The feeling behind a positive pregnancy result is indescribable. Do you remember the moment you found out you were carrying a little person (or more) inside of you? How did you feel? I know that some pregnancies can be tough to get through and some are easy breezy with no issues at all. Maybe you planned it; waited for a while before conceiving or maybe it just happened or some other reason. In any case, being pregnant can be a rollercoaster mix of multiple emotions. Reasons and feelings in pregnancy vary from person to person and I finally feel the courage to share my personal story. Prior to the conception of our first child, I battled with depression and had to take antidepressants, even throughout my pregnancies. Much more on this story will be unraveled as part of my testimony under the category, “Trying to Conceive”. If you or someone you know is struggling to conceive, I hope this post oozes encouragement and patience to wait on God’s perfect time, while caring for your body in every way.
My Experience
I still recall, clearly, that special day in April 2020, when I saw those two pink lines on the pregnancy test stick. This was neither my first, second, nor third test, (which had all been negative by the way). So, you can imagine my delight on finally seeing a positive result. It definitely triggered a lot of common emotions associated with this moment. I was immensely happy and excited that our prayers had been answered. The positive test result, to me, was God’s way of telling us that we were finally ready and empowered for a new life chapter. Having waited a number of years after marriage for this miraculous conception to manifest, I could not help but feel very grateful to be housing a little growing human. I had to pinch myself because I really could not believe I was going to be a mother at last! It was a surreal moment. You would understand this feeling if conception did not happen so easily.
I felt overwhelmed with different emotions because I knew my life (and body) were going to change forever, but I was ready because God said I was. 😊
Sharing the good news
After a week of the absence of my monthly period, I bravely decided to buy a home kit and test. I did this reluctantly because deep down, I knew that if the result was negative, it would crush me. (This should give you an inkling of how much I wanted this). My husband had stepped out when I decided to check and subsequently break the exciting news to him on his return. I embedded the positive pregnancy result in a shoebox and wrapped it with a gift wrap (call me Mrs Romantic. Lol). When he got back, I presented it to him and watched as he unwrapped it until he unveiled the surprise. This moment is still fresh in my mind. We laughed, hugged, cried and prayed and then hugged again. It was a beautiful moment. We then shared the news with family. The next thing I did was call up my doctor to set up my first appointment. Then, it was prenatal visits, lifestyle adjustments, and making preparations for the baby’s arrival.
Research-based Fact
Depression in pregnancy
It is commonplace for individual women to experience a merry-go-round of emotions during their pregnancy. So, our research-based focus is on antenatal and postnatal depression. In simple terms, the former is depression during pregnancy, while the latter is depression experienced after the birth of the baby. Antenatal depression must be treated as early as detected to minimize the realization of postnatal depression.
If you feel like you’re going through depression, that is accompanied by hopelessness and deep sadness, kindly seek help immediately. Depression is not a death sentence; you can come out of it! The support of a partner, family, and friends can play a crucial role in the road to recovery. The NHS explains symptoms; treatment; self-help measures; and psychological therapy for depression. There is also reference of antidepressants, as well as important links for further support. Additionally, in one of my best Bible scriptures, Philippians 4:6-7, God commands us not to be anxious about anything… but to give Him all our problems. Then, He will decorate our heart and mind with peace! This is a powerful faith booster which gives divine strength.
Dear moms, how did you feel when you found out you were pregnant? Have you battled depression at any stage of your life – before, during or after pregnancy? How did you deal with or overcome it?