My entire first pregnancy I was terrified. I didn’t want to think about how the baby would be exiting my body. I would have been thrilled if we could just skip all that and just magically get to the baby being outside my belly.
Now that I’ve experienced survived two pregnancies and two births, I would just like to say, for all of you terrified pregnant mamas…the pregnancy is the worst part. Really. Nothing is worse than that.
Think I’m crazy? I present to you 8 reasons why I’d be willing to endure labor and delivery again but I would prefer to never be pregnant again.
1. Labor is fast and to the point – Okay, it could last 36 hours or so (mine were only a couple hours each), but that’s still nothing compared to 9 months of pain and misery.
2. You know there’s an end in sight – Once you are in labor they only let you go so long before they take the baby out of you. You just have to endure the day. Not so with pregnancy, “due dates” are made to be broken and you could end up waiting weeks after your due date to finally be done.
3. It’s okay to be rude when you’re in labor – I screamed all sorts of less than pleasant things at my husband and even my mother in law while I was in labor. The best part? No one got mad, no one made me apologize; instead they massaged my back and said how awesome I was while I was screaming at them. During pregnancy? People don’t care if your hormones are going wild – you better be kind and courteous and act like your body doesn’t feel like it’s being ripped in half.
4. You can complain – 9 months is a long time to complain about back pains, stomach pains, sore boobs, swollen feet, leg cramps headaches and everything else hurting. Eventually, people get tired of hearing it, or assume you are exaggerating. The minute that labor starts it all changes and every one is your best friend, ready to cheer you on and tell you what a great job you are doing screaming breathing. No one ever told me I was complaining too much in the delivery room, quite possibly because they all valued their lives too much, but still!
5. It’s the ultimate trump card – You had your wisdom teeth removed? Yikes, that must be rough… Let me remind you of the time I pushed an 8 pound child out of my body.
6. Bragging rights – Regardless of how you deliver your baby, with drugs, or without, c-section, or vaginal – you now have serious bragging rights. You did it! You birthed an entire human being. And you are awesome.
7. The baby – Yes, of course, the baby is the best part <insert cliche sentimental baby talk here>
8. The relief – You are done. In one action you finished pregnancy, labor and childbirth. That’s some awesome multitasking! Which is good, because you will have to become a master multi-tasker now that you are a mother.
Pregnancy, labor and childbirth are the most challenging (and rewarding!) things I’ve ever known. But pregnancy is definitely the hardest part!
Which was more difficult for you; the pregnancy? or the labor/delivery? Are you one that LOVES being pregnant or do you ‘just endure it’ like I do?
Poekitten says
I very much wanted to love being pregnant but I didn’t. I wasn’t too fond of labor either, or the c-section I ended up with! But I would have to say I agree with you!
Paula says
Same here. Wanted to love it, felt like I should love it. but didn’t ;) Especially the 2nd time. lol
Hannah says
My first pregnancy was a dream. Most of the time, I hardly even noticed that I was pregnant! However, my labor was 72 hours of near futility. Baby was healthy and recovery was quick though, so I don’t complain!
This time around (currently 23w) the pregnancy has been much more difficult. Still healthy, but the whole time, it has seemed like when I’m not exhausted, I’m depressed, and when it’s neither of those, it’s ligament pain!
But, I’m looking forward to meeting our little boy, and I have a good feeling that labor will be better than before!
Paula says
Sorry you are having such a rough time! The end is in sight though <3
Becky says
As someone who has veerrrry long labors I have to disagree!
Paula says
I have friends who would definitely be with you on that :)
Sarah says
Yes, my first pregnancy was pretty uneventful (thank God!) and only mildly uncomfortable. My labor was excruciatingly painful and I would have carried my baby another month if it meant my labor could have been less painful. Haha. Just goes to show we all go through pregnancy and labor differently. :)
Jules says
I really disagree, 46 hours of labor was NOT easy. I loved being pregnant, wasn’t scared, until I was 24+ hours into labor, than I started to panic a little. No pains nor discomforts during the pregnancy itself other than the usual suspects (nausea, swollen feet, light backpain and the ‘whale’ syndrome) In my opinion, you can’t simply state that it’s easy. Every mom has different feelings and experiences with the pregnancy and delivery!
