Since I shared the news of my pregnancy, I’ve been inundated with well-meaning suggestions to rest and take it easy, which often leaves me feeling guilty for wanting to tackle my daily routines. I understand that when people see a pregnant woman, their instinct is to offer assistance and comfort, and that’s commendable. After all, no one wants to be the person who ignores a visibly pregnant woman in need of a seat.
While the gestures aimed at enhancing the comfort of expecting mothers are truly appreciated, it’s easy for even the best intentions to cross the line into condescension, making mothers-to-be feel helpless. Constantly highlighting what activities are deemed safe or questioning an expectant mother’s ability to make decisions about standing, walking, or lifting can feel intrusive.
Trusting My Body
Here’s my request: I would love for those around me to trust that I am well aware of my own body and its limits. It’s not as if I’m about to stroll into a gym, hoist 100-pound weights, and ask you to hold my drink while I attempt a deadlift. No way! More likely, I’ll be standing during a meeting to relieve my sciatica after hours in a chair, or slowly climbing the stairs with a basket of laundry that weighs maybe 10 pounds.
Sometimes I’ll even don my well-loved stretch pants (which, let’s be real, are showing their age) and pop in a prenatal workout DVD, trying to encourage a little activity in my living room. Even my kids joke, “Mom! Don’t shake your belly like that! The baby might get dizzy!”
The Benefits of Exercise
The reality is that moving and exercising—yes, exercising—are beneficial for both me and my baby. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Regular exercise can help you cope with the physical changes of pregnancy and build stamina for the challenges ahead. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, use pregnancy as your motivation to begin.”
What would truly make me—and likely many other pregnant women—feel more at ease is if people recognized my expertise about my own body. If you genuinely have concerns, a kind, private inquiry would be far more appreciated than unsolicited advice.
Engaging in physical activities, such as doing four sets of 15 squats, will help prepare me for childbirth. Walking around to boost my circulation keeps my stress levels manageable. Ultimately, having the autonomy to make my own choices regarding my health—without scrutiny from anyone except my OB-GYN or my partner—would greatly reduce my frustration with the next person who suggests I take a seat. Pregnancy is challenging enough as it is, so let’s remember that when you see a growing, glowing expectant mother, it’s not an open invitation for unsolicited advice on what you believe is healthy.
Additional Resources
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this resource on intrauterine insemination. And if you’re curious about products for home insemination, take a look at this article on artificial insemination kits. Additionally, you can find valuable information on pregnancy experiences for people of color here.
Conclusion
In summary, as an expectant mother, I appreciate the support but urge others to trust my judgment on my capabilities. Recognizing my autonomy during this time will foster a more positive experience for everyone involved.