With Mothers Day quickly approaching, it is only natural to start reminiscing about the day we became a mom. For those of us who came to motherhood via pregnancy, those memories may be glowing and wonderful, or they may be painful reminders of the toll it takes on a body to grow a human being and bring it into the world.
Along with our Sister Sites, we have compiled a guide full of all things pregnancy-related. The good, the bad, and the…well, you know the story. Enjoy!
The Power of One Word. Pregnancy.
Pregnancy. This word is a powerful word. Many associate it with joy and happiness. Some associate it with sadness and fearfulness. Some associate it with a mixed of emotions due to it’s dynamic role in the fate of one’s future.
Two for One Special: What I’ve Learned About Twin Pregnancy
Our experience has taught us that just as every singleton pregnancy is different, every twin pregnancy is different. My hope is that, by sharing what I learned personally, someone who is sitting shell-shocked on their way home from that “you’re having twins!!” ultrasound, will find a little bit of camaraderie, reassurance, and encouragement.
My Suicidal Pregnancy
I was supposed to be happy. I wanted a baby. I wanted to be pregnant. And now all I could do every day was try NOT to kill myself. I couldn’t keep anything down so overdosing on pills wouldn’t work. I was too afraid to use a knife on my wrists. I wasn’t sure how to make a noose. I am so thankful I didn’t have a gun in my home. I don’t know what I would have done.
Not All Pregnancies Are Created Equal
This time around, time is spent keeping myself sane while keeping two energetic boys entertained. So basically, nothing is the same.
3 Things This Doula Wants You to Know About Birth
As a doula, I’m always learning more, both as a result of my experiences and as a result of actively seeking more ways to support my clients. I’ve been thinking lately about the most important things I hope to share. With that in mind, here are some things that I think are central and crucial to share.
C-Section Secrets: What I Wish I Had Known Before My Surgery
Let’s admit it, we’ve all fantasized about the ideal birth. The moment you find out you’re pregnant, you start looking into birthing classes. Will you do it Au Naturale? Bradley? Lamaze? Hypnobirth? There are soooo many options and so many classes, but I didn’t find one that prepares you for a C-section.” Find out everything you want to know from this 3-time C-Section Mama!
Momfession: Coping With My Accidental, Contentiously Conceived Pregnancy
For a while, I felt as though I wasn’t “allowed” to feel happy or excited about my completely accidental, contentiously conceived pregnancy. I felt as though I shouldn’t talk about it, shouldn’t acknowledge the horrible symptoms that come along with the first trimester, should try to pretend it wasn’t happening. Not because of anything my husband said, but because of that darn self-imposed guilt I mentioned before.
Surviving Pregnancy
Pregnant with baby number one? I see the look on your face! I understand the deep amount of excitement followed by the small amount of fear of raising a human being.
My Geriatric Pregnancy: A Wild Ride
Yes, I’m having a geriatric pregnancy (actually, they call it advanced maternal age now). Yes, we have no more baby stuff. Yes, I will likely one of the older moms at kindergarten round up, and yes, I might even have another health issue to manage. But I get to be pregnant – a privilege denied to far too many well-deserving women.
Is There Enough Room in My Heart?
I was 38 weeks along in my 2nd pregnancy. I was at the stage of being so ready to meet our 2nd baby, wondering if it was a boy or a girl, wondering how perfect he or she would and what type of personality they would have. At the same time, I remember feeling scared to death if I could handle all that came with adding another human being to our lives. In the last few weeks, I kept asking myself if I had enough room in my heart to love another child? What if I didn’t love them the same? What if it was too hard? What if I wasn’t ready? What if I can’t be the best mom to both of them?
Non-Maternity Clothes for the Pregnant Belly
For this pregnancy, I finally gave up on maternity clothes for the most part and decided to focus on a few new basics, supplementing from the rest of my wardrobe. With a little bit of planning, you can do the same!
Eew Gross! 10 Pregnancy Secrets
But any woman who has experienced pregnancy knows that it’s not a walk in the park. How many pregnant women are actually “glowing”? I sure as heck wasn’t! Everyone knows about the food cravings and mood swings, BUT no one really talks about the absolutely gross things that your body goes through while creating new life.
Confession: I Don’t Love Being Pregnant
People would give me that look of concern when I was nearing the end and ask me how I was doing—how I was really doing, and I’d have to practically convince them that I never felt better. It wasn’t until I was around 38 weeks that I finally started feeling the wear and tear (aka aches and pains) of being pregnant.”
