“Labor is the only blind date, where you know that you are going to meet the love of your life”
I found out about my pregnancy on 8th March’20 early in the morning. I was only 3 months into my marriage and 25 years old. My husband got me a pregnancy test kit and I was super nervous about finding the results. Although, I was clear in my mind that if I will be bestowed with this blessing, I am going to make the best of it.
Well, it came out to be positive and we embraced the moment. And then, the unexpected happened. On 22nd March’20, the Indian PM declared the National Lockdown because of the pandemic. Our condition was no different than the others and we too experienced ‘once in a lifetime experience’. Talking about myself, the first two months were totally clueless for me mentally. But once I crossed my first trimester, things began to fall into the place and I was loving a tiny bump on my tummy. So, here is a list of few things out of many which I loved during my pregnancy and own completely. You may also try some of those.
I hardly had any major food cravings during my entire term, but yes, sometimes I craved junk and chocolates. My husband use to get all of those big chocolate bars and massive nachos bags by sneaking into closed stores (lockdown, you see) and it made hogging onto them even more thrilling and special. I swear it’s the most satisfying time your taste buds might have felt. So, don’t land on a guilt trip and fulfill your cravings. I would suggest keeping the portion size in check if it’s too frequent with you.
Ladies, there is an entire human developing right inside you, although, you may realize its actual presence a little later. But you are the only source of nourishment to your young one. What you eat is directly going to affect your child. So, choose healthy options. Like, in my case I was too much into seasonal fruits, nuts, and dairy. Also, I was a frequent eater. Small food portions but frequent with lots and lots of water. If you wish one mind-blowing diet chart for you, click here: /https://dashnutrition.org/services/
Keeping a good activity level during pregnancy has shown improved blood circulation, stress-free mood, high energy levels, ideal weight gain during the term. It ensures that you move out in the fresh air and bask in the sun, which is equally important. It can be anything from brisk walking to yoga. But you should always consult your OB before involving yourself in any activity. Remember NOT to exert yourself and DO NOT push yourself beyond the limits. Keep it calm and simple. It will even help you get some alone time to bond with your baby. During my pregnancy, I loved walking early in the morning for 20 minutes with music and for 30 minutes in the evening.
Pregnancy is said to be the time of physiological stress for the mother. Also, each pregnancy is different. From morning sickness to weird aches, anything may appear out of nowhere. Somedays, you might want to sleep the whole day and on the other, you may have a burst of energy. So, rest whenever you feel like it, ignoring what hour of the day it is. Unapologetically, any time of the day can be ‘Good Night-Sleep tight.’ (wink)
You will find a lot of pregnancy apps. It’s great to have one. It helps you keep a week-to-week track, reminders and serves with some great suggestions. My personal choice was ‘What to expect.’ You can download the same using https://www.whattoexpect.com/mobile-app/
You are already involved in a life-changing process. You witness something new every day. So, treat yourself with a good skincare routine, a warm bath, indulging in your favorite hobby, talking to your loved ones, or anything that makes you love yourself. Keeping a calm and happy mind affects a child’s psychology in a positive way.
It’s scientifically proven that speech development and voice recognition for a baby begins inside the womb, significantly from the 4th month. So, go ahead talk to your baby, make her listen to beautiful music and whatever you feel that will make her happy and you too. It’s a great way to bond with your baby and trust me, it makes you insanely happy.
Many physical experiences might scare you during pregnancy, especially if you are a first-time would-be mother. Do not live with them. Always be vocal about everything that you feel. Be curious. Do not hesitate. Choose your doctor wisely.
Well, reading is totally an individualized choice. Personally, I read a lot, be it on my phone or a few good books. It keeps your mind agitated and reading reliable pregnancy stuff gives you legit explanations to many symptoms you never saw coming.
I had everything medically normal. So, I had a clear picture of opting for a vaginal delivery unless and until medically contraindicated. Once I delivered my little girl, I realized that this is the maximum physical stress limits a human body can reach. It’s life-altering. It changes you as a person and tells you your endurance power you never knew you had. It gave me a different kind of acceptance of myself and once when my daughter was put onto me right after pushing, every pain was worth it. Apparently, it is not a forceful command. There is an umpteen number of situations that decide the type of delivery you may undergo and none of them are superior to others. Motherhood is superior, carrying a baby for 9 months is superior.
Your partner surely experiences a roller coaster of emotions. Spend this happy time, talking to each other and doing fun activities together. It gets you closer. Ladies! secret stuff is that your man has a way more high affinity for all your tantrums and mood swings. Grab the opportunity and indulge yourself in babylike care and pamper. But on the brighter side, you are going to fall in love with him even more. You both will reminisce this time gladly.
I am not saying this out of the running trend. Even I was not very much keen on this concept. But, we did it anyway. But now, 4 months later to my delivery, when I look at those pictures with a large baby bump and that same baby right in front of my eyes, makes me feel fantastic. This does not at all mean to spend a fortune. The idea is to be in the moment, feel it and capture. Rest everything is your personal choice. Click lots and lots of pictures with your partner, anywhere, anytime. Do this and thank me later. (wink).
M. Sc. Gold Medalist
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