Hello, everyone… and especially to all the aspiring mommies out there! ❤️

I’m very happy to finally share the story of my first pregnancy.

Pregnancy is one of those journeys that can be difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself. There are moments of excitement, fear, exhaustion, anticipation, and pure happiness. There are also plenty of questions along the way: Is this normal? Is the baby okay? What does this symptom mean? What happens next?

In this blog, I’m sharing my pregnancy journey week by week, from the moment my husband and I started trying to conceive until the day our baby girl finally arrived.

This is a personal pregnancy diary, based on what I experienced in 2021 and 2022. Medical recommendations and pregnancy guidance can change, so the health information below has been updated where necessary and should not replace advice from an obstetrician or midwife.

For anyone who is hoping to become a mom someday, I hope my story gives you a little encouragement and reminds you that every pregnancy journey is unique.

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My First Pregnancy After “The Pill”

I was 28 years old when I became pregnant for the first time.

My husband and I had been trying to conceive for about six months after I stopped taking birth control.

Before that, I had used Depo-Provera injections for about two years, followed by Yasmin pills for about seven years, for a total of approximately nine years of hormonal contraception.

When we decided it was finally time to start our family, I stopped taking the pills in March 2021.

At that point, I knew my body might need some time to adjust. However, one important correction to my original article is that there isn’t a universal rule saying that stopping the pill causes a 2–6 month delay in fertility. Fertility can return quickly after stopping combined oral contraceptives, although individual cycles may take some time to settle. The time it takes to conceive varies considerably from person to person.

For us, there was no rush.

We simply hoped, prayed, and waited.

And eventually, our little miracle came.

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Trying to Get Pregnant After the Pill

Monitoring My Cycle

After stopping the pill, I immediately started paying closer attention to my menstrual cycle.

My periods had been fairly regular while I was taking the pills, usually lasting around four to five days within a 28- to 30-day cycle.

I also used a mobile period-tracking app called “My Tracker.” It was convenient and easy to use, and I used it to record my periods and estimate my fertile days.

Tracking my cycle helped me become more aware of my body and gave me a better idea of when ovulation might occur.

Of course, period-tracking apps can only provide estimates. They shouldn’t be treated as a medical test for ovulation or fertility.

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Seed Cycling

One of the things I tried before becoming pregnant was seed cycling.

Seed cycling involves eating different seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The approach is promoted online as a natural way to support hormonal balance.

I learned about it from a friend who had experienced fertility problems related to PCOS and later became pregnant.

Because I was hopeful and curious, I decided to try it for around four to five months.

I personally felt that it helped me become more mindful about my diet, and eventually I became pregnant.

However, looking back, I would describe this as my personal experience rather than proof that seed cycling caused my pregnancy. There is currently insufficient good-quality evidence to establish seed cycling as an effective treatment for infertility or hormonal disorders.

I still enjoyed the experience because it encouraged me to eat seeds such as flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame as part of my diet.

Read More About My Seed Cycling Experience

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Folic Acid Supplement

One thing I did take seriously was folic acid.

After stopping the pill, I started taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily as recommended by my obstetrician.

Folic acid is important before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because it helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The NHS recommends 400 micrograms daily when trying to conceive and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some women are advised to take a higher dose because of specific risk factors, so this should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

For me, taking the supplement gave me some peace of mind while we were trying to conceive.

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The Day We Took the Pregnancy Test

I normally had a 28- to 30-day cycle, even after stopping the pill.

Then came 2 October 2021.

I was seven days late.

At first, I wasn’t completely convinced that I was pregnant because I was still experiencing the familiar cramps I normally felt before my period.

But I started thinking:

“What if I really am pregnant?”

I didn’t want to unknowingly eat or do something that might be harmful.

So that morning, as soon as I woke up, I took a home pregnancy test.

And then…

Two lines!

Positive!

I remember that moment so clearly.

I immediately told my husband, and suddenly everything felt different.

After six months of waiting and hoping, we were finally going to have a baby.

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Confirmatory Beta-hCG Test

That same day, 2 October 2021, we went to the clinic to confirm the pregnancy.

My obstetrician requested a blood test measuring beta-hCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy.

The result was positive and consistent with pregnancy.

Suddenly, everything became real.

We weren’t just hoping anymore.

We were going to become parents.

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My First Prenatal Check-Up — 5 Weeks

Later that same day, my OB confirmed the pregnancy and estimated that I was around five weeks pregnant.

She also prescribed folic acid along with prenatal vitamins and minerals.

I took them every day as instructed.

One funny thing I noticed was that my urine became much more yellow after taking the vitamins!

