Finding out that there is a little life growing inside you…

This is my first (properly written) blog post, and I thought it would make sense to start at the beginning of my journey, when I found out that I was pregnant!

So on the Monday the 11th of June, I was majorly concerned as my period was one week late. I never thought I would be pregnant, as on a few occasions I have forgot to take the pill and nothing came of it. Prior to this week, I went home to see my parents for about 5 days and hadn’t taken the pill with me, however I was coming to the end of my three weeks and thought it would be okay, with nothing to worry about.

My boyfriend and I had always said to eachother that we would like to have kids after we finished university, as he is going to the University of Law in Manchester as of September (after previously graduating at the University of Hull), and I would be returning to continue my maths degree in September. We just thought it would mean we can put as much time as we have into our studies and help us graduate with the best possible honour and build for a successful and healthy future. So when I was a little concerned as to why I had missed my period, I was worried to do a pregnancy test as I felt like it wasn’t something that was meant to happen now.

After doing a couple of tests and them coming out positive, to be completely honest, I was in tears. Not because its something I didn’t want, as I have always wanted children, but because I felt that my boyfriend would massively oppose to it and I felt like I really wasn’t ready, as I am 19, and I feel like a baby myself!

I told him later that evening as he could automatically tell there was something on my mind and surprisingly he guessed straight away! I cried again, as deep down I felt like I had to make a decision I really wasn’t prepared for. Its soooo easy to say to yourself and everyone ‘oh yeah I would just get an abortion’ if you felt you were not ready for a baby, but trust me, when you find out a little baby you is inside your tummy it’s a decision you cant make until you are in it. For a couple of days we ummd and arrrd, but we both said that we are so grateful and shocked that we have been given this gift inside, and we can make it work, and personally, (everyone is different) I would feel like it would impact me for the rest of my life if I was to abort.

After visiting a midwife, we happily decided to go along with the pregnancy and having a child of our own. Today, looking back on our decision I wouldn’t change it and neither would Jake; he said it was the best thing to ever happen to him. On the 13th of August we had our first scan and saw our little bundle of joy for the first time, and I felt a love that I have never felt before. Seeing / hearing your baby for the first time is the most amazing experience I have encountered up to today, and its a moment I will never forget.

I am so grateful to say that currently I am 14 weeks and 5 days pregnant, I have had a healthy start with no morning sickness and illnesses (apart from feeling fatigue), I have a lovely flat with my boyfriend where our baby can be brought up in a safe and spacious environment and I am having my first child with someone I am madly in love with and see a future with.

If anyone is in university or education still and feels like they are too young to have a baby, please don’t listen to what other people say. It is possible. You can get so much help from being a student and having a baby, from family to friends, the government, grants and funds from university and if you have a part time job also you are entitled to maternity pay. I was worried that I would never be able to do my degree and have a baby, but if you were to have children in the future regardless, you would be taking time out of your job anyway. Everyone is so helpful when you are expecting, and even if close family members do oppose I promise you when that little baby pops out they will fall in love with it too. Please don’t hesitate to talk to me if you feel insecure about it, as I know how you feel!