Getting blessed with a baby to almost every Kenyan comes with a lot of unexpected anxiety, happiness and in the process we end up erring.

From how we receive the confirmation of the pregnancy test, to the second we step out of that maternity ward holding our bundle of joy, Kenyans experience a very unique mix of excitement and pressure.

And in between all that noise, we sometimes take steps that do not help us much, even though they feel right in the moment.

It is not because mothers are careless. Most of these mistakes happen because pregnancy itself feels like a new universe, and people around you suddenly treat you like a public project.

So here are a few common things expectant mothers find themselves doing, mostly without noticing.

Being carried by trends

One thing Kenyan mothers fall into very quickly is trends. Everything looks fancy on Instagram, from maternity photoshoots on beaches to themed baby showers with matching outfits and flower walls taller than the bride in a wedding.

And because everyone seems to be doing it, you start feeling like you also must.

But trends are just trends. They look nice on screens but not every mother needs that level of show. Sometimes a simple photo taken at home looks more genuine than a whole staged shoot.

What matters is comfort and memory, not performance. And honestly, half the things online are sponsored anyway, so copying them can drain your pocket for no real reason.

Overspending and buying unnecessary things

This one catches many people off guard. You walk into a baby shop “just to check,” and before you know it, you have paid for blankets, bottles, socks, more socks, shoes the baby will never walk in, a big toy, and something that looked like a bottle warmer but you are not even sure.

Babies grow fast. Really fast. Some things you buy will stay untouched until you quietly give them away.

It is normal to get excited, but slowing down saves money and stress. And if you ask any mum with older children, they will tell you the same thing: the simplest items end up being the most used.

Comparing your journey with others

This is a social mistake that hides in small moments. You see someone else’s bump, someone else glowing, someone else doing a perfect maternity shoot and you wonder what is wrong with your own journey. Nothing is wrong. Not one thing.

Pregnancy behaves differently for every woman. Some show early, some late, some enjoy the whole experience, others count the days to the end.

Comparing yourself only steals your happiness and replaces it with pressure. And pressure is the last thing an expectant mother needs.

Allowing too many voices

Kenyans love giving advice. Aunty wants to tell you which food to avoid. Neighbour wants to tell you how she slept when she was pregnant.

A random woman in a supermarket will tell you you are carrying twins simply because “your face looks round.”

If you listen to everyone, you will end up confused and mentally tired. Not every opinion deserves your energy.

Some things you can listen to politely and leave them right there. At the end of the day, your journey is personal. You do not need approval from the entire county.

Taking on everything alone

This one happens quietly. Many expectant mothers think asking for help means weakness.

So they insist on cleaning, cooking, working, organising everything, even when their bodies are simply begging for rest.

Pregnancy is not a competition. You do not win a prize for suffering silently.

Asking for help is not failure, it is survival. Whether it is a small errand or something heavy like preparing for the baby’s arrival, sharing that load makes the journey easier and far more peaceful.

Pregnancy for Kenyans is a beautiful but emotional season. And while mistakes will still happen here and there, avoiding these common ones keeps the experience calmer, lighter and more enjoyable. Not perfect, just human.

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