What I wish I knew about pregnancy
Let’s talk real here, ladies: It isn’t all sunshine, rainbows, and unicorn-emblazoned onesies when you first find out you’re pregnant. With overwhelming strange physical side effects you start experiencing some seriously weird, conflicting emotions that follow… sadly for a long time. And contrary to how anyone makes you feel about it, it’s perfectly okay and natural.
Having a baby changes lots of things, almost everything and it’s very common to worry about the future. There are constant worries about coping with giving birth, wellness and health of the baby, being a good mother, relationship changes with a partner, managing finances, work or education after the baby, having a life of your own, previous pregnancy problems, if any, habits that will harm the baby.
Some things you might wanna know about:
- There is a strange phenomenon ,known as ‘Couvade Syndrome or ‘Sympathetic Pregnancy’’, in which some men experience weight gain, nausea and swelling in tandem with their pregnant partners. It is cute, yes but it takes the phrase ‘I understand what you’re going through’ to another level.
- The baby starts crying silently in the womb itself as early as 28 weeks long before birth as a form of practice communication, rather than a reaction to feelings.
- There exists a disorder during pregnancy, known as Pica, where pregnant women crave for some bizzare non-food items like soap, chalk, paper & stones, instead of pickles, sardines and grapefruit.
- You might be afraid constantly, not only because societal pressure can sometimes make women feel guilty if they feel anything, but hormones rush and switch rapidly during pregnancy.
- Women who find themselves pregnant shortly after a loss, the emotions can be extra complicated. They might feel a little lost and too worried about the upcoming life in the world.
- Women feel impatient and restless resulting from some cramping and possibly morning sickness. But not always, not always one feels pregnant when you first find out you’re expecting and that makes a mother-to-be a little impatient for the “fun” things like telling friends, going to the doctor, and having a cute little bump.
- Overly driven mom-to-be might google almost each and everything before doing anything or after experiencing anything new
- During pregnancy and beyond, women may find themself struggling to remember details, focus on tasks, or give their undivided attention to just about anything. This is casually referred to as “pregnancy brain” or “mommy brain” that may begin as early as the first trimester of pregnancy, whilst experiencing the first major surge of hormones.
Whether the pregnancy was planned or unplanned, it’s natural to have mixed emotions, constant exhaustion, nausea, and other problems about it. You may swing from excited to worried, or happy to sad and back again. Pregnancy hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone can contribute to giving you this mix of emotional highs and lows, especially in the first three months. Some things are talked about whereas some are, but that doesn’t make anything unacceptable or bad. Enjoy your pregnancy and take care of yourself.
