Pregnancy Journeys
By Emma Thompson
Updated: March 18, 2020
Originally Published: January 16, 2016
When the Delivery Person Arrives
I first became acquainted with our delivery person when I was expecting my second child, all while trying to manage my rambunctious one-year-old. If he showed up during nap time, meal prep, or while I was engrossed in reruns of my favorite shows, my patience would wear thin. Did he really need to honk his horn and ring the doorbell? Couldn’t he come at a more convenient hour, like 3 p.m.? Apparently not. His once aggressive knocks and loud bell ringing turned into a stealth operation. Now, he would tiptoe, leave the package on the porch, and make a quick getaway.
If he arrived at a more suitable time, I’d offer him cookies and strike up a friendly chat. On a couple of occasions, I even asked if he could keep an eye on my child while I took a much-needed break, but I learned that wasn’t part of his job description either.
When Weight Gain Becomes a Competition
During my pregnancy, the scale revealed numbers I’d rather forget, and I found myself envying those women who managed to stay within the recommended weight gain of 30 pounds or less. I ballooned to 50 pounds heavier than my husband, who towers over six feet.
I often wondered how others maintained their figures while I indulged daily in peanut butter cups followed by bags of Doritos. It felt like a secret competition, and I was losing.
When Your Body Temperature Feels Unbearable
Pregnancy made me feel hotter than the sun itself. Despite my husband’s persistent requests to close the windows, I insisted on keeping them wide open well into the chilly fall, with fans blasting. Living in the Northeast, I should have known better, but I relished the cold air even as flurries occasionally blew in.
More than once, I wrapped myself in a towel (which provided little coverage) and stepped outside to savor the crisp air. If anyone happened to see me, I had no regrets.
When Food Cravings Take Over
The first few months were a nightmare for my senses; I couldn’t be near anything like onions, certain cuts of beef, or fried foods. No one was allowed to cook or eat those items around me. Eventually, my cravings shifted dramatically. Suddenly, I was obsessed with burnt cheese topped with tuna and pepperoni, and I demanded that my family respect my food choices—no comments about the smell or how I was eating it.
If anyone wanted to bring me a jar of jelly, cream cheese, and chocolate-covered graham crackers, that was perfectly acceptable—as long as they didn’t expect me to share.
When the Desire for a Puppy Strikes
At six months pregnant with my third child, I decided that getting a puppy would be a fantastic idea. Despite everyone warning me against it, I went ahead anyway. I was convinced this puppy was meant for me, and the thought of not having her brought me to tears. Looking back, it might not have been my wisest decision, but I would do it all over again.
When You Crave Unconditional Affection
Even while wearing my worn-out robe and nasal strips to combat congestion, I wanted my husband to find me irresistible. I wished for him to bring me fried chicken every night (which, of course, he wasn’t allowed to eat), rub my feet, and carry me upstairs in a romantic fashion. Unfortunately, my weight gain put a damper on those plans, and he needed to save his back for work.
After reflecting on all this, I realize my husband might have a valid point. However, if we ever decide to have another child, I could make some adjustments. For instance, I could look into a delivery service for fried chicken and snacks. Since my kids no longer nap, that would benefit our delivery person. I could also skip the weighing at appointments and spare my husband from carrying me up the stairs.
One thing remains unchanged: with Pinterest now a thing, I’ll definitely want to compete for the most stunning nursery designs, which may be a challenge for my husband.
In conclusion, while my pregnancy may have allowed me to indulge in unreasonable behavior, it also taught me a lot about self-acceptance and the importance of support.
For more information on home insemination, check out this post on home insemination kits. If you’re curious about pregnancy-related topics, this resource on Botox during pregnancy is invaluable. Additionally, for those considering fertility options, this site offers excellent insights.
Summary: Pregnancy often led me to embrace unreasonable behavior, from food cravings to unrealistic expectations of my husband and my delivery person. Despite the challenges, it also provided moments of clarity and the realization that self-acceptance and support are key.