As my belly grows and new pregnancy-related issues arise, I find myself reflecting on the differences between being pregnant and being overweight. I've been both, and being overweight is a lot easier!
Me at 29 weeks pregnant.
A black and white photo of me in the year 2000, at my top weight, when I wore a size 20.
Differences Between Being Pregnant and Being Overweight
- When I was overweight, I didn't have sciatica (lower back and leg pain).
- When I was overweight, I could sleep on my back.
- When I was overweight, my bra size didn't change every month.
- When I was overweight, body parts didn't swell overnight and cause me to make panicked calls to my ob-gyn.
- When I was overweight, I could take exercise classes that didn't involve swimsuits.
- When I was overweight, I didn't have cravings and aversions.
There are, of course, positives, as well.
- When I was overweight, I didn't have a set cut-off date when I could expect things to get better.
- When I was overweight, people weren't overly polite to me, holding doors and vacating seats.
- When I was overweight, I didn't have anything to look forward to except more of the same.
- When I was overweight, I didn't have friends and family offering me positive moral support and advice.
- When I was overweight, I didn't have a growing human being inside me.
- When I was overweight, I couldn't feel a little independent spirit, kicking to music and laughter.
It's easier to be overweight, but ultimately, pregnancy is worth it.