Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

I'll start:

Things are definitely not going to go according to YOUR plans.

For instance, if you are "planning" to go into labor by a certain date, it's probably NOT gonna happen.

I think this is probably preparation for when the baby is really here........

We are no longer "in control" anymore.

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

Dont put too much on your plate. I think new moms, well moms in general, expect a lot of themselves, and then get overwhelmed when the only accomplishment of the day is showering. Take one day at a time, and remember, it will get easier.

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

my best advice for first time pregnancies and mommies is this...
expect the unexpected..AT ALL TIMES..

i never wanted an epidural with my ds, i wanted to have a peaceful calm relaxing labor..once there was meconium in my amnio fluid and i started getting very nervous about the babies health, i lost ALL composure
my view on things this time around??

I will be prepared mentally and physically for ANYTHING to happen, i will remain composed and relaxed because i CHOSE my dr's based on KNOWING they will do whatever they have to do to help me and my baby be at our healthiest..
i was 5 days late wth my ds and was 3cm dialted for over a month!! they told me id deliver a month early..

those babies come out when THEY are ready ladies..
i refuse to even consider induction this time around, (unless medically necessary) although frustrated that im still pregnant with only a few days to go till my due date..
they are ESTIMATED due dates..that means USUALLY you wont give birth that day lol
im trying to think of what else...

i did make myself a list of things i didnt do while pregnant with ds that i PROMISED myself id at least TRY this time around..and have done them all...maternity pics, plans to breastfeed, buying a glider lol...


ENJOY this time you have left with your spouse..although beautifully changed, your lives are just THAT...changed..THINGS ARE NEVER THE SAME LOL...that could be great, or terrible, if you plan ahead, it will be WONDERFUL for both of you..

i think thats it??
:)
good luck ladies!!

Message edited 12/23/2008 8:29:40 AM.

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

What I have learned!

They leave A LOT of things out of books.

Google can be your worst nightmare.

Your karma will come back to get you after making fun of you old grandma doing the pee-pee dance to the potty.

Sleeping just may be overrated.

Shopping for baby stuff may be a tad over welming.

Oh and maintance (down there
) yeah, once again overrated. He will love you with a full bush!!!

And that is whatI have learned!

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

I never expected to have a natural childbirth and it was the most amazing experience. I am now a hippy who will only have natural for #2 (God willing). I amazed myself by doing it!

Don't overbuy for baby

Do what works for you! Don't listen to 95% of what you hear. You will know your baby and what will work for the two of you.

Don't be afraid to get DH involved early!

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

My top two are:

1) EVERY pregnancy is different. Don't try to constantly compare yourself to friends/family - it will drive you CRAZY!

2) ASK FOR HELP! Especially towards the end of the pregnancy and when the baby first comes. People want to help, but don't want to be pushy. You can't do everything yourself - and that is okay!

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

Web MD is not my friend

% mean nothing unless it happens to you

your priorities change quickly and sometimes often

There is no moment in the world like the first time you see your DC

Sleep is apparently unneccessary for the first 12 weeks of a baby's life

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

This is my first, and I've learned to be at peace with my body for probably the first time in my life. I am totally learning to embrace the buddha belly!

I've learned that my body knows best, and that when I need to slow down, I should. My gym membership will still be there after is born (thank God it's cheap!).

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

NOT everyone's pregnancy is the same.

i didn't have:
morning sickness
boob growth
mood swings
food cravings/aversions
low energy levels

i also didn't feel kick til 27/28 weeks!

and yet is totally normal. i swear it drove me insane when every other preggo on this board talked about every symptom they had and i was the odd ball out...i came to accept that i was okay...and i'm so much happier this way!

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

I second not googling stuff. You'll make yourself nuts. I did that to myself earlier today. I'm 39 wks, you'd think I'd know better by now........

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

That I would feel normal again. Towards the end of my twin pregnancy I was so useless. I couldn't climb up stairs, clean, even walk for a long time. I couldn't sleep. Now I feel pretty much like my old self.

Do what feels right for you. You will get TONS of advice but follow your instincts

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

LOL, it is literally the most amazing and tough thing I have ever gone through...

Nothing goes as planned and nothing always comes easy!

I had terrible morning sickness for half my pregnancy and then a horrible labor and now a colic baby, lol!

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

This is an amazing thread! Thanks a lot everyone.

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

Yea I shed some tears reading this...I have 5 weeks to go and it's all becoming so real.

I really liked the advice that your body goes back to itself (i wondered, because I moan in pain with every move i make) and that you should enjoy the last time with your spouse as a twosome. thanks ladies

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

If you get an epidural.... you may for one moment consider divorcing DH so you can marry the anesthesiologist

But on a related topic - drink GATORADE as soon as you can once you have the OK for fluids. Your electrolytes are ZAPPED after a c-section (not sure about a VB) and I alllllmost headed to the ER the day after we got home. A nurse friend gave me this tip and it saved the day

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

I think that I learned that even though you may feel like you have it worse off than other pregnant women, there are things you should be grateful for--I had horrible ms, insomnia, a short cervix, steroids for the baby, progesterone treatments, gained 50 pounds, excessive swelling of the feet and hands and am currently past my due date--however, I do not have one stretch mark, never suffered the horrors of acid reflux or bad heartburn, my skin became so clear and I was lucky enough to wear my pregnancy well, despite the way I felt sometimes...

I also agree with the posters who said you can not plan your pregnancy. At 23 weeks I was told that my cervix was so short, they feared for a preterm labor. I am now 41 weeks and going strong!

I told my husband the other day that for my next pregnancy, I am going to pamper myself more. I will get prenatal massages and facials--things that make me feel good! I think I neglected a lot of beauty rituals this pregnancy.

Nice maternity clothes are worth it. Period.

I bought too much stuff for DD. I have a million 0-3 onesies.

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

From my first pregnancy, I learned to expect the unexpected: I found out DD was going to be born with clubbed feet at my anatomy scan appointment. Then I was put on bedrest at 32 weeks and induced at 37 weeks. When DD was born, she had terrible jaundice and had to be under the lights for 3 days. Then she ended up with colic, coupled with 2 full leg casts to treat the clubbed feet.

I also learned that even though things may seem impossible that one day I'll look back on those times and they won't seem half as bad as they did in the moment.

Every pregnancy is different.

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.

The overwhelming feeling will go away, I m really speaking of after the baby is born!

Re: Things you've learned from your first pregnancy.