When you are pregnant, you may notice that people seem to treat you differently. Strangers hold doors open for you, and other strangers try to touch your growing belly. People you do not know and have never met ask you when you are due. Everyone seems to have something to say to you or do for you. It can feel a bit strange at first, but it can actually be kind of fun and freeing to embrace the whole “pregnant thing” and get away with things that you would not if you weren’t pregnant.
For example, although the concept of “eating for two” is not what your doctor ordered, most people still think that pregnant women should eat whatever they want whenever they want. When cravings strike or you want to deviate from your generally nutritious way of eating, go for it. No one is going to judge you for eating fries and cheesecake in the same meal. You don’t have to devour that cheeseburger in the privacy of your home. You’re a hungry pregnant woman, so eat up.
As difficult as it can be to let others do things for you, now is the time to savor all of the extra help that comes your way. As backwards as it seems, strangers will hold doors open for you and help you out to your car with your groceries or other items while your baby is in your belly. Once your baby is born and you are juggling the infant car seat or holding baby in one hand while trying to open the door with the other, no one seems to notice. Long line for the ladies’ room? Put on a pained expression and watch the other women invite you to the front of the line. Go ahead, park in the “expectant mother” parking spot. You are pregnant – you deserve a break from time to time.
A third thing that you can get away with while you are pregnant is being a bit, um, irritable. Those hormonal feelings and outbursts that are traditionally reserved for “that time of the month” could pop up at any time because of the hormonal changes of pregnancy. People understand that pregnancy is an emotional time, and they are likely to be understanding if you are moody or tearful.
Photo by madlyn on morguefile.com.