Well, hello to you, my reader chums! Pregnant mamas, I see and hear you. As I'm now in the third trimester, I can confidently discuss my experience with pregnancy, including the highs and lows, and how my feelings have evolved throughout the journey. 

One thing I've loved about this process is that other pregnant women or mothers have reassured me with their kind words, either in person or through messages I've seen online, which have made me feel better about myself and less guilty about slowing down and taking a step back. I'm sharing some reassuring reminders to hear if you're pregnant.

It's okay and important to rest

Rest is one of the most important things you can do while you're pregnant. If you're a particularly active person or always feel the need to be productive, slowing down and resting brings its own challenges. Let me assure you, though: you need the rest. I know it can be hard to take a step back and rest and prioritise that, but it can really benefit your physical and mental wellbeing.

I'm a 'I must get everything done right now' type person, so leaning into slowing down, napping more, spending more time watching TV and having restful mornings isn't in my nature. But, by reassuring myself and hearing from people around me that it's okay to rest, really gave me the confidence to lean into that and prioritise my body.

You're growing an entire human; give yourself some grace

In case nobody has told you today: growing an entire human is hard work, probably the hardest thing you'll ever do - give yourself a break. If you need to sit down more, sleep more, eat more or say no to plans, that's okay. It's okay if you've done nothing else today other than rest. Growing a human is a lot of work, and that can take all of your energy, which is you being productive. 

Everyone experiences pregnancy differently

Don't compare your pregnancy to everyone else, and also try and avoid taking on board what other people have experienced in pregnancy and tell you, as we're all different. If your friend wasn't sick and you were, if you're in more pain and someone else isn't, if you're hating it and someone is loving it - avoid making comparisons. We're all different; our journey is different. Appreciate and embrace yours, however it looks. You're doing your best, whatever you're going through.

You're valid in all of your emotions

Your emotions are valid, whatever you're feeling. I think we're told that we should be happy and excited, and all the good feelings constantly, when we're pregnant, but that's not a reality. Pregnancy is hard; there are lots of body changes, you don't feel like yourself, and it's a constant source of anxiety. Whatever you're feeling, that's okay. Don't beat yourself up if you're complaining, feeling negative thoughts or not enjoying the process. If those thoughts are bordering on dangerous, though, please talk to a professional. 

It's okay to feel like you're 'moaning'

I didn't think I'd moan as much as I have in pregnancy, but every day or week, something new is happening, new symptoms, pains and emotions. It's okay to let all that honest emotion out and explain how you're feeling, rather than keep it all in.

You're doing an incredible job

Applause for you: you're smashing it. Whatever you're going through today in pregnancy, whether it's good or bad, you're doing an incredible job.

You look amazing

Just know, you look incredible. You're doing brilliantly and you're thriving, mama, you've got this. Take it easy, practice self-love and prioritise your feelings.

I hope you enjoyed this post. How far along in your pregnancy are you?

Thank you for reading <3