So last November I found out I was pregnant. It was truly the most ecstatic I had ever felt. The joy of that surprise was like none other – irreplaceably singular and overwhelming.
Fast forward to a few weeks, what with the doctors’ visits done and phone calls to family and friends made, there was a gradual and then heavy bombardment of a list of to-do’s and don’ts from everyone I knew. Tough to ignore or run away from, I decided to wade through it and make later make my own decisions, in consultation with my OB.
Here is my little list of a few things that helped me (and still continue to) cope and deal with my pregnancy:
- Enjoy this time to the fullest. It is really like none other and it is all about you and your baby. I cannot stress on that enough. Do what and as you feel like. These are literally the last few free months you have to yourself and for yourself. Make the most of this time. Your life is going to change in ways you cannot imagine, comprehend or anticipate. Watch that movie(s), get that pedicure, visit the salon everyday for a new blowout if you must, sleep and sleep some more – do whatever floats your boat basically! This time is NEVER coming back!
- A million people will have a million things to say from the get-go. Use your own better judgment and intuition to sift the relevant from the irrelevant. Learn to ignore. There’s no need to get into a verbal massacring of each other (trust me, I was tempted all along!) but try and not get riled up by it. People love to advise and you need to keep your cool. Ignorance truly is bliss.
- Eat well. Sleep well. Exercise well. I cannot stress enough on it but these are so essential to help you carry a healthy mind, body and soul through those crucial nine months and after. Be watchful of what you eat, take as much rest as possible and do get some exercise – be it just walking around the park, prenatal yoga or swimming. It has really helped me so far and from what I’ve heard and read, there are fewer complications on D-day.
- It is very easy to get psyched out considering the amount of information that’s available to us online and in books. Read if you must, but consult your doctor if there is something truly bothering you. Know that every one is made differently and everyone’s body reacts differently to different circumstances. What you read online is other people’s experiences but the scenarios may be completely different. Carry a list of questions for your doctor on your next visit. Remember, your body knows what it has to do. Let your intuitions guide you. Give your mind a backseat!
- Spend this time with your partner as much as you can. Cherish these last few blissful months of togetherness. You really won’t know how these months will fly! Make the most of them!
- As far as baby shopping goes, it is so easy to get tempted with sooooo much around, be it online or otherwise! Don’t go crazy and overboard with buying everything yourself. Only a few essentials for the baby will do for now and then buy things as you go along. Your doctor or OB will give you a list of things to buy for you and your baby and it makes sense to stick to it at least for the first few weeks.
- Last but not the least, I was told from many that having pets at home is absolutely a no-no for an expectant mother and the baby for the first three years of her life. Well, do not listen to such people and if possible, delete them from your life! You do not want such negativity around. I can honestly say that for someone who neither works nor has too many friends around, my beagles (Isis and Django) gave me the company and relief that I needed to get through this pregnancy. Since my husband travels a lot, my dogs have truly been my best companions that have helped me sail through my pregnancy so far. In fact I feel that thanks to them, I didn’t fall sick even for a day and my general immunity was better than ever. Of course you’ve got to take care that they don’t jump and all that, but that’s about it. Kids growing up in a house full of animals and numerous benefits and no (sane) doctor has ever been heard discouraging people from giving up their animals once they get pregnant.
So these are my two cents on my journey so far. I am currently in my eighth month of pregnancy and due August. Looking forward to adding much more to this list and sharing even more experiences of life hereafter!
🙂