When I found out that I was pregnant, the excitement was undeniable. The list of baby names in my notes on my phone began to give me butterflies. One of those names would soon be given to a beautiful baby. I started to envision how I would decorate the nursery. I began to think about the cute ways I would share the news with our family and friends. I immediately began to plan the gender reveal. Everything started to come to life.

I would walk around my house, holding my belly, and stand sideways in the mirror to try and envision how I would look with a bigger belly. I began adding maternity clothes to my Amazon shopping cart. I was floating on cloud nine and riding that high of being pregnant for the first time.

Then, almost as quickly as the joy set in, reality came knocking…

What I later named ‘The Ghetto Trimester’ came in full swing! I knew I signed up to be pregnant but I wasn’t prepared for the first trimester blues.

Hearing The First Heartbeat

Before I detail the woes of my first trimester, I have to mention the highlight, hearing my daughter’s heartbeat for the first time. I found out that I was pregnant very early on, probably around week 3 or 4. After calling my OB I was told that I needed to wait until I was around 9 weeks pregnant before I would have my first appointment. I understood the reasons why and around the time I called them, I hadn’t missed my first period yet (I was so anxious and excited).

The 6-week wait was awful! I wanted to know how everything was going in my belly and with my baby. Was my baby okay? Am I healthy? What is the estimated due date? I had more questions than answers. And although Google was a great source of information for all my first-time mommy questions, it couldn’t give me what I was really looking for, an ultrasound and a heartbeat.

On the day of my appointment, my husband and I were filled with so many nerves and butterflies of excitement. For the last few weeks, this appointment was all that we could think about. We would stay up late, he would talk to my belly, and we would daydream about what this tiny baby would look like.

When we arrived in the room with all of the equipment, I thought to myself, “I’m finally about to see and hear this little thing that has been growing inside of me.” Then the doctor placed the tool on my belly and in that moment, for just a quick second, it was silent. She circled the tool around and around, my eyes were darting from one corner of the screen to the next to make out something. And then this amazing sound started to feel the room '“da doom, da doom, da doom.” A heartbeat!

My husband’s eyes lit up and he said, “Oh wow!” My OB started explaining where the baby was and how the heartbeat was good.

This was the sweetest sound.

The First Hurdle: Total Exhaustion

Now, let’s get into the ghetto-ness that followed!

I have been a student-athlete. I have had some of the toughest track practices and run some of the hardest races but none of that could have prepared me for the all-consuming fatigue I felt. Have you ever woken up tired? Well, that was me for weeks in my first trimester.

I thought I would have been able to keep pace with my daily activities but this baby said, “No, mommy sit down!”

I eventually had to tell myself, ‘You’re growing a human, and your body is doing a million things at once.” The adjustment to my fatigue was long.

Mommy Tip: Embrace rest. If you’re tired, sleep! Let go of the guilt and listen to your body. It’s doing some serious work.

Morning Sickness, All Day Long

Water, crackers, plain chicken, and pretty much anything with little to no flavor was all that I could stomach. If I even tried to add a little flavor or eat some of my favorite foods, I paid the price! The toilet and I became well acquainted.

My morning sickness got so bad that I couldn’t stand the smell of my bedroom. For about a month, we slept on the couch on our second floor. It was as though my body had its agenda, and I was just along for the ride.

Mommy Tip: Keep snacks like crackers, ginger chews, or sour candies handy to help curb nausea. Also, try eating small meals throughout the day to avoid an empty stomach.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Thanks to fluctuating hormones, my emotions were completely out of control. One minute, I was crying watching Inside Out; the next, I was frustrated with my husband’s deodorant started to make me feel nauseous and it was all his fault.

Mommy Tip: Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Communicate with your loved ones about what you’re going through—just so they can brace themselves.

Physical Discomfort: My New Normal

Oh my goodness, my boobs were so sore!! I couldn’t lay right to keep them from aching. Sometimes massages helped and other times, I didn’t want to be touched.

Don’t get me started on my lower back pain. I wasn’t even developing a belly yet and my back began to act like I was carrying a 10-pound baby.