Randomly Fascinated says
They were both pretty bad. Although I had an epidural so the labor was pretty easy (and kinda boring) until I hit the transition time. (although the time between the induction and the epidural was pretty miserable, but thankfully short) The transition/pushing time was absolutely horrible. My epidural didn’t go low enough so I could feel everything and it hurt so bad. The dr was delayed and the nurses kept encouraging me to wait until she got there (I now know better, if the dr doesn’t get there fast enough the nurses will deliver the baby this time) and by the time she did I as in so much pain that I couldn’t tell what were contractions anymore and I had to have the nurses tell me when to push. Near the end I turned to my mom and said “I think I’d like a c-section now”. After that I wondered how anyone ever has more than one child. It took me several months to get to the point that I could even think about ever wanting another child.
Although being near the end of my second pregnancy I have to agree with you that the pregnancy can be worse, mostly because it lasts longer. Although after giving birth then I have to breastfeed and that lasts a long time too. I feel like it is never ending. (for me it hasn’t ended for 2.5 years (I got pregnant right before I weaned my son), and I have no end in sight, since I have a year of breastfeeding coming up and who knows when God will decide we should have another child so I may not get a break for several more years). I just want my body back, I want a decent stretch of time where my body is not directly nourishing a baby. Now I feel like I’m whining. I am very happy to have my kids I am just tired of all this :)
Sarah197 says
Dear Randomly Fascinated,
I hear you! It’s not easy signing over your body for years at a time. You’re doing an awesome thing allowing your children to be your priority in such a sacrificial way. I’m 14months into breast feeding my second son (doing it as I type, actually!), and I also have moments of feeling “get off me, stop touching me and let me have my body back!”. I personally find it comforting to put things into a bit of perspective, especially if anyone says ‘helpful’ things like about when they think I should be weaning – I tend to tell them, “oh, I’m sure he’ll be done by the time he starts university”. I keep hanging on to the fact that this is only a season and this too shall pass. Hang on in there! You’re doing a great job! With love, Sz
Paula says
What beautiful encouragement Sarah! Thank you so much for sharing your heart <3 I agree, perspective changes everything!!! So hard to find that joyful perspective in the thick of it, but it is such a blessing when you are able to!
thanks for stopping by and encouraging us today!
Paula says
I totally understand that feeling! I was definitely there a few months ago, before I had to stop nursing when the princess was “failing to thrive”. Sometimes a good whine really does get things in perspective though! :D You are doing great mama!!! Feeling tired of it doesn’t change that! You are an incredible mama, and like Sarah said, it’s just a season <3
Hannah @Supermommy!...Or Not says
Definitely true! My pregnancies are rough and miserable. I love love love feeling the baby move, but at some point, that gets pretty painful too. I would happily give birth several more times though! Despite the excruciating pain, I loved giving birth. It was such an empowering, wonderful experience for me (the recovery…not so much). And yes yes yes about the due date! Mine went 14 days, 7 days, and 13 days over my due date. That is, pure and simple, torture. And people asking you every. single. day. if you’ve “had that baby yet?” is really not helpful when you’re so desperate to get that baby out of you that you’d reach in and pull it out yourself if it was possible. Maybe with my next one, I’ll lie about my due date and tell everyone that it’s 2 weeks later than it really is…
Paula says
haha I love the estimating your due date 2 weeks later idea! I have friends who won’t say the due “date” they just say “august” or something similar! I love the idea, but don’t think I’d be able to actually pull it off! ;)
Miranda says
Ahhhhhh, YES! My daughter was also late and as much as I love my family and friends, I finally stopped answering their phone calls. It was constant. All day every day. Even my husband got to the point where he’d respond jokingly “yeah she was born two weeks ago. Did we forget to tell you?”
Bethany says
I guess it’s different for everyone! I had a pretty easy pregnancy. Nothing too crazy just the regular discomfort, but my labor was horrible. Buuut it won’t stop me from getting pregnant with another! (Hopefully soon!)
Elizabeth says
Loved it all until this pregnancy which was 6 years after the previous one. This time around, the delivery was by far the easiest. Pregnancy was not easy and the newborn stage dang near killed me! And, it’s taking a much longer time to get rid of the aches & pains and get my body back!
