Until recently, I had a rather inflated sense of my own prowess when it came to pregnancy. About seven months ago, I found myself shaking my head at the many complaints I heard from other expectant mothers. Surely, I thought, I was just exceptionally skilled at navigating this journey, while the rest of them were simply struggling. Nausea? Stretch marks? Weight gain? Heartburn? Aches and pains? Clearly, these women were just looking for something to grumble about, and I must have known the secret to an easy pregnancy.
Well, let me tell you, I was dead wrong.
This time around, I’m faced with a barrage of challenges. I feel enormous, uncomfortable, and achy, with more check-ups and concerns in one week than I had throughout my entire first pregnancy. There’s no need for anyone to tell me—it’s clear that this baby is already a completely different character from his older sibling. Here’s how things have shifted this time:
Diet and Exercise
During my first pregnancy, I was the poster child for health. I walked daily, indulged in salmon and spinach, and meticulously tracked my protein intake while adhering to a long list of birth-preparation exercises. Honestly, I must have come off as insufferable.
Now? My diet consists mostly of two food groups: anything that won’t make me hurl and the remnants of my toddler’s plate. As for exercise? It’s been all about chasing after my energetic 3-year-old and the nightly trek to the bathroom—five times, at least.
Body Changes and Weight Gain
I’m not one to brag (okay, maybe a little), but my first pregnancy left me with minimal damage. I gained 25 pounds and was back at my pre-pregnancy weight by my six-week checkup. I thought I had dodged the stretch mark bullet thanks to a combination of good genes and an overpriced oil I slathered on twice daily.
This time? Ha! I stopped weighing myself after I hit my delivery weight from the first pregnancy—somewhere in the second trimester. And discussing stretch marks right now? Let’s just say it’s a sensitive topic, so we’ll leave it at that.
The Birth Experience
I’ve always considered myself fortunate to have had a smooth birthing experience with my first child. I never really felt that intense “get this baby out of me” urgency since labor began right on my due date. Despite my extensive preparation for a natural birth, including 12 weeks of childbirth education, I ended up getting an epidural, which was a humbling experience.
Now, I’m filled with uncertainty about how this birth will unfold. I oscillate between the fear of having a premature baby and the anxiety of needing to be induced after going overdue. My newfound humility stems from knowing women who faced significant challenges during childbirth. This time, my goal is to check my ego at the door and surrender to whatever happens, prioritizing safety for both of us.
Recovery
Years ago, my mom warned me, “You get one free pass. The first recovery is the easy one. After that, you have to work your butt off.” And believe me, I’m going to have my work cut out for me. Pelvic floor therapy is already on the agenda (Google it—essentially physical therapy for your vagina, super glamorous), and I have a feeling I’ll be carrying some not-so-glamorous souvenirs (cough hemorrhoids cough) for a long time.
Nurturing and delivering a baby is no small feat. I’m grateful and humbled by the experiences I’ve had. Having one healthy baby is a miracle in itself, and I find myself praying for that miracle once again.
This is my confession. This is my apology. And this is my cautionary tale for anyone who might relate: If you had an easy first pregnancy, count your blessings; it was likely a stroke of sheer luck—or maybe the universe’s clever ploy to encourage you to have another.
If you’re looking for more information on pregnancy, check out the CDC, an excellent resource for everything from home insemination to pregnancy tips. For those considering at-home insemination, this site offers reputable products that can help.
In summary, my journey through pregnancy has been full of unexpected twists and turns, and it has taught me valuable lessons about humility, gratitude, and the strength that comes from shared experiences.
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