Musings on Pregnancy - How I FEEL
April 2, 2008I’m learning, now that my pregnancy is more public, that there are two things people almost always say when they know you’re pregnant. I would like to share my thoughts on each of them:
How do you feel?
This question is ridiculous. Almost as ridiculous as the fact that I always answer “great!” (with a big smile of course). Want to know how I really feel? Too bad, I’m telling you either way. Sure, I’m not nauseous and unable to buy groceries anymore (although strangely enough, I still rarely do), and I’m not spending every night on the couch until submitting to an 8pm bedtime, BUT this is how I really feel. I am bloated. I am tired. I am gaining weight at a startling pace (ok, like 4 pounds so far, but still, quite startling). I almost always have a headache. My pants are tight, and most likely unbuttoned at any given moment. I am ravenous every 3-4 hours and if I don’t eat, I’m back to unmanageable nausea and cereal for dinner. I have to pee every 45 minutes to an hour, which is kind of an issue since I HAVE NO OFFICE (I work out of my car)! I have excruciating pain in my back that makes no sense since I haven’t really gotten big yet. I wore ugly shoes (aka flats) for 6 consecutive workdays and it hasn’t improved. But hey, my hair is shiny and my nails are really long so I guess it’s all good right?
You look great!
People always tell me this. Ya know what? It’s wierd. When they say it, I think to myself, are they just saying that (considering the information about) they expect me to look fat, unhealthy and unhappy all the live-long day, and I actually look human? Or are they saying it because I really look horrible, but for good reason, so they want me to feel better about myself? Quite frankly I think I look the same, so either I looked really bad before, or I look worse now and people are feeling sorry for me, so they lie. I guess I should thank them because considering my irritability (which I forgot to mention in my list of grievances above) I would probably knock them out if they told me the truth.
Just some food for thought for those of you who aren’t currently or have never been pregnant. To be honest, I usually am guilty of saying both of these things. I probably still will in the future, but now I am more aware of how ridiculous is sounds on the receiving end.
I could be wrong on this and you might want to check with your doctor but…because you are peeing so much, your constant headache might be from dehydration. It’s kind of a double-edge sword though because if you increase your fluid intake to combat the headache, you’re going to be peeing more than you already are. Also, your back pain might be contributed to you unconsciously holding your belly in, putting stress on your back. You could be holding it in because of stress/tension or because of your uncomfortable pants - either way, more than 80% of females unconsciously hold their bellies in for one reason or another (I read this in an article somewhere) and it’s terrible for your back. Either way, I do hope you start feeling better soon but I’m afraid that won’t come for many months sweetie! But, I will definitely think twice before I ask/say these things in the future because I ask/say them all the time as well and you’re right - they are ridiculous now that I think about it!
yeah…
pregnancy doesn’t seem all that fun…
=P
I guess that I am an ugly shoe fan, then. There are many flats in my closet! But that’s what you wear when you are 5′8″.
And thanks for the insight to those of us who haven’t been “in your shoes”. I guess we say ridiculous things because we care.
Two things…
Number one…people say you look great because pregnant women have this extra radiant glow about them. No…that glow is not sweat…it’s not summer yet!
Number two…I have some very sassy flats, thank you very much! You just need to go shoe shopping with me at Nordstrom’s when they have a sale. You’d be in heaven…flats or heels.
Oh, and what the heck…a third thing…David is looking into some continuing edition as a personal training on pre & post pregnancy exercise. He might be able to recommend an exercise to help strengthen your back. Just a thought!
Now go glow, you radiant thing!
Tiffiny - I think you might be right about subconsciously holding in the belly - although it’s becoming a losing battle!
Shannon - you are right, it has it’s good moments but it’s no walk in the park!
Pam - I do know all of the nice comments are out of concern - I’m the one who never answers the question honestly! haha. And if only I were 5′8″ I would not have a closet full of pants that ONLY look normal with heels on!
Heather - You are correct, someone did tell me there’s an actual physiological reason that pregnant women glow. Also, I have seen some sassy flats in my day, but I’m 5′2. I only look sassy in heels! And tell David to call and help me out! I am going to try yoga, I heard it might help with overall strength, not to mention help stretching things out.
Lib,
Your candid and humorous evaluation only reinforce your beauty both inwardly and obviously outwardly. Your are the world’s BEST daughter-in-law and will be the best mommy of absolutely the most beautiful, bright and talented grandchild of all time. (Bias fully intended and non-apologetically granted)
Love,
Dad
Dad Howe - Aww, thanks! I love your objective and unbiased opinion
And OBVIOUSLY Baby Howe will be exceptionally gifted, in every way! (from another unbiased party)
Hi Libby, you don’t really “know” me, I attend Northway Church and we are “Myspace friends” lol. I just wanted to extend a huge CONGRATS to you and Brian! And for the record…you always glow, you are an amazing person and you can see Gods spirit beaming from you. I hope to get to know you in the future.
Pregnancy can be such a pain (literally) but it is also such an amazing journey. I thank God for bringing me through that journey 3 times. When you feel the baby kick and hear that little heartbeat, and when you have that first ultrasound and catch a glimpse at the teeny tiny miracle that God placed in you it’s just incredible. Through all the aches and pains, the awesomeness of what is happing inside you far outweighs everything. Good luck Libby!
I’m sure there are lots of people there for you, but if you ever need anything let me know
Emily Logan
Emily - Thanks for commenting! Nice to “meet” you. Please introduce yourself to me next time we’re at church so I can put a face with a name! And thank you for the encouragement…it’s hard to imagine 3 pregnancies (let alone CHILDREN!) when I’m just learning to live with the one! Hope to see you soon.