Heidr\u00e8 and her fianc\u00e9, Razheed, had always wanted a baby. Though they didn\u2019t know much about parenthood, the couple decided to embrace the journey wholeheartedly. \u201cWe blindly went for it \u2013 and here we are,\u201d she says with a laugh.<\/p>\n
Oakleigh is the first grandchild in the family, and her arrival brought immense joy. From her grandfather, who was set on naming her Simon before even knowing the gender, to the endless love and excitement from family and friends, the anticipation was unforgettable.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy pregnancy journey was nothing short of amazing \u2013 the support from my loved ones made it all worthwhile. Their excitement and love were definitely some of my favourite moments,\u201d she reflects.<\/p>\n
However, as joyful as the experience was, it also came with waves of anxiety. Heidr\u00e8 says this began when her pregnancy started showing. She recalls facing judgmental stares in public and feeling like people were questioning her age. As a petite woman, these quiet criticisms slowly chipped away at her confidence.<\/p>\n
The stress and anxiety she felt during gynaecologist visits were indescribable. \u201cThe questions racing through your head \u2013 \u2018Is the baby okay?\u2019 \u2018Is she growing well?\u2019 \u2018Please, let there be no complications.\u2019 But nothing compares to that relief when you walk out with good news,\u201d she shares.<\/p>\n
Social media didn\u2019t make things any easier for her. The moment she fell pregnant, her algorithm flooded with pregnancy content \u2013 equal parts inspiring and terrifying. Birth complications, horror stories, and emotional videos left her lying awake at night.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mom, fianc\u00e9, and loved ones kept me sane. Their constant reassurance \u2013 \u2018The baby is fine, you\u2019re going to be okay\u2019 \u2013 got me through. It kept me going, made me excited for birth, and for the adventure of raising a child,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Still, the emotional toll of pregnancy was undeniable. Mood swings became a constant companion, and Heidr\u00e8 admits she sometimes felt guilty for being short-tempered with those closest to her. It took time to accept this as part of the journey \u2013 and to let herself receive the love and care she deserved.<\/p>\n
\u201cPregnancy brings excitement, but also anxiety and emotional challenges. Beyond the cute outfits and joyful moments, the worries about your health and your baby\u2019s wellbeing are very real \u2013 and can feel overwhelming. It affects your mental health, so it\u2019s crucial to acknowledge these feelings without feeling pressured to meet others\u2019 expectations,\u201d she advises.<\/p>\n
In the early stages of pregnancy, Heidr\u00e8 stresses the importance of setting clear boundaries and filtering out unsolicited advice or outdated superstitions. She believes this proactive approach is crucial for managing anxiety and safeguarding mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving a circle of trusted loved ones from the start makes all the difference, \u201d she adds. \u201cTheir support can completely transform your pregnancy journey for the better.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay to feel every emotion, good or bad. It must be felt and normalised. No one will know how to help if you put up a fa\u00e7ade that you are okay, because you do not want to show your emotions. Support is better when those around you know your true feelings,\u201d she concludes.<\/p>\n
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Heidr\u00e8 Malgas is a proud mother to Oakleigh Minnie, her smart and feisty two-year-old daughter. Her journey into motherhood was filled with joy, unexpected challenges, and important lessons about mental health during pregnancy. She shares more about how she has overcome the tough moments \u2013 and why every step makes motherhood worthwhile. Heidr\u00e8 and her […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":124,"featured_media":19579,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,40],"tags":[8150,8149],"class_list":{"0":"post-19578","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kids","8":"category-people","9":"tag-heidre-malgas","10":"tag-mental-health-in-the-bump-a-first-time-mothers-journey-through-pregnancy"},"yoast_head":"\n