For all my mom friends who’ve raised—or are raising—young kids while pregnant: Show me your ways.
Let’s start with two obvious realities:
- Being a mom is tough. Like, “send help” tough.
- Being pregnant is exhausting. Like, “someone call in a nap” exhausting.
Now, let’s remix those two together… (cue horror face emoji).
I salute all the moms with multiple children—present, past, and future. Not only are you raising little humans day in and day out, but you’re also growing another whole human inside of you. You’re basically a superhero. Seriously. No one gets your situation like you do—even other moms. Every mom’s journey is different, and that’s what makes us stronger when we support one another.
I wanted to share my experience in hopes of connecting with other moms who are navigating the harder side of momming while incubating. Because, let’s be real: it’s no joke.
My first pregnancy was a breeze. I had little to no symptoms and worked up until the day I went into labor. Fast forward three years to my second pregnancy, and my body is having a completely different reaction. It’s like the universe hit reset, and I got ALL the symptoms. From nausea, vomiting, and back aches to cramps, headaches, and an unholy amount of fatigue—it’s been a ride.
And let me just give a HUGE shout-out to my husband for being a total MVP. He’s been showing me so much grace and extra love while I’ve been navigating this rollercoaster of symptoms. Seriously, he deserves all the credit for holding down the fort right now.
At 38.5 weeks pregnant, I’m officially feeling… well, handicapped. I can’t walk without pain. I can’t sit without discomfort. I can’t bend without cramping. I can’t sleep without soreness. It’s REAL, y’all. And honestly, the hardest part? The shame. The guilt that I can’t keep up with all the responsibilities I used to juggle with ease.
For example:
- Sweeping? Nope. I’m gasping for air after four swipes of the floor.
- Washing the bathrooms? HAH. I can’t even reach half of it!
- Taking out the trash? NOPE. It feels like my abdomen is going to tear in half if I try.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I KNOW this is temporary. I KNOW I’ll be back to my old self again soon. But let me tell you, the mental and emotional battle is a real kicker. My husband has made it clear that he understands and is stepping in to help, but it still doesn’t feel good. It feels like I’m failing. It feels like I’m letting everyone down. I feel like a disappointment.
Sending all my love, grace, and support to the mamas who are battling that same guilt. I see you. I feel you. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s all that matters