Dear Mama-to-Be,

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was so excited. I couldn’t believe it at first and until seeing that test, wasn’t aware that it was something I had hoped for so much. What I wasn’t prepared for was how quickly excitement was replaced by waves of anxiety, spiraling thoughts, and self-doubt. As thrilled as I was to start this new chapter of my life, I couldn’t shake the nervousness that came with the unknown.

It wasn’t just the physical changes that threw me off. I thought I would feel glowing and ready for the adventure, but nothing prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster that came with those first few months. The hormonal shifts, the constant overthinking all took me by surprise. Was I doing everything right? Was I eating enough vegetables? Was my baby growing as they should be?

I remember staring at the calendar, feeling like each day was another layer of uncertainty. One minute I’d feel a deep excitement, and the next, my mind would spiral into worst-case scenarios. I would question every feeling in my body, and second-guess every decision I made. Should I eat this? Should I exercise more? Did I have the right prenatal vitamins? The uncertainty was overwhelming.

But looking back, what I realize now and what I miss most is how much I needed the support I had during that time. The team of providers and my family were what truly got me through.

The first trimester, when I think about it now, wasn’t anything like I imagined. I thought I would be excited and glowing, ready to embrace every moment. But instead, I was grappling with my own mind and body. The constant hormonal shifts left me feeling emotionally all over the place. My stomach would tighten with anxiety as I worried about what was to come.

It was my first visit to the doctor that helped me understand how much I needed support. I was anxious about everything; the tests, the waiting, the unknown. But my doctor, who had always been so kind and patient, gently reassured me. He reminded me that it was okay to feel overwhelmed and that the anxiety was a normal part of the process. He didn’t rush me; she just listened. That’s something I really needed to hear, especially when I felt like I was drowning in worry.

Looking back, one of the most significant moments was the first time I heard my baby’s heartbeat. I had been anxious leading up to the appointment, consumed by all the “what-ifs.” But when the sound filled the room, I felt an overwhelming wave of peace. There it was. My little boy.. and thriving.

That heartbeat is still so vivid in my memory. In that moment, everything shifted. It was like the fog of anxiety lifted, and I could finally start to connect with the life inside me. I’ve never felt that sense of peace again. That’s when I started to embrace the journey, when I truly began to love the changes in my body, and when my growing belly finally felt like something I could cherish instead of something that made me anxious.

As I reminisce on my journey early on, I can see how important that support system was in shaping my experience. It wasn’t just about physical care, it was about having a team that made me feel heard, understood, and reassured. My providers were there for every question, every worry, every fear I had. They helped me trust the process when I had none left in myself.

And my family was my rock. They offered unwavering support, not just when things were easy, but especially when I was spiraling. They reminded me that I wasn’t in this alone and that I had a whole team cheering me on, ready to guide me through any uncertainty.

I’ve come to realize that the right people can set the tone for how you experience this journey. They help you navigate the moments of doubt and fear. When your support system is strong, you don’t feel like you have to handle everything on your own. And in a time of so much change, having that reassurance is priceless.

Now that I’m 6 months postpartum, I feel a bittersweet mix of emotions. I miss my growing belly. I miss the connection I felt with my baby during those early months. I wish I could go back and be more present and more aware of the beauty of each moment, instead of worrying about every little thing. Those early days were filled with so much love, so much potential and yet I spent too much of them wrapped up in fear and uncertainty.

If I could go back, I would remind myself to slow down, to breathe, and to trust that things would fall into place. I would remind myself that the journey doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be lived, fully, with all its messiness and beauty.

To anyone who’s navigating their own pregnancy journey right now: If you’re feeling anxious, uncertain, or overwhelmed, know that it’s okay. It’s a lot to take on, but you’re doing great. The right people will help you along the way, and in time, you’ll find peace. Be gentle with yourself, and know that your journey will unfold just as it’s meant to.

And if you’re lucky enough to have a team of providers and loved ones who are there for you every step of the way, keep them close. They’ll help you find your footing when you feel like you’ve lost it.