For me, pregnancy has been a deeply spiritual and special time. Although there are the outward physical changes, the most significant changes have been internal – an internal growing, awareness and appreciation for our spiritual identity.

As many pregnant women can attest, it can also seem to be a very public time with people openly comparing stories, asking questions and making comments (some helpful and some unhelpful) each time you go outside.

But, for me, none of these stories, comments or questions even touch the surface of knowing this child the way that God does.

“Being posses its qualities before they are perceived humanly.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

These passages speak to our eternal, spiritual identity and purpose. Before we are perceived humanly (and continuing after), we are each made whole, spiritual and eternal. Our identities are each made up of life, creativity, joy, humor, wisdom, beauty, and the power and ability to express them.

Early on in the pregnancy, it became clear to me that no one could perceive this child – know the depths of him or her – except as they know God.  As we listen and are receptive to what God is saying, we will know the identity of each child – whether he or she is still in the womb or is 80 years old. Everything that God tells us about ourselves and our children is good and perfect since God knows every child and reveals the spiritual, eternal nature and identity to each of us.

Who we are goes so far beyond material DNA, cells, bone structure, and personality. Before we had any of these material accompaniments, God knew us and created us spiritually.

We can go forward confidently and securely in our divine perfection. We can trust this perfection and look away from ourselves as being mini-creators and trust the order, harmony and beauty of divine Creation.

This spiritual perspective helps to heal anxiety, fear and can overcome any physical problem we might encounter.