There’s a prevalent narrative surrounding pregnancy that paints it as a beautiful and awe-inspiring journey for expectant mothers. Society expects women to be enchanted by the miracle of life unfolding within them, to revel in the changes their bodies undergo, and to feel immense gratitude for the chance to nurture new life. When a woman doesn’t embody this ideal, she often faces judgment; she’s labeled as ungrateful or not motherly enough.
Well, here’s the truth: I dislike being pregnant. And I refuse to apologize for it. I suspect I’m not alone in this sentiment.
Certainly, one could marvel at the miracle of a new life developing inside, and while it is indeed a remarkable phenomenon, I often find myself too uncomfortable to fully appreciate it. While others may be “glowing” (whatever that means), I’m battling excessive sweating. While some women say they’ve “never felt better,” I’m pleading with my partner to help ease my suffering, wishing for relief from the relentless nausea.
As others celebrate their growing baby bumps, I feel as though I’m lugging around an unwieldy weight that makes even rolling over in bed a Herculean task. Where some women are practicing Kegels with joy, I’m dealing with discomfort that just doesn’t seem to end. Instead of embracing the beauty of motherhood, I’m counting down the moments until I can navigate the grocery store without the risk of nausea or endure the bathroom without straining.
Society expects mothers-to-be to glow with excitement over their pregnancies, but let me make it clear: the only part of pregnancy I appreciate is the baby at the end of it. I’m not fond of morning sickness, joint pain, swelling, or the myriad of other discomforts that accompany this journey. I dislike the changes to my body, the soreness, and the surgical recovery that lies ahead. Does this mean I’m ungrateful for the ability to conceive? Not at all. Do I lack empathy for women facing fertility challenges? Absolutely not.
What this means is that women should not feel compelled to revel in every aspect of pregnancy, especially when the experience can be draining and challenging. It’s perfectly acceptable to express frustration and discomfort without fear of judgment. We love our children and are grateful for the chance to welcome them into our lives; we just don’t have to love the process that gets us there.
Let’s face it—we’re eagerly anticipating the end of this challenging phase.
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, I recommend checking out this informative resource. For those looking into artificial insemination options, Make a Mom offers valuable insights as well. And for anyone navigating infertility, WomensHealth.gov is an excellent resource.
In summary, it’s okay to feel less than thrilled about pregnancy. Women everywhere should feel empowered to voice their experiences and frustrations, recognizing that while we cherish the end result, the journey can be incredibly tough.