Just found out I'm pregnant. New to this. What's the deal?

[totallyheadfunked]

Totally unexpectedly found out I was pregnant on Tuesday. I think I'm 7-8 weeks. It was a massive shock, but I'm really pleased about it.

I think I just need to talk to other people who are pregnant and try to get my head round it.

Some questions I've been thinking about...

So, is it normal to want to do a pregnancy test every day just to make sure you're still pregnant?

AIBU to think that I've definitely got thicker round the middle even though I'm still such early stages? I swear my stomach's bigger.

Are you shitting yourself constantly that something's going to go wrong?

I keep having slight period-y twinges. That's normal right?

I'm supposed to be going out drinking with my girlfriends tomorrow night and I don't know what I'm going to say. I'm not ready to tell anyone yet until I'm certain all's going to be okay. WWYD?

How can I chill out?

I've got to agree with you on all of the above!! You will get your head around it sooner rather than later. Its all a bit new to me still, even after seeing the midwife this week. Re the night out, could you drive? That's been my excuse since I found out. Maybe just say you're feeling a bit under the weather, or buy your own drinks and pass off a soft drink as a spirit and mixer?

Congratulations

In answer to your questions:

It is normal to want to do one every day but it is a waste of money, if it says you are pregnant then you are pregnant, if you are 7-8 weeks you don't have long til your 12 week scan and you can really be sure

Yes it is possible you have got thicker round the middle it can happen quite early on although you won't show yet for some time

Shitting yourself is a normal part of pregnancy. (including actually shitting yourself or going the other way and not being able to shit your self)

Periody cramps are completely normal for the first few weeks or months even. Only if it becomes unbearable or you get bleeding should you go to the Docs

I had a few nights out and ordered my drinks seperately asking the barman for a convincing looking non alcoholic cocktail, stumble around a bit and no one will know or say you are on antibiotics and can't drink

Warm bubble bath, hot chocolate, foot rub, try to distract yourself or it will be a long 9 months!

first congratulations,

So, is it normal to want to do a pregnancy test every day just to make sure you're still pregnant?

well when your chucking up everyday you don't need to bother, but some people do keep testing.

AIBU to think that I've definitely got thicker round the middle even though I'm still such early stages? I swear my stomach's bigger

your body will of already started to adjust, so yes it's normal.

Are you shitting yourself constantly that something's going to go wrong?

perfectly normal, don't worry there will be moments when you just enjoy it, try not to worry.

I keep having slight period-y twinges. That's normal right? yes some people have those, you are just being very aware of your body,

I'm supposed to be going out drinking with my girlfriends tomorrow night and I don't know what I'm going to say. I'm not ready to tell anyone yet until I'm certain all's going to be okay. WWYD?

tell them you have an infection then if you do go, you have an excuse not to drink

How can I chill out?

bath and fluffy towels.

cross posts

Congratulations.

1. It's normal for some people to do lots of tests, it's not necessary, helpful or particularly thrifty. In the sad event that a woman does miscarry, the hormones are around for a while afterwards, so they can still test positive, I know that isn't massively reassuring, but hopefully it will save you some pennies to put towards cute babygros.

1. Gas, water retention and bloating are very common in early pregnancy, you may well have more of a tummy, but it's not likely to be baby yet. You are also probably sucking it in less because you have an excuse

1. It's OK to be a bit worried about things going wrong, but not to obsess about it to the point that it becomes an issue in terms of your health, happiness or ability to function. Know that as long as you are taking care of yourself reasonably, your baby will not be affected negatively, and in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, it won't be your fault. I think it gets easier as the baby grows, when they start moving etc, or maybe you just run out of energy to worry!

1. The odd twinge as your uterus grows is usual, particularly ligament pain out to the side. If it gets too uncomfortable have a rest on the sofa for a bit.

1. I'm not a massive drinker and I think it depends on your friends, it wouldn't be questioned if I went to the pub and had a juice or a coffee. You can have a unit or so, can you nurse a spritzer all evening? Or get mixers with no alcohol? Lots of women claim to be on antibiotics, but that is so common now it is pretty much code for "pregnant".

