth going to your plan, consult an impartial and good antenatal teacher to help you figure out what can help or hire a doula if its in your budget. If not then flexibility may be key, understanding that if a pool isn't available on the day for e.g. it doesn't mean that you cant have a positive birth etc.
Plan a baby moon
You don't have to spend a fortune or leave the country, it could be a series of nice walks together or a few scheduled date nights. The idea to cherish this time together before you become a family, because in loads of crazy, amazing, scary, overwhelming ways your relationship will change forever. The first trimester can feel long, but the rest of pregnancy seems to fly by. Those moments before the change are so special, to honour how far you have came, to look forward and plan and prepare for your next chapter, and to come closer together as you prepare for leaning on each other during birth and being new parents together.
Good luck on this amazing new journey
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