Let’s get real: pregnancy isn’t the epitome of beauty. There, I said it. It feels surprisingly freeing to express this sentiment, akin to sprinting through a field, wearing nothing but a smile, my untoned figure swaying without a care in the world.
Now, I don’t want to come across as overly pessimistic (let’s call me “Pragmatic Pat” instead), but I truly don’t feel radiant during pregnancy. I’ve been wanting to share this honest take for some time. When I hear women exclaim how empowered and lovely they feel while nurturing life, I can’t help but think two things: 1) I’m genuinely happy for them, but I also feel a twinge of envy; and 2) they might be overstating their experiences. It feels like they think embracing the less-than-glamorous aspects makes them bad mothers.
I can acknowledge that some women radiate beauty during this journey, but I just don’t feel it personally. Here are a few experiences that made me feel less like a beauty queen and more like a hot mess:
1. Leaky Breasts
During my first pregnancy, I was caught completely off guard by the fact that breasts can leak. No one gave me the heads-up. (Seriously, Mom, where were you? You’re a nurse!) It was only 12 weeks in when I was innocently checking out at the store. The cashier, a young man, seemed to be fumbling over my groceries, glancing at my shirt awkwardly. I thought he was distracted by the fun slogan on it. Not quite. When I got home and glanced in the mirror, I realized the substantial wet spots on my shirt had nothing to do with my witty T-shirt. I probably looked like I was in some sort of distress, which is hardly the image of beauty.
2. The Surprise Gas
On the way to a wedding with my partner, a foul odor enveloped the car. It was so horrendous I felt like I was inhaling death itself. I immediately turned my frustration on my husband. My pregnancy hormones had me feeling like the Hulk, ready to unleash my anger. After a brief spat, I realized it was my own body that had betrayed me. I hadn’t even felt it! The horror! What would become of my dignity? No one wants to confront the reality of unexpected bodily functions during such a vulnerable time.
3. Blurred Vision
Pregnancy seems to take a toll on my eyesight. My vision becomes a blurry mess, as if my eyes had decided to take a vacation while my body shifted focus to growing a new life. I find myself squinting, which undoubtedly doesn’t help my appearance. I suspect my body diverts moisture from my eyes to nurture the baby, leaving me to deal with dry, irritated peepers.
4. Rapid Hair Growth
Anyone else experience a sudden explosion of leg hair growth? During my second pregnancy, I found myself having to shave daily. Unfortunately, time was often not on my side, and I didn’t prioritize it. If only I had embraced the no-shave trend a bit earlier, I could have saved myself a lot of hassle.
5. Dry, Itchy Skin
The dry, itchy skin I experienced made me feel like I was living in a desert. As a naturally pale redhead, the last thing I needed was to look like I was about to faint. I might as well have been an extra in a vampire film, with my translucent complexion.
That said, I don’t harbor any ill feelings toward pregnancy itself. I’ve been fortunate to have two relatively easy experiences. I would gladly go through it all again for my little ones. What I’m saying is that I don’t feel empowered or glamorous during pregnancy. Instead, I feel large, slightly blind, and far from graceful.
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Summary
Pregnancy often comes with unexpected challenges that can overshadow the notion of beauty. From leaky breasts to sudden gas and blurry vision, the realities of carrying a child can feel less than glamorous. While some may feel empowered during this time, many women experience discomfort and self-consciousness. Ultimately, acknowledging these challenges doesn’t diminish the joy of motherhood; it simply presents a more realistic view of pregnancy.