Updated: September 6, 2023
Originally Published: April 29, 2017
I can officially say that I am done with being pregnant. Honestly, I was over it long before I saw that plus sign on the test strip. This marks my third pregnancy in just over three years, and it feels like I’ve been carrying a little one forever!
While some women revel in the experience of pregnancy, that’s not me. If I hear one more person tell me to savor this time, I might just roll my eyes so hard they could fall out. Just kidding… sort of. Can someone explain to me how you’re supposed to enjoy being pregnant? Your body no longer belongs to you, and all the joys of life seem to slip away. Suddenly, you’re faced with an endless list of do’s and don’ts:
- Alcohol? Absolutely not.
- Sushi? Forget it.
- Caffeine? Only a smidgen.
- Fish? Only certain types in limited quantities.
And let’s not even start on the medications. The restrictions seem to continue without end!
On top of all this, I’m chasing after two energetic toddlers, leaving me with no time to actually enjoy this pregnancy experience.
First Pregnancy
Ah, the bliss of the first pregnancy. Everything was fresh and exciting. Friends and family showered me with affection and compliments, proclaiming I was glowing. Naps were practically a requirement, and no one would dare let me lift a finger.
I was glued to my pregnancy tracker app, eagerly awaiting each week’s update on the size of my developing baby, comparing it to the latest fruit. I couldn’t help but admire my growing bump in every reflective surface I passed.
Second Pregnancy
People still cared, but the enthusiasm was a notch lower than with my first. Offers of help came in, albeit less frequently. Balancing the needs of my first child kept me busy, but I still managed to carve out some downtime.
This time around, my baby bump made an appearance much sooner, and any excitement quickly gave way to sheer exhaustion. Each pregnancy seemed to dim the spotlight on my growing belly until it felt like it was just a part of me.
Third Pregnancy
Where did everyone go? It feels like family and friends have vanished, and when I could really use some support, the offers are nowhere to be found. With two little ones to manage, there’s no time for me. My only option is to keep moving forward.
When someone inquires about how far along I am, I often find myself stumped. I know the due date, but specifics? It’s all a blur. It seems like I started showing the moment I conceived—probably even before that!
Not Sweating the Small Stuff
As I near the end of my third trimester, I’ve completely lost the will to care about how I look. If it fits, I wear it. Plaid with polka dots? Why not! Flip-flops are my go-to; they require minimal effort. Tight clothes and jeans? Absolutely not! You might even catch me wearing the same outfit multiple days in a row because comfort is key.
And my hair? I can’t recall the last time I wore it down. Most days, it’s a messy bun that could easily be mistaken for roadkill! I might regret not putting in more effort when I look back on these days, but right now, I really don’t care.
Too Big for Comfort
Everything feels too big. I’m too big for clothes, too big to stand comfortably, and definitely too big to bend over. If I drop something, I must weigh the necessity of picking it up. If it’s not urgent, it might just stay there until I can convince one of my kids or my husband to help me out.
When I do find myself on the ground, I’ve turned it into a game. Reading, puzzling, or coloring can all be done while I’m down there, and I can even pretend to chase my kids around by scooting in circles. Some might call it lazy parenting, but I think it’s brilliant!
Looking Ahead
Putting aside my complaints, I feel incredibly blessed. I know I’m about to welcome three amazing children into the world, and that brings me immense joy. Yet, I can’t hide my excitement at the thought of this baby finally making an exit. I’ll regain my body and can finally get reacquainted with my old friend—wine!
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Summary
This article details the challenging journey of a third pregnancy, emphasizing the exhaustion and changes that come with each subsequent child. While the author feels blessed to be having a third child, the realities of pregnancy—especially when juggling two toddlers—bring unique challenges. Ultimately, there’s an eagerness for the pregnancy to end and a longing to embrace the joys of motherhood once more.