What pregnant women want…in their own words

Pregnant women now tell it all…from their hearts!

Many of us are sensitive to scents. One day everything is fine and a few days or weeks after confirming you are pregnant, you suddenly cannot stand the smell of things. I remember clearing all the soap from our house. My husband looks at me like ‘we have been using the same brand of soap for years!’ Response… you can guess!

My friend got her baby a few months ago; she could hardly stand the smell of her husband’s roll on and cologne. And it was so bad because it took her a while to realize what it was. So she threw them all out and bought him some brand that she could stand and which he didn’t really like. He took it so personally and sort of withdrew and while guys might not understand that, if you have been pregnant. I’m sure it sounds familiar…                                                  Emily

Do you know how sometimes you just want to cry for nothing? I know I get a lot of those mood swings. One minute I’m OK and then somebody will say something and I’m all emotional. My hubby is always like ‘what is it this time…?’ or ‘Now what have I done?’ We all react differently and I guess it really must be the hormones because most of us become totally different people. Guys… hang in there and try to be really understanding… it’s only for a season. Atieno

In a lot of ways, men tend to have it easy. Do you feel like that sometimes?
You know, it is us women who get fat (remember how nice it was to be Size 10/12…or at least how it felt to be all firm?). Guys don’t get morning sickness, the heartburn, the fatigue, stretch marks etc. They don’t even go through the pain of childbirth or actual labour (other than holding your hand and telling you to breathe this way or that, or focus on something else). While the whole pregnancy and childbirth experience will completely change you, your man will look just as he did before with the added bonus of being called a ‘daddy!’                                                        Ann

I am sure for those of you who have been pregnant before, all this is not new. For those who are pregnant for the first time, the changes you are experiencing can be mind blowing. And while some have a really easy time, most of us don’t. Most guys are scared about having to handle ‘the new monster in their lives’ for nine months because of all the stories they hear about mood swings, especially for first time dads. But, what is a girl supposed to do when movies and commercials make her cry? Or when you are in the super market and he picks all the wrong things and you can’t help screaming your lungs out like it was such a big deal. Or when you forget things you said about 1 minute ago… or when the baby is taking FOREVER to come during your last weeks…                                                                    Nyanduku

For me the worst is when he says ‘Uh! oh…the hormones again…’ Some guys have gone for days without being spoken to for attempting to find hormones in some of the things we do or go through during pregnancy. So, don’t make that mistake. Think it in your heart but for God’s sake, don’t voice it out!                                                          Kendi

Ever tried complaining about a backache? Guys are generally so understanding but I’m always asked “so what exactly is it like..That is one thing I know we can never quite explain to men especially those whose worst ailments are colds. I think they imagine its like some sort of pain but because you are supposed to be superwoman, you can sort of handle it while he wants to be babied for having a sore throat and a cough and a runny nose!                      Alice

Wouldn’t it be nice to have your partner with you during all or at least most of your doctor’s visits? Imagine going for a scan and seeing your baby all by yourself and wanting to share that joy and even fears but he is not there! Many guys imagine that it doesn’t really matter. Especially if he is taking care of the bills. Or because he is at work. Just making that time to visit the doctor together especially for a first pregnancy would score you all the marks in her books!!! Motherhood is not completely natural to everyone and all women have fears especially about being first time mums. It is very re-assuring to have your partner with you during check ups. So guys, keep that in mind… Farida

All my friends confess to feeling fat and ugly at some point during pregnancy. Must be a hormonal change! And of course the mood swings! But they all admit that it would not hurt to have more cuddles and be assured that she is still beautiful despite stretch marks, dark lines on your tummy, swollen boobs, heart burn, wobbliness, etc.  Priscilla

 

END: PG 1/24-25 and 39