Day 89: The things I’ll miss about being pregnant

The end of an era

After a roller coaster of a first trimester, I never thought I’d get to the end of my pregnancy and think that I’ll miss it, or that I genuinely enjoyed it.

But this is one of those things that has been most surprising. Most of the time, I’d say I could be pregnant forever. I’m so used to the bump, and for the most part I still operate at my pre-pregnancy energy levels. Everything has changed, but also not that much at the same time.

I am so, so lucky to be able to say this, I know.

And we are so, so excited and ready for baby’s arrival. But his birth will also mark the end of an era for me, and I know I’ll have bittersweet feelings about it. Because simultaneous with baby’s (and placenta’s) eviction, I will no longer be pregnant. I will be postpartum, and that is kind of scaring me the most right now.

I’ve gotten so many comments that the baby is going to come early. As far as I’m concerned, he can stay in there until August. Because I know there will be so many things I’ll miss about being pregnant.

I’ll miss the glow and feeling of vitality that has overcome my body since the second trimester. I’ll miss my acne-free skin and how I’ve been able to take it for granted these last few months.

I’ll miss the ease of putting on my maternity uniform. I have no idea what my postpartum body or style will have in store for me. I hope to find an outfit formula that makes me feel just as pulled together and confident.

I’ll miss my current relationship with food. Eating “for the baby” has turned out to be a healthy perspective shift for me—a natural focus on fruits and greens and protein, but also feeling more carefree and less calculating and restrictive, and no longer hyper-focused on if/when to indulge in dairy and gluten. This new perspective and relationship with food is one I hope to keep with me after birth, but I know it likely won’t come naturally and will take work.

I’ll miss the anticipation and the time for preparation. As long as baby’s in my belly, I feel I still have time to do all the things and get our home and business in optimal condition for life with a newborn. And on the sweeter (less practical) side of it too—just the daydreaming about this little life ahead.

I’ll miss having baby with me all the time. His kicks and little rolls and movements. All the signs that he is alive and growing and all right, as told through bodily symptoms.

I’ll miss the time this pregnancy has given me to settle into my thoughts and feelings. It might have been a bit ambitious to choose to do this, but I’ll miss the practice of writing daily Mom Brain posts.

I am missing about a million more details for this list. But now, it’s time to start the day.