Being pregnant throughout covid

[Katie272]

I was pregnant with my son throughout the first lockdown and for the majority of my pregnancy I suffered with sickness. I then went on to have my baby in November 2020 and obviously even to this day these restrictions on what we can and can't do, what's open etc.

Before I took my maternity leave I was also on furlough, then went straight from that to maternity leave meaning I've been off work for about a year and a half.

I know throughout the lockdowns many people were still socialising with friends, having parties etc even though they weren't supposed to. But I just feel like I've gotten so used to it just being me and my baby whilst everyone else my age is out socialising. When it comes to a social event now I just feel awkward being there, as if I've forgotten how to socialise.

I've been called "anti social" for not wanting to go somewhere today. The real reason was I'd already been out for a long walk today and its too close now to my babies bed time for me to bother getting ready to go out. I feel like once I'm back at work (next month) maybe I'll feel better about socialising.

I just feel like people are seeing me as shy and anti social but really when you have a baby and your friends don't have children you can't just get up and go like they can, everything has to be worked around your child. I can't be out drinking and socialising every weekend like I used to because my son is my responsibility now. I've been out once since having my son and I honestly felt so awkward, I felt like everyone was looking at me and I shouldn't have been there.

Does anyone else feel like they've lost all their social skills and confidence been pregnant throughout covid/lockdowns? Because looking back I'm no where near the person I was last year before becoming pregnant and whilst I sometimes wish I had my old freedom back, i'm happy with my own company.

Just to add: at the point I was pregnant throughout covid I literally missed out on all social interactions that would've been done normally. All appointments over the phone, no access to any parent classes to meet other parents to be, even the chance to just go out and buy my babies stuff in person was taken away and had to be done online. No baby showers or gender reveals. When I eventually could go to face to face appointments I had to go alone. I feel like this has just become a new normal for me now. I'm not entirely alone, I've got my partner, my family and a few close friends. But I just feel that since covid and pregnancy coming at the same time I don't see people no where near as much as I used to. Hoping once I'm back to work I'll regain my social skills and confidence.