My Pregnancy Experience

Written on June 18, 2025

As my pregnancy nears its end (due date on June 24, 2025), I wanted to leave behind a personal note – a sort of “review” of the whole experience. Although it wasn’t perfect, I can say with great gratitude that this period has been really wonderful. Pregnancy is not without its challenges, but if approached with understanding and hope for what’s to come, everything becomes easier.

Symptoms and How I Dealt With Them

Third Trimester – the Most Intense One

I’ve often struggled with heartburn and hemorrhoids. Both are quite uncomfortable, but over time, I learned how to ease the symptoms or even get rid of them completely when they occur:

• Hemorrhoids: I always keep a cream in the bathroom. If I feel any stinging, I apply it topically after using the toilet or taking a shower – usually once a week, especially now that the weather is hot. The cream provides immediate relief, reduces the itching, and helps with swelling. Since going to the bathroom wasn’t always easy—and cleaning up afterward was even harder—wet toilet wipes have been a huge help. I’ve been using them for every time since they appeared. I would honestly recommend them to anyone dealing with the same issue.
• Heartburn: I really struggled with it at first and tried easing the pain with apples and almonds, which worked well in the beginning, but later even that wasn’t enough. I discovered Reflustat a bit too late, but luckily I did – it literally saved my days. I take that gel and the burning stops almost instantly. The worst part is lying down too soon after meals, especially after lunch when I need to rest, or in the evenings. I don’t lie down immediately – sometimes an hour or more passes – but even that’s not long enough to avoid the burning. That’s why I always keep the gel ready on my nightstand.
• Feeling Overheated: In these last few weeks, I’m always either hot or at best “okay” – I no longer know what cold feels like. Luckily, we have air conditioning, and Tin is happy to layer up if I overdo it with the cooling.

Staying Active During Pregnancy

From the very beginning, I decided that I wanted to stay active. Pregnancy is neither an illness nor a time when a woman should just relax and do nothing. Since childbirth is an intense physical activity – much like a sporting event – every woman should prepare for it accordingly, if she’s allowed. Of course, I always did everything within the limits of my abilities and how I felt. Naturally, some women aren’t able to stay active due to more serious health issues they can’t avoid, but if everything is fine, physical activity can only be beneficial.

At times, I was a bit hard-core, but only because I genuinely felt good, capable, and ready for it.

Some examples of more intense activities – even toward the end of pregnancy (weeks 37 and 38)– that brought me joy:

• Hiking (an easy trail)
  
• Visiting Trieste and walking 20,000 steps a day
  
• Recreational dancing
  
• Exploring Brijuni National Park (an island park)
  

I listened to my body – running and jumping became uncomfortable, so I didn’t do them. Every activity was adjusted to my new strength and weight.

Habits and Diet

In total, I gained about 14 kilograms during my pregnancy, which I consider reasonable and healthy. Once our baby arrives and I’ve had time to recover, I’ll do my best to get back to where I was—but without pressure or stress. It’s important to give yourself time; the body has done something incredible over these past nine months.

I have to admit, there were moments when the weight gain really got to me. I cried, wondering if I had gained too much, and whether I’d ever be able to return to my old self. But each time, I reminded myself that everything is okay—that with patience, willingness, and steady effort, I can achieve what I set my mind to. Just not by forcing it or beating myself up along the way.

Honestly, besides morning sickness, sometimes I ate too much because I didn’t feel full, and I often mixed all kinds of food, which would result in vomiting about 15 minutes later. It only happened a few times – otherwise, I tried to be careful. But pregnancy hormones play their part too, so you shouldn’t forbid yourself from everything.

Mental Health and Movement

Staying active helped me feel better – both physically and mentally. The days I stayed home and lay in bed for too long were the worst: boredom, aches, fatigue, hunger, and irritability. Light daily activities would bring my energy back. Everything slows down toward the end, but that’s okay – we walk “island-style,” and that suits me perfectly.

The Beginning of Pregnancy

We found out I was pregnant on October 17, 2024—just one day after returning from an unforgettable trip to Iceland. Since our best friends were getting married in August that year, we had decided to wait until after their wedding to start trying. It didn’t take long—the test showed a positive result very quickly, and from 2025 onward, we knew there would be three of us.

