Pregnancy Insights
Let’s be real: I’m done with being pregnant. I hit that wall long before I even saw that plus sign on the test. This marks my third pregnancy in just over three years, and it feels like I’ve spent an eternity in this state.
While some people thrive during pregnancy, I am definitely not one of them. If I hear one more person suggest that I should savor this experience, I might just roll my eyes so hard they could get stuck. I mean, really, how does one enjoy being pregnant? Your body feels like it belongs to someone else, and you’re stripped of the freedom to indulge in life’s little pleasures.
The list of restrictions is endless:
- Alcohol? Nope.
- Sushi? Not a chance.
- Caffeine? Only if you’re willing to count it in tiny fractions.
- Fish? Only specific types, and even then, in moderation.
- And don’t even get me started on the medications I can’t take.
On top of all this, I’m too busy chasing after two little ones to even think about enjoying this journey.
First Pregnancy: The Honeymoon Phase
Ah, the excitement of the first pregnancy. It’s all new, and everyone is eager to shower you with love and compliments about your “glowing” appearance. You’re encouraged to nap at every opportunity, and people actually offer to help you. You track every milestone with those fancy pregnancy apps, and you can’t help but admire your growing bump in every reflective surface you find.
Second Pregnancy: The Reality Sets In
By the second pregnancy, things have changed. People are still supportive, but the fanfare is noticeably quieter. Offers for help are less frequent as you juggle caring for your firstborn. Your baby bump starts to show earlier, and the thrill of pregnancy is quickly overshadowed by fatigue.
Third Pregnancy: Where Did Everyone Go?
Now, in my third pregnancy, it feels like I’m alone in this journey. Friends and family seem to have vanished, and even though I probably need help more than ever, no one is stepping up to offer it. I barely have a moment to myself, let alone time for a nap. I’m constantly on the go, managing my two toddlers while navigating this pregnancy.
When people ask how far along I am, I often can’t remember, but I know my due date by heart and offer that instead. If they really want to know, they can do the math themselves. The bump appears almost instantly, and let’s not even talk about bladder control—I now find myself in daily battles with sneezes, laughs, and coughs.
Not Caring Anymore
As I near the end of my third trimester, I’ve lost all pretense of caring about my appearance. If it fits, I wear it—plaid and polka dots together? Why not! Flip-flops have become my go-to because they’re easy and require zero effort. I might even recycle the same outfit multiple days in a row. Comfort is king at this point, and I’ve accepted that my hair will stay in a messy bun that resembles roadkill rather than a chic style.
Looking back at this time in my life, I might regret not putting in more effort for photos, but right now? I simply don’t care.
Too Big for Comfort
I feel oversized in every sense. Clothes don’t fit, and I find it uncomfortable to stand, sit, or even breathe. Bending over? That’s a strategic decision now. If I drop something, it better be worth the effort, or it’s likely staying there until one of my kids can pick it up or my husband comes to the rescue.
When I do find myself on the ground, I’ve learned to make it work: reading, coloring, or pretending to chase my kids becomes a game of laziness that I proudly label as genius parenting.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Despite the complaints, I recognize how blessed I am. I am soon to welcome my third child, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. I can’t wait for this baby to arrive—not just for the joy it will bring, but also for the simple pleasure of reclaiming my body and indulging in my long-lost friend: wine.
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Summary
The article explores the challenges and frustrations of a third pregnancy, contrasting the experiences of the first two pregnancies. It highlights the lack of support, the physical discomfort, and the shift in priorities that accompany multiple children. Despite the struggles, the author expresses gratitude for the growing family and looks forward to the arrival of the new baby.