Pregnant during COVID pandemic: it takes a village, a positive mindset, and yoga pants

Dear Avery,

At this very moment, our world is experiencing the COVID-19 or Coronavirus pandemic. Most of us are voluntarily quarantining ourselves, while others it is mandatory. Scary and wild times right now, so I thought it was important to document this as a woman who is a first time preggo.

First and foremost, we are currently very healthy. The baby is kicking me non-stop to reassure me that he is alive and well — and it brings me ultimate joy and helps me refocus my awareness. Doctor appointments have all been positive and his measurements are all trending in the right direction. HALLELUJAH.

Secondly, yes this is not how I envisioned my first pregnancy to go. Baby showers have been postponed to probably a “Sip and See the baby” after he gets here. I don’t know whether or not family will be able to visit him right after he is born or not. I’m crossing my fingers by the time I go into labor that this virus will have subsided so that Troy will 100% be able to be there for it.

Those are very personal and very real realities. They are sad to me, but they aren’t going to get me down when they are simply out of my control. The bigger picture here is far more important than parties.

 

 

OK, so this is my first pandemic and first time being pregnant. But I’ve got this!

Here’s what I’m experiencing — I’m hoping other mama’s weigh in:

• The amount of times I have to pee has tripled – naturally. In a normal situation, this wouldn’t be an issue — but now that low toilet paper concern is a REAL thing, I find myself just sitting for a very long time making sure I have ZERO pee left. #SaveTheTP

 

• My fruit intake has quadrupled. Because I’m confined to the comforts of my home, I make sure my snacking options always include some sort of fruit. This has been good. Don’t get me wrong — cookies are also a part of this equation.

 

• I’m LIVING in stretchy pants. I think the last time I wore jeans was like over 2 weeks ago — and there is zero judgement there. Ahhh — this is quite the perk! But, in order for me to feel more productive, I do need to somewhat put myself together – light makeup, brush my hair, wear a nice clean shirt, etc. It’s a mental thing, I know. But hey, I’m still working here!

 

• We now try and take walks every day, which is actually fantastic, because when I’m at work — sometimes this doesn’t happen. And being outside is good for the soul and the body.

 

 

• There is definitely a more surreal fear of getting this virus, knowing that it doesn’t only affect you. While he is perfectly safe in his cocoon, we still don’t know too much at this point about the well-being of babies.

 

• It is super important to have a tribe of ladies going through this WITH you. I’m on a daily text thread with two other mama-to-be’s, and it’s been comforting, educational, and emotionally supportive. We are all in this together, and there is so much power in that. It is a wild time to be
  bringing a new soul into the world, but just knowing your friends are going through it too, and seeing other strong ladies give birth during this period — is simply amazing.

 

• My mindset goes from anxious and worried to accepting what is out of my control and taking this time to slowly enjoy this beautiful world of pregnancy. Sure, it’s an emotional roller coaster. But I’m choosing to stay positive and as relaxed as possible. It’s the least I can do for my son, Troy, and my own mental health.

 

Other than the fact that this current household is healthy and practicing “social distancing”, this also has brought a good deal of rest. Lounging after our work days, every meal eaten together, walks taken, talking to our families and friends more often, and building out our new home.

Time has slowed down. Something we ask for a lot. Maybe not the way we WANTED as we don’t want to see others suffer, but it has given us an opportunity for rest. And it’s gearing me up for maternity leave.

OK, Zoom meeting time to chat with you and the rest of our family. Virtual conference calls are becoming the major trend. 🙂

Stay safe and healthy, Aves.

With love,

Aunt Megs