We know from the feedback we received as part of our Pregnancy Questionnaire that many mums feel that the first 12 weeks are the most difficult emotionally and mentally. This page shares your experiences and thoughts on this very challenging time!

If you would like to share your own experiences please send your story to: contributions@forparentsbyparents.co.uk

I found out I was pregnant when I was about 6 weeks into the pregnancy, the minute I found out after buying a test at Tesco, I started being sick as a dog. Every day for the first 3 months I was being sick up to 10 times a day, it was terrible. I kept thinking how much more can I take, but I just had to put up with it, I did try all the suggestions to control it by taking ginger biscuits, and other possible cures but nothing could stop the sickness. I lost a few pound the first 3 months. It was worth seeing my first scan of my baby at 12 weeks, very tiny but clearly small buds of arms and legs and a face can be seen. This made me smile.

Claire

My first pregnancy went off without a hitch, I don't even remember worrying about miscarriage. Then I got pregnant with my second and lost it at 11 1/2 weeks. It was the biggest shock of my life. How could someone 29, healthy with a history of a good pregnancy, lose a baby. Needless to say, bitter-sweet is how I feel right now at 9 weeks pregnant. I want to be happy, but I don't want to get too attached. I have told my parents and partner to have a support network, but don't plan to announce the pregnancy until after 14 weeks. Every time I go to the bathroom, I am checking for blood. Every flinch in my abdomen, I think is the end. It is an emotional rollercoaster. Logically, I know there is no way I can control what happens, but I will be so glad to get through the first trimester.

I was 6 weeks when I had an abortion I didn't want to but I did for my Mum because I was only 15!! As soon as I came out of that building I knew that I was going to get pregnant again because of the way I felt. I wanted to fell the same way I felt when I was pregnant .One month later I was pregnant and still 15 and very happy again this time I have my mom supporting me. I'm 12 weeks with 3days now and very glad to be pregnant again!!!!!

Nataly

I miscarried in 2004 at 6weeks and it affected me quite badly. I am now 11weeks and a half weeks and getting married too which has taken away some of the anxiety as there is so much happening. The time has flown by and although I panicked with every twinge and was very negative the whole time these thoughts and emotions changed the moment I saw my baby at my dating scan. Its real to me now and I have my fingers crossed that the next couple of weeks will go smoothly.

I have just come out of hospital from an epic four hours ago. As far as I was concerned my pregnany was normal, however on Friday I went for my three month scan really excited, only to find out the worst had happened this is my first pregnancy and although I was twelve weeks the baby had died at 8 weeks but no sign of miscarriage I miscarried on Sunday morning and then was admitted to hospital today! I feel terribble me and my partner are not getting which is tearing me apart! he can't seem to do anything right! maybe I'm too demanding I just want affection and him to love me and be there but he's not coping very well I don't think he has said he would rather put it to the back of his mind! I can't do that! if I cry he just tells me to stop! help I'm going mad!

Hayley

Hello all 12 weekers.I found out 6 weeks ago that I was expecting, I have been on an emotional rollercoaster since. Never in my life have I experienced pure, unadulterated love for my wee fighter growing inside of me,then the next minute I'm convinced something is wrong and slip into fear and terror and I can't do anything to make sure my baby is alright.I'm due my first scan in two weeks and im counting the days with excitement and dread. As a rule im pretty positive but someone elses life is depending on me!!!In an ideal world,for us poor unfortunates who cant feel nothing at this stage(only the ever present queasiness),could someone in the medical profession please provide us mum 2 bes with a portable monitor that us anxious souls can check our growing baby whenever the fear takes us......To all my fellow first timers and 12weekers,may all your pregnacies go well and may we all give birth to little healthy geniuses(WE DESERVE IT!!

Lisa

The first trimester was completely miserable. Vomiting, constipation,Nausea, and not to metion I have the RH- factor so i had a episode where my blood type was attacking my baby. The emergency room doctor gave me medication and thank God it worked. right now I am 14 weeks pregnant I feel much better but I still have some nausea and vomiting but not nearly as much as before. It seemed like everyone I talked to about the first trimester never went through morning sickness; as a result I really have'nt had any one to relate, just people saying ew, I'm glad I didn't go through that & it will get better.

Smells are real problem for me now, I smell everything and it triggers my nausea and vomiting, so I have to be careful

Gabrielle

I'm nearly 26 and 14 weeks preggers, and feeling... bad! sickness, nausea, EXTREMELY tired plus my libido has gone on vacation! thought it was supposed to be getting better by now? at least (touch wood) I've not had any complications!

Kei

I am now 9 weeks pregnant and out of my mind with worry. I had a miscarriage at 9 weeks last October and am so worried that it is going to happen again. I can't wait for my first scan. I feel so ill all the time. From getting up on a morning to going to sleep on a night a feel constantly sick but I know deep down that pregnancy sickness is a good thing and means that the baby is developing. Roll on my first scan.

Janine

I have been sick a lot with this one and it hasn't been easy, which you know. I'm now starting to feel better, but now instead of spending my time sick I'm spending it worrying myself to death that something could be wrong. I've had four miscarriages and it makes me a bit paranoid. I do however have two live children (girls) who were and still are very healthy. I just hope and pray that this one too is healthy like they were. Best of luck to all of you moms out there!

