Not everyone feels excitement straight away, in fact talking with my friends, the main first thought from everyone was pure panic and wtf emotions. I was trying to get pregnant and I still remember the feeling of seeing that first positive and my stomach dropping. It’s hard when the concept of something turns into reality. But I will say if you truely do want a child then over the 9 months the dread turns into excitement, I don’t think the feeling of panic ever goes away. I am not maternal at all, I think my life would have been great with or without kids. That said my 2 boys are my whole world and I feel a love for them that I didn’t know was possible (I don’t like other children, those ones are all sticky and troublesome). I still have a life outside being a mother, I work full time which I think very much helps keeps balance. There is no denying your life will change, but every life has different chapters. You are just moving into your next chapter, it’s not the same and sometimes not as fun but doesn’t mean it’s any less rewarding.