We’ve all been there. And we’ve all asked “is this normal?”
As a first time mum there are times you find yourself sitting with the baby at 3am wondering if this really is what this so-called wonderful life as a parent is all about.
It’s meant to be incredible isn’t it? Joyous? Fun? Why am so damn tired all the time then? Why won’t the baby shut up?
Is this normal?
As more and more of my friends and family become parents themselves, I’ve noticed a pattern in the questions asked by first time mums.
Here is a list of the 20 most common ‘is this normal’ questions I get.
Pregnancy
1. Why so much discharge?
Your body is experiencing hormonal changes and there is increased blood flow to the area around your cervix. Discharge is normal and will increase prior to labour.
2. I have both red and white stretch marks, are these normal?
Normal, so normal. Different bodies react differently but all bodies in pregnancy are being stretched and the skin is tightening. Ignore the celebrities; most women get stretch marks
3. Argh! My hair is falling out.
Not as common as other pregnancy issues. Hair normally falls out after the birth but due to new hormones configurations hair falling out isn’t something you need to worry about.
4. I am petrified of giving birth, is this normal?
I think it would be weird if you weren’t worried about birth. Research your options and take a birth class to be prepared.
5. I’ve been having contractions for weeks – why isn’t the baby here yet?
Braxton Hicks contractions are perfectly normal in pregnancy and they are just your body’s sign it is preparing to give birth.
Post-birth
6. Should I really be bleeding this much?
There’s a reason those maternity pads are so freakin’ big. There’s going to be blood and lots of it. Most women bleed for up four-six weeks post-partum.
7. Why is my tummy still flabby and will this ‘flap’ ever go away?
Yes, you may still look six months pregnant after birth and no, that ‘tummy flap’ doesn’t generally just disappear over night.
8. I didn’t fall in love with my baby at first sight – am I a bad parent?
No! Absolutely not. Birth is not like the movies and bonding may take time.
9. It hurts to poo.
Yep, that happens when you push a baby out of your nether regions. Ask the hospital for some medication to help loosen your bowel movements.
10. When does the baby start DOING something?
Spoiler alert: babies are sometimes really boring. Sure they are cute and cuddly but sometimes you'll be asking yourself "is that it? Why doesn't it DO anything?" That's normal.