My 3 Biggest Fears in My First Trimester, And How I Overcame Them.

Dear Classic Mom Diary:

I think it's natural that everyone has fears in their pregnancy. For me, consistently looking back on how I overcame my fears is essential in the process of me defeating future ones, as well. So far, I have had a few fears, but none that I couldn't manage. In other words, I came out of the other end of trimester one with a big huge success, and for that, I made myself an award. My fears were pretty standard to what I've seen elsewhere, so I have to admit that first and foremost a lot of my information and courage came from internet research, and lots of it. Plus, talking with my doctor and getting a well-rounded second opinion on subjects I have any concerns or questions regarding. 

1. What if I never stop getting sick?

The unfortunate truth that I've heard around the block is that for some moms, yes, this may be your new reality. For me, I stopped taking my stomach pills without being advised to when I suspected I was pregnant. This came out of another fear which I'll talk about in a minute, but was really a silly thing to do. In retrospect, I should have waited, and maybe contacted a pharmacist to get a proper insight as to what medications would and would not be O.K to take. Anyway, I ended up extremely ill, vomiting like crazy. I lost 10 lbs during those 3-4 days (that honestly felt like a week or two) that I was consistently getting sick. I was in the hospital for a few hours with my boyfriend, where he skipped work to take care of me at my bedside. I was put back on my medication, and given another medication to take that was intended for pregnancy nausea. Within' 3 days not only was my stomach returning to normal but I had a huge appetite. 

Some people are not as fortunate as I was, in the sense that I had an answer and a cure stamped next to my sickness. For some, bananas work, extra sleep, pregnancy-safe nausea medicine, and even just a bland diet can help. For others, hang in until the second trimester, I hear that's when it eases off for the majority of women!

2. What are people going to think?

This never should have mattered, but given my new family's current situation, I was worried that people would think I was unfit to be a parent. The truth is, there absolutely were people like that. They were extremely unwelcoming of the news, and intensely rude about it, too. What I learned, though, was my worry was that they would be right. In having those people think so negatively and poorly about our situation, I think I was granted the ability to see my own strength and develop a small foundation of confidence in my abilities that will be ultimately tested in the future. Basically, what others think doesn't matter. It's not like their opinions will change the fact that I am about to introduce the most beautiful little package into the world soon, with the most caring, honest, and loving man I could've ever hoped to be with. Are we a little earlier than hoped? Maybe. But does that mean we're incapable? Heck no. 

 3. What if I miscarry again?

The "again" isn't necessarily a worry for every woman, but I guarantee every newly pregnant lady has had the fear of miscarriage cross her mind at least once during these hectic twelve to thirteen first weeks of pregnancy. If you're lucky, you found out late, and you only have a few weeks to wait until you're in the clear. Or, maybe you have awesome mind control and don't worry about things like that. I, on the other hand, have anxiety and a previous poor experience backing my fear. For the ladies who also stand in my shoes (and of course, the others even right up to the super awesome mind control women) I can promise you this is a valid worry. The best thing you can do is lead a healthy life and ask plenty of questions in your doctors appointments, or with your midwife. Talk to friends, family, everyone. Get advice on how you can stay healthy. Or, if that makes you uncomfortable, just stick to the doctor and midwife. Tune the rest out. Whatever you do, don't look everything up on the internet. In fact, promise to yourself that you won't even look at the internet for anything symptom or body related - stick to Pinterest and it's wonderful selection of baby images. The internet brings unnecessary stress to a pregnant ladies' life - save that for later, right now, enjoy your news. When your doctor has put you in the clear, and you are confident that you have a healthy pregnancy underway, then use the internet (in moderation!) for other pregnancy related things.