At the time, I had no idea that this could simply be related to certain vitamins, particularly riboflavin.

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Week 5

It was 4 October 2021, and I had officially completed five weeks of pregnancy.

It was still very early, but everything felt magical.

The first symptoms I noticed included:

Mild abdominal cramping

I experienced cramping that felt similar to period cramps, which initially made me think my period was simply late.

Mild cramping can occur during pregnancy, but pain that is severe, persistent, or associated with bleeding should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Changes in bowel movements

My digestion became unpredictable.

At different points, I experienced loose stools and later constipation. Pregnancy can affect the digestive system, although diarrhea isn’t simply caused by one particular pregnancy hormone, as I originally wrote.

Mild headaches

I sometimes had headaches, especially after stressful days and long commutes through Dubai traffic.

Fatigue

Fatigue became one of my most noticeable symptoms.

I was working full-time in the mornings and dealing with long traffic jams on the way home, so by evening I was exhausted.

Sleepiness

Even after a full night’s sleep, I still felt sleepy during the day.

Increased thirst

Living in Dubai meant staying hydrated was already important, and pregnancy made me pay even more attention to my fluid intake.

Frequent urination

I also noticed that I needed to use the bathroom much more often.

And when you are stuck in heavy traffic, believe me, that’s not particularly convenient! 😂

At that stage, I still hadn’t experienced the dreaded morning sickness.

I was grateful.

But I was also thinking:

“Maybe it will start tomorrow.”

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Weeks 6–7

On 9 October 2021, I had been scheduled for an ultrasound.

Unfortunately, my health insurance was being renewed, so the appointment had to be postponed.

During this period, my digestion became unpredictable.

At one point, I went about a day without a bowel movement and felt constipated. I tried to improve my diet, drink more fluids, and eat foods that I personally found helpful.

The next day, things improved.

And then came diarrhea.

Pregnancy can affect bowel habits, but persistent diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, or blood in the stool should be assessed medically.

Every pregnancy is different.

That was something I was learning very quickly.

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Week 8 — My First Ultrasound

On 20 October 2021, we finally had our first ultrasound.

This was one of the most emotional moments of my pregnancy.

Seeing that tiny embryo on the screen was incredible.

Before the scan, we had already received positive blood and urine test results, but part of me still couldn’t completely believe that I was actually pregnant.

Then we saw it.

Our tiny little baby.

So small that there were no recognizable facial features yet—but unmistakably there.

It felt like a gift from God.

The ultrasound also gave us important information about the pregnancy, including gestational age and an estimated due date.

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Weeks 9–11

The next few weeks were a mixture of symptoms.

I experienced:

• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Hunger
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Occasional migraines
• Constipation
• Loose stools
• Bloating
• Abdominal discomfort
• Nasal congestion
• Dry mouth
• Watery eyes
• Frequent sneezing

But there was one thing I continued to be grateful for:

I wasn’t vomiting.

I felt nauseous sometimes, but I never reached the point where I felt I had to vomit.

So, I considered myself lucky!

“The pain you feel today will be the strength you feel tomorrow.”

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Week 12 — The Second Ultrasound

It was 16 November 2021 when we had our second ultrasound.

Our baby had grown so much!

My husband and I were amazed by the difference.

The baby was moving around energetically, and we could see the heartbeat.

At one point, it almost looked like the baby was somersaulting inside my womb.

It was incredible.

My OB reassured us that everything looked fine.

At this stage, I also began becoming more aware of the idea that the little baby inside me would eventually become a real person we could hold in our arms.

We still didn’t know the baby’s sex.

So the waiting continued.

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Week 13

This week was relatively similar to the previous ones.

I still had headaches, fatigue, and sleepiness.

My OB also prescribed a calcium and vitamin D supplement containing:

• Calcium carbonate — 500 mg
• Vitamin D3 — 400 IU

I took it as instructed.

As with any pregnancy supplement, the appropriate dose depends on the individual, so I followed my OB’s instructions rather than taking supplements on my own.

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Weeks 14–15 — Entering the Second Trimester

This was when I finally started feeling better.

My nausea and headaches began to subside.

The headaches weren’t completely gone, but they were much less severe.

I remember thinking:

“Finally! Maybe the second trimester really is easier.”

But then I developed another problem.

Tailbone Pain

Because I had a full-time desk job, I was sitting for approximately nine hours a day.

By this stage, my tailbone, or coccyx, started to hurt.

The pain was particularly noticeable when I remained seated for a long period or stood up after sitting.

Pregnancy-related pelvic and tailbone pain can occur because of physical and postural changes during pregnancy.

