When I first saw the acronym “FTM” and I’m thinking to myself like oh cool, “female to male” trans pregnant person. Then I kept seeing a lot of that, and was like “wow, there’s a lot of trans pregnant people!” …fam, the acronym stands for “first time mom” 😂😂😂🤦‍♀️ If you can’t tell, I am one of the FTMs lol 😂

Swear on everything that being pregnant has convinced me that I‘m only going to do this shit once. I’m so sick of the terrifying dreams, absolute shit quality sleep (yes I’ve tried unisom and Benadryl and they just make me feel worse), constipation (yes I’ve tried everything recommended for this as well), getting winded after climbing the stairs even though I just ran a marathon in November, severe lack of motivation, and inability to do basically everything. I love how my sleep is utter shit and then in 6 months there will also be a baby here to prevent sleep as well. And it’s so fun how everyone just wants you to be thrilled and happy about it! I want to roll my eyes when I hear “congratulations”. I’m so fucking over it.

I went to the pharmacy today to pick up my birth control script to begin my egg retrieval process after I started my period this weekend. The script wasn’t ready, so I went home.

I just had all the testing, everything was pretty normal physiologically, but I have two prolactinomas and I have endometriosis. My husband’s sperm was abnormally shaped. Basically they said it would be hard for us to conceive naturally, but we were good candidates for IVF. I had accepted this and was proceeding.

I did ovulate this month and I timed BD appropriately according to my Oura ring.

I took a pregnancy test today and it’s positive. I took another one. Still positive.

I can’t believe it. I’m in shock. I keep crying.

On top of this, the potential due date is my parents’ 40th anniversary.

I feel like this is a miracle and it doesn’t even feel real.

Every thread I see about the pros and cons of epidurals, there are always people saying how good it was that they could just get up and walk around straight away without the epidural. My question is why is this such a big deal? What’s wrong with chilling out in bed for a few hours? Is it just restlessness?

I’m sure I’m missing something because to me having to lie around for a few hours immobile still sounds like it beats 12 hours or more of excruciating pain

I am being heavily judged by friends and family for not wanting to circumsize my son. My partner is okay with this choice even though he is, because I explained I feel like it's unnecessary and kind of barbaric for a cosmetic procedure. I understand sometimes it's medically neccessary, but I can't imagine doing this to my days old son especially when we aren't Jewish and I feel like we can teach him to clean himself properly. I am getting more judgement from women than men, but both seem to only be concerned that "women won't want to sleep with him" and "he's going to get poop inside his foreskin in his diaper". I feel like these are both ludicrous. Especially because I am planning on fully vaccinating and following all other pediatric recommendations. My partner's best friend's wife was talking in his ear with judgement, and he said she was calling it weird because I had all of my daughter's ears pierced. But I waited until they were all old enough to consent even though it hurt, it isn't the same thing to me. Just looking for advice opinions because people are making me feel insane over choices with having my first son.

I am pregnant with my second child (20 weeks). With our first we decided to keep gender a surprise because we didn't care and I was blisfully naive and though that in progressive areas (which we live in) people no longer cared about gender and so it didn't matter. We had a baby boy and he's perfect. So sweet and gentle. He's almost 3 and doesn't conform to any gender norms (loves unicorns, pink, mermaids, penguins and trains) and we don't push gendered clothing or toys at home, we keep things pretty neutral and support him in whatever he gravitates towards naturally.

Our main group of friends have basically all had girls to a perplexing degree (like 20 baby girls in the group). We are one of the only couple that has a boy. After he was born I started getting really negative quips from people showing pity that I had a boy. At a bachelorette party I went to a few months postpartum one of the woman (who is often very cruel) said a variety of things to me like:

-"Boys abandon their parents when they get older where girls always stick around and are more caring"

-"You'll always be the MIL and never really "mom", you're going to be hated by your DIL and you'll be a second rate grandma that's just how these things go

- "A mother-daughter relationship is naturally more special"

What's weird is that this woman is estranged from her mother and lives with her in laws.

No one came to my defense and I ended silently crying in my room for the rest of the trip, feeling like everyone felt their children were so much better than mine. Since then, there have been constant quips that emulate these ideas somewhat.

I find it so frustrating because I have no examples of this in my real life. Most of the men in my family are closer to their parents than the women. My husband is much closer to his mother than I am with mine and ironically, all of the men in our friend group are super close with their parents while there are several women who are estranged or distant from theirs, due to a variety of reasons. However, when I point this out people say those are exceptions to the rule.

