My Struggle That Turned into a Blessing

It all started as an average day. I stumbled out of bed, showered, got dressed, and headed out for work just like any other day. It wasn't until I was at work, hovering over a stick, in a tiny bathroom filled with hardware, when everything changed. This was the day I found out I was pregnant.

In this situation, women typically either jump for joy or curl up in fear. I didn't do either of these. I was in complete shock. I didn't know how to process it. I just stood there, feeling a rush of every emotion all at once. I had never experienced anything like this before.

A few moments later, after I had had the chance to begin processing my emotions, I called my significant other to inform him. A lot of women would've taken the test at home, or even came up with a way to surprise their partners, but I figured a phone call from the bathroom stall would suffice.

We were not financially stable, and our landlord was not keeping up with the apartment. It was terrifying to think of bringing a baby into a home that currently had mold on the walls in the entry hallway downstairs, a bathroom sink that didn't drain, and broken glass windows in two rooms. Our landlord had been informed of all of these issues over a six-month time period, but hadn't done anything about it. We did not have the money to do the repairs ourselves either.

After quickly thinking of all of this, I had informed my partner of what I just found out, and his only response was "okay." He didn't say it in a way that seemed like he couldn't care less. He said it so calmly, as if he just knew that everything would be just fine.

Ever since that day, we have not stopped trying to make things better for ourselves, to ensure that everything would be okay when the baby got here. It has not been easy. We each found new jobs, and started counting every single penny. I have been so lucky during this entire pregnancy. It's so hard to think about what it would be like if I didn't have the partner that I do. I definitely could not be doing this without him. He has been so supportive of every decision that I have made during my pregnancy.

We each got a second job to help with our financial state. He didn't want to do it at first, but he did it for the baby anyway. We are also going to sign a lease for our new apartment this week. We will start moving in immediately, and I couldn't be more excited about it. It's been so hard, but all of our hard work is starting to pay off. We can finally start to calm down and just enjoy our time together as a family.

At 34 weeks (8 1/2 months) pregnant, I am still working 60+ hours a week between the two jobs. I have not slowed down at all. I can still lift things, work long hours, and many other things. During this pregnancy, I get questioned or even yelled at for some of my actions, but I am not doing anything that could harm myself or the baby. I refuse to be seen as incapable just because I am pregnant. I know my own limits and will not go passed them.

I have confirmed with my doctor and midwife that everything I am doing is completely safe until something changes. If we notice any signs of strain, or preterm labor, I will then be changing my habits. Until then, I will continue doing my daily activities that I always have.

During a low-risk pregnancy, it is normal and healthy to stay active. Certain things need to be removed from your diet, and certain exercises should be avoided. Otherwise, walking and remaining active is very helpful during pregnancy. With all of the hormones and stress, it is good to have something to do to help you cope and keep your mind off of things. It is always best to consult with your doctor or midwife before doing anything you are unsure of.

I was always scared to call my midwife at the beginning because I didn't want to be a bother, but over time, I have realized that this is what they are here for. Pregnancy is a very scary thing, and sometimes you will have questions that need to be answered. There is no point in worrying for days until your next appointment when all you have to do is pick up the phone and call.

No matter what happens, pregnancy will never be easy. There's no doubt about that. This pregnancy started out very scary, and seemed impossible, but now it seems as though everything is falling into place. My mind is at ease. I can finally relax before I have a handsome little infant in my arms to steal all of my sleep.