What to Really Expect When You Are Expecting

by Jennifer Shakeel

contemplating and peaceful pregnant woman This piece is really going to be geared towards all of the first time moms out there. Now if it has been awhile between pregnancies, like it was for me… about 10 years, then you are going to want to read this too because pregnancy was not like I remember it. It wasn’t bad, so I am not going to give you horror stories here. I did love being pregnant, I didn’t like the weight I gained but I did like the experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. So trust me when I tell you that there will be nothing else in life that will ever compare to the wonders of what you are going through and what you have yet to experience.

But I am going to tell you the truth. I am going to tell you what all of those wonderful books out there… leave out. Understand this first; no two pregnancies are the same. This means that your pregnancy is not going to be like your mom’s or your best friend’s and if you have been pregnant before… this pregnancy will be unlike that one. I don’t know why really, I think it is Mother Nature’s way of preparing you for being a parent. As a parent you have to be prepared for anything and be able to handle whatever your child is going to surprise you with. Well, that is my story and I am sticking to it anyway.

I don’t think it necessary to go all the way back to before you found out you were pregnant. You already know that you felt tired… or you were experiencing a lot of nausea. Whatever it was, you just weren’t feeling like yourself. Congratulations on your wonderful news! I will start with the way you feel. I want you to know right now that every woman out there that has found out she is pregnant, throughout time, is not always happy about the news.

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Tags: Pregnancy, pregnancy pains, pregnancy stages

Filed under Pregnancy by More4kids Inc.

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Tips for Expectant Dads

expectant dad felling his baby kick for the first time As a father twice, I can tell you from personal experience that there are many joys to being an expectant dad, like seeing your first ultrasound, or feeling your baby kick for its first time. However, it is probably difficult to really understand what the mother of your child is actually going through during pregnancy. Having never been through pregnancy, you feel like you might not connect with your wife and know exactly what you can do for her. Being prepared for some of the issues and stresses that are facing your partner is a great way for you to become connected to her and to your child. Many times it is easy to concentrate on the physical changes that a woman is going through during pregnancy, and not the emotional and hormonal changes. If we prepare ourselves to be aware of all of the changes that are occurring, we can develop a closer relationship with her and possibly help to alleviate some of the stress she may encounter.

During those first few months of pregnancy can be a roller coaster for moms, as well as for dads. The hormonal changes alone can bring on different personalities that we may have not encountered before. Your partner may be more prone to crying, and can be agitated at times and not even really understand why. These emotional changes are all very normal, and you can help by just being understanding when they happen. Try to be open and receptive to her needs and give comfort when she needs it. Firm hugs and an “I Love You” can go a long way to soothe your wife. Showing affection and love is a great way for you to show you understand that she is going through a lot of emotional changes.

The Joy of Pregnancy

by Jennifer Shakeel

pregnant woman with daughter enjoying afternoon at the park Most little girls begin dreaming early on of being mommies and role-play for long periods of time with dolls. They dress them, change them, feed them and even burp them! They are always happy and smiling with their dolls and generally just showing love! It's really a no wonder that when you first think of having a baby, you being to think of how wonderful if it will be when you are actually pregnant.

The anticipation of pregnancy usually begins well before you really are pregnant. The joy of being pregnant really starts when you decide that the time is right to have a baby. As you begin to plan and think that this could be it, you actually skip that menstrual cycle, your heart does a little flutter and the hope within begins to grow. You start to get excited and usually can't wait to take that first pregnancy test. Most women are anxious and nervous all at the same time. As the test confirms your pregnancy, you swell with pleasure and delight. Now you get to share the news with the one you love.

There is no greater feeling of love for your spouse or significant other, as you look them tenderly in the eye and say, "We're pregnant!" There is such an immense feeling of joy and love and you feel closer than you have any other moment in time. There is such a wonderful bond being woven between the two of you that not only encompasses you both, but also this new child that you are creating together. Although the woman will carry this child, both of you are connected to this child as no other person in the world is and this enhances the feelings of intimacy and affection that you share. A husband looks at his wife with warmth and closeness and he sees her as the mother of his children.