Let’s talk about my irrational Facebook expectations when it comes to pregnancy. First of all, I get totally disappointed if my long distance friends don’t post pictures of their growing bumps. I love to see baby bumps in general because they are so cute, but I love watching my friends’ pregnancies progress even more. When my friends get six months into their pregnancies and I still haven’t seen a picture of their belly, I go a little crazy. I might even request bump pictures on their wall. (As a photographer, I might even ruse them into letting me taking their bump pics.)
Second, I love hearing updates about pregnancies and I hate it when I don’t get any. My rational side knows it’s not really my business, but does that make me not want to know? Of course not. I love ultrasound pics, stats, and labor progress. I especially love the continuous updates on labor progress; it’s exciting! Usually dads take care of this with their phones, but I have known some moms to bring their laptops to the delivery room as well. Facebook makes it feel like I am sitting in the waiting room, waiting for the big announcement. The delivery photos are the best part!
Of course, when it’s my own pregnancy (which I’ve only been blessed with once), I am right on the case. I post new belly pics, updates and blog posts about the whole ordeal. With my son I had gained such a following that my birth announcement on my blog received well over a hundred comments in the first day. I was shocked! I guess that means other people love to track pregnancies through social networking as much as I do! It helps to know that I am not alone.
My plea to all pregnant ladies on Facebook: keep your friends updated. They love you and are excited for you. Your friends want to hear how you are doing. There isn’t much more exciting than a new little life.