OMG, I’m Pregnant!
The words seem to echo endlessly in my head, long after my little ones turned into lively, energetic toddlers. Discovering that you’re pregnant is one of those life-changing moments that will stay with you forever.
It’s equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking. Suddenly, you’re flooded with a mix of emotions—joy, disbelief, excitement, and even a sprinkle of fear as you realize life is about to change in the most extraordinary way.
From the moment you see those two pink lines or that tiny “pregnant” notification on a digital test, your mind starts racing. “Am I ready for this?” “What do I do next?” and “Is it normal to feel this overwhelmed?”
Whether this is your first baby or your third, the experience of learning you’re pregnant is as unique as the journey that follows.
As moms, we often dive headfirst into research mode, scouring books, blogs, and online forums to gather as much information as possible. While the knowledge is invaluable, it’s important to take a step back and savor the moment.
That initial wave of realization—I’m growing a tiny human!—is something to celebrate, no matter what emotions accompany it. You’ve officially embarked on the magical and sometimes unpredictable journey of motherhood, and trust me, it’s a ride like no other.
The Beginning of a Beautiful Journey
Pregnancy is one of those rare times in life when your body takes center stage, performing feats of nature you didn’t even know were possible.
As you process the news, it’s common to feel a little overwhelmed. After all, you’re suddenly responsible for a growing life! It’s a beautiful, humbling, and surreal feeling all at once.
In these early moments, it’s okay to feel uncertain. Maybe you’ve spent years dreaming about this moment, or perhaps it caught you entirely by surprise.
Either way, it’s your journey to embrace. There’s no right or wrong way to navigate these early days of pregnancy—what matters is taking it step by step, learning as you go, and giving yourself grace along the way.
Here are seven things to do when you find out you’re pregnant, from the initial excitement to prepping for your little bundle of joy:
1. Embrace the “Glow” (and the Nausea): First things first, celebrate! You’re creating life, and that’s amazing! But don’t be surprised if you also experience some, shall we say, interesting side effects. Morning sickness, anyone?
In my three pregnancies, I only suffered morning sickness between weeks 7-8. Slight nausea that was manageable, however, certain smells upset my stomach, but I embraced it all, including the moments when I could only stomach crackers and ginger ale for a week or so!
2. Tell Your Partner, Family and/or Friends: One of the most exciting parts of those first few weeks is deciding who to tell and how. Will you plan a surprise announcement for your partner?
Share the news with family right away, or wait until the second trimester? Some moms-to-be love shouting it from the rooftops, while others prefer to savor the secret for a little while longer.
For me, telling my partner was a moment I’ll never forget. The look of pure joy on his face made my heart swell. Whether you choose to share the news with balloons, a heartfelt card, or a simple, quiet moment together, it’s a memory that will stick with you forever
Remember, there’s no pressure to reveal your pregnancy until you’re ready. This is your story, and you get to decide when and how to share it.
3. Doctor’s Appointment Time: This is when the real fun begins! (Okay, maybe not “fun” in the traditional sense, but definitely important!) Schedule a prenatal checkup to discuss your health history and establish a plan for your pregnancy journey. Usually, doctors like to see you at week 8.
4. The First Ultrasound: The first glimpse of your little one on the ultrasound screen is pure magic. It’s like seeing a tiny superhero in action, kicking and moving around, already full of life. I saved all of my ultrasound pictures of my three sons, tucked away in my memory box, a reminder of the wonder of life beginning.
5. Start Building Your Nest (and Your Wardrobe): Before diving into planning mode, take a moment to celebrate this incredible milestone.
Whether it’s snapping a photo of your positive test, journaling about your emotions, or simply sitting quietly to soak it all in, give yourself permission to fully embrace this life-changing moment.
Pregnancy is a time of transformation—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. It’s a time to dream about the future, imagine holding your baby for the first time, and begin connecting with the tiny life growing inside of you.
So go ahead, and celebrate in whatever way feels right to you. You’ve just taken the first step on an incredible journey, and it’s one worth cherishing.
6. Embrace the Changes: Your body is doing incredible things, growing a tiny human! Embrace the changes – the growing belly, the new cravings, the exhaustion. It’s all part of the journey. Remember to listen to your body and be kind to yourself.
7. Find Your Tribe: Pregnancy is a wonderful time to connect with other moms. Join a mommy group, follow supportive blogs, or even reach out to your mom or sister for advice. Having a support system is invaluable during this incredible time.
The Struggle is Real
As incredible as pregnancy is, it’s important to acknowledge that it can also feel overwhelming.
Between the sudden changes to your body, the long to-do list ahead, and the occasional wave of morning sickness, it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling a million emotions. And you know what? That’s completely normal.
One minute you might be beaming with excitement, imagining what your little one will look like. Next, you might be questioning if you’re truly ready for this new chapter.
It’s all part of the process. The truth is, there’s no such thing as feeling 100% prepared for motherhood, and that’s okay. You’re not alone in these feelings—millions of moms around the world have been exactly where you are now.
Here’s what to do when you’re feeling down:
1. Talk to Your Partner or a Trusted Friend: Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can make a world of difference. Don’t bottle things up.
2. Take Care of Yourself: Make time for things that make you happy, whether it’s a relaxing bath, a good book, or just some time to yourself. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for both you and your baby.
3. Seek Professional Help If Needed: If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. They can provide you with the support and guidance you need.
Realizing you’re going to be a mom will be a lot of mixed feelings and you have to embrace it all. Remember, pregnancy is a journey filled with surprises, challenges, and unmeasurable joy.
Do you have any thoughts or recommendations for expectant moms?
Kindly share your own pregnancy tips and tricks in the comments below!
