Pregnancy diaries: Annie Stacy on Why Every Pregnancy Deserves Its Own Story

Name Annie Stacey

Age: 32

How many weeks? 28 weeks pregnant with a 22 month old toddler. 

- Tell us about the moment you found out you were pregnant...

I instantly knew I was pregnant, probably a week before my period was due and as soon as I was two days late I peed on that Clearblue stick! 

I woke up at 5am, and they say the best time to do a test is frst thing in the morning.

I still had some tests left over from my first baby so I thought I'd do a test and go back to sleep. When I woke up at 7am I got my toddler out of bed and he came in bed with me and my husband and we got him to show us the results. It was special and even though deep down I knew, I was also so shocked as it wasn't really planned – although we're extremely lucky and blessed! 

- How are you feeling really?

It's a struggle not going to lie! The exhaustion has been so hard this time round. 

It's also a whirlwind as I constantly feel guilty that I am not 'treasuring' this pregnancy and taking bump photo updates and writing notes like I did the first time. 

- What’s surprised you most so far?

How much you can eat, I've never been able to eat more than my husband but this pregnancy I've had such a big appetite especially in the first trimester. 

It's also been such a surprise on how different this pregnancy has been compared to my first, I just assumed it would be similar. 

- What advice have you ignored?

I have so many other friends who are pregnant and we're all going through such different stages at the same time. It's hard to not compare but I am ignoring and defo not comparing my pregnancy. 

I ignored some advice in my first pregnancy when it came to the birth such as collecting colostrum. I will definitely be doing that this time around.  

- What’s been unexpectedly comforting?

Reading to my son about a new baby coming, I think he understands it in someway and he is so excited when he meets new babies. 

Also remembering some of the stuff you have learnt already, it's weird how things come back to you. 

- What’s one thing you wish people understood?

The pregnancy isn't just physical your whole life is changing, there's a mental shift change and your identity is changing again. Previously I would have pushed against the identity change whereas this time I am embracing it. 

Any brands / products / services which have helped so far?

Genesis Healthcare and the staff there are amazing. My doctor is Dr Salma. She truly listens to my concerns and helps me through everything, especially when it's come to my blood work and working out what I need. 

Products - maternity knickers (sorry to my hubby) they're huge, haha! I never wore these the first time round and they're a real game changer. 

Buying secondhand items from my platform, therelovedmarketplace.com your baby grows out of things so quickly so I've been buying secondhand pieces. 

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