For me, prolonged sitting made it worse.

How I Tried to Manage It

Some of the things I tried included:

• Changing my sitting position
• Avoiding slouching
• Using heat or cold
• Taking movement breaks
• Looking for a supportive seat cushion

Eventually, I ordered a memory-foam seat cushion hoping it would make working more comfortable.

“Being pregnant means every day is another day closer to meeting the other love of my life.”

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Weeks 16–17

On 17 December 2021, we had another routine check-up.

The doctor was happy with the previous ultrasound and blood test results.

One of the tests discussed during this period was PAPP-A, which can be part of first-trimester screening for chromosomal conditions when combined with other measurements and maternal factors.

The important thing I learned was that these are screening tests, not diagnostic tests. A “screen negative” result means the screening estimated a lower probability; it doesn’t guarantee that a condition is impossible.

Still, receiving reassuring results gave us peace of mind.

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Weeks 18–19 — Our COVID-19 Scare

Then came what was probably the scariest part of my pregnancy.

My husband and I tested positive for COVID-19.

My husband became sick on 31 December 2021, New Year’s Eve.

Instead of celebrating outside, we watched the Burj Khalifa fireworks on television while staying home.

At first, we thought he simply had a cold because of the winter weather in Dubai.

A few days later, I began feeling sick too.

It started with a severe headache and exhaustion, followed by fever, cough, and a runny nose.

We eventually had PCR testing, and both of us tested positive.

Because I was pregnant, I was especially anxious about the fever and whether the infection could affect our baby.

My OB advised us about the medications and monitoring we needed.

I was particularly cautious about medications and followed my doctor’s recommendations.

Today, guidance has changed considerably since those early pandemic days. COVID-19 can be more serious during pregnancy than in non-pregnant people, particularly in terms of severe respiratory illness, which is why pregnant people should follow current vaccination and prevention guidance and contact their healthcare provider when they become ill.

Thankfully, my illness remained relatively mild and my fever did not become prolonged.

After completing the required isolation period, I gradually returned to normal.

It was an experience I never wanted to repeat.

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Weeks 20–23 — Our Baby Girl!

On 16 January 2022, we had another routine appointment, including an ultrasound and laboratory tests.

This was a particularly exciting scan because the baby was developed enough for the doctor to examine many of her anatomical structures in detail.

We were nervous.

But thankfully, everything looked normal.

And then came the big question:

“Is it a boy or a girl?”

Our doctor was examining the ultrasound when I jokingly guessed:

Me: “The baby looks like a girl!”

Doctor: “How did you know?”

Me: “I saw it!” 😂

And then she confirmed:

“Yes, it’s a girl!”

It’s a Girl!

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I had been guessing girl, while my husband had been hoping for one.

Our families were thrilled when they found out they were going to have a little princess.

And then came another beautiful milestone.

We could feel her moving.

At first, her movements felt like tiny flutters.

Later, they became stronger.

My husband placed his hand on my belly and eventually felt her kick too.

He would talk to her and wait for a response.

And sometimes her response was:

KICK! 😂

“God gives us only what we can handle. Apparently, God thinks I’m a badass.”

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Weeks 24–27 — Low Hemoglobin

On 12 February 2022, we had another routine appointment, including blood and urine testing.

Most of the results were good, except for my hemoglobin level, which had dropped to around 9.7 g/dL.

My doctor explained that my level was low enough to require further management.

I was already taking iron supplements, so I tried to pay even more attention to iron-rich foods such as:

• Lean meat
• Tofu
• Green leafy vegetables
• Other iron-rich foods

My doctor also planned further treatment if my levels did not improve.

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Feeling Our Baby Move

These weeks were some of the most enjoyable.

Our baby seemed to react to our voices and music.

I began noticing certain times when she was particularly active.

Sometimes it was around:

• 7 a.m.
• 12 noon
• 5 p.m.
• 10 p.m.
• 5 a.m.

Of course, babies don’t follow a perfect schedule, but I became familiar with her general pattern.

The movements were becoming stronger, and I could sometimes tell whether she was kicking or rolling around.

It felt surreal.

Pregnancy had started with a positive test and a tiny ultrasound image.

Now there was a real little person moving inside me.

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Braxton Hicks Contractions

I also began experiencing what I believed were Braxton Hicks contractions.

These are practice contractions that can happen during pregnancy and often become more noticeable later in pregnancy. Unlike established labor, they tend to be irregular and don’t progressively become longer, stronger, and closer together.

I usually noticed them after eating or after long periods of sitting at my desk.

Initially, I was afraid that the cramps might indicate preterm labor.

