When I was pregnant with my first son, I remember feeling everything all at once; excited, nervous, hopeful, completely in love with someone I hadn’t even met yet, and to be honest, overwhelmed.

I had the prenatal vitamins, the baby books, the nursery inspo, and my registry. I tracked the weekly fruit-size update but still, there were moments when I would burst into tears for no reason. Like when I couldn’t find a comfortable position to sleep or when someone casually said, “You have no idea how tired you’re about to be.”

I didn’t realize how hard it would be to accept my changing body,  to outgrow my favorite jeans, to feel so unlike myself and yet more connected to myself than ever before.

Pregnant and Overwhelmed

No one really prepares you for the quiet in-between moments like standing in the baby aisle at Target wondering if you actually need a wipe warmer, or sitting at your OB appointments while your mind is racing with thoughts like, Will I be a good mom? Will my relationship change? Will I still feel like me?

I would google things all the time like, “Can I eat goat cheese?”, “Is it normal to feel sad during pregnancy?”, “How do I ask for help without sounding dramatic?” as my doubt and fears continued as everything started to feel more real. 

What I have realized now that I have 2 kids, is that a lot of people feel this way and google the same types of things, they just don’t talk about it. No one wants to seem “too nervous” or “not ready to be a mom”, so we keep some of these things inside. 

And if I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be this, “You’re not alone. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just doing something really big. It’s okay to be scared but you are going to be okay.” 

How Bumpdate Changed My Second Pregnancy

Bumpdate was born out of this exact season; the messy, emotional, in-between space where you’re growing a baby and also growing into a new version of yourself. The many appointments and milestones that feel SO big to you, especially during your first pregnancy, that deserve to be celebrated. 

During my first pregnancy, I would remind a few people of my doctor’s appointments or when I hit a new trimester, but more often I wouldn’t really tell anyone. I would just go and that would be that. But with my second pregnancy, we had already created Bumpdate, and I wish I could go back and compare the number of “Good Luck!” texts and “I’m thinking of you” well-wishes I got due to Bumpdate versus during my first pregnancy when I didn’t have it. My mental health was better, I felt more connected to my village, and I felt seen this time around. 

If you haven’t learned about the ways that Bumpdate can help you feel supported using your pregnancy, here are the basics:

With Bumpdate, you can:

• Share your pregnancy trimester, expected due date, and upcoming doctor’s appointments with your close circle
• Invite the people who support you to connect on the app and they will receive weekly reminders of how to best support you on your journey
• Read stories of other moms and people from the Bumpdate community to feel connected
• Browse mental health resources that can help you when the struggle is real
• Product recommendation, discounts and perks on the best baby brands

To The Pregnant Mama Out There

I just want to say, I see you. I see you tossing and turning at night because there’s no such thing as a comfortable sleep position anymore. I see you trying to act like everything’s fine when your back hurts and your emotions are bubbling over.v I see you holding so much love and also so much fear at the same time.

This is big and beautiful, and also hard sometimes, but you’re not doing it alone, even if it feels that way.

If you’re looking for a softer place to land, a way to stay connected and supported without having to remind people to check on you, Bumpdate is for you. We made it because we’ve been there, and we believe you deserve just as much care as your baby does.

Download the Bumpdate app by clicking HERE and start building your support system today,  because this journey was never meant to be walked alone. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.

For another blog on feeling supported during pregnancy, read, “Social Support During Conception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum“.