I have been blessed with a pretty uneventful pregnancy - so I'm hoping she won't make up for it during the labour and birthing process!
We both really thank God for looking after us especially after what happened last year. So far we have a very healthy girl. We also have very supportive friends and family who loves us and have blessed by so many gifts and advice. I can't pretend that I know everything but I have definitely learnt a lot.
Here are some things I found useful and hopefully act as a reminder for myself as well.
It's about you and your partner
Remember this is your pregnancy so do what works for you and your partner. I am very grateful that I have an extremely supportive husband - he went to every midwife appointment, antenatal class and scan with me. I think having that support helps a lot and makes it feels like I'm not the only one in this. I can't express what a difference it makes to have your husband next to you through all this. Not to mention that he's been very good at cleaning and picking up after me! I'm also glad I have a large group of friends and aunties who have had babies so I can take bits of advice and their experience to prepare myself the best that I can.
Avoid if dodgy/unsure and be flexible
Pregnancy can be confusing especially if you are the first time mother. There are so many do's and don'ts so it's hard to know what you should listen too. Many are old wives tales but the rule my husband and I decided on is whether it has been well researched or not. If not, and it does seem risky then avoid it. Our other rule is if it looks dodgy, don't eat or do it. Keeping yourself and the baby safe should be the number one thing.
Also being flexible is important. We may have preconceived ideas on what we want but I know part of the fun is not knowing what would happen. Which comes to our next rule is we will try to everything natural unless the baby or myself is at risk. The not so fun part about my pregnancy was getting really sick and not being able to breathe - the only medication I took was my asthma inhaler and then had honey and lemon the whole time and plenty of rest.
Communication is key
It doesn't matter what you decide to do but communication between you and your partner, family, friends, LMC and anyone else is key. It's good to set some common grounds with your partner first to decide what sort of pregnancy you would like and then make sure all of this is communicated to everyone else. We were very fortunate to have a midwife who would treat us as if we were her own kids so she has been very honest with us too. Our antenatal instructor also kept reminding us to ask and question when in doubt so we can make informed decisions.
Have a strong support group
By default I think I have been really blessed by God to always have a strong support group. People who have been there for me for different reasons, doing what they are best at rather than just shutting us out because they may or may not have gone through this process. My work has also been extremely supportive - my colleagues have been great help and have spoilt me so much. It has made work a lot easier and I can't imagine what things would be like if I didn't have a supportive workplace. And of course I can't leave out all the aunties and uncles who have already spoilt our little girl so much before she is born!!
So now I can put my feet up and enjoy my month off before the real job comes!