Paula says
My 2nd delivery was much easier too! :)
Jessica says
Those are some very valid points! I agree, there’s an end in sight with labor whereas you’re stuck for MONTHS being pregnant! Visiting from the Cast Party Wednesday, happy to have stumbled upon your blog :)
Julia says
I totally agree that pregnancy is harder than child birth and I say that having not had an epidural. I remember being so relieved that it was over and thinking god can I have a margarita now. lol
Leigh Ann @ Intentional By Grace says
Pregnancy, labor, recovery, motherhood is hard work. I couldn’t agree more. It takes a level of self sacrifice that leaves us fully dependent on the Lord. But this post makes me a little sad. I don’t think the Lord intended for the hardships of pregnancy (and beyond) to give us leave to complain. I think He intended for us to encourage one another to take our pains and frustrations to the throne of His grace, even in pregnancy. I think it’s an opportunity to grow in the grace of our Lord, putting off the flesh and putting on the Fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, and patience. There’s no better practice field than pregnancy because you’re right it is hard, hard work and there are certainly days where I just want my space back. Just something to think about.
AnnaC says
I’m fairly sure this post was written as satire, not as a complaint. I love casting my cares on The Lord too, but I’ll tell you what- some days one of the things that can bring me tons of joy is a well written piece of satire that really hits home. I think God intended for us to have a sense of humor, and to enjoy our own creativity and the creativity of others. Sometimes it’s helpful just to have a little fun.
Paula, I thought this was hilarious and I laughed out loud a couple of times. Well done. :)
Paula says
I’m sorry this post made you sad Leigh Ann, it was certainly intended to be humorous, not depressing. And yes, even encouraging! It encourages me when people are real and honest about their hardships, instead of pretending that everything is wonderful when it’s not. I didn’t LOVE being pregnant… Yes, I’m thankful for pregnancy, and feel blessed that God enabled my body to be pregnant and bear children, but that does not mean that it was easy, painless or even one of the more joyous times of my life. Pregnancy is hard. It is definitely an opportunity to learn patience and self sacrifice and a whole lot of other valuable life lessons! But I don’t think all those things have to be done while pretending it’s easy or even fun! It was hard, and I feel like one of the ways I can encourage other moms is by being honest about that and laughing through the memories together.
I know that if I had read a post like this when I was pregnant with my first, it would have been a HUGE relief to me. I was so scared of giving birth, and if any one had told me that pregnancy was the hard part, I would have been relieved!
So sorry if this post has offended you, but I feel like you may have misunderstood the heart with which is was written. I’m not griping on grumbling, this is just meant to be a lighthearted post reminiscing on the joys & pains of pregnancy & labor.
<3 Paula
Bri says
Honestly, Leigh Ann, it’s hard not to read your comment as high-horsed grand standing. I have had THE WORST pregnancy and this post made me laugh and gave me hope! I am not a complainer by nature and my husband constantly comments on how he’s amazed I haven’t complained more. But between me, you, and the internet, I have no tolerance for women who extol the virtue and grace of pregnancy when they didn’t have HG (if you don’t know what that is you’re lucky). I was in the hospital twice a week for IV therapy, have been in near constant horrific pain, and have had moments I actually feared I and my baby were dying. I’m about to deliver this month and hearing a mom say the hard part is nearly over is a relief!!!!
Just try being grateful that you can’t relate to this post, instead of passing judgement on those who can.
Kelsey Ferguson says
Thank you so much for this giggle this morning!! :)
Helen @ Blue Eyed Beauty Blog says
I’m 14 weeks into my first pregnancy…It always gives me hope to read posts like this lol. I have to say that the first three months were terrible and I told hubby many times that I hated being pregnant…it’s not been as bad since except for the constant wanting food…that’s pretty terrible in itself because I feel like I never truly get full.
Helen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog
Exercise Encouragement GROUP Blog
hsmominmo says
I enjoyed your post, Paula – I chuckled all the way through with an ‘oh-yeah-been-there-done-that’ attitude. I can relate to most of what you shared, though I must say I enjoyed being pg and never really feared labor and delivery. I’ve often said birthing babies is the one thing in life I did well.
Very soon after my first was born, I called my best friend (who had delivered her first 6 weeks earlier) with the news. She wanted to hear all the details – all I could say was it was the most amazing, unbelievable, wonderful experience of my life! If she was in the room she would have slapped me – that was NOT what she wanted to hear. I guess each of us experience pregnancy and birthing differently.
But one thing is for sure – no mom I’ve ever met ever wanted to put the baby back!
Erica {let why lead} says
Oooh, the relief after my first delivery was sublime! And yes, I would take delivery or pregnancy ANY day! I’d honestly actually choose to relive any of my births, because I think that day is so incredibly special. There is just nothing in the world like it.
raisingcropsandbabies says
I don’t like either of the two events, but I love the BABIES!!! I’ve been pregnant 6 times with 4 babies on earth… all in 4 years. 1 being natural childbirth and 3 being c-sections… I would love to have one more kiddo if a stork could just drop it off on the porch! Why can’t lies our parents told us be actually true???
