Guest Pregnancy Journal – 14 Weeks
This honest and candid reflection from a second-time Mum explores how her first pregnancy, induction and Caesarean birth shaped her experience this time around.
From hospital stress and exhaustion to choosing an elective C-section, this is a powerful story about perspective, healing, and surviving not thriving.
Her First Pregnancy & Birth Experience
My first pregnancy, I was really sick until 23 weeks and got into a really bad headspace.
I wasn’t excited. I felt guilty. I felt like I would be punished for not feeling grateful enough and that something would happen to the baby. It sounds ridiculous now, but I couldn’t help it.
When the sickness finally lifted, it was like I could see clearly again. My whole mindset shifted.
Towards the end of my pregnancy, Olivia dropped from the 35th percentile at 32 weeks to the 11th percentile at 36 weeks. From that point I was in hospital multiple times a week being monitored.
The communication was shocking. I’d be sent home, then called back and told off for leaving. It was stressful and confusing.
Olivia’s heart rate fluctuated. When I was home I barely slept, constantly checking for movement.
At 38 weeks I was induced. After three long days of induction attempts, I was exhausted. Eventually we made the decision to move forward with a Caesarean section.
It wasn’t traumatic. It was long and tiring. We were calm. Her heart rate was stable. Mine was too.
She was born at 2.4kg — tiny but perfect and healthy.
She is now in the 95th percentile and beautifully chunky.
This Pregnancy Feels Different
This time I’ve opted for an elective C-section. I like knowing when baby is coming. I’m not nervous about it.
My headspace is so much better. I know the sickness ends. I know the reward.
Olivia lights up our world. I didn’t know it was possible to love something so much it physically hurts.
The idea of that love doubling… I don’t know how my heart won’t just ache forever in the best way.
14 Weeks Pregnant – Baby is the Size of a Peach
Weight: 95.4kg
Cravings: Salty chips and potato
I’ve been feeling…
Over it.
I have an eight month old daughter and being this sick and tired is awful. I feel like I can’t give her my full self because I have to take it easy.
I’m most excited about…
Meeting the little bean. I just want to know what you look like.
I’m most nervous about…
Sleepless nights again.
I’m starting to think about…
Names and nursery decorations.
The worst symptoms have been…
Headaches, nausea and exhaustion.
The best part of my week has been…
A HSP for lunch. It’s the small things.
When I wonder about the gender…
I think it would be lovely for my daughter to have a little sister, but it would also be beautiful to have one of each. We find out in two weeks.
How I’m going with diet, exercise, sleep, stress and other health goals…
Health goals are a little out the window right now. Lockdown in Melbourne hasn’t helped.
I’m surviving, not thriving — and that has to be enough for now.
If I could say anything to my baby right now it would be…
I cannot wait to meet you. All of this is worth it.
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Want to Record Your Own Pregnancy Journey?
Our guided Pregnancy Journal gives space for the full story — including birth reflections, medical experiences and the mental load that often goes unspoken.
If you would like to share your story anonymously, email megan@forgetmenotjournals.com.