The process of pregnancy is a very physical one. Our uterus expands 2-3 times its usual size. Our body loosens up to accommodate the baby inside, the pelvic bones gradually widen to prepare for a 2-4kg sized human passing through. Hormones are activated to supply and channel food & nutrition to the placenta. We put on an extra 12-20kg but our legs & feet do not (& we don't wish them to) grow proportionately wider to carry this substantial weight around day after day for some 4-5 months. The process of pregnancy is nothing short of miraculous.
It's alot of activity going on everyday for 9-10 months until even after delivery, where our body works just as hard to put things back. As such, alot of resources are deployed from the mummy's body during pregnancy, some of which are not restored even after the baby is born. I myself have had hair texture changed, & I personally feel my energy level is not like before.
Why do I say all this? Because from the time we know we are pregnancy, and therefore conscious of our new identity as a MUM, we begin on the journey of sacrifices and responsibility for another human being. The onset of physical changes accompany the emotional and mental changes that begin in preparation for this new VIP in your life. Everything is compulsory for the mummy - you cannot choose not to be fat, or not to feel bad when you come down with flu (& be afraid it might affect your baby), not to instinctively touch your tummy to protect your child, not to naturally refrain from foods that are unadvisable just-in-case.
Some pregnancies are more difficult than others. But I've never come across any mummy who do not put on a brave front & bear with whatever comes their way. All sporty and never-exercised-since-secondary-school mums take the physicalities in their stride, and deal with the emotional and mental along the way without going insane (except in front of our husbands). It's as if we had all gone through NS. Where did we get the strength from? My guess is from focusing on the prize - of meeting our beloved child - that comes at the end.
I had a relatively smooth pregnancy and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I felt healthy, I swam, I golfed, I couldn't sleep for more than 5 hours at night (probably from excitement). Some mummies develop stretch marks, some the C-section scar. I didn't have those. What I have for my battle scars are the 6kg of fats still lingering on my body. Each time someone asks me if I'm pregnant again, or I try on old clothes only to keep them back, I am reminded of that physical journey I went through....
To my son, flesh of my flesh, and bone of my bones. I will put on 20kg if I have to, all over again, because you are worth every gram of fats still hanging, every bit of inconvenience, every cm of pelvis widening. My youthful body is but for a season but you, you are a thrill to be with at every stage, a joy to watch every single day. I have no regrets at all.
Still, it's not my time to have a flabby body yet. Better get back to shape. In time for my 2nd pregnancy coming (hopefully) soon.
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