Everything was uncomfortable. From bloating to tender breasts. My clothes started to feel tighter, sleep positions less comfortable, and my energy completely drained. Discomfort was my new normal!

Mommy Tip: Invest in stretchy, comfy clothing early. Also, prioritize hydration to help manage bloating and fatigue.

Crossing the First Trimester Finish Line

I can remember the week like it was yesterday: Week 15. My life changed.

It was like day and night. A flipped light switch. I woke up one more expecting to struggle again only this time I felt something I hadn’t felt in a while: energized.

The air smelled better. My aches eased up. My stomach didn’t feel like someone donkey kicked it. AND…..I COULD ENJOY SOME SEASONED FOOD!!

Much like a marathon, the first trimester pushed me to my limits. But just like with any race, the challenges come with rewards. By the end of it, I hit a huge milestone. I entered the ‘glowing phase’ of my pregnancy: The second trimester.

Final Thoughts:
The first trimester was tough, I have no problem admitting to that. I battled morning sickness, exhaustion, and emotional swings that I knew made my husband want to hide from me.

Motherhood is full of marathons, but this one has to take the cake.

What About You?

Did you experience the ghetto first trimester?

I’d love to hear your stories:

Share your thoughts in the comments below—or share them with us in the Facebook Group! I’d love for this to be a space where we all learn from and encourage one another.

Until next time,
Dominique Johnson
Founder of Go-Get.Hers

When my husband and I decided to try for a baby, I naively thought it would happen immediately. I assumed it was a one-and-done process. I had a romanticized version of reality in my mind—a movie-type love scene between the two of us, a positive test, and a glowing start to motherhood. What I didn’t anticipate was the emotional and spiritual journey that would unfold over three months.

For some, three months might not seem like a long time to conceive, but when you’re in the midst of the process, every cycle feels like an eternity. I transitioned into a different season. In one season, my cycle was something I prayed to God would pop up after being late a few days. Now it is something I dreaded having and praying to God that He delayed for 9 months. Here’s how it all unfolded for me and the lessons I learned.

Month One: The Hopeful Start

The first month, I was full of optimism. I did a little research into the most effective ways to get pregnant. I downloaded a period tracker app that would tell me when I was ovulating and fertile. That app stayed open on my phone for MONTHS! I checked it like I would check my Amazon delivery status.

Every time up to this point, my husband and I took many precautions before having sex. Now that baby-making was on the table, it created a new experience. We were both filled with excitement, nerves, and anticipation.

For our first night trying, we created the perfect scene! Candles lit, Spotify playing our “Beats Between The Sheets” playlist, and a bubble bath with the jets going. You have to make the first time special right? LOL.

At the end of the night I thought that in just a couple of weeks, I would be running around my house screaming “I’m pregnant! I’m pregnant!” But when the test came back negative, my heart sank. I told myself, “It’s okay—most people don’t conceive on the first try. Next month will be different.”

Month Two: Anxiety Creeps In

By the second month, I was even more determined than the first. Forget the candles and music, I just wanted the job done!

To make matters worse, I was paying too much attention to social media. It was like my feed knew I was trying to get pregnant, and my page was flooded with stories of women who were posting their baby announcements. For the cherry on top, we had a couple of friend of ours who were trying around the same time as us and she became pregnant on their first try. With focusing too much on others, that’s when the lingering thought occurred: ”What if something’s wrong?”

I tried harder this month if that’s even possible. I googled the best positions, scheduled date nights, and made sure every aspect of my health was in check. Despite my efforts, my period came and my excitement dwindled a little more.

I became overwhelmed by the thought that my body might not be working in the ways that it should. My husband comforted me, reminding me that this was a journey. It was a small but important reminder.

Month Three: A Different Perspective

April rolled around. This is my birthday month! I started telling myself that this was the month all along and that I would find out on my birthday that I was pregnant. I checked my calendar at the beginning of the month, I made note of my fertile week, and a spark of new excitement came over me.

During my birthday week, my app showed that my period would be projected to start. I kept telling myself “Not this time.”

