Tuesday, January 15, 2008

MY MID-SECTION

Yesterday I had mid-section pains.

Like lots of gas. Nothing to do with the baby (other than perhaps he was helping the gas to form by squishing my innards.)

I called my husband in extreme pain and moaned "I have a stomach ache..."

Don't worry, the pains are gone. Some TLC from The C, light eating, lots of fluids, some rolaids and lots of farting seemed to do the trick. This morning I feel fine.

But something else struck as funny about this painful interlude: my mid-section had made the transition from stomach to belly without me even noticing it. In fact, I didn't even realize until I was forced to be more specific about an area in my middle. ("No, no, it's not the baby. It's my stomach, the organ where the food goes!") It seemed that I was using the word stomach for the first time in months.

Belly... It's such an odd word. But kinda cute- just like babies. It's funny that now that there is a baby in there we use a babyish word to describe it.

Also odd about the belly is that finally at 30 weeks mine is apparent. I am no longer looking fatter than normal. I actually look pregnant. (As in: my mid-section protrudes further than my triple-D boobs.) I am starting to feel heavy. I have pelvic pain and stretch marks, have trouble rolling over in bed at night, and can see my belly button lap scar which has been hidden in my innie for 15 years. But I also see evidence of my little boy growing, and I am in constant awe.

However, while all is amazing inside my belly, I feel bad looking pregnant out in the world at large. Everywhere I go I find myself praying that my belly isn't hurting anyone. I know that pain all too well...

15 comments:

Shauna said...

Well, hello stranger! You must check in more often. :)

I know about the guilty belly thing. Wish there was some way we could communicate with each other that our pregnancies were hard won.

Erin said...

While I was pregnant, I always wished there were some way to let others know that while I'd achieved the dream, I hadn't forgotten those who weren't there yet. It is such a fun and exciting time, even when it's tempered by sadness. It sounds like your son is growing perfectly and I can't wait to hear about him. I hope you'll post more often!

Somewhat Ordinary said...

I get that feeling, too sometimes. I enjoy my belly and am overly proud of it due to the obstacles I jumped to get here, but I do wonder when I'm at the grocery store (which was the worse place for me) if someone is looking at me in pain.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if anything could get past my triple D's. . .

I am glad your belly is fine!

Nearlydawn said...

Oh, I had something like that happen just yesterday. Oh, the PAIN! I kept having to comfort hubby that it wasn't baby, it was me! LOL

Congrats on the belly - maybe we should make up some signs or bracelets to let people know that this belly was hard-won. :)

Anonymous said...

Awe. Thanks for still thinking of the rest of us. I have been following your blog for a while. My DH and myself have been trying over a year with no apparent reason that we are not getting pregnant, regardless it is hard, and I wish outhers were as kind and caring and thoughfull as yourself.
Blessings to you.
Gina

ggop said...

Thank you so much for being so sensitive to us.
That said, enjoy your last trimester as much as possible - heard tales of fatigue from friends.

Angie said...

Great hearing from you! I'm so happy that everything is going well! Thanks for the car seat tip. :-)

Geohde said...

Always lovely to hear an update.

Even though I'm now pregnant (although I don't feel it!), I still feel a pang of jealously when I see bellies.

I don't think it ever goes away, does it?

J

Anonymous said...

well, first of all i'm glad the stomach pains have abated...and secondly, i'd love to see that belly!!!!
i check your blog and watch your ticker in wonder almost every day...
enjoy it my friend
peace
shlomit

Anns said...

I know that pain too but wish I was where you are and not still stuck in the just looking fat stage.....

Krista said...

Happy Belated Birthday.

I know that feeling all too well. I find myself out with Boo and we are laughing and giggling and I am looking around to see if anyone is grimicing. I wish I didn't know that our happiness could cause so much pain.

Natalie said...

I too have found myself having to get specific with word definitions. Belly is where the baby is. Stomach is where the food is crammed. lol

I don't feel bad in public about my joy... but I do find myself making a point of telling people it's an IVF/infertility baby. More than I should, I suppose. But I just like to make that clear to people.

Shauna said...

Thanks for your comment yesterday. A colposcopy is exactly what it is.

I tried to reply via email but I think I must have an outdated addy for you.

Been thinking about you. In the homestretch now!

A said...

The fear of hurting someone else with my belly also worries me. I wish I had a sign sometimes to wear that said "it took over five years to get here!" or some such.