The One Regretful Piece of Pregnancy Advice I Wish I Had Followed

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When I was pregnant, the scale and I had a tumultuous relationship. Pre-baby me was all about fitness, but pregnant me? Let’s just say I packed on the pounds way beyond what the doctors recommended. With three little ones born within four years, I gained and lost nearly 70 pounds each time, which made each OB appointment a mix of dread and anxiety. Gaining 10 pounds a month was my regular routine, and let’s just say, my doctors were not shy about their disapproval. As my weight fluctuated, so did my emotions, and my insecurities about my body only intensified.

I wanted to embrace the magic of pregnancy, to cherish the fleeting moments of sharing my body with a new life. But as my physique expanded and my skin stretched, I found it harder to feel beautiful. The prospect of being in front of a camera was downright terrifying. I shunned group photos and resisted my partner’s attempts to capture my glowing self, despite his compliments. The mere thought of being tagged in a Facebook photo made my stomach churn, so I hid away from the lens.

Amidst the noise of unsolicited pregnancy advice, I remember a wise friend saying, “Make sure you take pictures while you’re pregnant. Your kids will want to see them one day.” Naturally, I brushed it off, thinking I’d rather not document my growing figure.

Now, with my youngest at 2½ years old and my childbearing days seemingly behind me, I can’t help but regret not following that kind-hearted woman’s advice. Perhaps it’s the bittersweet feeling of closing that chapter or the fact that I see beauty in other pregnant women that I wished I could’ve recognized in myself. If I could rewind time, I’d definitely snap some photos of my pregnant self—maybe even indulge in one of those trendy maternity shoots. I wouldn’t let my vanity keep me from capturing those precious moments.

Luckily, my partner, knowing me better than I sometimes know myself, managed to sneak a snapshot of me at nine months pregnant with our second child while we waited for the carousel. It now has a proud spot on his desk, and honestly, I adore it. When I look at that photo, I don’t see the 70 pounds of extra weight or the water retention—I only see love.

So, if I may offer you a piece of unsolicited pregnancy advice, it would be this: Don’t shy away from the camera! Take as many pictures of your pregnant self as you can, even on days when your insecurities scream otherwise. One day, those photos will be your only tangible reminders of that beautiful, albeit chaotic, period of your life.

And speaking of reminders, if you’re exploring your own journey into parenthood, check out this insightful piece on home insemination. For those looking for expert advice, Cryobaby is a trusted source for home insemination kits. If you want more in-depth information, MedlinePlus provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, cherish your pregnancy journey, capture those moments on camera, and seek out reliable resources to guide you through the process.