u/shady_lady36

My partner and I are expecting our first in Feb. It took us almost two years of trying and some surgery for me to get our positive pregnancy test and we’re super excited!

We’ve also recently purchased a new home and when the weather warms up we’ll have a housewarming/pregnancy celebration. There will be no expectations for gifts for the baby, but knowing many of our family and friends, they will bring gifts. I have been to heaps of baby showers with gift registries and it seems like a sensible way of making sure there are no double ups and you actually get items that you need. However, I’m a bit hesitant to do it because I don’t want it to seem like we are expecting people to buy us things or it be perceived as tacky/rude. Personally, I’ve found it helpful when other people have had registries.

Just wanted to get people’s thoughts on whether it’s a good idea or if it’s better/more socially acceptable to avoid.

TIA xx

I found out about two weeks ago that I’m pregnant with my first. My partner and I had been trying for almost two years and were about to do our first cycle of IVF. I had literally purchased the meds and was ready to start injecting after my period arrived, but it never did.

Initially, I was incredibly excited and overjoyed! I am still very happy and grateful to be pregnant but now my main feeling is anxiety. I have a history of chronic anxiety, so perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised.

My main source of worry is the logistics and practicalities of becoming a parent. My partner and I have just purchased a new home and now I am terrified about how we will make it work (although we sought financial planning that factored in children, I am still fretting about cash flow). I feel awful that my main concerns are about practical things like money, navigating work and family, and I have been less anxious about things like miscarriage.

I have read that stress and anxiety can impact your baby. I’m really focusing on lowering my stress and anxiety with exercise and mindfulness. I’ve also been open with loved ones about how I am feeling and I am being well supported by my husband and sister. I see my GP again next week and will speak to them about it too.

I just wanted to see what others’ experiences have been? Particularly people with a history of anxiety. I don’t want this exciting time in our lives to be overshadowed by my anxiety.