Even though the symptoms seemed consistent with Braxton Hicks, I still discussed them with my OB.

That was an important lesson for me:

Never assume something is normal simply because you read it online. Ask your healthcare provider when you’re unsure.

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Our Baby Shower

On 19 February 2022, we held our simple bee-themed baby shower with friends and relatives.

It was such a warm and happy occasion.

Knowing that so many people were excited to welcome our little girl made us feel incredibly loved.

Our Simple Baby-Bee Shower at Rashidiya Park, Dubai

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Weeks 28–31 — Month Seven

Our baby continued to grow, and her movements became stronger each day.

I originally planned to do formal kick counting, but with a full-time office job and such an active baby, that wasn’t practical for me.

More importantly, current guidance emphasizes getting to know your baby’s normal movement pattern rather than relying on a fixed number of movements each day. If movements decrease or change noticeably, you should contact your maternity team promptly.

My belly was also growing rapidly.

My belly button began flattening.

I was urinating more frequently, especially at night.

And the tailbone pain I’d developed earlier was becoming more noticeable.

Still, I was grateful that my earlier nausea had disappeared.

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Weeks 32–33 — Month Eight

Surprisingly, I still hadn’t developed the stretch marks I’d been expecting.

I kept wondering:

“Maybe they’ll appear later?”

On 9 April 2022, we had another routine consultation.

My OB requested blood tests, fasting blood sugar, urinalysis, and an ultrasound to monitor my health and the baby’s growth.

My blood sugar was normal.

However, my hemoglobin remained low.

Because oral iron hadn’t brought it up enough, my OB recommended intravenous iron treatment.

I was nervous about having an infusion, but I knew it was being recommended because of my blood results.

Meanwhile, our baby continued kicking strongly.

Sometimes the movements were powerful enough to wake me up at night!

And honestly?

I loved it.

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Weeks 34–35 — Iron Infusion and Third-Trimester Ultrasound

Because of my low hemoglobin, my OB initially prescribed several doses of intravenous iron.

I completed two doses.

Then, after reviewing my repeat laboratory results, my doctor decided that the additional infusions were no longer necessary.

I was relieved.

Not only because the infusions were uncomfortable and time-consuming, but because it was wonderful to know that my iron status had improved enough for treatment to be stopped.

On 23 April 2022, we had another third-trimester ultrasound.

Thankfully, our baby was growing appropriately and everything looked good.

Based on that ultrasound, my estimated due date was revised to 27 May 2022.

It’s worth noting that due dates are estimates. ACOG states that first-trimester ultrasound is the most accurate method for establishing or confirming gestational age, and later changes to an established due date are generally made only in specific circumstances.

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The Vaginal Swab

During this period, my OB also performed a vaginal swab.

The test detected some bacterial growth, but because I wasn’t experiencing urinary symptoms or other concerning symptoms, I became hesitant about taking medication.

This is one part of my original story I would change for the blog.

A positive culture or swab result shouldn’t be self-treated with fruit juice or other home remedies.

Pregnancy is not the time to make treatment decisions based solely on symptoms or internet searches.

The right response depends on what organism was found, where it was found, how much was present, and whether treatment is recommended for the mother or baby.

So, in a revised version of this story, I’d simply say that I discussed the result with my OB and followed the treatment plan she recommended.

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Weeks 36–37 — Getting Closer

Beginning around week 36, we decided to continue our appointments at the hospital where we planned to give birth: International Modern Hospital in Al Mankhool, Dubai.

At each appointment, my OB checked the baby’s position and overall condition.

Everything continued to look good.

My doctor also encouraged me to remain active and gave me several suggestions for late pregnancy, including:

1. Walking regularly
2. Using a birthing ball for comfortable movement
3. Doing gentle squats if appropriate
4. Drinking raspberry leaf tea as previously discussed with my doctor
5. Staying hydrated
6. Continuing safe movement and activity

I was doing most of these already.

I wanted to support a vaginal delivery if possible, but I was also learning an important lesson:

You can prepare for birth, but you can’t completely control how birth happens.

My priority was always a safe delivery for both me and my baby.

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Week 38 — CTG and Membrane Sweep

By week 38, our appointments had become weekly.

My doctor asked me to undergo cardiotocography (CTG) to monitor the baby’s heart rate and movements.

The test took about 30 minutes.

I remember lying there quietly and secretly hoping:

“Baby, please move!” 😂

Fortunately, everything looked normal.

During that visit, my doctor also performed a membrane sweep.

A membrane sweep involves passing a finger through the cervix and separating the membranes from the lower part of the uterus. It may increase the chance of labor starting without other induction methods, although it does not guarantee labor. Some people experience discomfort, cramping, or light bleeding afterward.