1. Just potter on as usual. You are a bit early for starting prenatal yoga (but do look into classes now if that interests you, good classes sometimes have a wait list) yoga is brilliant for overstressed mums to be. Take time out every day to put your feet up and rest. Eat healthily, sleep well, but otherwise you can pretty much just get on with life putting it to the back of your mind.

So, is it normal to want to do a pregnancy test every day just to make sure you're still pregnant?

Yes, if a bit of a pointless waste of money which would be better saved for maternity clothes, pregnancy vitamins and loads of fruit

AIBU to think that I've definitely got thicker round the middle even though I'm still such early stages? I swear my stomach's bigger.

Yes, it's likely to be bloating because progesterone slows your digestion (see above re fruit!)

Are you shitting yourself constantly that something's going to go wrong?

Yes, even though I've got my 20w scan tomorrow and have been feeling movement for a couple of weeks now

I keep having slight period-y twinges. That's normal right?

Yes, your muscles and ligaments are stretching to accommodate your little bean. If they get really bad or you have any bleeding, contact the Early Pregnancy Unit at your local hospital

I'm supposed to be going out drinking with my girlfriends tomorrow night and I don't know what I'm going to say. I'm not ready to tell anyone yet until I'm certain all's going to be okay. WWYD?

A) cancel due to d+v, b) go but leave after an hour with a headache, c) tell one person you trust not to blab and get them to buy rounds with you all night, making sure your G+T has no G it!

How can I chill out?

Sign up for all the emails - Aptamil, Cow+Gate, NCT, MN - and get hold of some books. I find knowledge is power when I'm nervous!

Also, go to the ante natal section on here and find the club for the month you're due. Mine has been invaluable, knowing I'm not the only one to feel like i do

Congratulations

Phew! Thanks.

I've been feeling a bit crazy since I found out. It's such an odd feeling. I haven't had any symptoms really so sometimes I forget and then wonder if I've imagined the whole thing.

I'm dreading the nausea and puking bit. I think it might be in the post.

Also - headaches. I've been getting headaches on and off since I conceived (in hindsight it's all falling into place!).

Is that normal? Anyone else had this? They're a bit like hangover headaches. I haven't been taking any painkillers for them since I found out. So I'm suffering a bit today. I'm guessing it's the hormones?

Ha that's funny as my Midwife said to me that being pregnant is like one long hangover, headaches, general aches, feeling sick, dizzyness

Enjoy

Possibly TMI but I just went for a wee and when i wiped i saw the tiniest, faintest pinkish tinge. I actually went and stood by the window with my pissy tissue so I could see it in daylight. But it was the faintest, faintest pink. I've had this a few times now. Should I be worried?

Headaches are unfortunately also fairly common. You can take paracetamol. I got one of those forehead sticks - didn't necessarily get rid of it, but gave a nice cooling, astringent feeling. When they got bad I took paracetamol. You may be lucky and not get the nausea and sickness. Watch out for heartburn later on though - Gaviscon has been my saviour!

OP, you can take paracetamol if you need to. Am same no of weeks along and feel very similar! Pop over to the due in March 2013 antenatal thread!

Will do Hitchingal. But NHS calculator said I was due in Feb??? Either the 19th or the 23rd (I wasn't too sure how long my cycle is).

No, dont worry about the pink marks babe. It is most likely discharge of somekind, which is very very normal. The whole ph balance changes 'down below' when you're pregnant. Don't worry about it. x

You'll be given a proper due date when you go to your first scan.

Sorry, forgot to say congratulations!! Yay!

congratulations.

Yes, that's all normal.

i refused to belive i was really pregnant until the 12 week scan (long back story).

tell your girl friends antibiotics ( and then if you feel sick, you can blame that on the antibiotics too). Any of them who've had kids will work it out very quickly and usually helpfully not point out any inconsistencies until you're ready to speak up.

About the bleeding (it is almost certainly nothing to worry about, but mention it to the Midwife anyway

Headaches, i used cooling forehead strips and they worked really well. Not attractive though but then i was already up the duff so not too worried about looking seductive.

any congratulations. It will get weirder!

Ah OK, you are a little ahead of me - I think due date is 02 March :-) the clubs are great! Good luck

Keep hydrated, the headaches may be because you aren't drinking enough, even if you are peeing constantly you need to drink loads and loads to ward off headaches and constipation.