Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster ride, but nothing compares to the discomfort of being overdue. Whether you’re welcoming your first child or your third, the experience can be trying. During my first pregnancy, I found myself enduring nearly 42 weeks, and the final fortnight was particularly excruciating.
At that point, my belly had grown to an absurd size—far beyond the “cute” stage and firmly entrenched in the realm of “careful, you might knock over a display in the store if you turn too quickly.”
Emotionally, I was a wreck. It felt like I was crying over everything—literally everything. I teared up during commercials, while at work, and even over a grilled cheese sandwich that had American cheese instead of cheddar.
Sleep? Forget it. Every ten minutes, I had to get up to use the restroom, and half the time I spent attempting an intricate maneuver just to get out of bed.
Unsolicited Advice
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of this phase was the unsolicited advice that rolled in from friends and family:
- “Make sure to get some rest while you can!”
Really, Linda? When you’re over 40 weeks pregnant, sleep feels like a distant memory. It’s nearly impossible to find comfort with a baby the size of a bowling ball pressing on your insides. If anything, this stage is merely a prelude to the sleepless nights that lie ahead. - “You won’t be pregnant forever.”
Thanks for that nugget of wisdom. You’re like a modern-day oracle. As if we haven’t already been preparing for this moment for the past ten months! - “[Insert activity here] will trigger your labor.”
I tried every suggestion thrown my way: walking, intimacy, nipple stimulation, laughter, pineapple juice, spicy foods, bumpy car rides, acupressure, raspberry leaf tea, and yes, even more walking. None of it worked; my water broke at 3 a.m. while I was deep in slumber. - “You have time for meal prep.”
Do you really think a woman ready to give birth has the energy to whip up and freeze lasagnas? Just standing up can leave her breathless! - “The baby will arrive when it’s ready.”
Because who doesn’t visualize a baby as a roast turkey preparing to shock their pelvic floor? Trust me, those of us past 40 weeks are acutely aware of this fact; we are living embodiments of it.
In truth, women in this stage of pregnancy generally don’t seek advice from anyone other than their healthcare provider. What we really want is the opportunity to express our discomfort and have someone validate our feelings.
So vent away! And if you’re not the one going through this—please, just listen. She’s been nurturing a life for over 40 weeks, and it’s the least she deserves. For more insights on fertility and pregnancy, consider checking out our post on fertility boosters for men at Make A Mom. If you’re looking for expert opinions on infant nutrition, Intracervical Insemination offers valuable resources. Additionally, American Pregnancy is a fantastic reference for anyone navigating the world of pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, being overdue is an experience filled with discomfort, unsolicited opinions, and emotional highs and lows. All a woman in this position truly seeks is understanding and a listening ear.