Cute post!
Adrienne says
Ha! Even with major complications during delivery I’d still have to agree with you. 9 months of pregnancy or 1 hard day? Well, it’s was way more than one hard day, but I still agree! ;)
Amanda says
Ha! Yes, I am indeed a first-time mom completely TERRIFIED of giving birth! There is no pleasant-sounding way that this baby can get here. I’m glad to hear that maybe it won’t be quite as bad as I think!
Toni says
This is wonderful! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told my husband this exact thing. If I could just skip the nine months of misery, having a baby would be a cakewalk! (Sure doesn’t hurt that my longest labor was 4 hours, but still they were both 8+lb kids.)
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama says
Stopping by from Ladies Only Blog Share! Love this! I had good pregnancies and relatively quick labor & deliveries with both of my girls, but I’m so glad to be done with both!! Instead I’m torturing myself with marathon training. No epidural to dull that pain!
Eva Gallant says
I loved being pregnant, but you’re right! Childbirth was easier~ Just visiting from the Ladies Only Blog Share! Hope you have time to return the visit!
Tina says
I’m so with you on this one! I’ve spent 3-5 months puking every time I stand up with my four pregnancies! The labor is miserable but it lasts a day. I would so do labor again before a pregnancy! But I have to say, they were both trumped by the gall bladder pains I had for the first 6 months of the first child’s life. That was truly the worst!!!! The pain is similar but there’s no baby or bright side! :)
Tina @ mommynificent.com
Kimberly says
I love your list! I’m pregnant with baby #3–just hit the 2nd trimester and the headaches have begun unfortunately. I had them from 12-18 weeks nonstop with my first. Then a 36 hour labor 9 days late. My second baby was 5 days late and over 9 lbs. I love my kids but pregnancy is not all that enjoyable! My friend and I joked with each other that the best thing about having a baby is not being pregnant anymore :) It’s a good thing they’re worth it.
Kelly says
You make an interesting point! I was so-so about pregnancy. I was surrounded by people who kept telling me that pregnancy was great, beautiful and they loved it. But I also had friends who were pregnant and hated it which made me feel better. I was eh about pregnancy. I didn’t hate it but I wasn’t like “Oh, pregnancy is so great” I TOTALLY wish I could have more kids without waiting 9 months for each! Here from the Ladies Only Blog SHare!
Norine of Science of Parenthood says
I guess I’m one of the lucky ones. I enjoyed pregnancy and my birth was fairly easy — if you don’t count the 6 tries the nurse needed to get the IV into my arm. Delighted to have found your blog through the Ladies Only blog Share!
shanthini says
I think it with each pregnancy and peoples pain threshold. My pregnancy was difficult during first trimester. Labor lasted over 2 days. I live in London and my hospital would not take me in until I was 3 minutes apart by which time the baby was coming out and I was all alone in the house. Well it all did end well. But the most difficult part for me was breast feeding which was not easy for the first four months with a very colicky baby. Now my boy is 22 months and still breast feeding. I hope it will end soon but I cannot see the end in sight. My next pregnancy and kid could be different. But it is all worth it.
Shell says
The length of pregnancy has me feeling it’s harder.
But the labor was where I had more pain!
Alia says
Honestly, I loved being pregnant. When I think back on it, it brings a smile to my face. It’s wasn’t all roses, but overall a good experience. Labour, on the other hand, went on for well over 24 hours and ended in an emergency C-section! Couldn’t they have just jumped to the C-section part and skipped the first 24 hours of pain?! And of course, when I look at my little son (now 8 months old), I think the whole entire thing was totally worth it!
Carla from ShesAllWrite.com says
Thanks for all the reminders. I’m due in 2 weeks and have loved being pregnant (even though my back does hurt a bit). I’ve been terrified of labor, because my first was a 53-hour ordeal that became dangerous to me at times. Several doctors have assured me that another birth like my first is highly unlikely, but I can’t seem to shake the nerves. Your post reminded me of some great points. Everything is going to be okay. :) Thanks for the post!
Jelli says
Enjoyed giggling through this. I’m expecting my second child any day now, and so excited for that birth day to arrive.
Jordan says
Couldn’t agree more! Ready to pop with number 3 anyday now and am desperate to not be pregnant any longer! Even though I had a horrible 1st labour/delivery (26.5 hours of torture) and a long 2nd labour/delivery (3 days of early labour before they finally induced me) I would have to agree that 9+ months of discomfort have to take the tee! I’m ready for this baby to be out no matter what!
