Dear advertising executives, television creators, and filmmakers,
As a woman in her third trimester, I feel compelled to address the unrealistic depictions of pregnancy that fill our screens. While there are indeed beautiful moments filled with joy and anticipation, there’s an entire spectrum of experiences that you fail to showcase.
Take, for instance, my recent return home from a doctor’s appointment. I let my dog out and, out of nowhere, I found myself throwing up. But it didn’t stop there; I also lost control of my bladder. Not a little, mind you—quite a lot. It was a comical disaster: bodily fluids making an exit from two different areas simultaneously.
This situation isn’t an isolated incident. Coughing? A little leakage. Sneezing? Same story. Vomiting? Let’s just say it’s more than just a little. Even bending over can lead to unexpected surprises. I’ve gone through more pairs of pants than I care to admit. Thank goodness I have a few pads left over from my last menstrual cycle, but predicting when I might cough or sneeze is nearly impossible during pregnancy.
Then there are the days when exhaustion consumes me, leaving me barely able to function. Yet life continues, and I’m expected to keep up, which often leads to chaos.
Let’s not forget the emotional roller coaster that comes with pregnancy. Just the other day, I watched the series finale of a popular show and, as a rational pregnant woman, I ended up sobbing for an hour—not just from the plot twist, but also from sheer frustration. I won’t divulge any spoilers, but let’s just say I was left feeling betrayed after investing years into that story. Instead of venting online, I found myself in tears.
This is actually a relatively smooth pregnancy for me. With my first child, I experienced unrelenting nausea from conception through delivery. I’ve heard plenty of horror stories about women experiencing mood swings that turn them into complete emotional wrecks.
There are aches and pains, health concerns, and constant worries. Is the baby moving enough? What about the stretch marks, bloating, and relentless heartburn that feels more like a heart attack? This list barely scratches the surface of the challenges faced during pregnancy.
While it’s true that some women embrace the joy of pregnancy, those moments are often sandwiched between tears and bodily fluid mishaps, not to mention the ongoing anxiety. The reality is, pregnancy isn’t always a happy experience.
If you truly want to portray an authentic view of pregnancy, consider this scene: a woman on the bathroom floor, overwhelmed and in tears, dealing with a broken lipstick while covered in her own urine. It’s raw and real, but likely not the kind of imagery that would sell beauty products or maternity items. Yet, it would resonate deeply with many expecting mothers.
Sincerely,
A very candid expectant mother
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In summary, pregnancy is a complex journey filled with joy, challenges, and unpredictability. It’s essential to represent the multifaceted nature of this experience honestly, and to provide support and resources for mothers navigating this path.