The Waiting Game of Pregnancy
But you know what they say about people who assume – joke’s on me people. However, when you step back and think about it, the entire process of being pregnant truly is one huge waiting game.
Pressures of a “Perfect” Pregnancy
Yes, being pregnant is amazing and an absolute gift. But, don’t think for one second that every moment is pure bliss. And don’t put the expectation on yourself or others to have to feel like it is.
Pregnancy Top 10: What No One Warned Me About
Oh, pregnancy. Before I experienced the baby bump world, I admired pregnant women and their bellies…I imagined how glorious it must be to have a round tummy on purpose, how incredible it must be to have your baby moving inside of you. I didn’t imagine how it would feel to literally have to waddle…
Cholestasis: A Dangerous Itch
When I casually mentioned the itching at my next appointment, my low-key doc went into high gear. He called and set-up a high priority appointment with a maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialist, wrote me a prescription and got very serious saying, ‘Have this immediately filled downstairs at the pharmacy. Do not leave this building until you’ve taken the first dose.’
Third Trimester Pregnancy Hacks
Now that I’m in my last month of pregnancy, I’ve come up with some pregnancy hacks to help make my life easier both now and after the baby comes. This is my second pregnancy, but it’s been almost 5 years since I’ve been this pregnant and I’ve forgotten so much! Simple things from rolling over at night, to shaving, to packing my hospital bag all have seemed to pile up here in the last trimester.
Ten Signs This Isn’t Your First Pregnancy
You can spot the first-time preggo a mile away. She is radiant. She is smiling. She is walking through Target in heels, balancing her decaf latte on top of a salad with no deli meat, seafood, or soft cheese (because listeria!!). She is completely unaware of the ways in which the tiny person currently residing in her uterus is about to claim her body and her heart and her life as she knows it.
You were her once. (We all were. HEELS??! Bless our hearts.)
Pregnancy and Anxiety
Unfortunately, I’ve experienced the dark cloud and racing heartbeat that anxiety can produce. I’ve spent nights lying awake googling all the varying ways my pregnancy could end badly. If I let it, anxiety could steal all of the joy that pregnancy brings. But I find myself turning to a few coping skills that have saved my mental health. While I’m not counselor, I do believe these habits have been all the difference in my fight to stay joyful all nine (or how ever many I’m given) months long…
“Don’t Touch Me–I’m Pregnant!” The Expectant Woman’s Guide to Getting It On
Sex during pregnancy can be amazing, but it can also be terrible and weird.
Even if somebody upstairs pours you the right hormonal cocktail, and you feel like some kind of top-heavy golden goddess, there will still be times when you get more turned on by the sound of pickle jar opening than your beloved.
When Pregnancy is in Overtime
For those first time moms though, experiencing pregnancy overtime can truly be like a little bonus round! Life will never be the same once your little one arrives so use these extra days to your advantage. Get more done than planned and make time to be a little selfish too! Here are a few ideas to keep those moms-to-be busy when they have more time than expected to wait.
Being Pregnant Terrifies Me
But deep down, I was terrified. I suffered an early miscarriage with my first pregnancy, but went on to have a healthy baby girl after. I should be calmed by the fact I did have a healthy pregnancy. To those who have never suffered through a miscarriage, it scars you. You hope for the best, prepare for the worst. It stays with you, every day.
The Second Pregnancy
We all know that every pregnancy is different. Our bodies are different with each one and respond differently. Duh. But what I am loving so far, being 16 weeks along with my second, is how mentally different pregnancies are. I suppose it makes sense, but I still find myself cracking up at the vast differences…
When Pregnancy is in Overtime
For those first time moms though, experiencing pregnancy overtime can truly be like a little bonus round! Life will never be the same once your little one arrives so use these extra days to your advantage. Get more done than planned and make time to be a little selfish too! Here are a few ideas to keep those moms-to-be busy when they have more time than expected to wait.
No, This Baby Wasn’t “Planned”: Answering That Awkward Question
Why did it feel so weird to tell people we were going to have another baby? Lots of people have babies close together, and I’ve never thought anything of it. But once those skinny jeans no longer fit, how would I respond to the, “Was it planned?” question. Honestly, “No.” But that didn’t sit right with me.
Do any of you have any good pregnancy stories to share? We'd love to hear them!