Ali @craftyWImama says
OH MY GOODNESS!!! I had to read about half of that out loud to my fiance, because he didn’t understand why I was laughing soooooo hard! Great post, and I agree (mostly)… maybe I had an easy pregnancy…
Thanks for the giggles!!
Jennifer says
Thanks for linking up with the Friday Flash Blog. I hope you checked out the highlighted posts as well as everyone’s terrific entries. Have a fabulous weekend!
Jennifer
thejennyevolution.com
Crystal says
I have to agree with you. I’ll be giving birth to my 5th and final child in October. Labor – although painful – is easier than carrying a child for nine months. :) Thanks so much for linking this up at LOBS!
Danie says
I really love both but pregnancy is defiantly the harder part, it would horrible if you had to labor for 9 mos. now that would be a task.
Julie says
I am so glad you posted this!!! I have 2 children and about 30 weeks pregnant with my third. I’ve had complicated pregnancies, but wonderful deliveries, and everyone thinks I’m crazy when I say that I would love to have a ton of children but only if I could completely skip the pregnancy and go straight to the delivery. I’m really glad to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way. :)
Judith at WholeHearted Home says
Good, interesting, and captivating post. I enjoyed being pregnant even with the discomforts but looked forward to having the baby. I don’t know, I guess pregnancy was definitely better than delivery. LOL!!
I’m linked right after you over at The Better Mom :-)
Heidi @ handmadefrenzy.blogspot.com says
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who dislikes being pregnant! And my pregnancies were not that difficult and very healthy, just overall uncomfortable and tired all. the. time. Thanks for the smile this morning :)
Katie says
I totally agree! I am currently 33 weeks pregnant with #3 and I am SOO looking forward to labor day to get this whole pregnancy part over with! Pregnancy sucks — labor, not so bad.
Sarah says
I totally agree with you! I am definitely not one of those people that likes being pregnant. It’s a means to and end…I can’t wait to meet his new little one! I’m 31 weeks with #2. Labor is definitely the better end of the deal.
Kristen says
I TOTALLY agree!! Yes and yes.
Rosilind @ A Little R & R says
Seriously though…this is true (even though I have never been through 1 second of actual labor…). I loved being pregnant the first time – second time not so much. But even though I’ve had 2 c-sections (and the first moments after the pain meds wore off I thought “what the heck have I done????” it was still easier than pregnancy. )
Melissa@Home on Deranged says
When I first read the title, I thought you were crazy. But then I read and thought, she’s actually kind of right. Because even if the labor goes on for a day and a half, it still ends. In the eighth and ninth months, it’s a never-ending cycle of pain, gas, lack of sleep, lots of peeing and on and on.
Stopping by from the Ladies Only Blog Share link party.
Alexis @ We Like to Learn as We Go says
What a great post! I too was terrified to give birth. I watched a movie about it at the hospital at my prenatal class and I went home and cried. I thought there was just no way! But after I gave birth the first time – and I had an epidural – I was like, this is way easier than I thought it would be! Pregnancy is the hardest part. I’m featuring this tonight at my link party and pinning!
Cristie says
I feel like I’m scaring my friends into not getting pregnant because everytime they ask me how are you doing I tell them the truth. Being pregnant hurts! The soreness on my belly, legs basically every where is crazy. Like you mentioned sometimes you just have to suck it up and not complain because people do start to think that you are over exaggerating. I’m 21 weeks 4 days pregnant andI I can’t wait to deliver! Lol. I want to meet my baby girl already! :) I will be sharing this with all my friends so they know I’m not the only one who feels this way :) thanks for making me feel better!
Bethany K says
We all have different experiences! My pregnancy was basically easy. I didn’t enjoy it one bit. But labor was just the worst thing ever. I’d rather be pregnant for the rest of my life! I also did it with no medication at all, and I guess I’m a big wimp. So …no no no.
I was also expecting everything to be nearly back to normal within a day or two, but I was so uncomfortable after labor. Even right after he was born, I assumed that I’d feel some relief. But then they make you push out the placenta. And then they stitch you up. And then you’re still totally pooped, but they make you breastfeed. It still wasn’t over, even when it was over!
But baby is amazing :)
NOTE: I JUST had the baby about a month ago. So the memory is still fresh! Maybe in a few months, I’ll change my opinion!
