Elina – The Start of Our Journey into Parenthood
Calm, Support, and Confidence in the Early Weeks
Pregnancy is an exciting and meaningful stage of life, but the early weeks can also bring uncertainty, emotional changes, and concern for many families. While there is often joy and anticipation, it is completely normal for expectant parents to experience worry during the first trimester.
I am the Managing Director of this clinic, but before anything else, I am a husband and a father.
My wife and I welcomed our daughter, Elina, on the 29th of October 2020, during the COVID lockdown. Like many families at that time, we spent those early months together at home, learning how to support one another through a period of change and uncertainty.
Today, Elina is five years, two months, and 13 days old, and she started Reception class in September 2025. Becoming a parent gave me a deeper understanding of pregnancy, emotional wellbeing, and why reassurance matters so much in the early stages.
From time to time, I will share reflections and perspectives from our own journey, with the hope that they may support expectant parents during pregnancy.
Understanding Emotions in Early Pregnancy
The first trimester is often the most emotionally challenging part of pregnancy. Hormonal changes, physical symptoms, and the uncertainty of the early weeks can affect mood, sleep, and overall confidence.
Many women experience anxiety during this stage, particularly before visible signs of pregnancy appear. It is common for parents to seek reassurance through a pregnancy scan or baby scan, especially when they want confirmation that everything is progressing as expected.
Recognising these emotions and responding to them with understanding is an important part of supporting both mother and baby.
Staying Calm: My First Perspective
The most important message I would share with any pregnant woman is simple: protect your calm and your environment.
From the moment pregnancy begins, emotional wellbeing becomes just as important as physical health. Stress, tension, and constant worry can influence how pregnancy is experienced.
Life does not pause during pregnancy. Responsibilities continue, but this period offers an opportunity to slow down, practise patience, and make conscious choices that reduce unnecessary stress. A calm environment supports the mother, the baby, and the wider family.
Practical Ways to Manage Stress in Early Pregnancy
There are practical steps that can help manage anxiety during early pregnancy.
Prioritise rest and nutrition. Adequate sleep, balanced meals, and gentle movement such as walking can support emotional wellbeing.
Limit information overload. While it is natural to look for answers, too much information can increase anxiety. Choosing reliable sources and seeking professional advice when needed can help maintain balance.
Stay connected. Talking openly with a partner, family member, or trusted friend can provide emotional relief and reassurance.
Practise relaxation. Simple breathing exercises or quiet moments during the day can help calm the mind.
Seek professional support when needed. If anxiety feels overwhelming or persistent, speaking to a healthcare professional can be very helpful.
A Note to Partners
Pregnancy brings natural hormonal and emotional changes, particularly in the first trimester. These changes can affect mood, energy levels, and emotional responses.
Support from a partner during this time is essential. Calm communication, patience, reassurance, and simply being present can help create a sense of safety and stability.
Reassurance Through Pregnancy Scans
For many parents, reassurance plays a key role in early pregnancy.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, reassurance may come through different types of scans, including reassurance scans in early pregnancy, growth and presentation scans later in pregnancy, gender reveal and well-being scans, and 4D bonding and well-being scans.
For families looking for a pregnancy scan in Croydon, these services can provide clarity, reassurance, and confidence throughout the pregnancy journey.
Looking Ahead
Pregnancy is more than a medical process. It is the beginning of a family journey.
A calm, supportive environment, combined with appropriate reassurance such as a baby scan or pregnancy scan when needed, helps build confidence and emotional wellbeing.
This blog will continue to share reflections, guidance, and perspectives to support parents at every stage of pregnancy.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
If you would like reassurance or have any concerns during your pregnancy, our team is here to support you.