Did I have a feeling the test would be positive? Honestly, I’m not sure. I was consciously trying to stay calm and open to both possible outcomes, so I wouldn’t be too disappointed if the result was negative. But when the clear “yes” appeared on the test, everything suddenly made sense.

While we were in Iceland, we all had similar sleep patterns and stayed active, but the last two days were especially exhausting for me—I felt drained, irritable, and far more tired than everyone else. Even the beer I had didn’t sit well with me, which struck me as a bit strange. After we got home, I slept almost 15 hours straight. The next morning, when I took the test, the answer was clear—and looking back, all those signs made perfect sense. The extreme fatigue was likely the first symptom, caused by a surge in progesterone.

That was the beginning of this most exciting chapter of our lives.

I didn’t plan anything special for Tin to break the news for him—I just called him into the bathroom. When I showed him the positive test, he simply said, “We’re seriously the best,” and hugged me. Simple, but perfect.

The first person I told was my dear friend Lidija—I just couldn’t keep it to myself anymore. We told everyone else after the first ultrasound and the confirmation of a heartbeat.

After our first ultrasound, we joked that the baby looked a bit like a little worm, so the nickname “baby worm” (“baby črf” in our Croatian dialect) just stuck. Very soon, Tin and I created a WhatsApp group just for the two of us where we share everything baby-related, and ChatGPT helped us generate an amazing image to match our nickname.

The First Months and Symptoms

• Nausea: Occasionally, but not too intense
  
• Vomiting: A few times, but luckily it didn’t affect me too much
  
• Fatigue: Quite strong—I napped almost every afternoon
  
• Coffee: I stopped drinking it because it didn’t sit well, but later I reintroduced it
  

Working from home really helped—I could nap during lunch breaks and make it through the rest of the day.

Exercise and Birth Preparation

At first, I continued going to the gym, but with reduced intensity. Later on, I chose a different approach:

• Prenatal Pilates at Mamasoon Center (once or twice a week)
  
• Online workouts with Karla
  
• Dance class once a week
  

Alongside physical activity, I also worked with Karla on important topics: emotions, stages of labor, breathing, hormones… This helped me prepare mentally and feel empowered.

Benefits of Exercise:

• Better circulation
  
• Less back pain
  
• Improved sleep
  
• Mental stability
  
• Easier labor and faster recovery
  

Fears and Preparing for Parenthood

In the beginning, I wasn’t afraid of giving birth itself. Instead, I worried about:

• Will I be a good parent?
  
• How will I manage my temperament?
  
• How do you raise a child with the right values?
  

The book The Danish Way of Parenting helped me a lot—it offers practical advice but also encourages introspection about who we are as individuals and partners.

Fears That Came Later:

Fear of labor itself came later—will I forget everything in a moment of panic? Will the pain overwhelm me?
I made a decision: I don’t want to dwell on the negative. Instead, I’ll prepare myself with affirmations, information, and mental training.

Birth Expectations

Tin and I have a plan: when labor starts, we’ll stay at home as long as possible—watching shows, eating ice cream, and enjoying massages. We’ll head to the hospital when the time is right, and I’ll try to hold onto a sense of excitement rather than panic.

I believe that women are made for birth—we just need to trust our instincts. With the right knowledge and support, birth can be a beautiful experience. I want to go through it consciously and bravely, even if it hurts—and it will.

Travel, Excursions, and Dance During Pregnancy – Nine Months Filled with Joy and Movement

Pregnancy filled me with curiosity and excitement right from the start—especially when I wondered what traveling and outings would look like during this period of time. Our first trip was in December: an Advent weekend in Vienna and Bratislava, organized through a dance school. We traveled by bus, planning to waltz the Viennese waltz, explore the cities, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Despite it being an early pregnancy, I didn’t experience major discomfort. The nausea didn’t hit me hard, but I made sure to eat regularly, without overdoing it. I had enough energy for day-long walks, dancing, and even an evening party—although we left early so we could rest up for the next day. We felt amazing because we didn’t restrict ourselves; we fully enjoyed every moment.

