April 14, 2006
The Public Body
A lot of women I know get very antsy toward the end of their pregnancies--they want to have this baby now, they're sick of being pregnant, they're uncomfortable, they've had enough of the suspense already. Me? I've been quite content for the most part throughout this entire process. Don't get me wrong, I've had my restless nights, I've had my days when I feel like a fatigued, inanimate lump, I've had emotional spells where I freak out a little at the unknown territory that lies ahead. But, honestly, I've loved being pregnant. I've enjoyed every bizarre little change that my body and mind have gone through, I've loved feeling my baby move inside me, and I've felt confident and happy with the way I've looked.
That is, until recently--and this is the one way in which I can relate to women who have had enough of this whole pregnancy business.
You see, apparently my belly is quite large-and-in-charge, so much so that random people feel compelled to comment on it in the most inappropriate ways and the most inopportune settings, aka all the freaking time. I've been pointed at and laughed at, and on more than one occasion, I've heard the words, "no offense, but you're huge." My belly has been compared to that of other women who are due a month before me and who "aren't nearly that big." How is it that pregnancy suddenly negates some people's sense of propriety? Why is it suddenly OK to laugh, point, compare, or apply words such as big, giant, or holy shit to the changing state of a woman's body? Compliments are one thing, and I love those. Here are some good ones I've heard: "You look beautiful", "You're glowing," "You wear that belly like an accessory" "God, what a miracle," "Have you gained any weight at all besides the baby?"
The most memorable comments that I have received on my body have come from complete strangers. Here is but a sampling for your entertainment:
- By an admittedly drunk and/or crazy woman on BART: "Are you having twins? No? Man, that is gonna be one big-ass baby!"
- By an admittedly "eccentric" woman in Target: "Wow, that looks like it hurts!"
- By a semingly normal young woman at the bagel shop: "Look at your belly button! I can see it through your clothes! It looks like you're going to pop!"
Thank you, peanut gallery. I was losing sleep wondering what you all thought of my body. Now I can rest easy, at least during those two-hour stretches during which I don't feel like my bladder might explode.
This rant has been brought to you by a potent mix of hormones, fatigue, and childbirth anxiety.
6 comments
Just wait till after. I used the line "I just had a baby" for about a year after you were born.
Now I feel even worse about talking about your belly yesterday!! I'm sorry idiots have been saying so many stupid things to you... hope I didn't add to your frustration yesterday. But the truth is that you do look gorgeous and amazing. And you SO haven't gained even an ounce anywhere else on your body... how'd you do that anyway? I know when its my turn I'm going to be a big swollen mess. :) Hang in there, you look fabulous. Talk to you soon.
Can I just say for the record: I love your mom! Way to put it in perspective. By the way - 27 years after you were born, your mom looked fabulous at your wedding. I'm sure you inherited her genes and will be just like her.
Oh and I almost forgot to add that I hope my comments didn't make your list (i.e. "Don't let that baby slip out in the frozen food section of Safeway.") I meant it in the best possible way. To elaborate, that baby is so East Bay pro-active (and will surely only use energy efficient Christmas lights) that it has already swum its little way into position. I forsee you handling this delivery like you handle everything, with seemingly effortless ease. Then all the women in the bagel store will see you with your infant and say, "Are you the nanny because you couldn't have possibly just given birth."
LOL!!! at your mom's comment! hehe :) Too funny!
towards the end of my pregnancy, random people would ask me if i was having contractions yet. questions such as, "are you in pain?" became a regular occurrence. mainly, i was just pregnant. i feel ya. and you look beautiful.