One thing I never anticipated when going through this journey was the immense amount of pressure I’d feel during pregnancy. And no, not the pressure of Baby H weighing down on my bladder, but the pressure to do and be everything that this baby needs right now. Once Baby H arrives I know that Mr. H and I will share the duty of ensuring our little one grows and thrives, but for right now it so often feels like everything is all on me.
I’ve learned so far through this journey that pregnancy is more than pickles and ice cream or joking about not being able to see my feet. Every decision I make impacts the baby. Did I drink too much coffee? Did I not drink enough water? Am I putting my baby at a disadvantage because I’m incredibly picky and eat almost no vegetables? Is this twinge of pain in my side normal? At what point should I be concerned that the baby isn’t kicking enough? Am I getting plenty of exercise? The list could go on and on and on.
On top of just the general “Am I being healthy for my baby?” worries, there is daily life. Putting together the registry. Going to work every day and managing my normal workflow while also preparing for my maternity leave. Planning for and decorating the nursery. A few months ago, it was also packing, moving and settling into our new house. A lot of changes have been squeezed into such a short time frame.
While normally a complete worry wart, I would not consider myself overly worried during this pregnancy. I’ve gone with the flow and since I’ve felt relatively well so far, I haven’t had huge reasons to stress. But still those nagging thoughts linger in the back of my head. I assume they do with most mothers-to-be because, well, you are growing a human being! It’s huge and crazy and exciting all at the same time. And all while you’re chock full of pregnancy hormones!
I feel encouraged that I can acknowledge all of my worries and stress points and not let them eat away at me. I have a great support system at home with Mr. H. On top of that, I see a fantastic group of midwives and have a great doula, all of whom can answer any questions I may have. I know that I am definitely not alone during this process and that each day is a new day — a new day to make the right decisions for my and Baby H’s health, to only tackle what I can get done during the day, and to just enjoy all of the fabulous baby kicks, hiccups, twists and turns.
How do you handle the pressures of pregnancy?
blogger / clementine / 918 posts
The farther along I get, the more I worry about the type of parent I’ll be once baby TTT is here. Up until recently, I’ve had sort of a fantasized, unrealistic view that everything will go the way I hope it will and things will be relatively easy. Lately, though, I’ve started to worry about all kinds of things relating to parenting. It’s quite an adjustment to going from worrying about ourselves first to worrying about another person that we created.
GOLD / pear / 1663 posts
I completely understand what you’re going through, I think the responsibility that comes along with being a parent can be pretty frightening!
I’m normally a total control freak and most definitely Type A but for some reason when it comes to pregnancy, I’ve really loosened up. I just tell myself I’m never going to be a perfect parent, mistakes will be made, and I can only try my best. I’ve tried to stay healthy and keep the stressing to a minimum. I figure what will happen will happen, and the more I stress the less healthy it is for the baby!
GOLD / honeydew / 8197 posts
I totally feel the pressure of being a 1st time mom. Some days I just wish the baby would be here already because I feel so tired of being pregnant and then other days I’m filled with dread about how I will cope with a real life baby depending on me to make all the right decisions.
hostess / hostess with the mostess / 21111 posts
Being a mom is tough! I made the mistake of reading “Skinny Bitch: Bun in the oven.” Made me feel terrible about everything I was eating!
I think it was what jump started my organic diet. :P
It’s impossible not to stress out, but I try my best not to. I just take things day by day.
hostess / cantaloupe / 7356 posts
It’s hard! I do the same thing. Lately it’s worrying that I’m working too much and not resting enough (which is valid). I agree it gets harder as the pregnancy progresses (or, at least your worries change).
GOLD / cantaloupe / 5599 posts
sigh. i know what u mean. now that i’m getting closer to due date, i’m so nervous. i really hope and pray i raise good children who will be respectful and loving and successful. eek!
cherry / 116 posts
I totally know what you mean. I went and still go through the same feelings. Especially now that he is 7 months old. We just put our paperwork through for his day care and I feel so guilty and worried about how he will be with the daycare.
olive / 63 posts
Also, there is a culture of pregnancy that competes to be THE MOST VIRTUOUS AND ABSTAINING PREGNANT WOMAN. For instance, I’ve had friends that have cut out all caffiene, even though there is no evidence that it has ANY effect if you consume less than 200 mg per day. I just went with the science and used common sense. I drank about a glass of wine per week in my 2nd and 3rd trimesters, which all of the studies show is absolutely fine. As long as you are eating a reasonably balanced diet and not doing drugs or smoking or binge drinking, you’re golden! :-) Dont’ worry! :-)