After that, we participated in a New Year’s race in Varaždin. Tin’s sister Lena—who was recovering from back surgery at the time—and I decided to walk the race, while Tin and her boyfriend Marko ran. We kept a solid pace and finished the 5 km in 45 minutes—we weren’t last, and the guys were surprised at how quickly we finished. The New Year’s celebration was full of laughter, memories, and shared happiness.

We also took advantage of traveling by plane while I still could. In January, we spent a week in Cyprus; in February, we traveled to Boston (Tin for work, me as a tourist); and in March, to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Each trip was special, but the UAE stood out as the most impressive. We called that trip our “babymoon”—our last “big” trip before the baby arrived. But it didn’t end there— we also spent a relaxing week in Rijeka later, which felt like another significant journey.

We especially remember the UAE and their culture of respect toward pregnant women—in many situations we skipped long lines because security noticed me right away. It wasn’t just “taking advantage,” but a genuine need—pregnancy fatigue, sore legs, and extra weight take their toll. I was grateful that they recognized the need and demonstrated consideration.

Between the trips to Boston and the UAE, at the end of February, we held a gender-reveal gathering where we found out we’re expecting a boy. Honestly, I kind of felt it would be a boy, so I wasn’t particularly surprised. At first, it felt a bit unusual—since I am the first to welcome a baby into my parents’ lives, maybe I instinctively expected a girl—but the thought of having a boy quickly became very sweet to me, and now I’m really happy it’s going to be our son.

The gathering was relaxed and joyful. My friend and former roommate Lucija and her boyfriend arrived early so we could show them our weekend house, the nearby castle, and the Drava river. Later, several more friends and family members joined us, and we all took part in the reveal—by pushing a glass into the cake, we discovered the blue filling, announcing we’re having a boy.

The cake was a real highlight—not just visually but also in taste. We enjoyed every bite and every moment of that special day.

Besides the bigger trips, we also made the most of many weekends for shorter outings: a visit to Bled and Bohinj lakes with lunch at the Harry Potter–themed restaurant Magic Story near Kranjska Gora, a trip to Jelenov Greben, a weekend in Selce, a concert and an Escape Room with our friends, a May 1st outing to Maksimir with bean stew, picnic at Jarun Lake and a visit to ZOO Sikalu in Slovenia. 

In the 37th week of pregnancy, we spent a week in Rijeka—our second babymoon. Tin worked, and I mostly spent mornings studying Spanish. Our afternoons were dedicated to excursions: three days at the beaches (twice in Malinska, once in Selce) where we swam in the rather cold sea, one day hiking to the Žbevnica summit, then Lipica in Slovenia, and a trip to Trieste where we logged 20 000 steps.

Pregnancy went wonderfully—I had moderate symptoms that allowed me to stay active, which made me feel happy and alive. I was lucky not to have an appointment in the 37th week, there was no free spot for me, so the check-up only happened in the 38th—and everything was fine. That’s why our trip to Rijeka was completely possible, and we didn’t have to plan a trip to Zagreb for the check-up.

Then came another weekend in Rijeka for Tin’s sister’s graduation celebration. We also planned a trip to Brijuni National Park with his other sister and her boyfriend. Although a few days prior I lost part of my mucus plug (which I only told Lidija and Tin’s sister), the doctor confirmed everything was fine. In Rijeka, we had a great time—swimming in the sea twice, attending the graduation event, visiting Brijuni, and enjoying a relaxed barbecue. Brijuni was magical—we watched wildlife, rode on the little train and golf cart, and enjoyed nature and tranquillity.

The following weekend, I celebrated my birthday with a barbecue on the Drava at our wooden cottage. Everyone was amazed at how well I was handling pregnancy—walking, standing, socializing. Of course, there were moments when I needed to rest, but all in all—I felt great.

Now, in the final week of pregnancy, I can say I feel fulfilled and happy. We accomplished everything we wanted, and now we are completely ready to welcome our little family member. When the baby decides to arrive—we will greet him with open hearts.

Additionally, up until the end I actively attended dance classes at the Lijeva & Desna dance school. I adapted my movements, avoided jumping, but stayed in rhythm. Dance fulfilled me—physically, emotionally, and hormonally—and was also a good preparation for labor. Our last class was in the 38th week of pregnancy, and even then everyone noted my vitality. Dance has been and remains like a nice ritual for me, one I could not do without. We’re planning to get back to dancing once our baby is a bit older—old enough for someone else to watch him for a while.

