There are many reasons you might be completely surprised by a positive pregnancy test and it can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. After you’ve accepted the fact that it’s the real deal, it can feel overwhelming. All those things you worry about anyway as a mother can hit you double hard when contemplating another baby. More money, more doctor visits, more school books, more clothes, more sleepless nights! But mixed in with the anxiety is always joy. Joy because when all is said and done, another soul has come into the world. Joy because God is at work again, and you’re a part of it!
Here are a few things that can help you adjust to the big news in a positive and joyful way:
Enjoy the good things. Indulge in the joys of pregnancy as soon as you can – fun things like making lists of baby names, shopping for tiny diapers (cloth, anyone?) and relaxing with an interesting pregnancy book or magazine. Join support groups with other expectant mothers or chat with other expecting friends over the phone, on Facebook, etc. Google “the best things about pregnancy” for an emotional pick-me-up.
Stay away from party poopers. There’s a lady in my neighborhood that would welcome news of a pregnancy with raised eyebrows and accusatory questions like “So how many more are you gonna have?” Steer clear of wet blankets like that who will rob you of your joy and sow the seeds of doubt. Share your news with people who will encourage and support you. 🙂
Prioritize and organize. There are many things in life that help to get us motivated. A baby is definitely one of them. Use the next nine months to get more organized, adjust your schedule, improve the family budget or redecorate your house. No mother wants to bring a brand new baby into clutter and chaos, right?
Don’t fear change. Life is ever-changing and that means no family ever stays the same. Having another baby can be one of many things that will change your family dynamic over the years. Try to develop an attitude of openness when it comes to what the future may hold and you won’t feel so blindsided when a surprise comes.
Improve Yourself. Remember how much time you spent getting ready for your wedding? A big event like that is the impetus for improvement. When there’s a tiny baby inside who’s depending on you for everything, suddenly it becomes more important to eat well, be active and get some rest. You can change inside, too. Cultivating patience, prudence and generosity will help you prepare you for the demands of motherhood.
Now, it’s one thing to see that positive result on a pregnancy test, but actually holding your new baby in your arms? Incredible!
I would love to hear about the moment you knew you were a mother, and all the things you felt. Happy Mother’s Day to you all! You’re doing one of the most important “jobs” on this Earth!
Party poopers are everywhere lol. I vividly remember the shock of finding out I was pregnant 15 yrs after having my boy. Hubby and I were completely blown away. And then all the people with that ONE question….why such a huge age gap?
My girl is here (2.5 yrs old now), and we couldn’t be happier!
It’s so much easier (and nicer) just to say “Congratulations!” lol Thanks for sharing your story! ~Anne
exactly lol.
We have been joyfully surprised but not totally shocked with either of our babies. Now we’ve been “trying” (aka not preventing) for a baby for about 5 months and I keep wishing I’ll see that positive!! It wouldn’t be a surprise but would sure be exciting! 🙂
Joyfully surprised – I love how you worded that! ~Anne
Those days are long past for me now. I was only 18 when I had my first child and sooo not ready. I was 28 for my second and it was easier.
As a woman who waited 10 years to hear she was pregnant, I would have loved this surprise!
Wow, Terri, what a challenge that must have been for you! ~Anne
I was told I shouldn’t have gotten pregnant so easily w/ my first son & that a second probably wouldn’t happen due to an “abnormality” in my uterus. Imagine my shock when I was at a follow up ultra sound for an ovarian cyst, when the nurse said,”your cyst has healed completely, but I think there is a baby in there”! Talk about shock & disbelief! The Lord had a plan the doctors knew nothing about! And I’m so thankful!
Maggie, that is an incredible story! I love the way God works in the background, even when science has virtually closed the door. ~Anne
Amen Anne!
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:27
April 4th was the day I officially found out I was pregnant. I’ll never forget that date! Even though I had a feeling I was , and my husband didn’t believe me (HA) the pregnancy test confirmed it! He was very excited, and I , truthfully, was filled with mixed emotions. I was happy though, but thought it was too soon. We had only been married for about 5 months (honeymoon baby??? ), and I had all these plans for the first couple years of being married. God had greater, and better plans for us 🙂 and I’m so thankful that he did 🙂 A new baby can be stressful, but with your trust in the Lord, all those worries will work itself out! 🙂
Isn’t it amazing how adaptable we can be to change? You just can’t deny that positive result and so you’ve gotta make way for baby! I remember seeing something like this and it made me laugh out loud: “Make plans, and God laughs.” 🙂 ~Anne
Oh, and “Steer clear of wet blankets like that…” LOL I laughed way too hard!