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Jun 13, 2025 Amanda Hess, a New York Times critic and author of 'Second Life, Having a Child in the Digital Age', dives into her emotional journey through pregnancy in the digital era. She reflects on the anxiety and obsessive information-seeking triggered by medical events. Hess discusses the blend of superstitions and technology, revealing how pregnancy trackers shape our experiences. She candidly navigates the fear of genetic disorders and the quest for acceptance, ultimately shedding light on the joys and struggles of motherhood amidst uncertainty.
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Digital Bonding with Baby Image
- Amanda Hess activated pregnancy mode on a period tracker app, fostering a strong emotional connection to the digital representation of her baby.
- She privately shared this evolving image with her husband, bonding over the anticipation.
Unexpected Pregnancy Concerns
- At 29 weeks pregnant, Amanda received concerning news about her baby's tongue protrusion.
- This triggered fear and a feeling of being punished for her previous optimistic pregnancy outlook.
Tech as Modern Oracle
- Amanda describes her superstitious relationship with a pregnancy app as a form of seeking control.
- This reflects a broader human tendency to imbue technology with magical power in uncertain times.





