Am I Pregnant? And Other Totally Normal Questions Every New Mum Googles

You’ve got a feeling. Maybe your period is late, maybe your jeans are a little snug, or maybe you just know. Welcome to the thrilling, terrifying world of constant Googling! Every person on the road to motherhood is a master investigator. Let’s ever so lightly touch on some of the biggest questions that pop up, supported by the data on modern motherhood.

The Evolving Mum: Age and Delivery
The face of motherhood is changing. If you’re feeling "older" or worried about a non-vaginal birth, the statistics show you're perfectly normal:

• Average Age is Rising: The average age of first-time mothers has been steadily increasing. In many high-income countries like Australia, the average maternal age for all births rose to 31.3 years in 2023 [Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)].
• C-Section Rate: Across the same time frame, the rate of women giving birth by C-section also continued its rise, hitting 41% in 2023 [AIHW]. This shows that a birth plan is truly a roadmap, and flexibility is key, as nearly half of all births are now surgical.

Mental Health: More Than Just Hormones
As you move through your first trimester and start planning (or panicking!), remember the emotional toll is real. While you’re thinking about your birth plan or what a real contraction feels like, spare a thought for your mental wellness. Perinatal anxiety and depression are estimated to affect about 1 in 5 expectant and new mothers [Australian Government Department of Health]. If you're not jumping for joy or 'glowing' try relieve yourself from overthinking because this too shall pass. 

The ultimate takeaway? Whether you identify as a "Crunchy Mom" or a total "Type A," your experience is valid, notice the pains, lean into your gratitudes, and know that every moment is fleeting, good and bad, plus! You have a huge community standing behind you.

As you know I'm not a mum yet, or any type of healthcare professional but I have tried by best to provide factually-backed information to some common questions.