I went on a women’s retreat the weekend of my birthday. It was wonderful. My friend Stephanie who is the founder of the women’s ministry Christian Girls P.O.P. asked me to share my testimony in one of the breakout sessions. After I finished speaking, I went to my room to lie down for a nap. That’s when I felt the all too familiar feeling of my period coming on.

I just about broke down. “This was our third month trying! I don’t understand what’s going on. Is it me? Can I not have kids? God, YOU showed me this vision. You told me it was time to start a family yet You’re denying me every single time! Why? I don’t understand…”

I called my husband and told him everything. As encouraging as his words were, I could hear the sadness in his tone. When I made it home he sat me down and presented a different perspective.

He mentioned that we couldn’t control everything. Even though we both felt like we had received the blessing from God to start a family, it still happens in His time. I was filled with so much anxiety and fear that the joys of making a baby decreased. So, I decided to let go and let God. While I still tracked my cycle, I decided to focus less on obsessing over the details and more on enjoying the process. My husband and I treated the end of April differently than the last few months—less like a project and more like a partnership.

What I didn’t know at the time which was later revealed at our first ultrasound, was that the week right after my period, the last week in April, I became pregnant.

The Positive Test

I’ll never forget the morning I woke up feeling like something was different. As I lay next to my husband in bed, I rolled over and said ”I think I’m pregnant.”

It was Sunday, May 14th, 2023: Mother’s Day! I leaped out of bed and said again “Babe, I think I’m pregnant!” He asked me how did I know. I couldn’t quite put into words what I was feeling but I just knew. I ran into the bathroom to grab our last on-hand pregnancy test. We only ever purchased the Clear Blue brand that had a digital display. I needed to be able to read the words to know for sure.

I was so certain that I was pregnant that I dashed to get my phone to record this very moment. My husband was still lying in the bed looking confused as I ran around the room getting everything. He then asked “Babe, are you sure? You haven’t missed your period for this month yet.” He was right. It had been just three weeks since my last period and my next one was due in two weeks. But I just knew.

I took the test and laid it flat on the sink so that we couldn’t see the results. Intrigued, my husband made his way out of bed and joined me in the bathroom. We waited two minutes and I made a dash to grab the stick. My eyes were met with the words ‘Pregnant'!’ It was a mix of disbelief, joy, and relief. I screamed “Oh my goodness!” And my husband was staring at the stick like he saw a ghost. Neither one of us could believe our eyes. We hugged, laughed, cried, and couldn’t stop talking about how surreal it felt.

Two more weeks passed…and this time…NO PERIOD!! I was finally pregnant and the beginning of my motherhood journey began.

Looking back, those three months taught me patience, resilience, and the ability to let go of things I cannot control. While the wait felt endless at the time, it was all worth it when we saw that positive test.

What I Learned Along the Way

1. Patience is key. For most healthy couples, conception can take several months. It’s normal, even if it feels like forever.

2. You can’t control everything. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take care of your mental and physical health while letting go of the pressure.

3. You’re not alone. Whether it’s your partner, family member, friend, or online community, others understand what you’re going through.

4. Every journey is unique. Comparing your experience to others will only add stress. Focus on your path.

Final Thoughts:

Trying to conceive is an emotional roller coaster, full of highs, lows, and unexpected turns. For me, those three months were a lesson in patience and self-compassion. If you’re in the middle of your TTC journey, know that it’s okay to feel all the emotions—hope, frustration, and even doubt.

Remember, this is your marathon, and every step brings you closer to your finish line. Hang in there, mama-to-be—you’ve got this.

What About You?

How did you find out you were pregnant?

I’d love to hear your stories!

Share your thoughts in the comments below—or share them with us in the Facebook Group! If you would like your story to be shared on our podcast, email your story to ddjoyjohnson12@gmail.com and I will connect with you on how we can share your story!

Here’s to motherhood and all the moments that make it magical.

