Ever since I shared the news of my pregnancy, I can’t seem to escape the unsolicited advice urging me to sit down and take it easy. While I appreciate the concern, it often leaves me feeling guilty for wanting to engage in everyday activities. It’s understandable; seeing a pregnant woman tends to inspire a protective instinct. After all, no one wants to be the person who doesn’t offer their seat to an expecting mother.
While the gesture of making a pregnant woman more comfortable is kind and certainly appreciated, sometimes well-meaning individuals can unintentionally make us feel as if we’re incapable of handling our own lives. Constant reminders about what I should or shouldn’t do—whether it’s standing, walking, or lifting—can feel invasive.
So, here’s a respectful request: Please trust that I have a good grasp of my own capabilities. I’m not about to waddle over to a gym and attempt to lift 100-pound weights while pregnant. Instead, you’re more likely to find me simply trying to stand during a meeting to relieve my aching back after being glued to a chair for hours. Or I might be ascending the stairs at home with a basket of laundry weighing a mere 10 pounds.
Occasionally, I might even muster the courage to don my well-loved stretch pants and pop in a prenatal workout DVD. My kids might even chime in with their gentle teasing: “Mom! Don’t shake your belly like that! The baby might get dizzy!”
Here’s the reality: staying active and even exercising during pregnancy—yes, I said it—can be beneficial for both me and my baby. The Mayo Clinic notes that “Regular exercise can help you cope with the physical changes of pregnancy and build stamina for the challenges ahead.”
What would truly ease my journey—and probably that of many pregnant women—is a little more respect for our expertise regarding our own bodies. If you’re genuinely concerned about my activities, a kind and private inquiry would be appreciated.
Being able to perform a few sets of squats is what will help me prepare for childbirth. Keeping active helps regulate my blood flow and manage stress. The grace to make my own healthy decisions without judgment from anyone other than my healthcare provider or my partner is what will keep me sane. Pregnancy is challenging enough, and when you see a glowing mom-to-be, remember it’s not an open invitation for your advice on what’s “healthy.”
For more insights on navigating the complexities of pregnancy, feel free to check out this article on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re considering at-home options, this site offers reputable kits for insemination. And for a deeper dive into the science of fertility, look at this resource that can enhance your understanding of pregnancy and IVF.
In short, I’m pregnant, but I’m not incapable. A little trust in my abilities can go a long way in making this journey more enjoyable.