Managing a pregnancy when you're self employed

UNEXPECTED LIFE LESSONS

If you had told me a few months ago that I’d be expecting a baby in 2025, I would’ve laughed it off. But life has a funny way of surprising us with unexpected blessings. Now, I’m halfway through this incredible journey, navigating uncharted waters as a self-employed professional and mom-to-be. While I’m still figuring it all out, I can’t wait to add “mom” to my list of titles next year.

This post is my honest account of what it’s been like so far, along with tips and lessons I’ve picked up along the way. If you’re in a similar boat, I hope this helps you feel less alone and better equipped to manage pregnancy while running your own business.

01. The First Trimester: Embracing the Chaos

Finding out I was pregnant was a whirlwind of emotions that completely threw me off track. It dominated my thoughts, and focusing on client projects felt impossible. To top it off, I had just decided to pivot my business, revamp my website, and start a new business development course. Everything came to a screeching halt.

And then came the morning sickness. Most days, I struggled to get through the basics without needing to nap or deal with constant nausea. If there’s one piece of advice I can offer for this stage, it’s this: don’t pressure yourself to be superhuman.

You don’t have to share your news before you’re ready.
Be transparent with clients about timelines—set realistic expectations.
Give yourself grace. Everyone’s journey is different; just because someone else worked full days with minimal symptoms doesn’t mean you should push yourself to match their pace.

Growing a human is hard work. Prioritize your health and well-being above all else.

02. The Second Trimester: Finding Balance

They call this the “easy” trimester because energy levels often return, and nausea subsides. While I’ve found this to be partly true, it’s also the stage where the reality of planning hits. Sleep starts to get uncomfortable, financial planning becomes a priority, and the juggling act of catching up on work begins.

Here’s how I’ve been managing:

Financial Planning: If you don’t have a savings cushion, now’s the time to start building one. Estimate your maternity leave expenses and set achievable savings goals.
Work-Life Balance: While catching up on first-trimester delays, I’ve learned to focus on high-priority tasks and avoid overloading myself.
Motivation: Feeling those little kicks and movements is a daily reminder of why I’m working so hard. It keeps me going, even when I feel stretched thin.

Remember, it’s okay to delegate or outsource tasks to stay on top of your workload while maintaining your health.

03. The Third Trimester: Preparing for the Unknown

While I have only just reached this stage, it feels like the most daunting part of the journey. The third trimester comes with physical challenges, and as a business owner, the fear of losing momentum is real. How do you keep things running while transitioning into motherhood?

Here’s my current plan for preparing:

Savings and Budgeting: I’m working on saving enough to cover my bills and expenses during maternity leave.
Client Communication: I’ve started informing retainer clients about my upcoming leave and discussing adjustments to timelines.
Content Planning: I’m building a social media content plan and scheduling posts to keep my brand active while I step back.

Of course, the unknowns are still there. I don’t know exactly how long I’ll need for leave or what my capacity will look like as a new mom. My mantra for this stage is: prepare as much as possible and go with the flow.

Helpful Tips for Expecting Self-Employed Women

Plan Early: As soon as you feel ready, start thinking about finances, client communication, and work adjustments. The earlier you prepare, the smoother things will go.
Outsource When Possible: Consider hiring freelancers or virtual assistants to help with tasks you can’t manage during your leave.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no or adjust your workload. Protect your time and energy.
Build a Support Network: Connect with other self-employed moms or moms-to-be. Sharing experiences can provide valuable insights and emotional support.
Focus on Essentials: During pregnancy, prioritize tasks that directly impact your business’s bottom line. Save long-term projects for later.

Conclusion: You’ve Got This

If you’re self-employed and pregnant, know that you’re not alone. After sharing my news, I discovered many of my clients were also juggling business ownership and pregnancy. One common thread was the feeling of navigating uncharted territory. No one has it all figured out, and every pregnancy journey is unique. The best we can do is support one another and give ourselves the grace to adapt.

I’ll be updating this post as I progress on my journey—stay tuned for more lessons, insights, and tips as I navigate the next stages.