A First-Time Mama’s Honest Reflection — My Journey at 27+ Weeks
Pregnancy is often described as a miracle — a time of glowing radiance and the beginning of life’s most beautiful chapter. And while all of that is true, as a first-time mum-to-be I’ve discovered that pregnancy is also layered with complexities we don’t always talk about.
It is not only a physical transformation but also an emotional journey filled with highs and lows. At times it feels overwhelming, isolating, and yet profoundly human. We often blame it on hormones, but I believe this stage is one of the most honest phases in a woman’s life. You are vulnerable, yet you have no choice but to push through for yourself and your baby. It can feel like a battle of two minds, and it is exhausting.
The Hidden Side of Pregnancy
From the moment those two lines appear on a test, everything changes. Suddenly, life is no longer just about me — it’s about the little being growing inside of me. Every decision, from the food I eat to how much I rest, feels heavy with responsibility.
With that responsibility comes fear. The quiet, persistent kind that shows up week after week. Is my baby okay? Am I doing enough? What if something goes wrong? Each trimester brings its own set of questions and anxieties.
The truth is, pregnancy can feel lonely. Even when surrounded by love, the journey unfolds in your own body, in your own mind, and in your own heart. That isolation can feel heavy. Sometimes I feared my sadness would somehow be felt by my baby. I would whisper apologies as I held my belly — reminding her that my emotions were not about her, but about me trying to navigate this intense season of change.
Identity Crisis and Redefining Yourself
Moving to Switzerland before my pregnancy was already a big adjustment. I was still learning German, driving on the other side of the road, and figuring out how to build new friendships. Life here felt different from what I had imagined during past holidays. The social circles seemed smaller, tighter, and harder to break into.
Then I got pregnant, only three months after moving. Everything shifted. I was excited, but also conflicted. I had just started a new path in my career, but I quickly realised I did not have the energy or mental capacity to pursue it. Exhaustion took over, and my self-confidence plummeted. I felt like I had lost myself.
I turned to therapy to untangle my feelings. I learned that sometimes emotions do not reflect reality, even if they feel true in the moment. Therapy gave me valuable perspective, but I still wrestled with endless questions: Who am I becoming? What kind of mother will I be? Will I have a career after this? Will I still be me?
Eventually, I found a small group of other mamas here in Zurich. They shared their own struggles and fears, and in their stories, I felt less alone. That connection was a blessing.
The Pressure to Do Everything “Right”
As a mum-to-be, I often feel like I’m walking a tightrope. Nutrition, exercise, self-care, and mental health all compete for attention. Every meal becomes a calculation. Every craving a negotiation. Every workout a question: Is this safe?
There’s an unspoken pressure to be the “perfect pregnant woman” — glowing, graceful, endlessly patient. But the truth is messier. Some days exhaustion wins. Some days emotions spill over. And sometimes, showing up is the best I can do.
On days when I sleep in, guilt creeps in. I tell myself I should be walking more, stretching more, preparing more. But I’ve learned that guilt does not make me a better mother. What matters is trying, learning, and seeking support when I need it. Therapy has been a lifeline, and I’ve shared resources in another post here for anyone else looking for mental health support during pregnancy.
The Small Joys That Carry Us
Despite the fears and the doubts, pregnancy has its quiet joys that carry me forward. The first flutter of movement. The sound of a tiny heartbeat on the monitor. The way my body, even through discomfort, knows exactly what to do.
These small moments are reminders that while I may not have control over everything, there is beauty unfolding inside me — a miracle growing one day at a time.
Learning to Be Gentle With Myself
Perhaps the greatest lesson pregnancy has given me so far is the importance of grace. To let go of perfection. To accept that some days are harder than others. And to remember that my best — even when it feels imperfect — is enough.
Pregnancy is not just about preparing for a baby. It’s about becoming. Becoming stronger, more patient, more compassionate with myself. Becoming a mother.
A Note to Other Mamas
If you are walking this path too, I want you to know you’re not alone. It’s okay if you don’t feel glowing every day. It’s okay if you cry from the weight of it all. And it’s okay if your version of “doing your best” looks different from someone else’s.
This is a journey of resilience and love. And even in the moments of fear, isolation, or exhaustion — you are already enough. You are already a mother, showing up in the best way you can.
