This post has been sitting in my drafts for months so I decided to finally post it... I wrote this post on September 19th and I went into the hospital on September 20th after a surprising doctor visit and had the girls on September 23rd. Little did I know what was about to happen... reading through it picturing myself that huge and uncomfortable has been fun - I have already blocked out the crazy pregnancy.
I haven't wanted to sound negative about being pregnant because we tried so so hard to get to this point. I know I would kill myself for ever complaining about something I wanted so badly in the first place. I just want to remember some of these things in the future and maybe compare future pregnancies to this first one with twins, at least that's how I justify complaining a little bit... So here it goes!
One thing I never even considered would happen during pregnancy is how significantly my voice has dropped. I get asked on a regular basis if I am sick or if I am my husband when I answer the phone. I'm hoping that these girls have some beautiful high singing voices because my singing voice in relief society gets noticed a lot more often now that I'm a couple octaves lower.
Oils are oozing out of my skin everywhere it seems like! This may be TMI, but I'm either breaking out on my face, back or chest constantly because of these oils. I also can't go a day without showering or using dry shampoo because my hair gets greasy so fast.
These girls can stretch!!! I cannot believe how tight my belly will get sometimes. It seems like one is pushing off the other and they are pulling in completely opposite directions. It's a miracle my skin hasn't busted open I swear. There have been times when you can distinctly see an elbow or a head poking out of my belly.
My joints... They have been surprisingly loose lately. Sometimes my knee or hip will just give out.
Personal space and privacy seems to have completely gone out the window. Between doctors appointments and everybody talking about your lady business, nothing is personal anymore. I always thought my mom was over-reacting when she would warn me of this, but it's oh so very true. Your belly becomes public property. Nothing is off limits once there are children in your uterus, all subjects are free game. I will spare you the details, but be warned - you will be asked and told many things that never need to be shared. You will be touched, your belly will be kissed, and advice will be given that you never even asked for. I have been shocked by several comments I have received such as, "Oh my mom had twins, they both died. Twins are really high risk." "You have gestational diabetes! I thought only fat people got that?" and "You are huge!"
I'm always hungry. With my inability to eat many carbs, I feel as though I am never satisfied.
My vision is horrible - I can't see a dang thing!
The emotions, oh the emotions!!! I laugh, I cry, I get offended, I get pissed, I get super excited - all in the course of about 15 minutes. It's insanity! My anxiety has been through the roof. I picture all the possible negative outcomes that could happen.
Then there's the heartburn, the swelling, the general discomfort, the lack of ability to move freely the way I used to, the insomnia, the 5 bathroom trips each night, the massive belly that really does get in the way and the stretch marks. When people ask how I'm doing I always tell them I can't complain and how happy I am to have this opportunity, but there are small moments when I really do just want to complain. Jake generally gets the brunt of it so I figured if I vent out a little on the blog things might be a little easier on him.
After all of this complaining I don't want anyone to think that I'm not grateful for being pregnant, I couldn't be happier! I love feeling their little movements and counting down the days (that's right, we're down to days now) until I get to meet these little girlies. We have wanted this for so long and I would take all of this and more if it meant I get to have these little girls again, they truly are such a blessing.
I am currently 34+ weeks pregnant (35 wks on Monday)