Updated: Feb. 15, 2016
Originally Published: November 28, 2010
At long last, I have an answer to the question that I receive countless times each day: “When will you have that baby?” The answer is, four days from now! It could happen sooner, but without a doubt, it will be no later than four days from now. This is because my doctor has scheduled my induction for that day. It’s the only glimmer of hope that keeps me from retreating to a secluded cave until my child arrives.
This is my first (and likely only) experience with pregnancy, and let me tell you, I have not enjoyed it. I’ve heard some women absolutely love being pregnant; I’ve even met one who did. However, I cannot fathom that sentiment. My intense dislike for this experience is perplexing, especially when I try to rationalize it.
No, I haven’t experienced morning sickness or any other significant health issues.
No, I’m not facing a record heatwave this summer.
No, I’m not alone in this journey. My partner, his family, my family, and our friends have all been incredibly supportive. My husband, in particular, has earned himself a halo through his patience and care. So, that’s not the reason for my distaste in being pregnant either.
And yes, I will undoubtedly love my child when he arrives. That distinction is crucial: Do I enjoy being pregnant? Absolutely not. Do I love my child and will I continue to love him once he’s born? Yes, without a doubt, that’s essential.
Since my baby bump has become noticeable, the unsolicited questions, advice, and horror stories have been relentless. In the last few weeks, these interactions have sparked a new level of frustration that makes even a simple grocery store visit feel perilous. Before I scheduled my induction, a casual “When is your due date?” would leave me feeling dizzy. It felt like an eternity away. Each day, I had to make peace with the fact that it wouldn’t be today, just to get out of bed. And then, a stranger would throw that question at me! Why remind me of how much longer I have to wait?
I would immediately feel defensive, making it impossible for a polite response like “August 4th” to break through the storm of sassy or downright rude replies swirling in my mind. Instead, I’d blurt things like “Who knows?” or “Not soon enough,” or once, in the cereal aisle, I just stood there in silence. This left the poor person asking the question no choice but to walk away feeling puzzled or sympathetic.
But now, in this new phase of anticipation, I can confidently say, “On or before July 28th!” and actually smile while I say it! However, this happy news seems to be met with an unexpected wave of judgment. “Oh, you’re inducing? That doesn’t sound ideal.” Oh, but it does. I genuinely want to be induced.
It seems there’s a stigma surrounding induction that I wasn’t aware of, suggesting that I’m selfish or that I don’t care about my child’s well-being. (Did I mention that I consulted with my doctor, who specializes in these decisions?) These judgments didn’t entirely surprise me; after all, when carrying a baby, everyone has an opinion on what you should do and how you should do it. They feel compelled to share their thoughts as though withholding them would be a disservice. I knew some people would criticize my decision, but I didn’t expect it to be the majority. Seriously, people, do you see the smile on my face? I’m thrilled about this; why dampen my excitement?
So here I am, just four days away from meeting my son, the day when I will no longer be pregnant, and yes, the day of my induction. I’ve decided to limit my outings. I’m not going to work, not venturing out, and instead, I’m holding tightly onto the calendar. Because by the 28th, this chapter will close, and you can bet I’m embracing the induction process.
For more insights on pregnancy, check out March of Dimes, which is an excellent resource. If you’re considering home insemination options, visit Make a Mom for authoritative guidance. Additionally, learn more about privacy policies at Intracervical Insemination.
In summary, while pregnancy can be a beautiful experience for some, it’s not universal. Each journey is unique, and it’s vital to prioritize your own well-being and happiness. The choice to induce is personal and can be met with various opinions, but ultimately, the focus should be on what is best for both the mother and child.