Guide

14 things you should know about the run-up to birth

Myrtha Brunner
6.2.2019
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

There are some things that books don't tell you. From how you'll be feeling in a few weeks and how silly and forgetful you'll become to how your stomach will be felt by anyone and everyone and that you'll end up waddling like a duck. Read on for 14 must-know facts about pregnancy.

Many parents are over the moon when those two blue lines appear on their pregnancy test. Everything looks wonderful through the rose-tinted glasses of impending parenthood, but you should also know that pregnancy is accompanied by exhaustion, anxiety, mood swings and physical changes. Partners can also experience these symptoms! They don't call it a sympathetic pregnancy for nothing, as the non-pregnant partner's stomach can also grow.

I've experienced two pregnancies. I was really relaxed the first time around. I was looking forward to the change, setting up the nursery like thousands of other mothers in my second trimester, feeling great and enjoying my healthy, full-bodied hair and clear skin. I only started thinking about the birth shortly beforehand, but even then, I took a very chilled approach. My attitude was: it'll happen how it happens.

During the second pregnancy, I developed unfamiliar anxiety. I knew exactly how the birth would unfold and how the transition from one child to two would go. I was unconsciously bracing myself and, if I'm honest, this had an effect on the length of my labour. Everything was over in a jiffy the first time, while my second child took 22 hours to arrive. Something that was previously unthinkable for me.

These 14 pregnancy facts will help you cope with the situation.

1. You'll start waddling like a duck

2. Forgetfulness and confusion reign

3. Skin and hair: miracle or disaster?

Some pregnant women benefit from strong, shiny hair and glowing skin. Others lament greasy locks and blemished, sensitive skin. Both are normal. It's all down to your hormone balance, which is thrown off-kilter during pregnancy and affects every woman differently. In most cases, things get back to normal postpartum. But remember: hair loss can be a temporary side effect until your hormones have evened themselves out.

4. Nursery vs. family room

Anticipation is half the fun. This is why many parents-to-be have put the finishing touches to their nursery some weeks before the birth. I was no different with my first child. The second time around was a different story because – let's be honest – we all know that a baby spends the first few months in its parents' room anyway. You have all the time in the world to kit out and decorate the nursery after the birth.

5. Enjoy this time

6. What kind of day is it today?

It doesn't matter. You know exactly which week of pregnancy you're in, how your baby is developing and what the little one is learning inside the womb. It doesn't matter what day it is. Most problems seem insignificant because the most important thing from now on is your baby.

7. Anxiety

8. You have employment rights

9. All eyes will be on your stomach

You'll suddenly start having conversations about your bump with all kinds of people. They'll touch and stroke it without asking or stare at it incessantly. A baby bump has immense power and is a big conversation starter. But don't go thinking that someone will always offer you their seat on public transport. Your bump doesn't wield that much influence.

10. Protect your baby

11. Kick the bad habits

12. A real man

13. There's no shame in accepting help

Gaining ten to 30 kilos within a short period of time can test your body and its circulation to its limits, so you shouldn't be lifting more than five kilos at work or at home. Listen to your body and accept help when it's offered. If there's no help on offer, ask for it. No-one can turn a pregnant woman down. Now you can take over your command post for a little while.

14. Food-related infections

I'm sure there are some important things that I haven't covered in my list. If you think something's missing, let me know in the comment field. Your experiences will help others during their pregnancies.
I'd also love it if you followed me with just one click, so you'll never miss my articles.

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I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.


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