Own your pregnancy

People keep telling you about the “best maternity hospital”, the “best way to deliver your child”, the “best pregnancy book”, “the best physiotherapist” and the best food to eat... Now, how about you listen to yourself instead?

Not a day goes by without someone trying to help you out with your pregnancy. You keep hearing questions and advice from your good friends, such as “you should sign up for childbirth preparation classes” or “have you given any thought to child minding yet?” and you start panicking. You never suspected that carrying a child would bring about so many issues and now you’re at your wit’s end.

Your own feelings and no one else’s

This pregnancy belongs to you, your baby’s father and nobody else. Of course, the doctor and midwife monitoring you play a fundamental role in your pregnancy, but only you can feel what’s going on inside your belly and what’s best for your baby, whether it’s lying on your back, on your side, what to eat or when to rest. You can feel what’s changing in your body and are in the best position to know what you and your baby need. This doesn’t preclude taking the experience of others into consideration, but start trusting yourself and don’t let preconceived ideas take hold of you.

A new lifestyle during pregnancy

Some women are worn out during the first three months of their pregnancies due to massive hormonal changes. Others find the late stages more trying, with the baby’s weight taking its toll. While others feel great from start to finish. Every woman experiences being pregnant in her own way, and you shouldn’t try to change the course of nature. Adjust your diet, your sleeping habits and activities to your needs. Listen to your body and that of your baby. Your capacity to adapt will allow him or her to develop in a balanced and healthy environment.     

Different pregnancy experiences

Some women like to keep a little sexiness while pregnant; others prefer to wear loose-fitting pregnancy dresses and place more emphasis on their glowing complexion. Some couples what to know the sex of their baby before birth, while others would rather enjoy the surprise. Some arrange their apartments in anticipation of the birth of their child; others wait until he comes along.

Each pregnancy is a different story because each newborn child is different and so is each set of parents. So, don’t try to rationalize everything, there is no point in “doing it like everyone else”.

Take advantage of this wonderful and rare occasion to assert yourself and your freedom! Own your pregnancy as a unique life experience - your life and your pregnancy.

Marianne Chouchan

Copyright © 2010 Doctissimo

Posted 27.08.2010

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