by Claire Connolly

Created on: April 04, 2007   Last Updated: June 21, 2007

The prospect of becoming a mother for the first time can lead to emotions ranging from pure joy to absolute terror. There is no preparation for how it feels; even women who have planned their pregnancy can suddenly experience feelings of dread. Different events can lead to an assortment of emotions. Holding a friend or relative's offspring only for them to burst into unexplained tears until you give them back can force you to consider the notion that your own child will not take to you either and what do you know about babies anyway?

If you hurt yourself in some way, you will probably panic because you just remembered that you don't actually know what to do when a child has an accident. Reading as many pregnancy and parenting books as you can will likely make you feel that you know it all and the day you see the first scan will be filled with tears of happiness and pride. This will be your first step into the wonderful world of parent showing off and most likely a lifetime of boasting about your special little someone.

The first kicks are absolutely wonderful; it is such a relief especially after the worry and tension of the first trimester. People often feel like they cannot possibly be pregnant until they have some physical proof that there is someone growing inside. The second trimester in general is the most calm and comfortable period of a pregnancy. It gives just enough time to get excited about the baby and buy a mountain of goods that you probably won't use.

The third trimester hits and seems to take a lifetime. One day you will probably feel like the baby will never arrive but the next you may feel like you are not ready yet, you may even feel like you will never be ready. Hormones and such a huge change in your life are bound to bring forth a mixture of feelings, it is only natural and as soon as your baby is born, things will finally fit into place. Once things settle down, you won't be able to imagine a life without your pride and joy.

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