Thaleia @Something2Offer.com says
I cannot agree with you more. Currently ENDURING pregnancy #4 at 36 wks and 1 day and desperately counting the days till safe delivery in Birthing Center at 37 weeks. I would even not mind too terribly much if my house is the same mess that it is in right now JUST TO BE no longer pregnant with a healthy baby. “As smooth as butter” is my mantra for delivery after this pregnancy that has been filled with pain. Seems there just is not enough room for this boy! I am claiming that I experience all my labor pains throughout pregnancy and very little during labor and delivery.
Faith says
I had a rough pregnancy and labor so I can’t decide which is worse!
This post was the most viewed link at the Mommy Moments Linky Party last weekend so you will be featured in tomorrow’s post. Congratulations!
Mary-andering Creatively says
Congrats on the most viewed last week. I really laughed throughout this post. I only got to go through the labor process once and would not change a thing. I might write a creative essay on it for next week. You have so inspired me. ;)
Tammy S says
Hated being pregnant I was sick everyday had heartburn everyday ,childbirth was awful too. the pain is something you can’t explain it is worse than any other pain in the world. But I have the world best daughter now so I guess it is worth it There is nothing better than being a mom. that is for sure!
Sarah says
I’m 10 weeks pregnant with our first and I can’t thank you enough for this!!!
Allie says
Agreed!! Although I was rude and complained throughout my pregnancy, the childbirth part is the ultimate finish line. And now that they’re born? This is the REALLY hard part!!
Bev says
So far I’ve been pretty fortunate with my pregnancy (31 weeks today with my first). I can’t say I love being pregnant, but overall it’s not too bad :-) I’ve definitely had fears regarding labor (which strangely have subsided a bit after I got pregnant), and I know each person’s is very different, but reading this is certainly reassuring :-) Sure, I don’t know if it will be a mild few hours or excruciating pain for days on end, but it gives me hope that it won’t be as horrible as television and the movies make it out to be. Thanks for sharing, and happy SITS day!
misssrobin says
Amen! I’ve often said God made pregnancy so long and miserable so we’d be grateful for the pain of labor because we knew it was almost over. Well, it works!
Chris Carter says
Oh I just love this one Paula!!! Brilliant in every way!!! I absolutely agree with every single one of these reasons!!! XO
Congrats on your SITS day!!!
Sheila Skillingstead says
I have disagree just a tiny with my first labor experience–three days. The next was four hours and the last two hours. Those I agree were better than pregnancy. Thanks for the post. Enjoy your SITS Day.
Stephanie @ CrayonMarks&TigerStripes says
I wanted to enjoy pregnancy! But I was pre-eclamptic, gained so much water weight I thought I was going to pop, had the worst gag reflex known to man, morning sickness, hip pain…I was a mess. I ended up with an emergency c-section :( And hope to have a vbac with my next delivery. Praying that my next pregnancy isn’t as bad as my first. I definitely “endured” and did not enjoy it much lol!
KyFireWife says
I think one of the beautiful things about pregnancy & childbirth is that everyone’s experience is different. To be honest, I was that person who loved being pregnant. Loved it. Miss it. But… I had a horrible, awful, traumatic L&D experience. The experience of any 2 women won’t be the same, but they all end in the same beauty: life.
ReneeJay says
But… the biggest drawback to childbirth is you could end up with a child who thinks you’re forever responsible for him because you gave birth to him 33 years ago.
Heather @ The Frill of Life says
Paula, you are hilarious and I absolutely love your blog! You’ve got a new follower in me, girl! And for the record, I don’t remember the pregnancy being all that horrible, but I also delivered at 33 weeks so I didn’t get to the really miserable time. But childbirth wasn’t horrible either. I labored for 11 hours and pushed for three…no drugs. But he was only 5 lbs.
Paula says
aww so glad to have you here :) wow! I can’t imagine pushing for 3 hours! You are a rockstar mama!!! :)
Mo at Mocadeaux says
Happy SITS Day! Your #5 – the trump card – reminds me of when the husband of a friend of mine said to her, “I think I understand what you go through in childbirth. It’s a lot of pain but you work through it. It’s like when I cut myself working in the garden but I kept going.” My friend who has six children so knows all about childbirth said in reply, “When you are in the garden and chop off your entire arm and keep going then you will have a better idea of childbirth.”
Paula says
oh my gosh that is hilarious!!! PERFECT comeback from your friend!!! I remember my little brother in law going on and on about “why do pregnant people eat so much, it’s not like you are really eating for two, one of you isn’t even one ounce yet…” and I told him he could tell me I was eating too much next time he was growing a new organ AND an entire human being. shut the kid up fast! lol ;)
Kristen says
I absolutely love #3! I laughed out loud at the thought of someone screaming obscenities to anyone and everyone in the room, and being encouraged through it all. Very funny and very true!
