Special Treatment for the Expecting

Striking an FBG pose on my way to run errands, un-hideable bump in tow.

I’m now at the point where I’m quite obviously pregnant. People no longer hem and haw around the “Is she or isn’t she?” forbidden question—there is no way this bump is just an indication of a too-heavy meal or an extra few pounds of post-holiday weight around the midsection.

Now that I’m really showing, I’ve noticed that I get treated slightly differently than I did before. I can tell when people are talking about me in a “Oh, look, she’s pregnant” sort of way. And now, people in public regularly ask when I’m due. So far, I’ve been lucky to avoid strangers touching me and offering me unwanted advice, but from what I hear, that’s just around the corner.

Mostly, people are friendlier. I’m noticing extra smiles. Doors get held open for me more. And the other day, in a line for a public restroom, a woman in front of me let me go ahead of her. And all of this friendliness is happening on the East Coast, which makes me feel warm and fuzzy and Midwest.

I definitely don’t mind the added friendliness. Or people allowing me to use the bathroom (so kind and helpful, by the way). But I do draw the line at too much special treatment. I don’t want to let myself get too spoiled during these pregnant months. I don’t want to go soft. So I’ve forbidden myself from using any of the “expecting mothers” parking spots that can be found at a number of stores these days because, well, I can still walk in a parking lot. I’m still mowing the lawn and gardening and pulling weeds. I’m still unloading groceries on my own. I’m still carrying big loads of laundry up and down the stairs, albeit as carefully as I can.

I figure the more active I stay now, the more quickly I’ll be able to get active once the baby’s here. I’m definitely aware, especially when it’s hot outside, of keeping myself cool, drinking plenty of water and taking plenty of breaks. But I’m pregnant, not sick or recovering from two broken arms. The only things I’m not doing are chores requiring standing on chairs, like changing light bulbs or the filter for the air conditioner. Because I’m pretty sure I know how that would turn out. —Erin

P.S. Check out the FBG fruit and veggie challenge for June on SparkPeople. It’s good for moms and non-moms alike! Eat up!