As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Pregnancy is a journey unlike any other—a beautiful, life-changing experience that also brings with it a tidal wave of emotions, uncertainties, and, yes, anxieties. When I saw those two little lines confirming I was pregnant, my heart swelled with joy, then I cried my eyes out because fear of the unknown overtook me. Almost immediately, the questions and worries crept in: Am I eating the right foods? Is this safe for the baby? Am I doing enough—or maybe too much?
For me, the mental load was heavier than the physical changes. I vividly remember waking up from horrible dreams, convinced I’d done something to harm my baby. Those dreams felt so real and left me shaken for hours. The “what ifs” became a constant companion—what if I tripped, what if I missed a critical vitamin, what if the sushi I ate before I knew I was pregnant hurt the baby? What if that glass of wine I had for dinner a few weeks ago before I knew, has effected the fetus? Will this coffee or pineapple cause a severe issue? Will I loose the baby? Every bite of food felt like a decision that would determine my child’s future, and every move felt loaded with consequences.
And then there were the unsolicited opinions—oh, the opinions! From strangers in the grocery store to well-meaning family members, everyone had advice. “Don’t eat this!” “Don’t do that!” Don't exercise, don't get a foot massage, don't go swimming, don't have a sip of coffee, just to name a few. It’s like people forget pregnant women are still humans with cravings, comfort needs, and a desperate desire for reassurance, not judgment.
I clung to anything that could give me even a shred of comfort or control. Reading books like Expecting Better by Emily Oster helped me cut through some of the noise and focus on evidence-based choices. Journaling became a surprising source of peace. Writing down my fears made them feel smaller and more manageable, and flipping through pages later helped me see how far I’d come. I especially loved guided pregnancy journals, which not only captured memories but reminded me of the exciting milestones ahead.
Stress relief was non-negotiable, but finding what worked took trial and error. Lavender essential oils became my nighttime ritual, a signal to my brain that it was okay to relax. Calming teas (decaf, of course) replaced my usual coffee and felt like a warm hug on anxious days. And prenatal yoga apps became my lifeline—gentle movement that felt safe and helped me reconnect with my body.
The biggest game-changer was accepting that I didn’t have to do it all perfectly. Pregnancy is messy and emotional, and that’s okay. Surrounding myself with supportive people, both in person and online, helped me remember I wasn’t alone in this. Other moms assured me that all the worry and effort would be worth it, and they were right.
If you’re currently on this wild, wonderful, and sometimes terrifying ride, I see you. You’re doing an incredible job, even if it doesn’t feel like it some days. Lean on tools and resources that bring you peace, whether it’s a cozy weighted blanket, a calming book, or even just an afternoon nap with your favorite pregnancy-safe tea.
Pregnancy isn’t just about growing a baby—it’s about growing into motherhood. And while it’s not always easy, it’s worth every anxious thought, every midnight snack craving, and every small moment of joy that reminds you why you’re doing this in the first place. You’ve got this, mama. ❤️