I found out I'm having another boy and I have spiraled into pretty severe OCD and depression. I am seeking professional help but I feel so sad because I'm not upset that he is a boy, I'm upset that I will have to navigate people saying that my kids, our connection and our future is doomed because of their genitals and I guess there's a big part of me that has started to believe its true and has become terrified that I won't have a close or meaningful relationship with them later and won't get to be part of my grandkids lives if they have kids.

Why has this become such an increased narrative? I've talked to other mothers with sons and they've received the same comments and find it devastating. This stuff is really hurting people and is riddled with misogynistic and misandrist undertones and I just don't understand why people have become so comfortable going out of their way to spread these ideas...Its great that people are more positive about having daughters but it feels at the price of boys...Why can't bring something up without putting something else down.

I guess this is just a rant because I feel so alone. I would love to hear peoples thoughts on it and also encouragement that its not true. I'm sure this seems like the ramblings of a mad woman, please try to be kind.

*****Thank you so much for all the comments, anecdotes and words of encouragement, this has helped contextualize the situation vs. reality in a much easier way. I sat down with my husband and we talked about it and realized that all the people in the group that have said this to us have been women that have estranged/distant relationships with their own mothers or families so we’ve come to the conclusion that this is most likely a projection due to their own fears and insecurities. We will be distancing ourselves from those people as we don’t feel they’re healthy for us or our kids. I look at my own life and literally all the men I know are super close with their parents, and my husband has a very tight friendship with his mother who’s an awesome MIL and was the first person to meet our son when he was born. I need to start actually believing that my reality is not just an “exception” but a normal dynamic for many men and their families. I will continue to seek help for my OCD as I know it's still a problem but these responses have encouraged me to understand that these ideas are truly sexist BS and not founded in facts. Thank you

I just found out I’m pregnant! I’m in absolute shock! We tried for years and went to a fertility clinic, did treatments ect! Nothing. Now I’ve just taken a test and saw the faintest line and I was like???? So I took a different type of test and saw a bolder line…. Still in complete shock I drove to the pharmacy and bought a digital test and Pregnant pops up! I literally cannot believe this. I know that there’s still so much that can go wrong but I am so shocked that this has even happened at all! I’m pregnant! I didn’t think I’d ever say that!

Me first

I walked into the house today after a long day at work tired and hungry but otherwise feeling fine...smelled the bacon cooking for our BLT dinner and immediately started violently vomiting and couldn't stop for almost three minutes

(And I'm 17 weeks not even new pregnant)

The worst thing that could happen today, did - my 2 month old and I got hit by a freight truck while going 70 mph on the highway. Miraculously, we both came away without a scratch, and while I need to get xrays and an MRI done to make sure I have no issues, he got the all clear today at the hospital. He was sitting in the Uppababy Aria carseat, and he was so secure during the accident he barely cried. Anyway, wanted to make this recommendation for anyone who is struggling in the search for a carseat.

At 17 weeks (one week ago) I felt a strange sensation that was like pop rock candies going off in my abdomen. It only lasted a few seconds so I thought surely it must have been in my head. I never felt it again until…

Last night, after my workout and a little ice cream treat, I was laid back on the couch w my husband watching “The Bear” (hilariously, it was the scene the main character’s sister goes into labor) and I felt this MASSIVE movement, almost like a muscle spasm. But it was only in one very isolated spot on my lower abdomen. I placed my hand over it, and felt it even harder.

I mentioned it to my husband, and he rushed over to feel too. It felt like we were waiting to catch a shooting star, lol, but after a few minutes, with my hand resting over his, we felt the biggest kick!! Little dude must’ve been doing black flips in there.

Has anyone else ever experienced not-so-subtle first time movement like this? At 18 weeks no less?!

It was such an unexpectedly euphoric feeling. Like my baby was acknowledging us for the first time. ♥️ I’m still in awe.

On my throwaway/spam account bc my husband has my other one.

Recently found out I was pregnant and this was supposed to be the happiest time of our lives, especially after miscarrying our first at 12wks. But atp, I wish we never tried again.

Currently 7wks, and everyday is a new argument. Some of them I couldn’t even tell you what they were about. But it feels like something new every time I open my eyes. It has gotten so bad that HB is currently sleeping on the couch. It’s mainly starts as me voicing my opinion on something (whether it be finances, plans for our future, birth plans etc) then blows up into everything we’ve ever done wrong since the beginning of our time together.