Norine of Science of Parenthood says
Oh man! I would get pregnant again AND give birth again just to have an excuse to scream at my MIL! This was fun to read! Thanks! And Happy Sits day!
Rabia @TheLiebers says
My pregnancies were 42ish weeks of misery and discomfort. The labor and delivery part was cake in comparison! OF course, the whole parenting thing trumps them both in terms of difficulty!!
krystle cook says
Hmm well I didn’t mind pregnancy too much except for the whole getting fat thing. As for the childbirth I much prefered it the time I had drugs then two natural times were very painful.
Holly says
I could not agree with you more!!! My first pregnancy almost killed me. Even with a 26 hour labor and 36 minutes between my twins, I’d repeat the labor & delivery any day over the pregnancy!
Mary says
Love this list! I had my first 10/4/12 and 41 weeks of complete discomfort. Pregnancy is the worse thing ever. And I feel awful saying it because I know a lot of people struggle just to get pregnant! But I know women who “can hardly tell” or feel a little bit more tired. Geesh! I wish that’s all I felt. What about this? I didn’t feel nauseous DAILY until 25 weeks along. So 25 weeks of flu-like symptoms. Not kidding. I would puke before getting out of bed. Yes saltines were right there, but I threw up reaching for them. I had to eat but threw up constantly. Thankfully our daughter is so sweet. :) Because once I was past that 25 week mark I still had some nausea from time to time but then it moved on to TOTAL discomfort. Did I mention 9 months of constipation (do I dare say more?), swollen ankles, extra chins, lots of thighs, and pain that I could hardly go to the bathroom in the night because my joints were so stiff and kept popping?
But now I thank the Lord for our sweet daughter. In the past year I have miscarried twice. And had to be sick for about 6 weeks each and STILL end up with no baby in the end. I had to “labor” each of the miscarriages. Awfulness. So it’s hard to say which is worse. Pregnancy is AWFUL for sure, but so is laboring a miscarriage. Nothing sweet to hold and smile about in the end. Literally awfulness and there’s never an end in sight. Nothing to look forward to and you never have a sweet baby to push out that gives the “ok” to know it’s over. Pregnancy is still the worse part, but so is two miscarriages. I was pregnant 3 times in one year (this time last year I was pregnant with our first), then two miscarriages I labored four months apart. Tough stuff, but so thankful for our almost one-year old. She’s too good not to be thankful.
Jen says
I actually think recover was the absolute worst. After a 30 hour labor with 4 hours of pushing I felt like I would never be able to sit on a chair again. I remember feeling betrayed that no woman ever told me how bad the recover could be!
Patti says
I had three kids, morning sickness, an emergency c-section and two VBACS, and I loved pregnancy and I didn’t mind Labor & Delivery. I didn’t complain in Labor or call anyone names mainly because I’m a Labor & Delivery nurse and I much prefer if people don’t indulge in these behaviors. Imagine having to face complaining and screaming people 12 hours a day 3-4 days a week. I know you think that’s what we signed up for when we got the job as a Labor & Delivery nurse, but it really isn’t. We really can’t blame you for screaming, swearing and calling names, we just prefer that you don’t! Luckily only about 5% of delivering women scream, swear and call names. I would scream swear and call names if I had cancer or a heart attack or a stroke, because those bodily conditions don’t have as predictable outcomes.
Amber says
I’m currently 24 weeks into my first pregnancy, and it hasn’t been easy. Morning sickness for 8 weeks ( I know this is a little amount of time compared to some ladies who have it for the whole pregnancy) but it was brutal. I also work at a long term care facility. Bathing, cleaning, feeding and toileting my old folks. It was not easy!! Add to the pains, discomfort and kidney stone we found at 20 weeks. It’s 6mm big (or long?) I’m nervous that will start giving me trouble now too. Anywho, I’m hoping this to shall pass, which I know will but I’m waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel!!!
Thanks for the positive post. It’s truly helped me know we all get through it.
Kay (A Ranch Mom) says
This made me chuckle! :) but seriously – you must have short labors. I am sick most of the time during pregnancy, and I would still pick that over the never-ending labour!! sheesh. :P I mean, I’m talking so exhausted that you can barely hold the baby when it finally does come. My sisters have short labors too and I get a little mad at them every time they have a baby! :D Fun read, though!! :)
Jaymie says
I enjoyed all my pregnancy’s up until the last one.
