I cherish my three children immensely, yet I’ve come to accept that I didn’t particularly enjoy being pregnant — and that’s completely fine. Bringing life into this world is a true miracle, and I feel fortunate to have experienced three smooth pregnancies, each resulting in one of my biggest joys: my beloved children, Mia, Lucas, and Emma. However, acceptance of my feelings towards pregnancy has taken time.
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and many families face challenges in their quest to become parents — I was among them. Yet, for numerous women, the experience can be quite difficult. There’s often an unspoken pressure to appear happy and glowing throughout the process, even when that’s not the reality. During my first pregnancy, I grappled with the expectation that I should feel elated at all times. Whether it was through social media or conversations with friends and family, it seemed everyone anticipated my constant bliss — something I rarely felt. (Where was the famous pregnancy glow everyone talked about?)
Now, as a mom of three reflecting on those times, I’ve learned that it’s possible to express gratitude for my children and the experience of carrying them for nine months while also acknowledging that I didn’t enjoy every moment. Looking back, there are a few insights I wish I had received during my pregnancies.
1. Expressing discomfort or frustration over pregnancy symptoms doesn’t make you ungrateful.
It’s natural to have mixed feelings.
For anyone navigating the journey of pregnancy, consider exploring resources like CCRM IVF for insightful articles on home insemination, or check out Make a Mom for fertility supplements that can assist in your journey. And if you’re looking for fun activities to do with your kids, take a peek at Cooking with Kids for creative ideas.
In summary, it’s perfectly acceptable not to love being pregnant, and acknowledging your feelings is an important step in your journey to motherhood.