What I’d LIKE to Hear During My Pregnancy

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pregnancyThere are so many articles about what not to say to pregnant women. Hey, I’m even guilty of writing them. During this pregnancy, I notice that the comments aren’t necessarily bothersome, but they are mostly about how I look. Honestly, who cares? I don’t care if you think I look like I’m having a girl, which I am, because I look wide (yes, someone said this).

During pregnancy, there is so much focus on how pregnant women look. We’re missing the point. Pregnancy is not about how mom looks. Pregnancy is about preparing for a new love in your life. If you happen to look wide while preparing for your new love, oh well. Rather than belly talk, I’d much rather hear the following:

  • “I’m so excited to meet the baby.” Yep, let’s talk about the baby. I love thinking about meeting the baby, so any chat about the newest addition to our family is always welcome. Baby talk is a reminder about why my body is not my own right now. Baby topics I will never tire of:
  • Baby kicks. I still find it amazing to feel her moving. Each little knee or elbow gets me more excited. I am pretty sure I felt her butt the other day. How cool is that?
  • Who will she look like? I wonder if she’s going to be a carbon copy of my older daughter. I can’t wait to find out. My first was completely bald when born, so I wonder if this one will have hair.
  • What’s the plan for those first few weeks? I’m a super planner (even though I realize things rarely adhere to those plans), so any logistic talk is interesting to me.
  • What are you most excited about? My baby fever has kicked way in. I see a baby, and I want to smell it (is that just me?). I can’t wait for the first time she holds my hand, the first time she opens her eyes, the first burp, the first hiccup, the first smile, the first tooth, the first time she rolls over…I’m excited about it all, and I love thinking/talking about it.

So, next time you cross paths with an expectant mom, maybe skip the normal “You look great” talk and chat about the newest love of her life.

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Vera Sizensky
Vera is the digital director for HealthyWomen.org, a non-profit organization that Dr. Oz calls "the leading health resource for women." Before HealthyWomen, Vera spent several years editing and producing content for the popular digital editions of SHAPE and Women’s Health magazines. Nothing makes her happier than connecting with women who work hard and play hard. Vera earned a journalism degree from the University of Florida and lives with her husband Brian and daughter Lena (born 8/25/13) in Southport, CT.

3 Things About Vera
Fill in the blank: If I had 10 minutes to myself, I would: "Take a long, hot shower."
Describe your perfect day: "Exercise, beach, nap, evening on the back deck with a glass of wine and the fire pit roaring."
Favorite thing to do in your spare {ha!} time: "Discovering new places—restaurants, playgrounds, hiking trails, etc."

Twitter: @VeraSiz

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