I'm Losing in the Pregnancy Race

This morning I went to see my OBGYN for my 40 week check up and left feeling quite discouraged. Why? Because I felt like I was losing in this pregnancy race I thought we all started when we pee on that little stick and know we're baking a bun in the oven. But then it hit me, why in the world should I feel bad because my daughter hasn't made her arrival yet.

 

(It's been awesome to see so many people excited for her arrival!)

We always here those stories (mine included) about a baby coming a week or two early and BOOM! out two pushes later. We are left to believe that if babies wait till 41+ weeks and labor is hours and hours that something isn't "right". At least I was left to believe that. I felt like what I wasn't doing what I needed to in order to stay in this race. 

But here is the reality, there is no race. I am not losing and my baby is not unhealthy because I'm going to pass my estimated (key word) due date. 

I must say that because my first, Elizabeth, came a week early and was a super simple delivery I assumed that this one (nearly 5 years later) would be just as cut and dry. But I am living proof that each pregnancy is different. This pregnancy has been different from the beginning.

So here is what I learned, no one and I mean no one will make me feel bad or incompetent for not having my baby on or before the due date.

You had your baby at 38 weeks? Fantastic for you! You only pushed once? Kudos! But do not be fooled into believing that those are the only successful pregnancies and deliveries. When my baby decides she is ready to come out I have no doubt in my hormonal mind that it is equally as a successful and healthy pregnancy and delivery.

I will no longer think that I'm losing this imaginary race. I am going to enjoy her moving around in my belly (because lets face it, we always miss it afterwards), enjoy my little family and be content in knowing that I have created such a great environment for my little one that she's deciding to stay in there a little longer. ;)

So with that, I will be relaxing the rest of this pregnancy. I will watch TV aimlessly, grab my keys and leave the house whenever I want, and enjoy the last bit of sleep filled days I have before my beauty of baby joins us in this world.

 

(I definitely think I'm feeling too good for being so far along. haha)