Hello, I’m Áine. I’m 26, Donegal born and bred and a first time mum to my 7 month old daughter Ava – I’ve been living in London for the past 4 years, working as a Diagnostic Radiographer in a major trauma centre. I love adventuring & dislike negativity! I have a fear of the gym & a fondness of chocolate.
Being a mum is the hardest, but most rewarding job I have ever done. This fortnightly column will be an account of my experiences so far.
My highs and lows, some tips and tricks, and an honest overview of my life as a first time mum.
Unfortunately, parenting doesn’t have a job description and there is no right or wrong way to do it. I am no expert, but I hope you can relate, in some way, to what I write.
The following are a few points that I believe will make your pregnancy a happy one.
Don’t worry yourself:
We all learn about the birds and the bees, but no one ever teaches you about pregnancy. What do you do when you find out? What are the stages? What do I need to know? Your mind will be overloaded with questions, feelings and worries.
I got great comfort from online articles and mum blogs. Especially in the early stages when it was all still a secret between my partner and I. By all means read them but try not to become too obsessed with what you read. You will drive yourself crazy.
You’ll find yourself on Google every other day. We’re all guilty of consulting Dr Google. I was the worst culprit for this and would then spend days worrying something serious was wrong. If you’re genuinely worried, speak to your GP or midwife.
They know best. Sometimes things happen slightly differently than anticipated. Symptoms vary, gestation periods vary, and no two pregnancies are the same. This doesn’t always mean something is wrong so sit back and relax!
Don’t let it change you:
Being pregnant for the first time is a daunting experience. From the minute I found out, I started questioning all the normal things I use to do. Will people think I’m irresponsible if I stay out late with friends?
Will people frown at me eating this triple chocolate cake? Can I still go on that holiday? Yes, your little one is your priority now, however, don’t let it change who you are or what you’d normally do.
Do not worry what other people think. This is your pregnancy. People are always going to judge or have different opinions about what you should be doing. As long as you are responsible and safe in what you choose to do, why stop having fun?
Document the journey:
I’m definitely not the most organised person, and the thought of keeping a pregnancy diary seemed like too much work at first. But I’m so glad I did it. Pregnancy comes with a lot of randomness. Dreams, cravings, moods, the list goes on.
You will forget bits so write them all down. You’ll get a good laugh out of them in years to come. Also, get yourself in front of that mirror and start taking bump photos.
I cringed every time I went to do this. I didn’t notice the weekly differences but when you have them all together it will fill you with pride.
A piece of advice: Save these photos onto a desktop or private folder before you go to Boots to get photos printed off your phone. To me these photos were cute, but I don’t think the passing public appreciated them as much as they were accidently enlarged onto the printing screen
Treat Yourself:
You may be glowing on the outside but between morning sickness, heartburn, swollen ankles and a tight stomach you’ll need some pick me ups along the way. Pedicures, pre-natal massages and eating out with friends were some of my favourites. Go shopping! There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable and frumpy when you are pregnant. With the right clothes you can look and feel like that sexy mum-to-be that you are. New Look, H&M and Topshop were my go to shops when pregnant. Yes, this all costs money. You will be more conscious about money during pregnancy than you ever have been. Don’t let that stop you. It’s important you don’t forget about yourself through this journey. A happy mum = A happy baby after all.
Enjoy it!!
Pregnancy is such a unique experience and an emotional roller coaster. Just remember to enjoy each moment as much as you can. Don’t be too tough on yourself. Every day of pregnancy won’t be glorious and that’s okay. Embrace any emotion you feel at the time, and be ok with having both good days and bad days.
Take this opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy some ‘you time’. It may not feel like it, but time will fly and your bundle of joy will be here before you know it.
Thanks for reading. Now, go and book yourself a treat!
Happy pregnancy!
Áine x
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