Until next time,
Dominique Johnson
Founder of Go-Get.Hers

As a mom, one of the most memorable stories we have is the one that began it all for us: The story of how we became pregnant! No one story is the same and that’s what makes motherhood uniquely beautiful. Some moms have the “Oh crap! How did this happen? I’m pregnant!” story. Other moms have the triumphant sigh of relief “Thank you, God! I’m finally pregnant” story. While a handful have the “I’ve planned for this and it’s right on time” story. Whatever the story, one thing that we all share is that we have became moms.

For me, the decision to become a mom wasn’t one I made lightly. I knew it would be one of the biggest, most life-altering choices ever. If I can be real with you, a lot of my decision to become pregnant was from seeing many girl bosses turned mommies on social media and watching how they “did it all.” One thing I didn’t consider at that time was how people love to post the best versions of themselves and not always their reality. It was a true reality hit after my daughter was born but that is a story for another day.

I’ve always known I wanted to be a mom. Even as a little girl, I’d dream about the day I’d have a family of my own. But knowing you want something and knowing when you’re ready for it are two very different things.

How I Knew It Was the Right Time

My husband and I are what you may call childhood sweethearts. We met when I was 14 and he was 13. I don’t know how you would classify dating at that age, but we held hands and texted every day. So, for us, it was official LOL. Being so young, and having a long-term relationship was too icky. So, after a summer-long “relationship” we broke up and for the following 5 years, we remained just friends.

In 2017 we met back in college and have been inseparable ever since. In 2021 we got married, got into our careers, traveled the world, and bought our first home. Life was busy, as it always is, with work, relationships, and personal goals. I kept thinking, When things settle down, that’s when I’ll try.

But here’s the thing: life doesn’t really “settle down.” What shifted for me wasn’t a perfect set of circumstances; it was my perspective. And a perspective shift was exactly what I needed.

I am a planner at heart. If I could, I would love to plan out the rest of my life. I know you’re probably laughing at that unrealistic idea. Trust me, if there is one thing I’ve learned over and over again being a mom, is how you think something will turn out, it rarely ever does.

At the age of 25, I planned out how I wanted to have kids. My first child would be born when I was 26, then 28, and the last two at ages 29 and 30. I’m 27 right now with a beautiful 10-month baby girl and a precious baby who is a giggling angel in heaven. Plans truly change when life stops. That’s another part of my story I look forward to sharing with you too.

In 2022 I wanted my baby plans to begin! What I wasn’t expecting to feel was fear. I was thriving in my real estate career. My husband and I were enjoying being young and newly married. I started to think about how all of that could change with just one baby.

So, I started to push that timeline back bit by bit. But that only caused this internal war of emotions to grow: should I leap? Or should I delay?

One day, in my quiet time with God, I had a special moment shared between the two of us—one of those moments where the world slows down just enough for me to hear clearly from Him. I found myself smiling and at peace when He began to show me images of what life would look like with a baby in it. He reminded me how my husband and I were so full of love that we needed to pour that into a beautiful creation perfectly blended with the two of us.

And then it hit me: I wasn’t waiting for the right time; I was waiting for the right feeling.

That feeling of readiness wasn’t about having everything figured out—it was about a deep desire to create something beautiful, share my love in a new way, and embrace a new chapter of my life, no matter how messy it might get.

The Journey Ahead

Deciding to try for a baby was a deeply personal and emotional moment for me. It marked the beginning of a journey filled with anticipation, hope, and a lot of learning. And while I didn’t know everything then—and still don’t—I knew I was ready to start.

For every mom, that moment of readiness looks different. For some, it’s a conversation with a partner. For others, it’s a moment of clarity, like the one I had. And sometimes, it sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

What About You?

There’s no universal checklist or perfect timing to becoming a mom. It’s about trusting yourself and your heart.

I’d love to hear your stories:

• What inspired you to become a mom?

• How did you know it was the right time for you?

• How did you find out that you were pregnant?

Share your thoughts in the comments below—or share them with us in the Facebook Group! I’d love for this to be a space where we all learn from and encourage one another.

Here’s to motherhood and all the moments that make it magical.

Next time, I’ll be sharing my crazy emotional roller coaster of trying to become pregnant and the test that changed it all.

Until next time,
Dominique Johnson
Founder of Go-Get.Hers