It has been ages since I have done a post… just had a look and realised it was back in January! I have been doing some posts on Instagram but not on here, not an excuse but I will explain why. January 2022, when my life totally changed, I started feeling unwell, not quite myself, fatigue, you name it and sure enough it was only to find out that I was pregnant at the beginning of Feb!
It wasn’t totally an unexpected news as we have started trying and thought it might take some time to get pregnant due to age, but no, it has happened very fast and that is a good thing. I have read many people’s stories about how they struggle for years and had to go through IVF and that is something that both me and my husband were hoping not to experience and thankfully got pregnant really quickly.
Expecting a child is wonderful news and many people see their life purpose in motherhood. However, we don’t always see what happens behind closed doors and all the anxiety and, often, depression (pre and postnatal) time can bring.
Things people often don’t mention when they announce their pregnancy news, and I am also talking from my own experience being 4 and a half months pregnant 🤰🏼 are:
– you don’t feel like your normal happy self as your hormones are through the roof and changes your body is going through make you feel too tired to do things you enjoyed doing previously
– 3-4 toilet breaks during the night
– nausea (a big one for myself personally)
– worry about body image changes
– uncertainty about birth and what can happen to you and/or your child
– anxiety about the future and if you would ever be able to go back to work
– identity and lifestyle changes, which can be challenging if you are used to it and freedom is one of your highest values
Unfortunately many people suffer in silence and don’t ask for help. It has kind of been a norm for many generations and people just thought, and some still think, it is natural for a woman to go through and everybody does that and come out fine. It is not necessarily the truth and many do suffer with depression during and especially post pregnancy.
Don’t be afraid to talk about how you feel to your friends and family or ask for professional help. Join communities where people may share similar experiences and support each other that way. You can also talk to your doctor or midwife, and I am happy to see there has been a lot of posts and content in May as it is maternity mental health month to raise everyone’s awareness and support one another through this challenging time that we are living today.
To all you pregnant ladies out there, it is not easy and you are not the only one going through massive changes in your body and mind. Feel free to share your experiences too.
HEAD & HEART MATTERS 