Today I started reading my first pregnancy book, I felt that I couldn’t read them before going to the doctor as I didn’t think that it was really real. I am reading “The Pregnancy Book” by Martha and William Sears. So far I am really enjoying this book. The authors take such an uplifting approach to discussing pregnancy that it is completely reassuring. They describe pregnancy as something perfectly normal and healthy and they describe ways to cope.
One of the things that I most appreciate about this book is the way the deal with the emotional aspects of pregnancy. At the beginning of each month, before they even describe the physical changes occurring in a pregnant woman’s body, they describe the emotions that a woman might experience during that month. This part is so validating to me, and it makes everything that I am feeling seem so normal (sometimes it is easy to feel as though I am being completely irrational and unreasonable). They discuss pregnancy as a process toward becoming a parent, instead of just a random list of uncomfortable ailments. I really like that.
Today I am feeling very happy about the pregnancy. I am feeling calm and settled knowing that MB is developing normally and I feel that I can really enjoy it today. I am content knowing that now the odds are on our side and I feel as though I can relax, finally.
The authors really stress that a pregnant woman must need to create a healthy environment for the baby and this means eating well, avoiding environmental toxins (second-hand smoke and such), but also working on maintaining stress levels and a sense of well-being. After all, if stress hormones are coursing through my body they are also coursing through the babies. And no one wants that!
So, for now, I am going to keep doing what I am doing and try my best to keep my body and mind as healthy as I can. Not only will it be good for MB, but it will be good for me too!
