Until recently, I approached the subject of pregnancy with a degree of smugness. I couldn’t fathom why so many women lamented the experience; I assumed I was either exceptionally skilled at navigating pregnancy or that others simply weren’t managing well. Morning sickness? Stretch marks? Excess weight? Heartburn? I thought these women were just seeking attention. Clearly, I had some secret knowledge that they lacked.
Boy, was I mistaken.
Since my last pregnancy, I’ve faced an array of challenges. This time around, I find myself feeling large, uncomfortable, and frequently achy. I’ve been visiting my healthcare provider more often in the past week than I did during my entire previous pregnancy. I don’t need anyone to tell me: this baby is already showing signs of being a completely different character than my first. Here’s how this journey has diverged from the last:
Diet and Exercise
During my first pregnancy, I maintained an active lifestyle, walking daily and consuming a diet rich in salmon and leafy greens. I meticulously tracked my protein intake and followed a checklist of prenatal exercises. Looking back, I realize how pretentious that was.
In contrast, my current diet consists mainly of whatever doesn’t make me nauseous and the occasional leftovers from my toddler’s meals. My exercise is limited to chasing after my little one and making frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the night.
Body Changes and Weight Gain
I hate to brag (but I will): my first pregnancy left me with minimal physical consequences. I gained 25 pounds and returned to my pre-baby weight by my six-week postpartum checkup. I believed I had narrowly avoided stretch marks due to a combination of good genes and a pricey oil that I applied religiously.
This time? Not so lucky! I stopped monitoring my weight after I reached my previous delivery weight—somewhere in the second trimester. And discussing stretch marks? Let’s just say it’s a sensitive topic, and I’d rather not delve into it right now.
Delivery Experience
I was fortunate to have a smooth delivery with my first child, never experiencing that overwhelming urge to “just get this baby out.” However, despite my extensive preparation for a natural birth, which included 12 weeks of childbirth classes, I ultimately opted for an epidural and was humbled by the whole experience.
Now, as I anticipate this upcoming birth, I’m filled with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. I’m anxious about the possibility of preterm labor but also the chance of needing to be induced. My perspective has shifted—I now understand the importance of respecting the birthing process rather than trying to control it. This time, my plan is to approach labor with humility and an open mind, ready to do whatever it takes to ensure both of us come through safely.
Postpartum Recovery
A wise colleague once told me, “The first one is a breeze; after that, you’ll need to put in the effort.” Recovery this time is already shaping up to be more challenging. I’ve been informed that pelvic floor therapy will likely be necessary (yes, that’s a real thing—think of it as physical therapy for your pelvic region). I’m also bracing myself for some of the not-so-glamorous souvenirs of motherhood, like ahem hemorrhoids.
Growing, birthing, and nurturing children is no easy feat. I feel grateful and humbled by the experiences I’ve had thus far. Receiving one healthy baby is a miracle, and I find myself praying for that blessing once again.
So, this is my reflection. My apologies to those I once judged. And a heads-up to anyone who might relate: if your first pregnancy was a walk in the park, know that it may have been a stroke of good fortune or a clever ploy by the universe to encourage you to try for a second child.
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In summary, the journey of pregnancy can be both beautiful and challenging, often revealing how little we understand until we experience it ourselves.