When I was pregnant, I gained an extraordinary amount of weight—far more than the medical guidelines suggested. While my pre-pregnancy self was fit and agile, my pregnant self seemed to balloon beyond belief. Over the span of four years, I welcomed three beautiful children into the world and watched as my weight fluctuated by almost 70 pounds each time. With every OB appointment, I braced myself for the inevitable scolding that came with gaining 10 pounds a month. As my weight yo-yoed from the low to high hundreds and back again, so too did my emotional state and insecurities about my ever-changing body.
I desperately wanted to embrace my pregnant self, to relish in the fleeting moments of carrying life within me. I longed to feel beautiful, yet with every passing week, as my frame expanded and my skin stretched, my confidence waned, particularly when a camera was pointed in my direction.
Caught in the trap of vanity, I often found myself retreating to the back of group photos and turning down my husband’s offers to capture my pregnancy glow, despite his supportive comments about my appearance. The idea of being tagged in a Facebook photo sent chills down my spine, so I distanced myself from the camera altogether.
I still remember the advice given to me by a friend who felt like a wise grandmother: “Make sure to take pictures of yourself while you’re pregnant. Your kids will cherish those memories.” Like much of the unsolicited advice I received, I brushed her words aside.
Now, as my youngest approaches 2 ½ years old and the chapter of childbearing seems to be closing, I realize that I should have heeded that kind woman’s advice. Perhaps it’s my struggle with the idea of not having more children, or perhaps it’s because I see other pregnant women as radiant and wish I had viewed myself similarly. If I could turn back time, I would snap photos of my pregnant self without hesitation—I might even indulge in one of those popular pregnancy photo shoots. I would not let my vanity prevent me from documenting this special time.
Fortunately, my husband, who knows me better than I sometimes know myself, managed to sneak a photo of me at nine months pregnant with our second child while we waited for the carousel. Today, that picture graces his office desk, and I adore it. Looking at it, I don’t see the 70 pounds of pregnancy weight or the swelling; all I see is love.
So, if I can impart one unsolicited piece of advice to you, dear reader, it’s this: Don’t shy away from the camera. Embrace those moments and take pictures of your pregnant self, even if insecurities creep in and your vanity protests. Someday, those photos will be the only tangible reminders of that small but significant chapter of your life.
For more insights into your pregnancy journey, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.org. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, you can find reputable options like this syringe kit from Make a Mom. For a deeper understanding of the IVF process, visit this excellent resource.
In summary, embrace your pregnancy; capture those moments on camera. You’ll be grateful for the memories, and who knows? You might just see yourself in a whole new light.
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