For me, it felt like a more intense internal examination.

It was uncomfortable and somewhat painful, but it was over quickly.

Afterward, I experienced light brownish-red spotting, followed by continued mild discomfort.

Two days later, I noticed part of my mucus plug had come away.

It certainly felt like my body was getting ready.

However, losing the mucus plug doesn’t necessarily mean labor will begin immediately.

So once again…

We waited.

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Still Working Full-Time

Even at this stage, I was still working full-time.

However, I had stopped driving myself to work as a precaution.

My husband would drop me at the bus station in the morning and pick me up directly from work afterward.

Sitting for long periods continued to be one of my biggest problems.

My tailbone had officially become my worst enemy. 😅

But overall, my pregnancy remained low-risk, and I was grateful.

I never took that for granted.

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Week 39 — Getting Very Close

On 29 May 2022, we had another appointment.

My OB performed another membrane sweep.

This one was more painful than the first.

The actual procedure only lasted a few seconds, but the discomfort continued for hours afterward.

I also had some light spotting and my usual Braxton Hicks contractions.

My doctor asked us to return on 2 June to reassess my cervix and discuss the next steps.

My LMP-based due date was 4 June, so we were now very close.

That appointment made everything feel more real.

There was a possibility that we would soon need to discuss scheduling delivery if labor didn’t begin naturally.

I became emotional.

I had always hoped for a vaginal delivery and wanted to avoid a cesarean unless it was medically necessary.

But I also reminded myself that the safest birth is the one that keeps mother and baby safe.

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Week 39 + 5 Days — Our Baby Girl Arrived!

And then…

It happened.

On 2 June 2022 at 4:28 a.m., I finally gave birth to a healthy baby girl. ❤️

After months of waiting, worrying, preparing, working, counting weeks, attending appointments, feeling kicks, dealing with discomfort, and wondering when she would finally arrive…

She was here.

Our little princess was no longer inside my belly.

She was finally in our arms.

The journey that started with two lines on a pregnancy test had brought us to the moment we had been waiting for.

And suddenly, everything felt worth it.

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What My First Pregnancy Taught Me

My first pregnancy wasn’t perfect.

It wasn’t always comfortable.

There were headaches.

Fatigue.

Digestive problems.

Tailbone pain.

Low hemoglobin.

A COVID-19 infection.

Work stress.

Fear.

And plenty of moments when I wondered whether I was doing everything correctly.

But there were beautiful moments too.

Our first positive pregnancy test.

The first ultrasound.

Hearing the heartbeat.

Seeing our baby move.

Finding out she was a girl.

Feeling her first kicks.

Having my husband feel her move.

Our baby shower.

The final weeks of anticipation.

And finally…

Meeting her.

Pregnancy taught me that you can prepare for something without ever being completely ready for it.

It taught me to listen to my body, trust my healthcare providers, and accept that some things are outside my control.

And most importantly, it taught me that love can begin long before you meet the person you love.

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“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
— Psalm 139:13

Final Thoughts

Looking back, it’s difficult to believe that this entire journey began with something as simple as stopping birth control and deciding that we were ready to start a family.

Six months later, I was staring at a positive pregnancy test.

Then came the ultrasounds.

The blood tests.

The symptoms.

The worry.

The excitement.

The tiny kicks.

The growing belly.

The hospital bag.

And eventually, the birth of our daughter.

I started this journey as a woman wondering what it would be like to become a mother.

I finished it with a baby girl in my arms.

There were moments when pregnancy felt overwhelming, but each difficult day brought me one day closer to meeting her.

And now, when I look back at those ultrasound images and remember how small she once was, I realize just how incredible the whole journey was.

She started as two little lines on a pregnancy test and became the greatest chapter of our lives.

Our first pregnancy journey may have ended with her birth, but that was only the beginning of another journey:

motherhood. ❤️

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Thank You for Being With Me on This Journey!

Thank you for following my pregnancy story from the very beginning.

I hope sharing these memories helps other moms-to-be feel a little less alone and reminds aspiring mothers that every pregnancy is unique.

My experience may not be exactly what another woman experiences—and that’s completely okay.

There is no single “perfect” pregnancy story.

There is simply your story.

And this was mine.

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Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/pregnancy-vitamins-and-supplements
• https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements
• https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-that-labour-has-begun
• https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/05/methods-for-estimating-the-due-date
• https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy
• https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care-pregnancy
• https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/pregnant-or-breastfeeding.html
• https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng207
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7508624
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25386977

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Originally Published: June 27, 2022
Updated: August 2026