I Was a Smug Know-It-All During My First Pregnancy

Until about seven months ago, I thought I had it all figured out when it came to pregnancy. I couldn’t grasp why so many women complained about the experience. I convinced myself that I was either exceptionally good at being pregnant or that everyone else was just overly dramatic. Nausea? Stretch marks? Weight gain? Heartburn? Aches and pains? Clearly, these women just needed something to grumble about. And of course, I was in the know.

Right? Wrong.

I was such a know-it-all, I can’t even.

This time around, it’s been one challenge after another. I’m feeling huge, uncomfortable, and achy, and I’ve made more trips to the doctor recently than I did during my entire first pregnancy. Trust me, I’m well aware that this baby is a completely different character than my first. Here’s how things have changed:

Diet/Exercise

During my first pregnancy, I was all about those healthy choices—daily walks and loads of salmon and spinach. I even kept an elaborate log of my protein intake and an extensive checklist for preparing for childbirth. Let’s be real, I was a bit insufferable.

This time? My diet revolves around two main food groups: whatever doesn’t make me queasy and the leftovers from my toddler’s plate. As for exercise, it’s mostly about chasing my energetic 3-year-old and making that nightly trek from my bed to the bathroom, which is no small feat.

Body Changes/Weight Gain

I hesitate to brag (okay, maybe I do), but my first pregnancy left minimal marks; I gained 25 pounds and was back at my pre-pregnancy weight just six weeks postpartum. I genuinely believed that I’d dodged the stretch mark bullet, thanks to a mix of good genes and an expensive oil I applied religiously.

Fast forward to now: I stopped checking the scale after it hit my delivery weight from the first pregnancy—somewhere around the second trimester. And let’s not even discuss stretch marks right now. I can’t handle that conversation without getting emotional.

Birth Experience

I’ve always felt fortunate to have had a smooth birth experience the first time. I never really had that “get this baby out of me” feeling, probably because my labor kicked in right on my due date. Despite my thorough preparation for a natural birth, complete with 12 weeks of childbirth classes, I ended up with an epidural, which was quite the humbling experience.

As for this birth? I’m anxious about the possibility of a premature baby and the chance of needing to be induced if I go too far past my due date. My perspective has shifted; I now know women who weren’t as lucky as I was, and I understand that childbirth is a process that deserves respect rather than control. This time, I plan to let go of my ego, embrace whatever happens, and prioritize our safety.

Recovery

My mom once told me, “You get one free pass; the first recovery is easy. After that, you have to work hard.” Well, let’s just say I’m gearing up for quite the challenge. I’ve already been advised to look into pelvic floor therapy (yep, Google it—physical therapy for your lady bits, super glamorous), plus I’m pretty sure I’ll be dealing with a few “souvenirs” from this pregnancy (ahem, hemorrhoids).

Growing, birthing, and caring for little ones is a big job. I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by my experiences. Having one healthy baby is a miracle, and I find myself praying for that miracle again, just one more time.

This is my heartfelt apology and a warning to anyone who thinks their first pregnancy was a breeze: cherish that good fortune because it might have been sheer luck or perhaps a cosmic nudge to encourage you to try for a second. In my case, it feels like a bit of both.

For more guidance on your journey, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at WomensHealth.gov. And if you’re interested in a deeper dive into fertility options, Make A Mom has some great insights. Plus, don’t forget to explore our other posts, like this one, to keep you engaged!

Summary

In a candid reflection, Jamie shares her transformation from a self-assured first-time mom to a humbled second-time expectant mother. She highlights the differences in her approach to diet, exercise, body changes, and childbirth experiences between her pregnancies. Jamie emphasizes the challenges and realities of pregnancy, expressing gratitude for each healthy baby and encouraging others to appreciate their unique journeys.