If you're just starting out a pregnancy, you're in for the experience of your life. Even though you may be suffering though morning sickness and wonder if this is really for you, it is!

The having of a baby is the most wonderful, exciting, challenging, process that a woman will ever go through. You and your husband may be very close, and I hope you are, and you appreciate his support, but you basically have to do alone, with the Lords help.

I have learned more about life and living and the true value in it, since, and partially because of, having our children. Even though you may feel down or moody, fat and frumpy, you are accomplishing something beautiful. You are helping a miracle to happen, new life. Pregnancy and birth is truly a miracle, if you really think of it. Cells are multiplying on and on to produce a unique human being. You are a major part in this miracle. In order for the miracle to be even greater, to produce a healthy person, your help is needed. Be careful of the things that you put into that miracle machine, your body. This is not just your body now. You are learning to share, by sharing your body with another helpless, growing human being.

During a few of my pregnancies I've had to have an ultra sound early on to make sure that the baby was growing properly and all was OK. when I started having my children ultra sounds were only used if there were a problem or a suspected problem. Now they are widely used. It always amazed me though, even after a few months, that the multiplying group of cells looked like a baby. It was a baby! I've been through this process thirteen times and it still is amazing to me.

From the starting point, 9 months seems so far away. When you get to that 9th month mark, it will have seemed to fly by. The most important thing that you can do during that time is to prepare well for your baby. The more you can relax and try to enjoy your pregnancy, the more you will be helping your baby too.

It's natural to feel a little scared and apprehensive. This is a new experience. You're also having to deal with hormone levels that are changing constantly, sometimes I've had a hard time dealing with all of these hormonal fluctuations. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. But we all survive it and grow from it.

Anticipation of childbirth is also an unknown item if this is your first. It can be kind of scary to think about. I wondered if I would know when labor started, if I would know what to do. 

If this isn't your first pregnancy, you have memories of your previous births. This can be a help or hindrance, depending on your last pregnancy experiences. Each child, I remembered earlier and earlier the experience. Sometimes, I thought I must be crazy to knowingly go through the labor again. When I had my 12th baby, they just left me in the labor room because it was my 12th child. The baby was posterior and the labor went on and on. It really was my worse labor experience. When I had my 13th child, almost three years later, I was still upset about that experience and informed the nurses that they were not to just forget about me. Every pregnancy is different, just as every child is different, believe me I know.

I have learned even more how wise the Lord is.... He planned it so that a woman get so uncomfortable that she is willing to go through almost anything to give birth, to get the baby out. But to see the whole process is truly a MIRACLE!!!!

Being a mother is one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. I am so glad that I chose to go through the discomfort and pain, so I could have my children. I hope you will find JOY in the process of this miracle called birth!

I'd be happy to hear from you too Email. In the mean time, enjoy your pregnancy. This is a great adventure!!