What I’ve Learned Since Being Pregnant
Here’s the thing: pregnancy is not unicorns and rainbows. It’s hard. And I know that there are countless women who would give anything to be in my shoes. I realize that and I am grateful for this baby, my body, and this pregnancy. I don’t take it for granted and I want to note that this topic can be sensitive for many!
That being said, if someone would want to switch places with me doesn’t mean I can’t be honest about the hardships.
It’s hard.
And I want to continue to share about the hardships because maybe you feel the same way as me. Or maybe you think pregnancy is perfect and you need a dose of reality. Or maybe you’re wishing that you were pregnant, and I hope that my words will help you to be grateful for the season you’re in. That’s what I am trying to do too.
I think that we can often find ourselves always wishing for the next season, the next step, the next best thing. But, there is so much to be thankful for in the place you’re in.
So, in my effort to be grateful for the season I am in, it seems fitting to talk about the hardships, right? Hah. Nevertheless, let’s do this.
Not feeling like myself
Body changes
Emotional changes
Unknown changes to plan for
Feeling isolated
Feeling like this season is foreverrrr
Feeling weak
Before I got pregnant, I was never grateful for my body. In fact, I felt quite the opposite about it. As as my belly expands and my body prepares for childbirth and nourishing another human life, I have to cognitively force myself to be grateful in this time. Because, as my favorite leggings get tighter and clothes fit differently, I wish that I had been grateful for what my body was capable of before I got pregnant.
And now I want to apply that same principle to this season. I want to look back on this time and know that I was kind to myself and accepted the changes with ease. But, that’s a lot easier said than done. I am the first to admit this: I hate change.
So any type of change feels like an enemy; a threat. And with this season, EVERYTHING has changed. I can’t get out a bed as early, I can’t run anymore (weird leg thing), I can’t work as many hours, I don’t have the same diet as before, I get tired quicker, I get irritated easily, and so much more. I feel like a different person. A different business owner. A different wife.
Some of the changes are good too. I’ve learned to let go of things. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. I’ve learned that my limitations are not a sign of weakness, but rather of strength (hello, growing a human). I’ve learned that I am selfish and that has got to change sooner than later. I’ve learned that it’s okay to change and turning into a different person isn’t a bad thing and I’m not losing myself.
As hard as change can be, it can also be good. And amidst all the positive and negative changes (or however I feel like categorizing them day-to-day), it’s allowing me to grow.