The good, the bad and the ugly of pregnancy
This past weekend, we attended a two day prenatal class at the hospital. We learned so much about the anatomy of a pregnant woman, the stages and type of deliveries and other general information, including some videos of the labour process that almost made me vomit.
It was a much needed class for us as we had no idea what my innards look like. When I was introducing myself in class, I joked that I didn't know enough to know what I don't know. But, after this class, I am proud to say that I now do know enough to know what I don't know (LOL).
Overall, learning all these “common facts” about pregnancy for the very first time made me realize how little Western women educate our fellow sisters about any of it. In other countries, women constantly witness and share these vital details as part of daily lives.
Of course, if you have friends with kids or family members with children, you would have a better understanding of pregnancy. However, I am questioning why this knowledge is not available for general consumption. I know Google is available to help, but it could be overwhelming due to information overload.
Also, if we take a look at social media (especially on Instagram), you often come across pregnant women who are remotely honest or real about this whole pregnancy thing. All you see are beautiful maternity clothings (providing promotional code to get you buy buy buy), or silly selfies showing off their bumps and telling you how great they feel. You would have thought all pregnancy entailed was eating ice cream and decorating the nursery. No wonder that's all I knew about pregnancy before I got pregnant!
Not many women on social media would talk about what it really is like being pregnant, maybe for fear of judgment? On top of that, these women on social media loves to talk about postnatal and how fast they were able to fit into their jeans post baby. But, they would tell you they worked so hard to have their bodies back, etc. Many of these women called themselves 'fit mom' and they are turning the focus on women's body. In their minds, they would like to think that they are helping and empowering other women. But I think not, to me, they are simply seeking validation from other women and hoping to collect some likes and followers.
P.S. Me at home and trying to rest. Pregnancy really takes a lot out of me and I am in a lot of pain due to pelvic floor issues
Sisters, instead of putting selfies of yourself for others to admire (they hope). Why not really help other women by showing us the good, the bad and the ugly about pregnancy. Seriously, I didn't know some women need to use Depend afterwards (LOL).
I honestly think it is much healthier to talk real about pregnancy, in order to help our sisters!
I agree I had my kids 20 years ago and there was none of the before and after selfies or talk of how fast you can fit back into your jeans. The obsession with how our bodies look is too much.
Great - we may need to come to you for advise.
Yes, I just want to be healthy and take good care of my baby and family. That would be my priority.
When people are obsessed with something, they also tend to be judgemental.
Sometimes, they go hand in hand. But I am not going to others judge me if my priorities are different from them.
Well, my fiancée and I also took prenatal classes. Just for the simple reason that we did not know enough.
And that is ok, because therefore those classes exist. And they provided us with plenty of useful information to calm us down.
How does she feel now? Heavy and tired... our child should have been born 8 days ago, but he takes his time.
Will my fiancée get back in "shape"? (or how do you say that)
We have a balanced diet and up to this day we still to our forest walks. It is a matter if listening to your own body... I would say, take everything step by step and you will find your balance back.
So ladies, stay strong! You have a husband out there to help you! (and who stays awake as well if you have trouble sleeping ;))
Thanks, and yes, my husband is the best. He has been so supportive.
Your post has been featured in Issue #4 of The Make It Healthy Project MAGAZINE! Many thanks for your contribution to the health of the Steemit community :-)
Excellent post, and you raised some very valid points! You're so right, many women online make it look a breeze to be pregnant, full of sunshine glow and buying cute baby things and feeling fine. But that's not exactly a very realistic picture! From spots to hemorrhoids to sore boobs to weird sensations, vivid and strange dreams, constant urination... it's not all rosy and peachy that's for sure! Perhaps I ought to share some of my 'good, bad and ugly' experiences too, in support of your post!!!
Love that photo by the way... cup of tea on the bump! :-)
Haha - thanks, I can now place even bigger object on the the bump and it won't fall. And, thank you for the support! Much appreciated.
hang in there and baby will come soon enough
Thanks, I will hang in there. It's exciting at the same time though I must admit :)
As not being a mom myself but treating a lot of pregnant women while giving birth..I have an opinion but I realize I also dont have ...you know what I mean right?
I can tell you already now, start apologizing to your partner from now on for what kind of screaming unreasonable you will become at the moment of truth ;))