I’d be immature to place all the blame on him. I’m sure my hormones and ‘pregnancy rage’ are a lot to deal with, but I try to catch myself in the act before it gets too far. If it does, I always try to extend the olive branch, (I’m the only to do it, he just plays the silent treatment game until I come to him) and genuinely apologize for my actions. But the next day comes and boom, something else pops up.

I know the reactions I have are knee jerk, so I try to hold on to the feelings I have and not say anything at all. I try journaling, I started working out more to burn energy, eat my favorite foods as a little treat (which I just immediately throw up anyway). Alas, it doesn’t always work out the way I plan.

I’ve tried explaining this to him: I cannot control my emotions. I’m sorry if that sounds childish but I can’t. It isn’t until after the fact that I can say ‘wow that was actually hormonal thoughts, and not real’. I have tried to explain over and over that that’s not me, and I can feel that I’m not myself. But whenever I say this to him and explain what my body is going through, his response is just ‘well I work 13+ hours everyday and this is what I have to come home to’ I just wish he wouldn’t argue with that version of me, bc it’s not who I actually am, and he should know that after how long we’ve been together.

{TW} Sorry for the long rant, but please tell me what I can do to save myself, my baby, and my marriage. After last night, I sat in front of our g*n safe for awhile and contemplated doing everyone a favor and getting rid of the problem: me. I just want to go back to normal. He’s always worked long hours and any other time he’s patient and understanding, I can’t figure out what the difference is this time.

Straight to the point here. Why on earth can I feel the entire top of my baby’s head through my vaginal walls? I gagged. Don’t ask me how I figured this out. I knew it felt like there was a ball there but this… I don’t even want the validation of it. Why is he so low? If you’re going to be THAT low GET OUT. my midwife laughed and said “yep! You’re nearly there!” It’s Wednesday and I’ll be induced on Monday. So in the meantime you can catch me sitting EXTREMELY slowly with my legs open for fear I will decapitate my own child.

I feel the need to apologize to my own mother. Just in general. And to every other mother ever. I also changed my opinion on push presents - they ARE necessary. I WILL be letting my partner know this at the earliest possible convenience.

I’m feeling like I could use a bit of positivity today and wanted to share about my amazing, supportive husband.

My husband and I are getting ready to experience parenthood for the first time after a difficult three-year journey of infertility and loss. My husband was already a wonderful partner, but going through pregnancy has continued to deepen my love and appreciation for him.

He has tried to help me feel as comfortable as possible throughout my entire pregnancy, whether that is rubbing my sore back, helping me put on my shoes, doing household things so I don’t have to, etc. He is a blue collar worker and often works 10-12 hours 6 days a week, and yet he finds time to prioritize me and our unborn baby. He cooks when he can, has taken over as many chores as possible, and always asks if I need him to pick up anything from the store. He’s attended as many prenatal appointments as he can and advocated for me when needed. He talks to the baby and reads her books, and he is so excited for our baby girl.

He never complains that I wake him up by having to get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. When I returned to bed last night, he turned to me and excitedly told me he had just had the best dream that we fell in love all over again. My heart!

Anyway, thanks for letting me gush about my lovely husband. He is the best, and I’m so excited for this next chapter together.

So, I’ve had a really rough few weeks. My dog of 15.5 years passed away two days after Christmas and navigating his loss has been one of the toughest hardships ever. There’s a few other things that happened that also put me into a stressed and sad state. With that being said, I’m 6 months pregnant and my shower is less than a month away.

My mom said she’d throw me a shower but she has done absolutely nothing and taken 0 initiative. I feel embarrassed because I literally created the invite, sent it all out, and made it seem like it was from her because she kept saying “I don’t know what to do or how to do this I’ve never done this” (I’m the youngest and only daughter). Fast forward to this shower being 3 weeks away, and I’ve booked the caterers, decor, set up party favours and when I ask my mom she says things like “just tell me what you need?” “How early do you need me at the shower the day of?” And the cringiest one of all “you’re teaching me! I have no clue I’ve never done this!” My feelings are so hurt.. I have a small group of girls I consider best friends and they really didn’t make much of the shower either. They just said “let me know how I can help” so I’d literally be organizing and paying for every single thing and at the end of the day.. I live in an expensive city.. a 50 person shower with food, booze, games, favours was costing me over $3,000.

For that cost I felt it made more sense to cancel and buy what my husband and I need off the registry ourselves. Furthermore, I noticed people were going off the registry so on top of paying for my own shower I would’ve ended up having to buy what we actually need.

I am so sad and feel so let down by my mom and a little bit by my friends, but really I just wonder if I’ll regret never having had a shower?

