I am sure you ladies know exactly what I am talking about. It’s supposed to hit around the second trimester. “Supposed to” is the optimal term here and the increase in hormones is said to give you a “glow.” I am now on my fourth pregnancy and still waiting for that “glow” to appear.
There are a select few that somehow manage to make pregnancy glamourous. I am not one of those. Typically, I gain a ton of weight right away and people either think I am pregnant before I announce it or am “just really happy.” I have actually had people say that to me. I always get extremely sick and I swear it is worse the than the time before. Throw in extreme exhaustion, stretch marks and taking care of other kids and I am pretty much the opposite of the pregnancy “poster child.”
Don’t get me wrong, pregnancy is one of the most beautiful things in life. To know that you are growing a human being inside of you while continuing your everyday life is absolutely incredible. However, it is a hard thing to remember when many other women seem to have a perfect pregnancy while you are struggling to get out of bed or hold down a meal. Don’t believe the hype! Honestly, they are probably going through the same things you are.
I mean, let’s be real, pregnancy can be rough. Whether it is your first baby or your fourth, every pregnancy is different and comes with its own set of surprises (which is why I am still waiting for my pregnancy glow!). Your feet will probably swell like grapefruits, you’ll have back pain, endless cravings, stretch marks, weight gain, tiredness, and you even have to learn to walk differently with that growing belly of yours! But ladies, no matter what comes with your pregnancy, know that you are still beautiful!
I tend to be so critical of myself sometimes, especially during these loooooonnnnnggg nine months. I feel like we really can’t help it, especially in this day and age, and I often find myself comparing myself or even just my pregnancy to those on social media or people around me. I have to remind myself almost daily that my pregnancy is my own and that it’s ok to give in to that craving and eat those pesky mini snickers I’ve been hiding. As long as you and your baby are OK, you are doing great!
What your body does is nothing short of amazing. Everything you go through is totally worth it and when you get to hold that incredible baby in the end, all of those things that come with pregnancy will be the furthest thing from your mind. It may seem like it lasts forever but I promise it doesn’t!
So glow or no glow, embrace your pregnancy and remember how incredible you truly are.
