If you have experienced pregnancy and it seems to go on forever, you must surely sympathise with an elephant. It is the animal with the longest gestation period of all living mammals – nearly two years! Just like humans, all animals go through huge bodily changes when they are pregnant.
Whether you are pregnant, have ever been pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, these animal pictures accurately portray every emotion that any mother-to-be will understand, especially those last few uncomfortable weeks of the third trimester.
I NEED TO SLEEP! All of the changes in your body are exhausting, so catch up on sleep while you can. Tiredness can kick in as early as five weeks, and it can really wipe you out. Going to bed at 8 o’clock in the evening may become part of your normal routine. Pregnancy fatigue is caused by a surge in progesterone, a natural sedative.
HOW I WANT TO SPEND EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY.
Nausea and vomiting can affect you all day every day. Severe symptoms is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, and can cause dehydration, weight loss and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In this instance, your doctor or midwife would prescribe anti-sickness meds and rest.
I SHOULD START TO FEEL BETTER ANY DAY NOW?!
Although by the second trimester when you are meant to be glowing, tiredness can suddenly overcome you. It’s your body telling you to rest. Take a nap when you need it and be kind to yourself. Pregnancy can be emotionally as well as physically overwhelming.
THE LOVE OF A SUPPORTIVE PARTNER Supporting your partner through pregnancy and birth can be overwhelming. You might feel helpless that you’re not going through what she is experiencing, but you can be there for her to talk through her day, encourage her and look after her if she is struggling physically. Be her rock.
WHAT’S THIS DARK LINE, HAIRY BELLY AND WISPY MOUSTACHE? Excessive hair growth is very common in pregnant women. Many pregnant women notice it on their stomach or other areas where they usually don’t have much hair. Pregnancy hormones affect the melanin cells and they produce more pigment which will darken your freckles, areolas and that line that runs down the middle of your bump called the linea nigra. It can also cause blotches on the skin called cloasma. This hyperpigmentation tends to be more noticeable in women with darker skin but it typically fades after you give birth. While it might be unsightly, the pigmentation and extra hair is usually harmless and will likely go away after you give birth.
DUE DATE IS STILL WEEKS AWAY…
Many pregnant women complain about the last few weeks of pregnancy, reaching a point in pregnancy when she’s just over it. The discomfort, lack of sleep, exhaustion, as well as the excitement can be too much to bear.
ARE YOU SURE THAT YOU’RE NOT HAVING TWINS?
Everyone you meet will have an opinion about your pregnancy. Sometimes you cannot go anywhere without someone asking you when you’re due and speculating on how much longer you’ll be waiting, pointing out if you’re carrying low or high and whether you’re big or small.
DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH MY BUMP
Strangers often reach out to touch and stroke a pregnant woman’s belly without invitation. This is unfortunately a pregnancy classic. Random people trying to put their hands on you. No. Just no.
YEP. MY BABY ISN’T TURNING Breech presentation is when your baby is bottom down, and not head down which is the way you want them pointing at the end. Transverse lie is when the baby lies across Mum’s belly, which is incredibly uncomfortable. Almost all babies reach the head down position (cephalic presentation) in the last few weeks of pregnancy but some babies are stubborn and they don’t want to move.
UTTER DEFEAT
The bigger the baby gets, the more physically uncomfortable late pregnancy can become. End of pregnancy often brings more rapid growth than any other part. You might notice your belly getting bigger even after you think it’s not possible. Bending over, getting off of the floor, hoovering, sorting out the dishwasher or dryer, putting socks or shoes on, getting in or out of a car can be difficult. Any amount of exertion might not only make you immediately exhausted, it could also cause Braxton-Hicks contractions that are painful and irritating.
Afterwards
MY BOOBS ARE ON FIRE The first week of breastfeeding is challenging. Your breasts become like watermelons and your nipples hurt as baby gets used to latching on. It is not for everyone, but for most it is worth persevering. Your milk will always be ready for baby at just the right temperature, giving you more time to simply cuddle and enjoy your newborn baby.
THE PURE JOY OF MOTHERHOOD