Pre-natal concerns

In the current day and age, everything a pregnant woman does is scrutinized, by everyone, even people she's never met. We have to give up all sorts of things that make us feel good, even though most of the time we feel like crap.

Expectant mothers today are required to give up alcohol and smoking, of course, but also caffeine, which is in chocolate! We're instructed to exercise, but not too vigorously, have as much sex as we want, even if we don't want to, and avoid cat litter. (OK, that last one was a bonus.)

We're also expected to let everyone on the face of the planet touch our bellies, without so much as a by-your-leave. Weight gain is a must, but not too much, and don't forget to talk and sing to your fetus, even if your singing voice makes your husband cringe. Prenatal vitamins are huge, and leave a disgusting aftertaste. Regarding morning sickness, I was lucky enough to only have it once with each of my pregnancies. I have a couple friends, though, who were sick every day. I can't even imagine.

We get all sorts of gifts, mostly for the baby, but it's fun anyway. There are some parties which you have to attend, even though you'd rather stay at home and eat the forbidden chocolate.

Mainly, though, people think you will be happy all the time. Most of the time, I was. When I wasn't, everybody but me was confused. I'm not confused. Pregnant women of the world, be as bitchy as you want. This process may be a miracle, but it's still a huge pain in the ass sometimes.

I refuse to discuss natural birth, mostly because those women are saints. I had two c-sections and it was painful, but I still think it could have been much more painful.

For the most part, everything turns out alright. There are some families that have tragic problems, regardless of all their careful planning. There are some women who deliver babies with horrible problems, but it's expected because they did all the wrong things, like drinking, smoking, and doing drugs. I know a child resulting from that type of situation, and in addition to all of the physical maladies he has because of his mother's attempts to kill him in utero (her words), he also has Down's syndrome. He is alive, and that's truly amazing, but his life will be very hard. I don't understand those women.

I think that everyone will agree that in order to be a good mother, one must, from the very beginning, protect and nurture her child to the best of her ability. Before her child even enters the world, the child must be shown as much love as possible, by caring for it throughout the pregnancy.

It seems like this first quality is the easiest of all.