Cyprus

Boston

Gender Reveal

UAE (Babymoon)

Bled and Bohinj Lakes

Jelenov Greben

Weekend in Selce

May 1st in Maksimir with bean stew

Picnic at Jarun lake

ZOO Sikalu

Rijeka (second Babymoon)

Malinska and Selce

One funny thing that happened was after a beach day in Malinska—when it started to rain, I realized I had picked up a tick. Without panicking, we went to DM to get tweezers and to the pharmacy for some rubbing alcohol. Tin managed to remove the tick right there, in a very elegant pastry shop, without even injuring it. We knew then that everything would be fine, and we had a good laugh about performing this little “operation” in such a refined setting.

Lipica in Slovenia

Trieste

Weekend in Rijeka, with Brijuni National Park

Conclusion

To wrap things up, I wholeheartedly recommend some kind of educational workshops for birth preparation. We took ones offered by the Mamasoon Center. In April, we attended four workshops: Baby Handling, two Birth Preparation classes, and a Breastfeeding Preparation session. Each one was incredibly helpful—filled with practical knowledge, exercises, and valuable tips. The sessions were led by professionals: a baby physiotherapist, a community nurse and a lactation consultant, and a doula. Beyond the knowledge, the workshops gave us confidence and a strong sense of reassurance. I truly believe preparation is key—not only physical but emotional as well.

At one point, I was dealing with constant back pain and didn’t know how to help myself, so I decided to try a prenatal massage at the Mamasoon Center. I have to say—it was one of the best decisions I made. The massages were amazing. Not only did I feel physically more relaxed afterward, but they also became a form of meditation for me during that quiet hour. Every time I left, it felt like I had just woken up from the best sleep. Eventually, the back pain stopped altogether, but I kept going once a week just to unwind and treat myself.

I’d also especially recommend the book Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. The first part shares stories from women who gave birth, while the second part is a practical guide to labor and delivery. Many of the insights were empowering—just like the workshops.

In the final weeks of pregnancy, I’ve continued with gentle workouts, stretching, and exercises for expectant mothers. I’m drinking raspberry leaf tea, eating lots of fruit (grapes, watermelon, pineapple), walking, and climbing stairs—we live on the 5th floor without an elevator—trying to stay active every day. We’re also practicing perineal massage and intimacy, as recommended for encouraging labor. The only thing I can’t manage to eat are dates—they simply don’t sit well with me.

Our hospital bags have been packed and in the car since week 37. Now we’re just waiting for the sign and hoping to spend the early labor phase at home, heading to the hospital at the right time—following the 4-1-1 rule, unless my water breaks earlier.

These past nine months have been one of the most beautiful periods of our lives—full, active, low-stress, exciting, and joyful. Pregnancy has really flown by, and now we’re eagerly and joyfully awaiting the moment when we become a family of three.

I hope other women can also feel that pregnancy doesn’t have to be something you just “get through.” With gentle discipline, lots of love, and a bit of flexibility, this time can be genuinely magical.

One day, I’ll reread this text—especially when I write about how the birth actually went and whether everything turned out at least similar to the way I imagined.

Special praise to Tin

Since I haven’t mentioned it anywhere else—and I truly think it deserves to be said—I want to end this blog by giving special praise to Tin. He was my support through absolutely everything: when I felt physical symptoms, when I needed emotional reassurance, and in all the in-between moments. Throughout the entire nine months, he was fully present—listening to my needs, doing everything I asked (and often offering help without being asked). He supported all my ideas and activities, joined me enthusiastically in everything I wanted to do, and when I lacked motivation, he simply lay next to me and kept me company. He caught his “daddy fever” early on—he painted and set up the nursery, planned and assembled the furniture so that everything would be neat, cozy, and ready for our little one’s arrival. I especially want to highlight how he came with me to every check-up, watched every ultrasound with wide, excited eyes, and actively participated in all the birth preparation workshops with genuine interest and care. His support meant the world to me. Of course, he’ll be with me during the birth—present and actively involved—and that makes me genuinely happy. It gives me a sense of safety and makes me feel even stronger and more empowered.