The last few weeks we’ve been talking (joking?) about all things pregnancy, of course with a faith-based twist.
We mentioned 10 Commandments of Pregnancy for the General Public, and then for the Husbands. But as a second time mama, I was feeling a bit left out. So I want to revisit a one more preggo set of commandments… For the Pregnant Mamas.
Some of you might be saying, “Wait, wait, WHOA! I am (or have been) one of the preggos… Don’t tell me what to do. I will cut you.”
RELAX. Back the procreation-truck up. This isn’t a list of do’s and don’ts or crazy opinions. (Because that is NOT my jam.) And yes, as a pregnant person myself, I totally agree with the idea of doing what we want– to a point. (BUT even I need boundaries. Or things are gonna get crazy all up in here.)
So don’t be offended by these soft boundaries or thoughts… Just make sure your sense of humor is intact… and laugh right along with me 🙂
Let’s do this.
1. Thou shalt not make irrational weight excuses… or get too caught up with the numbers on the scale. This one goes both ways– I have talked to former pregnant gals who gained excessive weight during pregnancy… not because they were underweight to start with or had health complications, but just strictly because of their choices. I’ve heard some crazy excuses (I was stressed/tired/moody/it just made sense to eat three bags of Doritos at once.) I totally get the semi-crazy eating habits every now and then– I may or may not have sat in my car, in the rain, eating a piece of chocolate covered butter brick the other day because my new computer crashed. The flip side is for some of us who are rather cautious about trying to be responsible and NOT gain too much weight, that’s great– but we shouldn’t go so far as to lose our minds every time we step on the scale at the doctor’s office. We are, after all, growing a baby!
2. Thou shalt give thyself grace. This ties into #1… and really to all of these commandments. While the baby growing part of pregnancy is kind of science-based… the method/moods/behavior aren’t so much. We all have our good and not-so-good days. Give yourself some grace. Jesus does!
3. Thou shalt not overdo use of the “Pregnancy” card. This “card” is a powerful tool in our arsenal… if played correctly, it can earn us foot or back rubs from our beloved, a bowl of ice cream in the evening after supper (that we did not have to scoop) and help around the house. HOWEVER… once we start to abuse the pregnancy card, it loses all power. Play it carefully.
4. Thou shalt use the pregnancy card– and accept help when needed. Sigh. Swallowing our pride is hard (or maybe it’s just me.) We don’t have family within a thousand mile radius, so I have been forced to get over my desire to do it all… We are made to live in community. So live it up. Let someone cook you supper and offer to throw you a shower. We are currently in the process of trying to find a once-a-month housekeeper to keep this hot mess of ours under control… Just hoping that she takes Jesus dollars.
5. Thou shalt not freak out. Ok, this commandment is MUCH easier said than done, especially as a new mama. (Seriously– first kid I was a worrying lunatic. This time around seems MUCH better. So far.) It seems like every day of pregnancy, there is a new, awkward symptom that makes you raise an eyebrow and wonder “Is that normal?” Chances are… it probably is. Pregnancy is beautiful– but weird. Regardless of what you are going through, don’t freak out. Pray about it and call your doc if you are super concerned… And even if something crazy is going on– don’t freak out. God’s got your back! Oh, and on that note…
6. Thou shalt avoid Google at all costs. If you google your questions and symptoms, then click on the first few sites, it WILL make you freak out. Every time. Guaranteed. Even if your inquiry is as simple as “how to install a crib bumper” in the third trimester of your first pregnancy. The top 50 sites will be about how crib bumpers are more dangerous than a cabinet of butcher knives. You will spend the rest of the evening rocking in your chair half panic-sobbing to your mom on the phone asking if you are going to be terrible mother because you want a crib bumper in the nursery. (Again. Less panic with second time around. Thank the Lord.)
7. Thou shalt embrace the new you. Most preggos are adorable. Assume you fit in that category and work your new look. It’s one of the few times in our lives where we can gain 30 pounds in 9 months and still look stunning. And if the “new you” is feeling like a beached whale as you approach the end– keep in mind that there is a profound purpose to your body changes– and soon you will get to meet him/her!
8. Thou shalt reserve the right to complain– every now and then… but not too much. This goes along with commandments #3 & #4. It’s true that pregnancy is uncomfortable– from the lack of sleep, to heartburn, to ahem other digestive issues, to swollen body parts… It can be majorly lame some days. But on those days, cash in your preggo card to get a massage from the hubby… Or perhaps spend a little more time with Jesus asking for help (That one ALWAYS works.)
9. Thou shalt enjoy the experience. You have been chosen to be a very important part of an incredible Jesus arts and craft project… It is truly a miracle. Live it up, sister!
10. Thou shalt pray–a lot– and depend on God– at all times. Not only can we calm our potentially anxious hearts by turning to God, but we can ask for support and protection of those sweet people in our lives who are walking with us in this journey. We can give thanks. We can pursue Him daily. We are all in this together… And Jesus is behind it all. Don’t forget that… (And pregnancy brain is no excuse 😉 )
Can you relate? Which commandment is most true (or untrue) for you? Do you have your own to add? Comment below.
Oh… And let me know how I can pray for you– preggo or not…
Thanking Jesus for this Baby Bump Miracle Numero Dos,
“I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby content.” ~Psalm 131:2 MSG
