During my pregnancies, I noticed a significant weight gain—far more than what medical guidelines suggested. While my non-pregnant self was fit and energetic, my pregnant self seemed to balloon beyond belief. I gave birth to three children in just four years, gaining and shedding nearly 70 pounds with each cycle. Each OB appointment filled me with dread, as I faced the reality of gaining 10 pounds monthly, knowing it would lead to a stern lecture from my doctors. My fluctuating weight mirrored my emotional state, leading to a rollercoaster of insecurities about my appearance.
I yearned to embrace my pregnant self fully. I wanted to revel in the miraculous journey of carrying life, to feel radiant and beautiful. However, as my body expanded and my skin stretched uncomfortably tight, my confidence dwindled. The thought of a camera capturing my changing form made me anxious. I often found myself hiding in the back of group photos and dodging my husband’s attempts to take pictures of me, despite his kind reassurances about how I looked. The idea of being tagged in a Facebook photo was enough to send me into a panic.
A wise friend, resembling a nurturing grandmother, once advised, “Make sure you take photos of yourself during your pregnancy. Your kids will want to see them someday.” Like so many pieces of unsolicited advice, I brushed her words aside.
Fast forward to today, with my youngest now 2 ½ years old and the chapter of childbearing closing, I regret not heeding her guidance. Perhaps it’s the bittersweet realization of moving on or the appreciation I have for the beauty of pregnant women that makes me wish I had captured those moments. Looking back, I would have taken photos of my pregnant self and even considered splurging on one of those stylish maternity shoots. I wouldn’t allow my vanity to obstruct my opportunity to document such a precious time.
Fortunately, my husband, understanding me better than I sometimes comprehend myself, managed to sneak a photo of me at nine months pregnant with our second child while we waited for a carousel ride. That picture now occupies a space on his office desk, proudly displayed for all to see, and I cherish it. When I gaze at it, I no longer see the excess weight or swelling.
What I see is love.
If I may offer you some unsolicited pregnancy advice myself, it would be this: Don’t shy away from the camera. Capture images of your pregnant self, even when insecurities loom large and your vanity protests! Someday, those photos will be the tangible memories of that fleeting yet incredible chapter of your life.
For more insights on pregnancy and related topics, check out this excellent resource from Rmany, and if you’re exploring options for home insemination, Make a Mom offers valuable information as well. And if you want to dive deeper into home insemination techniques, don’t miss our post on Intracervical Insemination.
In summary, embrace your journey with confidence and document it, for those captured moments will become cherished memories in the years to come.