I Will Cherish My Pregnant Belly When It’s No Longer There

self insemination kit

Lately, I’ve heard the phrase “You’ll miss your pregnant belly when it’s gone” more times than I can count. People often follow it up with, “You’ll long for the feeling of having your little one close to you.” As I approach the end of my pregnancy, this statement initially strikes me as absurd. I’m eager to meet my baby and hold them in my arms. Yet, as I reflect on it, I find there’s some truth to their words.

Carrying a child is truly a remarkable experience. It’s awe-inspiring to think that a life is developing inside of you. Each pregnancy may share similarities, but they are profoundly unique. The sensations and experiences are distinct to each mother and baby. Even for the same woman, each pregnancy feels different. There’s a deep, unbreakable bond that forms long before the baby arrives, one that I can share with those around me.

My partner, Jake, often places his hands on my belly and talks to our baby. But there’s a difference; he can’t truly feel what I’m experiencing. He doesn’t know our child’s routine as intimately as I do—when they’re most active or when they’re peacefully asleep. I’ve developed a sense of their patterns. Sometimes, I poke my belly, and in response, I feel a little kick, as if we’ve created our own secret language. It’s a beautiful way for us to connect before they even enter the world. I can keep my baby safe in this cozy space, protected from the outside world. Each kick feels like a reassurance, a little reminder that they’re okay.

I wonder when the longing for this feeling will hit me—this sense of security in knowing I can keep my child safe. Perhaps it will be immediate, during the early days of motherhood, when I might feel overwhelmed as I navigate sleepless nights and cries that seem unending. I may find myself wishing my baby were still in my belly, where I know they’re receiving all they need and where I can easily soothe them to sleep.

Or maybe that longing will come later, when my little one starts making friends and faces the heartaches of growing up. I can imagine wishing they were still in the womb during their first moments of rejection or disappointment. I’ll want to shield them from feelings of loneliness and sadness, longing for the time when they were safe and content in their little cocoon.

There may be occasions when they realize the world isn’t as innocent as it seems—when they encounter the harsh realities of life, such as injustice and hate. Even if I teach them to see the good in people and to respond with kindness, I might still wish to keep them sheltered, free from the burdens of negativity.

As they grow into their teenage years, confronting the complexities of adolescence, I may find myself missing those quiet moments when it was just the two of us, when I understood their every need and desire, sealed in our own little bubble. That may be when the ache of nostalgia hits hardest, as the bond we share feels tested, even if just momentarily.

In truth, it may be in all these moments and countless others. As I count down the days until my baby arrives, I know life will change in an instant. Some changes will be beautiful, while others may leave me yearning for this current state—when I can feel their little kicks and know they’re safe from harm, surrounded by love and security. I promise to do my best to foster that feeling, but I recognize I can’t shield them from life’s inevitable challenges. I can only guide them through it.

For now, I want to savor this feeling a little longer—the comforting notion that I can protect my child. I know I will miss this sense of security, so I will embrace my belly for what it represents for just a bit more. His gentle kicks remind me that we are both doing just fine.

If you’re looking for more insights on pregnancy or at-home insemination, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy week by week at March of Dimes. And for those interested in learning about artificial insemination, Make A Mom offers a comprehensive guide. You can also find additional tips on home insemination at Intracervical Insemination.

In summary, as I prepare for the arrival of my little one, I will cherish the intimate bond we share during this time. The transition to motherhood will bring its own challenges, but I will hold dear these moments of connection and security.