Every Pregnancy Is Special
Submitted by GetIntheCar
"You do know how to prevent this from happening, right?"
"Wow. Well, we're happy for you ... if you're happy."
"Was it planned?"
"Holy crap!"
Thirteen and a half years ago when I was pregnant with my first child, people gushed, oohed and aahhed over our pending baby. We couldn't get enough of it, and those positive words helped enormously during the trying, uncertain times of my first pregnancy.
Now that I am pregnant with our fifth (planned, thankyouverymuch), I have received a myriad of responses (see above) in addition to the always welcome well-wishes.
Even worse, these comments haven't just come from strangers; family and friends seem so befuddled as to why we would want such a large family. It seems many people, if they can't imagine themselves doing it, can't imagine why you would want to do it, either.
Is there a reason why people think it's OK to say the most insensitive things to a woman planning on bringing another life into the world? Do I need to justify to each person that each of my children are loved and believe it or not we have room in our hearts (and house, and pocket book) for one more? Or even more than that?
Pregnant women are just like any other women: We have the same feelings, albeit a bit exagerrated at times, and the same need for civility and boundaries.
I don't approach strangers and ask them how much they weigh, earn or if they attend church. So stop asking me if I meant for my husband to ejaculate in me on purpose.
Submit!