#4 just about Killed me!! With early labor and her
draining all moisture out of my body I couldn’t wait for delivery.
After having 3 c-sections and one vbac delivery was way easier than pregnancy!
Sandra says
Thanks for this. I’m due in one month and it’s very pleasant to read. I’m not afraid with the whole delivery thing but it’s cool to see I’m not the only one who’s not in love with these nine months of stretch marks and painful body !
Alexis says
I love being pregnancy. Admittedly I’ve had the dream
Pregnany I only gained 4 kg’s, no morning sickness and minimal back pain. I am
Not looking forward to labour at all.
Abby says
My first 3 pregnancies were a breeze and I have always had long labors so I didn’t mind being pregnant. However, this fourth one is kicking my bum. I finally understand what my friends were complaining about. Lol
Julie says
I can definitely see your point, but I think having a newborn is harder than all of the above heh.
Becky Brock says
I 101% agree. In my 8 or 9 mts of childbearing, I suffered so much from back pain, morning sickness, lightheadedness and many more discomforts. I am the type that don’t have easy breezy pregnancy. Sucks. But once it’s done, everything is much better. I am glad I am not the only one who thinks childbirth is easier than pregnancy. But then I guess most of us think so. lol. To moms in the whole world! cheers!
Cristina Parus (CreativeMAG) says
Hello there! Pregnancy has been very easy on me so far. I’m 23 weeks and counting, but I haven’t felt any major pains or discomfort. As for the labor and childbirth, I still have to go down there. This is my first baby, so I don’t know how it will be.I thought have confidence and my intuition tells me everything will go on smoothly.
Best wishes from Romania,
Cristina
Stephanie says
This is too funny! My pregnancy was really quite uneventful. I loved being pregnant during the ultra sounds and when I got to feel the first kicks!! I always had to remind myself that there’s several woman who would give anything to be in my place.
My delivery was a home birth so I can definitely relate to you!
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Luise Spangenberg says
I hate being pregnant and I love giving birth. I’ve done it twice without meds and I really love it – it’s the most empowering thing in the world. Pregnancy sucks. It is full of pain and misery that won’t end.
Awesome post, thanks!
Yasmeen says
I was so miserable and uncomfortable my first pregnancy due to personal reasons and prengnancy related physical discomfort, swelling etc. Also went two weeks past my due date.
I was so determined that my next pregnancy I would be one of those glowing happy pregnant women who love their pregnancy and look fantastic because they are celebrating the miracle of making a human.
Well here I am at 32 weeks, had more nausea than first pregnancy, have food aversions that wont go away (all my comfort foods btw) and lots and lots of discomfort and pain. I just feel huge and its summer and I want the next two months to end :)
A suits says
Before pregnancy I was active: dancing and doing yoga every week, getting ready for instructor certification. I thought I would be one of those pregnant women who is fit and active until birth. After 28 weeks and hyperemesis gravardium, I’m lucky to walk ten minutes without huffing and puffing and almost passing out. No one told me pregnancy could be this bad. I was so grateful when after several months a friend told me she hates pregnancy. I felt so blindsided to be unexpectedly miserable and on bed rest 5 months, surrounded by people who tell you pregnancy is one of the best times of life! It really is important to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn, not try to convince a sick woman she is in the most joyous time!
Janee Campbell says
I’ve only had one and the pregnancy was generally the easiest part until the last month or so. I had suffered from Fibromyalgia for years but while I was pregnant all the symptoms went away. It was awesome. I had very little morning sickness and as long as I ate small amounts very regularly I was fine. I really didn’t have anything to complain about. However, the labor was so awful!! The epidural didn’t do much of anything except slow labor down and I ended up having to have a c-section 12 hours after the induction. So, in my case I am the opposite…I would much rather be pregnant for 9 months and let someone else deliver…haha!
Liliana says
I’m in my third pregnancy and I’m terrified. I’m concerned about the labor pain. My two first pregnancy I didn’t felt nothing, no nausea, no pain, it was wonderful. BUT… I know by the 2 weeks that’s I was pregnant, just the breast pain is umbereable, I’m just 9 weeks and is very difficult to get a good sleep.
LeeAnna says
my favorite pregnancy book Pregnancy Sucks: What to do When Your Miracle Makes You Miserable. I also prefer the faster labors over the longer ones. I also prefer homebirth to hospital.