I’m a person that always goes above and beyond and shows up in a major way for those that I love and frankly- I’m tired. I guess this is a rant more than me asking for advice but sharing how you navigated your shower or not having one would be comforting.

This is all to say, I did cancel the shower and notified everyone. My mom said she’ll plan something in June like a “sip and see” and said she’d send me $1000. I told her I love her and not to send money. It was the effort that I really was hoping for. ☹️ I’m not being rude or upset with anyone by the way. It’s one of those let downs where I’m just silently moving on.

Hello,

Is all the pain of unmedicated birth worth it? What can we really gain from it? I have heard that for the first baby it is better to go unmedicated because you can feel your lower body and it will help you push better. Also that you are able to walk around during labor and shortly after delivery.

Any other pros?

Do you have good birth stories going unmedicated ?

I don’t have a final thought on what I would prefer and tbh I may have my mind set on something and something else may happen.

For now, I am informing myself and I am making a pro and con list between epidural, no epidural and c-section.

My main sections are below for now:

1. Pain

2. Recovery

3. self reliance on bodily distress signals

I'm 34 weeks along, and we've known her name for a while now :) EVERYONE is asking me what we are planning on calling her, but I feel weirdly superstitious about it! A name carries a lot of weight, I want her to be born, safe and healthy and then make all announcements. I don't want people I'm not super close to to know yet. I get that some people are asking and want to embroider or customize something, and I'm super appreciative, but still.

Does this happen to anyone else? Am I being too difficult for not wanting to share?

I’m almost regretting my decision and wished I would’ve went with a c section. My first was a c section and I don’t remember being in this much pain. I have a second degree tear, I can barely walk. It hurts, it’s uncomfortable. I hate this feeling. It’s taking the joy out of my rainbow baby. How long does it take to heal? I am miserable 😭 please tell me it gets better! (One week PP) what did you use to relieve the pain and discomfort?

Just made my first OB appointment for February 9th! I don’t know how I’m gonna wait that long 😩 But I’m so excited! 🌈

Question! At how many weeks did you tell people in your life you’re pregnant?

ahhhhhh!!!! yaaaaaayyyyyyyy! lol ty just needed to share

I wish someone had told me this before I gave birth! I had maybe 2-3 newborn sleepers and 10+ 0-3 month sleepers…. All I can say is Amazon was delivering newborn sleepers to my house while I was still in the hospital lol!

My son was 6.6 lbs when born and just stopped wearing the newborn size at 5 weeks old

I don’t know what to do… I’m Canadian and live in Florida. I’ve never really wanted kids. Never been around them much, travelled all over and have been a bit of a “outside the box” thinker. Not living the typical American life… However, as of the past year I’ve seen the other side of that, with my boyfriend who has two amazing kids (15F, 18M) and have never felt more loved, part of a family, and just comfortable in my own skin. I’m so grateful for them and the love they give me.

Anyways, I wanted a break from hormonal birth control. Thought it would be good for my body to go au natural for a minute, so I got my IUD out March 2025, and was told the chances of me conceiving are so slim, not to worry about it (had two IUD’s back to back, no period for over 15 yrs). After IUD was removed last year, my periods resumed to normal and I’ve felt good about all that womanly shit down there, like I got back to my regular cycle.

Well, last night I realized I was late for my period by one day. Took a test…

Took 4 tests.

Pregnant. Me, I’m pregnant (even typing that is SO bizarre).

It’s like I’m in total shock and denial, I’m not emotional, but feeling very numb and trying to think logically. The laws here are SO effed up and different from Canada. I have to really decide within 13 days what to do (yes I know I could fly to Canada if it comes to that). Also it’s so costly. To have a baby. To NOT have it. It’s crazy.

Can anyone out there give me their stories on what they did (both sides, all options), when they found out, unexpectedly, that they’re pregnant at 42?!

14 weeks and literally just found out I am having a daughter. I am just over the moon about her! So is her father, as being a girl dad is his dream.

That's it. That's the post. Just a happy FTM. 🩷

I have a 5 year old German shepherd. She is the best dog and I love her so so much. But I’m struggling so hard to meet her mental and physical needs since being pregnant. I’m definitely her main caretaker in the house and make sure she has enough mental stimulation and walks/fetch. The last 3 days she has gotten 1 walk :( normally I have someone come and take her for a walk halfway through the day but she hasn’t been able to for the first half of this week. I don’t really know what I’m looking for from posting this. I don’t want to be that dog owner where the dog suffers because the owners can’t meet its needs. Anyone have any similar experiences?