Grab a test! (For anyone wondering if they're pregnant)

Make sure you have your OB/GYN by your side too; it’ll give you some peace of mind knowing you can rely on them and have their full support.

I picked up the Mayo Clinic book, but honestly, check Craigslist first because they charge about $40 in bookstores—$167 whereas we snagged ours on Craigslist for just $13. It’s a massive 750-page guide that covers everything from what to expect during pregnancy to labor and that entire first year with the baby.

I’d also suggest picking up "what to expect during pregnancy" — that group of authors really knows their stuff. I’ve actually read both, and honestly, this one wins for me because most of it is laid out in a quick Q&A format. Plus, there’s a solid glossary at the end—it saves you from having to flip through the entire thing like a madwoman just to find one specific detail.

I actually use the Mayo Clinic too, though I’m honestly on the fence about whether I’d recommend it... It seems more geared toward those confident women who aren't easily intimidated. It feels very medical-heavy, but man, does it feel alive!
The Larousse encyclopedia for parents is also a solid choice, but—fair warning—it’s definitely not cheap.
Ugh, I’m stumped on what to suggest for beginners. Maybe check out those special editions of Baby Magazine? They aren't pricey at all. Just grab a copy of Baby Magazine at a local newsstand; you'll find info on those special issues inside—one covers what to expect during pregnancy, another focuses on newborns, and so on.
Or, if you happen to be in a big city like Chicago, just head over to a local Profile bookstore, grab a coffee, sit down on the second floor, and flip through everything to see what clicks with you. 😉

A little practical advice here: Jeffrey Cook55, if you have an exam coming up within the next two weeks—hit the books hard! Study as much as you possibly can and give it your absolute all so you can pass. Seriously, don't stress—the baby knows what they're doing, growing away, and doing just fine, so you don't need to worry about a thing right now. 😘
Very soon (in a best-case scenario) you’re going to hit a wall of fatigue and sleepiness—or in a worse-case scenario, nausea, or even the dreaded vomiting twice a day... and once that hits, forget about studying until December! You’ll likely feel amazing and full of energy during the second trimester (once you hit that 14-week mark), so that’s the perfect time to plan things like writing or finishing a thesis.

Also, bring your boyfriend along when you go tell your parents. Having him there will convince them way more than any speech you could give about how you two are a team and he won't leave you hanging (that's usually what parents fear most!). Good luck! 😘
And huge congratulations! 😍

placidgardener19 said:Bring your guy along when you go to tell your parents. Having him right there will do more to convince them than any speech about how you're a "team" or how he isn't going to leave you hanging—which, let's face it, is usually what the older generation is actually sweating about. Good luck 😘
And congrats 😍

I’m definitely signing off on that whole "being a team" part 👍

Jeffrey Cook55 said:Well, ladies...

Everything will work out... you'll see. 🙂 😘

You aren't even in such a dire situation. You're nearly done with your degree; surely you can get everything sorted before the baby arrives? Why assume he'll lose his job immediately? Even if he does, temporary setbacks can be managed by taking any available work. If your friend offered you a position, why not sit down and talk? Perhaps there's a way to arrange remote work once you have the baby. Who's to say he won't be perfectly fine with the pregnancy? 😉
And your parents will help; don't fret about that. They support us working professionals too. Their support carries more weight than you realize... 😉

The most vital thing is that you and your boyfriend act as a team. 🙂
I agree with the others—it would be best to tell your parents together, especially if they hold conservative values. Seeing that he is standing by you and wants this child will mean a great deal to them.

Besides, you aren't exactly children yourselves. 😉 Honestly, if you only knew how many of my friends' mothers were practically begging for grandchildren when they were your age—not to mention my own father 😁....

Calm down, just a little, and focus on organizing your schedule to finish that exam and your thesis. Everything will be fine. 😉

🙂 😘

zmijica said:Edward Green, 🤣 🤣
EDIT: If Dijamantic is pregnant, you're risking a massive lawsuit. 😉

Why? 😁

MarinkaD said:Welcome aboard, coastalscout27!😘
We're expecting the baby soon, along with all that pregnancy magic. I guess.😬
Don't sweat the boss too much. I don't know where you're working, but I've been out on medical leave for two months now, and my contract was supposed to end on August 31st. I was honestly terrified about what would happen after that because I was pretty sure they weren't going to renew it. Turns out, they extended it for four months.🙂
Just make sure you're doing okay. And the baby, obviously.😍

Just got the confirmation from my doctor that I'm pregnant. Looks like the due date is May 17th, 2007.🙂

coastalscout27 The user said:So, I finally got the official word from my doctor... I'm pregnant. I guess it's actually happening. My due date is set for May 17th, 2007.🙂

👋 👋 👋 👋 👋 🙂 🙂 🙂

Congrats, coastalscout27!😘

Look, I already gave you my congrats on that other thread, so now I’m just 😘 baby girl

haha MarinkaD, you're totally out of it.... when's your actual date? I mentioned it to my boss, too.... he just went "hmmmmm" if that's really what you want to do... and honestly, I'm thinking about it myself. I can't exactly quit since I've got a permanent contract, and besides, I'm not really worried about what happens later once I have the baby.....😍

Linda Hernandez15 said:I already congratulated you on another thread, so I'll just say 😘 congrats

thanks.... little 2mm nugget 😘

coastalscout27 said:I just got the official word from my doctor—I'm pregnant! The due date is set for May 17th, 2007.🙂

Oh my gosh!!!!!
BIGGEST CONGRATULATIONS EVER!!!!
YOU'RE CARRYING A LITTLE HUMAN!!!
🙂 🙂 🙂 🎉 🎉 👋

Joshua Clark said:🙂

Seriously, what's even the point of this 😕

thanks everyone.... friends....

gotta head out to this restaurant meeting about a wedding... baby changes everything... 🙂

magic blue said:what's the point of this 😕

Just to break up the monotony of being happy—honestly, it was an accident, but since we're here, let's roll with it.

coastalscout27 said:gotta head out to an interview at this wedding catering venue... life with a baby changes everything... 🙂

Wait, I'm lost—is the baby changing your plans for a wedding, or did something else shift? If you don't mind me asking...

Congrats, coastalscout27!!! Welcome to the hormonal chaos club—you’ve officially arrived.

mimma said:haha Marinka, you are totally losing it.... when is your due date? I actually mentioned it to my boss too.... he was just like, "hmm, if that's what you want to do..." honestly, I'm thinking about staying put because I have a permanent contract, and once the baby arrives, I really don't care what happens next.....😍

Thanks, thanks!!😬
It's probably just the hormones acting up..🙂 You'll see what I mean soon enough.😍
My due date is January 28th.
Go to the "Due Dates" thread and set up your own tracker. If you run into any trouble, just let us know and one of us (the total sex bombs of this group) will make it for you.😬

MarinkaD said:My appointment is set for January 28th.

I had no clue! They actually pushed my last ultrasound right to that exact date. 👍
Maybe we'll run into each other at the hospital—we could always throw a little party in the lab.😁