by Crystal Moon

Created on: January 02, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

So, you're pregnant. To some of us women that is a very scary thing to deal with. Whether you've planned it or been surprised by it, it doesn't change how life altering it is and how to handle it.
Our partners can be supportive, but really they have no idea the thoughts and concerns that comes with pregnancy.
First thing to remember is, its YOUR body. You may find that every woman you talk to tells you "the way it is" but they forget pregnancy and labour is different for all of us. And one thing they don't realize is when everyone is giving you advice, it all just piles up into one heap of overwhelming worry.

What you need to do is just listen and not take any of it too seriously in regards to your situation. Everyone is different and sometimes women forget some of the details about pregnancy as they grow older. So, grandma's advice might not be so accurate anymore.
There are some people who can give you really great advice. Your mother should definitely be some help here for a couple reasons, you can trust her cause she raised you and you turned out fine... And us women often will have pregnancies and labour just like our moms did, so its often helpful to discuss these things with Mom.
A health nurse at your local health unit can really help with many issues you might be concerned with and she will have all kinds of resources to help with becoming a parent.
The very helpful book "what to expect when you're expecting" is a great read and has been around a long time, they do keep updating it though so its always current, keep this in mind if someone tries to give you a copy thats twenty years old (it might be just a little out of date)
Sometimes watching those shows on television, like "A Baby Story" is helpful in seeing you're not alone in your fears and can give you a sense of what a positive outcome you will have with your beautiful new baby.
Stay strong and confident and be positive, don't let people and their horror stories spook you, its very important to not be under stress while you're pregnant and you don't need any extra worry. Try to surround yourself with the most positive female influences and ask lots of questions, no matter how ridiculous they might be.
Your doctor can be helpful with some questions, from the health stand point, but really if he's a man, then he's not going to be quite as helpful as you might think. So, recently experienced mom's are always good for bouncing questions off of. Not everyone is an expert on parenting, every though they think they are. Its up to you to do what you feel is right for you and your baby.

First things though, see your doctor and get your pre-natal vitamins and the rest should fall into place. Just don't stress it, take a deep breath and smile.

Learn more about this author, Crystal Moon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.