Whether the news came as a surprise, or you have been trying to get pregnant for some time, congratulations on your impending arrival!
You may not feel 'pregnant' just yet, and your maternal instincts may not have kicked in, but you are beginning a rewarding adventure, and you are the sole caretaker of another (admittedly tiny) another life. That is a hefty dose of responsibility, but it is manageable—and definitely worth it. The experience of pregnancy is phenomenal, and you have several months to get used to the idea of having a little person to care for.
Feeling Like a Mom
Your healthcare provider will calculate your due date as 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. Your due date might not line up with what you may consider to be your first week of pregnancy—the week after conception occurs. The joy of creating life often won’t really hit you until later in the pregnancy (like during your first ultrasound), and for some moms, it may not be until after the baby is brought into the world.
You already know that your pregnancy will bring hormone swings and be uncomfortable. You know that you get to go shopping for cute baby things, and you will cherish holding your child in your arms the first (and every) time. That doesn’t mean you know everything, or that you won’t have a lot of anxiety. There will likely be a lot of moments when questions about babies and pregnancy come to you. Wwhen these ideas pop up, write them down and bring a list your obstetrician or midwife.
Enjoy the Ride
Make a firm and conscious decision to enjoy your pregnancy as much as you can. It is a time to prepare for your new bundle of love. You will not have the perfect pregnancy—because there is no perfect pregnancy—but you are going to do the best you can. Pregnancy is a miracle at best, and uncomfortable and frustrating at worst. Either way, it’s limited, so cherish this short time you have.
Financial Frustrations
Babies cost money, and worrying about money is a part of pregnancy every new parent faces. You’ll debate whether to go back to work after the baby is born, or how to make money from home, or if you can live on only one income—the key is to stay calm when these questions arise and do some research.
You can check work-at-home mom websites (watch out for scams; there are a lot), read books from the library about how to make money from home, and talk to working moms. Or even develop some contacts and clients or a business plan during your pregnancy that will help you start a business when the baby is born. Try living on one income for a few months during your pregnancy to get used to it (you don’t have to leave work, just put your paychecks straight into savings). Ask a friend if you can exchange child care services to free up time to work part time jobs. Consider a daddy daycare situation if you make the higher income.
Life with a baby does not become a life without treating yourself here and there. Things may be tighter, but not impossible. Friends and family are great at helping you start your new life. Trust each other, and don’t be afraid to look up government assistance programs—like Women, Infants, Children (WIC).
Staying Healthy
Certain activities, foods, and medicines are major no-no's when you are pregnant. Rollerblading downhill when you are 8 months along, probably not too smart. Take your prenatal vitamins, go for walks a few times a week, and eat a balanced diet. Keep common sense as your guide. And always remember, real life occasionally intervenes on idealistic dreams.
