Greetings, world. Let me clarify something important: I am not unwell, impaired, or broken. I am expecting a child.
I am not weak, overly dependent, or frail. I am pregnant. I am not incapable or incompetent. I AM PREGNANT.
I’m not a rare and fragile flower, nor am I some kind of delicate princess. I am participating in an ancient and powerful act that has been a fundamental part of humanity throughout time.
This condition is natural and entirely appropriate for my body, akin to breathing, walking, or even sleeping. Yet, society often treats me as though I am a fragile vessel in need of constant protection.
Furthermore, I am exhausted by the endless restrictions. No deli meats—absolutely none. Turkey, salami, or ham? Off the table! Ensure that steak is well done, and don’t even think about runny eggs or cookie dough. Fish has to be cooked; no raw seafood, and stay away from unpasteurized products. And let’s not even start on the cheese—no stinky varieties allowed! Listeria and E. coli are lurking everywhere!
No coffee. No wine. Not a drop! Safety first, right? Okay, perhaps one cup of coffee is acceptable, but two? That’s pushing it.
Why must we be so extreme? I can assure you, having a couple of cups of coffee on a tough day won’t harm me or my baby. I might even survive a glass of wine—though as a recovering alcoholic, I generally abstain.
Instead of imposing irrational rules like “no lunch meat for ten months,” how about moderation? We can avoid questionable sources, make wise choices, and practice reasonable caution without falling into hysteria.
And let’s address the constant warnings against lifting or pulling heavy items as if I’m some kind of delicate flower. Don’t lift over 25 pounds? If I followed that, I’d have to leave my sleeping toddler in the car because I can’t manage to carry her inside.
What’s the plan here? When my child has a tantrum, I’ll just shrug and say, “Sorry, I can’t help you. I’m pregnant and fragile!” I’d let groceries rot in my car and abandon my responsibilities at work because I can’t stand or sit for long periods.
Some celebrities may choose to “consciously uncouple” from their responsibilities, but for those of us living in the real world, we must keep going. I can be smart about my limits without resorting to extreme caution.
Women have been doing this since the dawn of humanity. They’ve worked in fields, cared for families, and performed physical tasks while pregnant. The notion that a woman can’t manage her life while expecting is absurd.
While it’s true that we’ve learned more about pregnancy, we’ve veered into unreasonable levels of fear. Pregnant women are some of the strongest individuals on the planet. Stop perpetuating the narrative that we’re weak and need constant guidance from so-called experts.
Sure, expertise is invaluable when issues arise, and I appreciate help when necessary. However, until then, I don’t need your intervention. My body, instincts, and logic are perfectly capable of navigating this journey.
I have given birth before and will do so again. I know how to nurture, hold, and care for my child. My body instinctively knows what to do.
Despite the noise from those who insist on telling me how to navigate this experience, I trust in my ability. I am not broken; I am pregnant. In just a few weeks, I will welcome my baby—the one meant for me, the one who is a part of me.
So, while you may continue to chatter, I’ll focus on my newborn, who knows deep down that we have everything we need.
Summary
Pregnancy is a natural condition that should not be treated as an illness or disability. Women have been navigating this journey for centuries, and while caution has its place, excessive restrictions can be counterproductive. Trusting in one’s body and instincts is essential—women are not weak; they are strong and fully capable of handling the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood.
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