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Q&A: Unsure of parent potential?

Right now I'm stay-at-home and 12 weeks pregnant. I can't seem to get the motivation together to keep everything neat and organized in the house like I did before. Because of this I feel like I'm going to be an inadequate mom. I mean, if I can't even keep my house clean while being pregnant, how am I going to be able to take good care of the baby?

Re: Right now I'm stay-at-home and 12 weeks pregnant. I can't seem to get the motivation together to keep everything neat and organized in the house like I did before. Because of this I feel like I'm going to be an inadequate mom. I mean, if I can't even keep my house clean while being pregnant, how am I going to be able to take good care of the baby?

The Bump Expert

It is very important to remember you are still in your first trimester of pregnancy, where fatigue is still one of the most common symptoms. During this time you should give in to the fatigue and rest, instead of trying to fight it. You cannot judge yourself or compare yourself during this time because there is a great deal going on (both physically and emotionally) that is causing you to become so tired.

Being tired during pregnancy (something common in almost all pregnant moms) has nothing at all to do with how you will be as a mother. Being a good mother comes from loving and caring for your child to the best of your ability, and it has no basis on how well you clean your home. I think you are being very hard on yourself and instead of focusing on the negatives, try focusing on the positives of being tired. If you are concerned about being tired after the baby, think of ways to incorporate help into your home. Sometimes beautiful moments happen when both Mommy and baby are resting together and creating a wonderful bond. Take this alone time during pregnancy to work on fostering a new attitude and implementing a back-up plan of support during pregnancy and birth. Most of all, be good to yourself by resting, taking care of yourself, and believing in your capacity to mother.

Tammy Gold | June 01 , 2009 11:34 AM

re: Q: Unsure of parent potential?

Dont worry - I was a neat freak and only 7 weeks into being pregnant, I am sometimes to tired to lift my arms... :) - enjoy and relax, it will be okay. My friend has a sign on her fridge: Excuse the mess, I was playing with my kids!

eisenberg0814 | April 22 , 2008 10:48 AM

re: Q: Unsure of parent potential?

IMO, it is usually the people who question whether or not they'll be good parents, that end up being the best moms and dads. :) Wishing you a happy and healthy 9 months!

Mrs.R2D2 | January 20 , 2009 8:44 AM

re: Q: Unsure of parent potential?

I grew up in a home that was "lived in". My mom remembers going to the park to play and having to return to push in a chair she left out from the table. I remember running after the ice cream truck while my mom chased after with money. : )

TaraMleczynski | February 05 , 2009 7:56 AM

Q&A: Unsure of parent potential?

This made me feel so much better! Not only am I almost 9 weeks pregnant but i also have a broken ankle that I'm learning to walk on! I'm so exhausted all the time i can barely do laundry and I was starting to feel like I was going to be a terrible mom if I can't keep up with anything already! Thanks so much!

**Katy | September 10 , 2009 5:39 PM

Q&A: Unsure of parent potential?

I'm sort of the opposite. I've been cleaning more now (I'm 5 weeks) to try to make myself feel better about what is to come. I guess I'm trying to prove to myself that even through all the fatigue, I can still clean up the house.

brokensmyl | November 13 , 2010 8:03 AM

Q&A: Unsure of parent potential?

UGHH I FEEL U!!! me n my husband just moved 10 hours away from my family n friends so thank goodness his cuz n her hubby moved with us because i would go in to these crying spells about being useless. they all laughed n told me it was normal to be tired plus im having complications with a cyst that is the most pain ive ever been n kicks my butt even more! i helped the best i could but weve been here a week n with my hubby workn 40 hrs a week our room looks like crap n he understands that im tired so reading its normal n knowing im not alone is so helpful!

kelseypolk | April 18 , 2011 3:02 PM

Q&A: Unsure of parent potential?

I'm so frustrated with the whole situation. I'm exhausted ALL THE TIME! When I'm not sleeping or laying down, I feel nauseated, dizzy, aloof, or lightheaded. My husband is super busy at his job in the Air Force, is working on his masters degree, and playing in a softball league. Our house looks like a pig stye and I don't know how to make him understand how I am feeling. He is a well educated man and reads about all of the benefits of exercising during pregnancy. His mom was a professional athlete and had tons of energy during all of her pregnancies. He just doesn't get how I feel. How do I make him understand?

AroseF114 | April 22 , 2012 11:24 PM