I often see pregnant mamas criticizing themselves for not keeping up with their non-pregnant workload and productivity level.
I know I did that during both of my pregnancies!
Sure, we know that pregnancy is hard, but shouldn't we continue to carry on as always? Or better yet, hustle even harder because that baby is coming and there's lots to do!
At least that's the message from our culture.
Our culture treats pregnancy as a process that women should go through silently, while continuing to fulfill their daily duties as mothers and professionals.
As a result, we do not acknowledge the physical challenge pregnancy presents to women. After all, it can't be that bad, can it?
In this very "suck it up, buttercup" culture, we don't offer pregnant women paid maternity leave or PTO for countless medical appointments. We don't offer pregnant women reserved seats on public transport, seating in airports or airplanes, or even parking spaces closer to the entrance of buildings!
Given the circumstances, it makes sense for you to find yourself frequently feeling ashamed for not being able to get everything done during pregnancy.
So Is Pregnancy Hard?
I want you to think of pregnancy as THE ultimate physical challenge a human can undergo.
A pregnant woman is living everyday near the edge of her metabolic capacity
According to a study published in 2019, pregnant women expend a similar amount of energy as a runner in the extreme endurance event, Race Across the USA.
Race Across the USA is a 140 day transcontinental race where runners run 46 km, 6 days a week for 14-20 weeks.
A pregnant woman is using almost the same amount of energy to exist as an endurance runner running 28 miles a day.
The difference is, pregnancy lasts 280 days, not 140, and there are no days off.
What issues might arise for someone running 28 miles a day for 280 days?
They might be very, very fatigued.
They likely are in need of regular electrolytes, hydration, and FOOD.
After a while, they are prone to developing aches and pains and may find general mobility difficult.
(which is where I come in!)
Women are absolutely incredible in their capacity to soldier on through pregnancy and do what needs to get done.
My argument is that they shouldn't have to.
As a society, we need to rally around them. Pregnant moms need meals cooked, chores done, plenty of opportunities for rest, and regular physical therapy.
It's time we organize our economy around the needs of moms. After all, they are literally producing the future of humanity.
So listen up mama, you are an absolute badass. YOU are pregnant, hungry, tired, and amazing. You are not failing at all.
Thank you for all your hard work, and don't forget, I'm here to help.
Click here to schedule with us!
Not local to Albuquerque? You can still get help. Click here for my online Pelvic Health Coaching Program!
Want to learn more about your pelvic floor or find out if pelvic floor physical therapy is for you? Make sure you check out our blog The Ultimate Guide to Know If Pelvic Floor PTÂ is For You.
Comments