For example, never in your life are you quite as much in the fish bowl, then when you are pregnant. I was discussing with a fellow pregnant woman how crazy it is that all women long to be the one who looks amazing her entire pregnancy and never gains a pound outside of the actual weight of the baby. But really...the way that people talk about women who stay super thin and bounce back immediately post baby is a badge of honor that we all covet. We all want to have people say "you can't even tell she's pregnant from behind!" or "She's all baby!" And when you don't say that...we notice. "Look at you!" Yes. We read right through that. So here is the deal.
Dear non-perfect pregnant women,
Screw them all.
I'm hormonal, and possibly a little more emotional than usual, but still...screw them.
You are housing a miracle. That miracle is wreaking havoc on your body, and I know you are doing your best to remain as positive and happy as possible while you prepare for your bundle of joy.
Have you gained a little weight? Arms flapping a little more than normal when you wave? Thighs struggling to fit in your pre-pregnancy jeans? Face looking a little rounder everyday? Have anyone bringing it up to you? Well double screw them. Take down your mirror if you need to because let me reiterate...you really are a miracle. Every dimple in your thigh is going towards the creation of a real human being.
What about stretch marks? Here's some good news. It's genetics. It's not your fault, so check that off the list of things that you have to take responsibility for.
Unable to exercise as much as you'd like? Cut yourself some slack! You have enough to feel worried about. Do what you can and rest when you can. I'm pretty sure it's a myth about child birth being so much easier for really fit women so don't lose sleep over missing a work out. A lot of is luck.
Have a craving for oreos (or gummy bears...muhahhaha)? Eat them for crying out loud! You've got all the time in the world after the baby is born to stress yourself to death over every cookie that you eat. Give yourself a few months off.
Having all of the rough symptoms and being told constantly about how easy pregnancy was for everyone else? Triple screw them. There is nothing worse than puking while someone tells you they never once had a single pregnancy symptom. Ugh.
Trying to figure out how come you got acne instead of a pregnancy glow? You're not alone!
So here's my point...don't let the fish bowl ruin this for you. Pregnancy is such a tough, but beautiful (and finite) time in your life. It is so unfortunate that thicker skin is needed as it seems the comments are free flowing (Whoa! Getting those birthing hips!), but know that all pregnant women are dealing with it. And almost all of us are feeling bad about ourselves for one decision or one imperfection or another. Meditate on what it is that you're really doing. How sacred and beautiful this gift really is. And if that doesn't help, just get really busy because it'll be over soon.
And to those of you who exercise daily and eat all the right things or don't need make up anymore because your skin is flourishing, we love you too...I mean...we are secretly hoping that you at least have backne, but we love you.
And if you need to get out a little anger every now and then...
Then throw darts at this lady who wants to discuss how to look like this on the day you deliver. She's the one who started this rant anyway.
And if you're one of those people who thinks it's acceptable to say anything other than "my goodness you're beautiful," to a pregnant woman, than let this be your lesson. Can it. We need to be told we're beautiful whether you believe it or not.
Love,
Jenni
Keeper of Realness &
Chubby Pregnant Mama Advocate