Hello, everyone. Let’s set the record straight. I am not unwell, disabled, or broken. I am expecting a child.
I am not weak, fragile, or overly reliant on others. I am expecting a child.
I am not incompetent or unable. I AM EXPECTING A CHILD.
I am not a delicate flower; I am not a princess waiting to be rescued. I am engaged in a process as ancient and fundamental as humanity itself, as evidenced throughout history. This condition is natural and suitable for my body—similar to breathing, walking, or living itself.
Yet, you treat me as if I am a fragile vessel. Additionally, I am exhausted by the plethora of restrictions.
Restrictions and Realities
No lunch meat—absolutely none—no turkey, salami, or ham. Ensure that steak is well-cooked! Eggs must be fully cooked, no runny yolks. Cookie dough? Off limits! Avoid unpasteurized products. Be cautious with fish; nothing raw. And don’t even think about stinky cheese like Brie, feta, or anything with a blue vein! Listeria! E-coli!
No coffee. No wine. Not even a drop! Better to err on the side of caution, right?
Okay, maybe one cup of coffee is acceptable, but two? That’s crossing the line.
Why must we be so extreme? Honestly, I won’t jeopardize my health if I have a couple of cups of coffee one day to help me through. And I won’t harm my baby if I enjoy a glass of wine occasionally.
Instead of imposing absurd rules like “No lunch meat for ten months,” why not advocate for moderation? We could choose not to consume such items daily or avoid questionable sources. Perhaps we could simply, oh, I don’t know, be reasonable and balanced.
Physical Limitations
Now let’s talk about the restrictions on lifting or exerting myself. “Don’t lift this, don’t push that—you’re delicate!”
Here’s a thought: I’ll carry my child, even if she weighs 37 pounds, rather than leave her in a hot car.
What about when my child throws a tantrum? Should I just stand by helplessly, declaring, “Sorry, can’t pick her up; I’m pregnant”?
I refuse to leave groceries in the car to spoil or avoid housework because someone deems it unsafe for me. I’m not going to quit my job because I’m told I can’t stand, sit, or lift anything.
Women have been navigating pregnancy since the dawn of time. They worked in fields and homes, carried heavy loads, and managed households even while pregnant. If they had adhered to the notion of being “with child” as an excuse to stop functioning, nothing would ever get done.
While we certainly have learned a lot about precautions, there’s a fine line between reasonable caution and outright hysteria. Pregnant women are among the strongest individuals on the planet.
Stop implying that we are weak and need constant guidance and management. Yes, I recognize that there are times when professional advice is necessary, especially in cases of complications. However, for the most part, I am perfectly capable of navigating this journey independently.
Trusting My Body
I know my body, and I trust it. I have birthed a child before, and I will do it again. I understand how to nurture and care for my newborn. My body is perfectly designed for this role, and my heart is fully invested.
Yet, there will always be those who continue to chatter incessantly about what I should do or how I should feel.
To them, I say: I am expecting, not defeated.
In just a few short weeks, I will welcome my baby—the one perfectly suited for me, the one who will know my heart. I don’t need external validation or instruction.
For those interested in learning more about the journey of pregnancy and options for conception, I suggest checking out this informative article on in vitro fertilisation. It’s an excellent resource for understanding the broader context of pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, pregnancy is a powerful and natural process that women have been enduring for millennia. We are not fragile beings requiring constant oversight. We are strong, capable, and ready to embrace the beautiful journey of motherhood.