In the Mood

I’m sure all people have their own preconceived notions of what pregnancy will be like, both men and women. Like each person my guess is that each pregnancy is unique. However, there are symptoms that many women seem to share. One of these symptoms are mood swings. 

It only makes sense, hormone levels nearly double every two days or during the first stages of pregnancy (or so I’ve read and been told). Of course as an “innocent” bystander, I am subjected to these mood swings, only my mood doesn’t change, I just get to enjoy Tiffany’s ride.

Let me be clear, I’m not complaining. In fact I suspect Tiffany is not as moody as many soon-to-be mothers. However, it is interesting to see someone go from tears to laughter in just a few minutes. But these mood swings are interesting in that they represent one of many items that women deal with during pregnancy that most people probably forget or consider. To me, the downside of pregnancy had always been the weight gain and most importantly, the task to lose that weight while raising a newborn. Not easy, I’m sure.

But as I was enjoying a delicious beverage from Starbucks today, it did occur to me that there’s A LOT  more for women to deal with than just weight. You don’t really think about this when you’re observing other pregnancies but these pregnant women are making some serious sacrifices.

First you’ve got the doctor’s visits and who likes going to the doctor? Then you have to remember to take your pre-natal vitamins, constrict your diet, get plenty of rest...etc...etc. Of course there’s no smoking or drinking, not a big deal for Tiffany who doesn’t smoke and only occasionally enjoys an apple martini or glass of champagne. 

But like nearly every human, she’s got a vice. The one thing I know that’s driving her nuts is the limited caffeine intake. She likes her white chocolate mocha’s A LOT. So she’s gone to decaf on the rare occasion she drinks coffee or tea now and she won’t even take a sip of a caffeinated beverage even though she’s permitted one serving a day. That’s a sacrifice for her, one I know she would not make if she was not carrying our future son or daughter. In fact she’s being very disciplined, impressively so. in all areas of diet recommendations. 

Even early in the game, this has been an eye opening experience for me. I don’t want to say that I love my wife more each day because that would be a slight exaggeration, but my admiration for her is growing each day, that I’m sure of.

On another note, my blood test came back and I am (like most people) RH positive so Tiffany will need to take a shot to protect the fetus in case its blood matches mine, not hers. Not a huge deal, but getting a shot is never fun, kind of like most of what a pregnant woman deals with.