I'm going to make a disclaimer here so that no one reacts by saying "but you haven't experienced it." I am not pregnant nor have I ever been. These are my thoughts on the wonder of pregnancy. I don't reserve the right to alter my perspective when I myself experience pregnancy. I hope someone will slap this in front of me if I ever do lose my perspective. But in the interest of full disclosure - there is no bun in the oven.
It annoys the crap out of me when pregnant women whine about how "fat" they are. I've got a whole theory on being "fat" but we'll ignore that for now. A woman carrying a child is blessed to have been chosen by God to give life, protect, care for, and grow one of His children inside of her. Almost everything that God asks of us requires a sacrifice on our part. If this means for a few months you can't see your toes or wear size 6 pants then I think it should be ok. The wonder of creating a child and being an integral part of the growth process before birth should erase the pounds that get added while carrying out this duty.
Worrying and whining don't accomplish anything as my dad would say. They neither affect the outcome nor make the resolution arrive more quickly. While worrying is a complete waste of time, concern can bring a focus and a sense or responsibility. I say that instead of worrying about how much you weigh that you should focus on being a good parent. Having a healthy concern that you are making every effort to be a good parent will make gaining a few pounds an afterthought. Concerning yourself with what examples you are setting for your kids just might create an accountability in you that will positively alter your future.
My perspective is probably irritating to anyone who has ever been pregnant or those experiencing pregnancy for the first time. I'm sure that my best friend who is still in her first trimester wants to slap me upside the head. No doubt she's ticking off days on the calendar until she can print this and push into my face and ask me if I still feel the same way. And I encourage that moment to come. I want her to remind me in case I can't see my toes and get anxious about if I resemble a whale.
I'll gladly resemble a whale if God asks me to be a mother to one of His precious gifts. I'll pinch the flab on my body and analyze the water gain with satisfaction. The stretch marks may arrive and the soreness may invade but Christ endured torture for my sake.
