This is my final installment of Lessons in Pregnancy!
So, now that I’m in the home stretch (5 weeks, or less, away), I am wondering, why did no one tell me about…
“Pregnancy Brain” – this sounded so demeaning to me. I mean, how dare someone label a woman who may occasionally forget information with a chronic condition of forgetfulness? Harumph! Unfortunately, this condition is true and has physiological origins; more oxygen is going to the kid, less is going to the brain. Brilliant. No wonder I forgot the word for “word” while I was typing this.
This is my final installment of Lessons in Pregnancy!
So, now that I’m in the home stretch (5 weeks, or less, away), I am wondering, why did no one tell me about…
“Pregnancy Brain” – this sounded so demeaning to me. I mean, how dare someone label a woman who may occasionally forget information with a chronic condition of forgetfulness? Harumph! Unfortunately, this condition is true and has physiological origins; more oxygen is going to the kid, less is going to the brain. Brilliant. No wonder I forgot the word for “word” while I was typing this.
Linea Negra – uh…where’d this line come from? And why is it drawn in semi-permanent ink down the almost-middle (my belly is not symmetrical, apparently) of my stomach?
Hair for Days – Pregnant women don’t generally shed. I know that some women are ecstatic over the extra volume of hair that pregnancy provides. I have volume already. My fro is epic now.
Crying – Then Laughing – Then Crying – I washed my first set of baby clothes yesterday. I cried looking at those little socks and onesies and dreaming of my little son wearing them. I smiled as I breathed in the baby-soft smell of the powder-scented detergent. I cried again, thinking of how many loads of laundry I have ahead of me. I also cried while watching Avatar, cleaning the bathroom, and smelling the damp earth after rain. Hormones and sensitivity do not mix.
Unparalleled Generosity – I have been bowled over by the encouragement and genuine joy that people have enthusiastically shared with me concerning giving birth to my first child. I have a treasure trove of advice, toys, clothes, dinners, prayers and visits. These are all reminders of how the Lord lavishes His love on me through people.
Choosing a Name – some people can name a human as easily as they choose a meal at a restaurant or an outfit for a party. I, on the other hand, have scoured baby names intensely for months, and still can’t choose one for sure. I’m going to have to meet him first.
The Pregnancy “Glow” – if glowing means rashes, high-school grade acne, random toothaches, splotches dry skin and brittle nails, then yeah, I’m glowing.
How Long It Takes To Pop (the 1st time) – I almost felt sheepish telling people that I was pregnant, when, at 4 or 5 months along, I barely had a baby bump. The bump legitimizes my parking in the Expectant Mother space, or planning for a shower. I feel kind of robbed that I have the Bump for only one-third of my pregnancy.
‘Morning’ Sickness – does it actually occur in the morning for anyone? It was alllllll day and especially at night for me!
Third-Trimester Insomnia – Why. Why. Why? Shouldn’t I be sleeping enough to get me through the first three months of having a newborn?
Undercover Umbros – yup, I wear shorts or leggings under my dresses now to prevent spontaneous combustion. I’ve heard of child-bearing hips, but not child-bearing thighs.
Toddler/Infant Parent Vindictiveness – um, what’s with the parents of little ones narrowing their eyes and giving me the ominous “you’ll see!” every time their baby cries, needs a diaper change, or spits up? Yeah, I’ll see…but not today. HA!
My Husband’s Patience – the depths of which know no end. From fulfilling food cravings, to silently commiserating during my laugh/cry moments, to picking up extra duties while I am bed-bound. I have the best husband. *sigh*
Perks – people really are nicer to you when you’re making a person. (Why aren’t people this nice all the time?)
Baby Magic – babies, even before they are born, can have the power to reconcile parents-to-be and in-laws, galvanize families, and lure grandparents to new states.
Helplessness – there are books, videos, and a plethora of resources on how to predict the gender of the baby, the due date, have a painless delivery, avoid morning sickness, eat healthfully, stay fit, buy the right crib, toys and clothing. But…at the end of the day, we are helpless and fragile, and at the mercy of our Creator.
How Miraculous This Is – with all the challenges, this experience has still been eye-opening. We are taught in Hebrews 11:1 that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. I have a living analogy for this now. At first I had to take the doctor’s word that I was indeed pregnant; there were no signs that I could feel, hear, or see. The absence of sensory evidence didn’t make this baby any less real. And at times when I doubt the Lord’s hand, faith is that substance worth holding on to until His work has been fully realized. He’s more trustworthy than a sonogram.
Do you have any advice to add? Please Share it!
Post Views: 139
5 Comments
SonShine
Keep up the humor
Sharifa
God has certainly blessed you in so many ways, but the chief is your ability to see life through the lens of humor. You give me such joy!
GEA
Sharifa Stevens
Thanks!
Thanks for the encouragement on humor, SonShine – and I think it takes a funny lady to know a funny lady. :o)
I'm honored to be in such good company!
Sue Bohlin
Advice for Miz Preggers
Sharifa, I love how you're sharing your pregnancy with us, and connecting it to spiritual truth–especially your final paragraph about faith!
That question about not sleeping?
Yeah. That.
I think it's intended to get us ready for the first few months of the baby's life "outta utero" when they don't, can't, sleep through the night. I noticed that getting used to getting up made me less irritated when the hungry cries started, ending my sleep. I think God cares very much about our attitude, and this is one way to adjust it before the baby arrives.
At least, that's my view and I'm sticking to it.
Still praying for you!
Sharifa Stevens
Sleepless in Dallas
Ah, Sue, you are right, I'm sure. I have had at least three mothers – and you make four – tell me that the insomnia is a (not so) gentle transition to the feeding schedule to come. God is brilliant in His planning, I must say. I'm up at midnight, 3 am and 6 am. I am SURE this will come in handy soon.
THANK YOU for your prayers. :o)
Gwynne Johnson
Haven’t forgotten
You bring back my memories of waiting and wondering…then the overwhelming reality that this is really happening! Thanks for your humor, honesty and excitement…we'll eagerly await an introduction…