A blog post I wrote back in May 2018 was my highest viewed post last year so I had to bring it back and give it a revamp, the popular post, 10 Honest Truths About Pregnancy, is one of my faves I have ever written too. I am brutally honest and go into maybe too much detail. So here we are again, pregnant with baby number 2 this time and during a crazy worldwide pandemic. Great timing Katie! Here are my 10 honest truths about being pregnant during a pandemic, fun.

1. You don’t see anyone. No really. I first saw my midwife at 24 weeks, and now won’t see her again until gone 30 weeks. I am consultant led but won’t meet my consultant until 31 weeks too.
2. It’s lonely. I know everyone is lonely and this is no different really, except for the extra hormones and actual human being living in my body. The extra hormones really do make a difference though.
3. No one has seen me pregnant. If it wasn’t for me being a blogger/influencer and posting about my pregnancy, hardly anyone would have seen my bump by now. Literally less than a handful of people.
4. Unless you’re in dire need to see someone you have to fend for yourself. I had 2 episodes of bleeding and unless it was “a substantial” loss of blood or tissue I was not allowed to visit the hospital. This is completely different to Elaras pregnancy (which I also had a few episodes of bleeding with) where they took me in and monitored and put my mind at ease each time.
5. It’s quiet. Usually when your waiting for a scan the waiting room is buzzing with chats and there are people standing there are that many of your crammed in but now each chair is socially distanced and with no partners allowed unless for the 12 or 20 week scans its so empty.
6. The joy of simple things has been taken away. The joy of trying out prams, of shopping for little baby clothes, all gone because you simply cannot shop in person for these things now.
7. No one touches your tummy. In my last blog post I mentioned that you’re constantly touched and you feel like Budda with your round tummy; but this time around everyone is socially distanced and no one comes near you. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, just different.
8. It flies by. Now I’m not sure if this is a second pregnancy while looking after a toddler or if its because time is just shooting by with no real distinction between months.
9. Scary. The anxiety during this pandemic is hard but while carrying another little human and not really knowing how it can effect them its even harder. I can say this because obviously I was not pregnant during the first lockdown and I can definitely say I am way more anxious now.
10. Serious FOMO (fear of missing out) on my pregnancy. No pregnancy classes. No cute pregnancy photoshoots. No chance to show off cute outfits and bump. Being pregnant is such a special time and it just feels like it’s been robbed away from me. Now that I am off work too I’m not leaving the house at all and its just all so surreal.

Remember we are all in the same storm but we are all not in the same boat. Some are in their multi million dollar yachts and some have been make shift rafts. I am so thankful I have a safe and warm home to stay in with my little family and that I still have a steady income coming in. I know I am luckier than most but that doesn’t deter from the fact that this is different and surreal from everyone; some cope better than others but Mental Health has taken a huge hit for everyone over this last year now.

I really hope that 2021 is the year that we return to our lives. If you’re struggling please reach out. There will ALWAYS be someone to help. MIND are a fab charity that can help.

Katie x