Jaime

With just the thought of me being pregnant, I was ecstatic. But when I found out that my test came back postive, I freaked out and found myself bawling my eyes out. After the initial shock, I was once again, ecstatic - but I've found myself constantly worrying. I went to the doctor when I was 8 weeks, and they told me everything was fine and the baby looked healthy. It's been two weeks since that appointment, and I'm honestly always worrying whether or not the baby will be okay or if I'm going to miscarry. I just pray everything will turn out alright, because I'm afraid I'll be crushed -- along with my boyfriend, if I would lose the baby. I feel like no matter how hard I've tried, these emotions just keep getting the best of me.

Sarah

I am 11 weeks pregnant with my second child. My hormones are confused. One minute I'm happy and the next I'm in tears or depressed over the smallest things. I try not to be so moody, but of course I can't help it. My boyfriend doesn't seem to understand why am so tired and why I act so moody and he knows that I am pregnanct. "Your not the same, you are acting different and been that way for the past couple of months", he says. Well duh, I'm pregnant and it just doesn't seem like it is clicking. Anyway, I'm happy with this second child and I pray that God will bless me with a girl. I get scared sometimes about me having a miscarriage. It shocks me after hearing women experiences with miscarriages even at 13 weeks, where as your doctor or magazines tell you that the hard part is over and by then the chances of miscarriages have reduced greatly. However, I know the Lord will continue to bless me and this child each everyday.

I have just found out that I am 5 Weeks pregnant. I know the feeling when a lot of you have said you are paranoid about a miscarriage as I had one last year at 8 weeks. I am praying it doesn't happen again, however, like some of you have said there is nothing you can do! I don't have any children the now and this is hopefully going to be my first. Fingers crossed eh, and I wish you all well.

Stacey

This is my 2nd pregnancy my first ended at 12 weeks but my baby died at 6 weeks 1day I had a missed misscarriage I am not 12 weeks 3 days and feeling really good about the pregnancy I go for an ultra sound next wednesday and then I will really know it is going to happen for us I wish you all the best of luck and don't worry if it is going to happen you can't stop it so enjoy it for whatever time you have.

Tiffany

Just wanted to add to your letters page. I hope that my story may be of some help to fellow sufferers, even if it's just knowing that they are not alone in what they are going through and that there is light at the end of the tunnel!

I am now finally starting to enjoy my pregnancy!

Louise

I have just lost a baby at 12 weeks and whilst it may seem early to many people, to me it felt as though I had been pregnant for ages. I had tried to resist getting attached in case the worst happened, but as I approached 12 weeks I let my guard down and thought I was 'safe'. I know I have a good chance of a healthy pregnancy in the future, but right now I just still want to be pregnant.

I am on my third and last pregnancy and the worries during the first 12 weeks never go away. I am very lucky both my previous pregnancies were text book and I have two beautiful girls. I suffer terribly from fatigue and sickness (all day and night) which I am told is a sign of a healthy pregnancy but this time my fear is that I've been very lucky so far and my luck will run out by being greedy and having a third. I have so many friends desparately wanting children and going through IVF and here am I having my third. I am 10 weeks today and ticking away the days until my scan at 12 weeks. If this doesn't work out I don't think I'll try again but will take it as nature's way of saying enjoy and celebrate the two you have.

Caroline

I am about 9 weeks and feel absolutley fine so am convinced that there's nothing going on in there! My breasts are really sore and large (!) and that is the only change I have noticed. Had a bit of nausea for 3 weeks but that has now gone. Had a scan at 7 weeks as I was having an ovarian pain but everything was fine. I am just so worried that I'm not going to make it to 13 weeks. Is anyone else out there feeling absolutely fine and non-pregnant?!

Melissa

I have been so miserable. I have five sisters and none of them have had the symptoms, the nausea, the tiredness, the all over "icky" feeling. It is nice to know I am not alone. This week has been better than the last 7. I am happy for that. I gave up dairy and that has helped stop the cramping and the bloating. I have been told to rejoice and when I am told that I want them to feel like a exploding vomit bag like me and see how mich they will rejoice! I am happy, but I want to be empathized with which I know is selfish but I am being truthful.

I am only about 4 and 1/2 weeks. VERY EARLY... I have had spotting for the last 2 days... I am FREAKING out! My doctor told me this could be totally normal and to just wait it out! You'd think in this day and age they could do more than that!

Laura

I had a miscarriage last March at 6 weeks. Nearly a year on I am pregnant again. I am only 5weeks pregnant and am so scared that I will miscarry again.

In my opinion, if you're pregnant and you choose to be in bed all the time and feel sick..You will be. But if you just continue your daily routine and be as happy as you can..you can do it. its like 20% physical and 80% mental.

Well my boyfriend and I just found out that we are pregnant, I felt scared and unsure when he was ecstatic with so much joy. I am coming to terms with my pregnancy now and I am begining to be happy about it. I also have endometreosis so I know that me even conceiving is a blessing. My boyfriend and I are getting married and I am even happier. I worry that my baby is ok and that nothing wrong happens. I pray to God everyday that I have a well pregnancy and my baby is alright.

Corina

I am now 11 weeks and 4 days pregnant, awaiting my first scan. I also have been constantly worried abotu misscarrying as I have had a previous maisscarriage. I even went as far as booking an early scan at 8 weeks to check things - and everything turned out fine. So 4 more days till my proper scan. I'm sure things will be fine as I feel terrible!!!

Amanda

I am now in my 12th week and I don't think I have ever felt better in my life!! I have had no morning sickness at all apart from the tirednes I feel GREAT! I can't wait to get big and meet my first child into the world in July 2006!!

Lauren