About seven months ago, I found myself reflecting on my first pregnancy, and I realized I had exhibited a rather smug attitude towards the experience. I couldn’t fathom why so many women voiced their struggles with pregnancy—I felt confident that either I was exceptionally adept at it, or they were simply more prone to complaining. Nausea? Stretch marks? Weight gain? What were they talking about? Clearly, they just needed to toughen up. Or so I thought.
As it turns out, I was quite mistaken.
This time around, my journey has been filled with challenges. I’ve felt enormous, uncomfortable, and achy, making frequent trips to the doctor for a variety of concerns—more in one week than during my entire first pregnancy. It’s clear that this baby is a completely different being than my first child. Here are the notable changes I’ve experienced this time:
Diet and Exercise
During my first pregnancy, I adhered to a strict regimen of daily walks and a diet rich in salmon and spinach. I meticulously tracked my protein consumption and completed a daily checklist of exercises to prepare for childbirth. Looking back, I realize how over-the-top I was.
In contrast, my current pregnancy has revolved around two primary food categories: items that don’t induce nausea and scraps from my three-year-old’s plate. My exercise routine has devolved into chasing after him and making multiple trips to the bathroom throughout the night.
Physical Changes and Weight Gain
I hesitate to boast (who am I kidding, I absolutely do), but my first pregnancy left minimal lasting effects. I gained around 25 pounds and was back at my pre-pregnancy weight by my six-week postpartum checkup. I thought I had dodged the bullet of stretch marks, attributing my good fortune to both genetics and a pricey oil I diligently applied to my belly.
However, this time is a stark contrast. I stopped weighing myself after I reached my previous delivery weight—sometime during the second trimester. Discussing stretch marks is a sensitive subject for me right now, so let’s just leave it at that.
Labor Experience
I’ve always felt fortunate for my smooth birthing experience with my first child. I never really had that overwhelming urge of “get this baby out of me,” possibly because labor began right on my due date. Despite my thorough preparations for a natural birth, including 12 weeks of childbirth education, I ended up receiving an epidural, a humbling twist in my multi-day labor saga.
Now, I face an unknown with this upcoming birth. I find myself feeling anxious about the possibility of a premature delivery or needing to induce labor if I go past my due date. I’ve gained a sense of humility through my experiences—understanding that not all women are as fortunate as I was to have a healthy delivery. The birthing process deserves respect, and I intend to approach it with an open mind, ready to adapt to whatever unfolds to ensure our safety.
Postpartum Recovery
Years ago, my mother shared a piece of advice: “You get one free pass. The first recovery is easy, but after that, you’ll have to work hard.” Let’s just say, I might have my work cut out for me this time. I’ve already been advised to seek pelvic floor therapy (yes, it’s as glamorous as it sounds), and I have a feeling I may carry other not-so-glamorous reminders (cough hemorrhoids cough) for a while.
Bringing life into this world and nurturing it is no small feat. I am overwhelmingly grateful for the journey and the lessons learned. Each healthy baby is a miracle, and I find myself fervently praying for that miracle once more.
This is my heartfelt reflection, my apology, and a gentle reminder to others: if your first pregnancy was smooth sailing, be thankful. It might have been sheer luck or perhaps the universe’s way of encouraging you to take this journey again. In my case, it could be both.
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Summary
In reflecting on my first pregnancy, I realized how naive I was to dismiss the common struggles many women face. My second pregnancy has brought its own set of challenges, from dietary changes to physical discomfort and a humbler approach to childbirth. Each experience adds to the complexity and beauty of motherhood, teaching me to appreciate the miracle of life.
Keyphrase: My Humbling Experience with Pregnancy
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