My partner and I have shared nearly 13 years together, including 8 years of marriage. Throughout our relationship, I maintained a sense of privacy regarding certain bodily functions. I’ve never chosen to urinate in front of him, and I go to great lengths to avoid passing gas around him. Grooming my intimate areas in his presence? That’s a hard pass. I want to maintain that allure, that image of being a captivating, beautiful goddess who doesn’t engage in the less glamorous aspects of human nature. While he knows these functions are part of life, I prefer to keep them under wraps. After all, no couple needs to share every unappealing detail about themselves.
Then, pregnancy happened.
Suddenly, the veil of mystery began to lift. While I have yet to actually urinate in front of him, “morning” sickness made its entrance at the most inconvenient moments, like when I was brushing my teeth at night. My husband, aware that this was a direct result of our impending parenthood, would hold back my hair and comfort me as I faced my nightly struggles with nausea. He even took on the less pleasant task of cleaning up afterward.
Unfortunately, that was just the beginning of the decline of my goddess persona. My skin broke out in large, boil-like blemishes reminiscent of those seen in ProActiv commercials. When my obstetrician recommended a safe remedy, guess who ended up applying it to my back? That’s right—my husband. The image of the alluring goddess was fading fast; he had witnessed my morning sickness and now had to touch my skin where it was oozing.
And let’s not overlook the realities of pregnancy-related constipation. While the relief after finally being able to go is unmatched, the process itself can feel like a rehearsal for labor. Every time I would attempt to relieve myself, I would let out cries that surely echoed through our home, leaving my husband in bed wondering what on earth was happening in the bathroom.
Adding to this new dynamic are the obstetrician appointments where my husband has observed examinations and even a vaginal ultrasound. The pristine image I once held is long gone. I realize that these experiences are preparing both of us for the more intense moments of childbirth, where the full spectrum of bodily functions will likely be on display.
Despite the fading of my once-goddess image, every night, after tending to my skin, my husband places his hand on my growing belly, kisses me, and tells me that I’ve never looked more beautiful. I marvel at how he can still find me attractive, and while I don’t question his sanity, I certainly wonder what magic he must possess to hold such a view—and hope I can tap into that same energy when the time comes for labor.
For further insights into the journey of pregnancy, consider exploring resources on artificial insemination, which can provide valuable information on the process. This article also emphasizes how important it is to maintain intimacy and connection even amid the more challenging realities of pregnancy.
Summary:
This article discusses the shifts in intimacy and privacy in a marriage during pregnancy, highlighting how the author navigates the challenges of bodily functions and the changes in perception from both partners. While the rise of pregnancy may strip away some of the mystique of being an alluring partner, the love and connection shared remain profound.
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