Why do We take ‘Better’ Care of Ourselves as Women, when We are Pregnant?

by Nicole Ricketts, Childcare Worker, Goonellabah, Australia

There are many ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ for a woman when she is pregnant, as we all know. For example, most doctors will recommend that you stop drinking alcohol (or at least cut back significantly) and stop smoking while pregnant. More and more women are now doing this, as we understand more about the effects these things have on ourselves and on the baby.

But then, what happens after the baby is born or perhaps after we stop breastfeeding?

Very Early Signs of Pregnancy: My Breasts Told Me I Was Pregnant (Twice!)

I have been pregnant twice in my life and both times the first very early sign of these pregnancies came from my breasts.

My First Pregnancy (2007)

In my first pregnancy I knew I was pregnant a few days after conception:

• My breasts had grown larger, were more full and were very tender.
• They became so tender and the nipples so sensitive that wearing a bra was painful and not wearing a bra was painful.
• Having the shower water run over my nipples was almost unbearable.
• Lying on my stomach was not an option as any sort of pressure on my breasts was just not tolerable.
• Wearing tops over my bare breasts was difficult. The tops had to be very fitted so there was no movement across my nipples, as any friction from the material was excruciating.
• I also noticed that the veins in my breasts had become more prominent, my nipples had become larger and had darkened in colour. 

Being Pregnant – Putting Caring for Myself First

by Nicole Serafin, Age 41, Tintenbar, NSW

I had my first child at 35 years old and my second at 40. Actually, it was closer to 36 and 41 as my birthday was only a few days after both children were born.

I was not overly active during my pregnancies, however I was aware of the fact that having a baby would affect and possibly change my body. Changes affect everyone differently, so I was not sure how it would affect me, or even if it would. All I knew was that I had to be open to the possibilities and be flexible with what might be needed during and after that time.