I told myself when I got pregnant that, given how long I had to wait for this miracle, I would never, ever complain, except to my husband and certain members of my family, about how I was feeling.
Even the Bible admonishes complaining. Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
But, it is human nature to complain.
In some situations, it can be helpful to our emotional well-being to vent to trusted family members or friends.
Despite my best efforts to smile through the first trimester nausea and say I was feeling well, I did confess my weak stomach to more people than I originally intended. As people learned of our news, their first question was usually, “How are you feeling?” I didn’t want to lie, but I didn’t want to launch into a grumbling session either.
I started feeling nauseous before I even got a positive pregnancy test. It continued and worsened to the point that making a grocery list was absolute torture. I actually remember sitting at the dining room table one day, looking through recipes, trying to decide what we would have for dinner for the week. I started crying. When my husband asked what was wrong, I told him that making the list, going to the store and seeing all the disgusting food was really hard for me. He offered to do the shopping if I could finish the list.
(I could say a lot more about the nausea, but, given the topic of this blog, I will refrain. I would like to thank two of my pregnant coworkers, who also suffered from first trimester morning sickness, for their empathy, support and advice. A book called “The Morning Sickness Companion,” lent to me by pregnant coworker No. 1, reminded me that millions of other women have gone through the same misery.)
Now that I’m into the second trimester, the nausea is gone, and my energy level is better. During the past couple weeks, however, I have experienced some terrible headaches that last for days. They make it difficult to function, much less put on a smile and feign wellness.
As I continue in the second trimester and eventually get to the third, when I’m bound to suffer from general discomfort, I’m really hoping and praying I can keep my grumbles to myself.
After all, I prayed for this baby for a long time. Being the vessel for this life God has created is a privilege, not a burden.
I mentioned in a recent post that I always consider what women who are struggling with infertility would think. I’m sure my complaining – or the complaining of any pregnant woman, for that matter – could be hurtful. Other women who are having trouble conceiving and carrying to term would probably give anything to be experiencing the pregnancy symptoms that I’ve described.
All of the short-lived annoyances, discomfort and pain are well worth the reward at the end, right?