Has Social Media Changed Pregnancy? Compare Notes & Enter Our @SheSpeaksUp #MothersDay Giveaway!

    by   SheSpeaksTeam   

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Apr 27, 2016
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When we found out that our SheSpeaks staffer Emily is pregnant and due in September, we just had to compare stories, grilling her about all the new ways social media has impacted the experience. Turns out that pregnancy itself has not changed since the dawn of civilization, but the way we handle it sure has: Gender-Reveal Parties! Birth Announcements on Facebook! Pregnancy Tracking Apps! We needed to know more...

Read on to celebrate the fun that is pregnancy, and enter to win a $100 gift card to Spafinder.com so you can treat yourself this Mother's Day!

How did you announce that you were pregnant?

  • Emily: I told close friends/family on the phone or in person early in my pregnancy, then after the first trimester posted a cartoon my husband drew on Facebook.

  • Aliza (mom to 10 year-old Cayla and 8 year-old Zoe): For our family and close friends, we emailed a photo of the sonogram with the subject line, "Our delivery is on its way." Yes, we thought we were very clever and yes, it was sent via email. Only college kids were on Facebook at the beginning of my first pregnancy!

What’s with the gender-reveal parties? Are showers now considered passé?

  • Emily: Everyone wants to hear about the gender! I have been asked a lot if I'm having a girl or boy and we haven't been able to tell via ultrasound yet.  We're having gender-neutral baby showers with my family and my in-laws and the showers will be co-ed!
  • Carol (mom to 16 year-old Charlie & 12 year-old Melissa): We chose not to find out the gender of either of our babies until they were born. I love surprises! But my co-workers threw me a coed shower where they each filled out a questionnaire guessing the baby's arrival date, weight, name, college and career. They put all these in an album with photos. I still have it although the "baby" is now 16!

With all the internet resources available, are you even shopping in-store? And how are you deciding what to buy?

  • Emily: I’ve been relying heavily on Amazon reviews, and some product round-ups from bloggers I like. We set up an Amazon registry and have been slowly adding to it, but plan to go in-store to do some research in-person to help us decide what to buy, then will add more to the Amazon registry.
  • Susan (mom to 9 year-old Samuel & 5 year-old Alex): When I was first pregnant ten years ago, everyone I knew had the book ‘Baby Bargains’. I brought the book to Babies R' Us when I went to make my registry there. We picked whatever items that Baby Bargains recommended and Babies R' Us sold.

What research are you doing to learn about pregnancy and the new baby?

  • Emily: I use the Ovia app which I use to track symptoms and weight gain. I've also enjoyed the podcasts "The Longest Shortest Time" and "Pregnancy Confidential." Books: What to Expect When You're Expecting, What to Expect the First Year, Expecting Better, The Happiest Baby on the Block (and many more to come, I'm sure!)
  • Susan: Glad to see books are still being used, especially What to Expect When You're Expecting!
  • Melissa (mom to 7 month-old Cameron): I downloaded the What to Expect App which tracks your pregnancy week by week, giving you updates on size, weight, development, and symptoms. I couldn't wait to read what was happening each week. But for the not-so-technical side of it, I found the best and most honest advice always came from other moms (and still does!)

Happy Mother's Day from the SheSpeaks Team!

Whether you are a new mom, an experienced mom or not a mom at all... what is your best piece of advice to give to Emily and all the other soon-to-be moms out there? Tell us for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Spafinder.com so you can treat yourself this Mother's Day!

There are two ways to enter:

Simply comment below with advice for a future mom.

AND/OR

Tweet about the giveaway!

Click here to Tweet: "I entered the @SheSpeaksUp #MothersDay giveaway to win a Spafinder gift card! bit.ly/1NzyiAQ"

*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive a $100 Spafinder.com gift card. Giveaway is open through May 8th, 2016 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.

Update: The winner is SheSpeaks member Eureka00! Thanks to all for entering and congrats to her!

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by Lalfieri | PORT READING, NJ
May 03, 2016

I think sharing the news that I was pregnant with my son 3 years ago was easier thanks to social media ,instead of making a million phone calls I just posted something on Facebook so my friends and acquaintances found out.I pussy pictures during my pregnancy and after my son was born on a regular basis so friends and families here in the states and abroad were able to see his progress. Social media didn't exist I would not be able to do that so it's definitely a plus

by MrsRiot | LITTLE ROCK, AR
May 03, 2016

My best mom advice would be to learn some patience if you don't already have plenty of it! I don't mean this in a bad way at all either! Every baby, toddler, child goes through phases and not all of them at fun! They don't last forever either so I recommend to enjoy each and every phase because they aren't little forever!

by hgoncalves | MELROSE, MA
May 02, 2016

For at least the first month try to sleep when the baby sleeps. Don't try to be supermom and cook, clean & do laundry while caring for a newborn. I nursed my son and it was exhausting in the beginning so my husband did all the housework while I recovered and got the hang of nursing. Also, people will of course want to visit so try and spread out the visits so you don't have a bunch of people at your house at the same time.

by kpu1143 | WALLKILL, NY
May 02, 2016

the best advice I have for you is to trust yourself! people always have opinions but you need to decide what is right for you and your family! and make sure you take some time for yourself...even if it is just showering.

by GiGirl21 | VERO BEACH, FL
May 02, 2016

My advice for a future Mom is to start a keepsake book during your pregnancy for your baby. A memory book is always fun to document your pregnancy and the baby's arrival, but another fun idea is to create a wish book that includes what you desire for your child, advice for a happy life, etc. It is a creative way to tell your new bundle of joy all the happy wishes that you have for him/her. He/She will cherish it for many years.

by musicrow | NASHVILLE, TN
May 02, 2016

More power to 'em!

by Hollace | Morrill, NE
May 02, 2016

I am just about 7 months pregnant with my first and with all the information there is today I have watched a lot of other women stress themselves out looking for the perfect way to give birth or breastfeed or whatever it may be. I think that just taking a deep breath and letting go of all the stress will bring the most fulfilling mommy experience.

by Hollace | Morrill, NE
May 02, 2016

I am just about 7 months pregnant with my first and with all the information there is today I have watched a lot of other women stress themselves out looking for the perfect way to give birth or breastfeed or whatever it may be. I think that just taking a deep breath and letting go of all the stress will bring the most fulfilling mommy experience.

by charmed | MARYSVILLE, IN
May 01, 2016

take a little time to selfishly reconnect with you and your partner

by melmorgan4 | Fresno, TX
May 01, 2016

Be willing to accept help, and don't be afraid to ask for it.

by wbink1500 | newburgh, NY
May 01, 2016

Don't sweat the small stuff. Be kind. Take time for yourself (when you can).

by mosterhaus | ASBURY, IA
May 01, 2016

Enjoy every moment and try not to worry. Things will work out in the end and you will be surprised at how fast time flies. Someday you will look back and be shocked how much time has gone by!!

by dogtrainer | Porter, TX
Apr 30, 2016

Do your best & know that your best is enough. Carve out me time even when it feels it can't be done. Enjoy your new journey!

by Lizhawk | Zanesville, OH
Apr 30, 2016

My advice is.. Don't be afraid to say no. When the kids hear it, theyll be upset but your children will forgive you. When people tell you how to raise them, say no. Trying to follow everyone's advice makes you soooo stressed. Just follow your heart.

by rubydreamer | ALBURTIS, PA
Apr 29, 2016

Enjoy every minute of every day, take time to smell the roses along the way. We get so caught up with life, we don't take the time to enjoy the experience. Time does go so fast.

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