Is It Time We Re-Think Using "Easy" To Describe Pregnancy?
Have you ever heard the term “easy pregnancy?” Maybe someone has used it to describe your pregnancy. Or maybe you’ve used it yourself, even in reference to your own experience!
There’s nothing inherently malicious about describing a pregnancy as “easy”- especially when comparing a smooth experience to a more challenging one. But the truth is- even if you really do feel great through pregnancy, don’t struggle with any intense symptoms, and enjoy the process- pregnancy is never easy. And we need to stop using that word to describe it.
"Easy pregnancy" ignores the fact that- while it’s natural and our bodies know what to do- pregnancy takes a lot out of us. It places huge physical and emotional demands on the body. It also sets us up for the comparison trap and we know that no two pregnancy journeys are alike.
The term may even be upsetting for women who do struggle through pregnancy or don’t feel like it’s a breeze. Many women really don’t feel good while pregnant, and many more suffer from debilitating symptoms like nausea (“morning sickness”), extreme fatigue, and migraines and other pain.
But mostly, downplaying the impacts pregnancy has on women’s bodies further fuels the immense gaps in prenatal, postpartum, and maternal health care.
Think about this:
What does the current standard of no universal maternity leave policy, 1 postpartum visit at 6 weeks, lack of access to maternal mental health support, and no routine pelvic floor health follow-up say about pregnancy?
That it’s no big deal. That we should bounce right back after birth. That we should deal with lingering depletion and other symptoms just because they’re “normal.” (Which we know is false).
And what does the lack of attention to prenatal nutrition say about pregnancy?
That as long as you avoid the foods you’re “supposed to” and take a prenatal, you’ve got your bases covered. (Also false).
Many women enjoy being pregnant. Many women don’t feel like it’s challenging.
But pregnancy- growing and then birthing that baby- takes a toll on our bodies and minds, whether we realize it or not.
For one, your body is growing another human, and you’re the sole provider of nutrients. If you don’t consume what’s needed through your diet (which is tough to do with our modern food supply and misguided nutrition recommendations, plus food aversions, nausea and other challenges to eating well), your body pulls from your own nutrient stores. Not to mention that many women are already depleted going into pregnancy, so it just intensifies. It can leave us feeling terrible- maybe during pregnancy, but especially postpartum.
And then there’s the emotional demands. The journey brings all kinds of worries and anxieties- some you expected, but many you never anticipated. And all the excitement, anticipation, and planning can be exhausting. Stress- even when positive- is cumulative and ignites the same response from the body.
In reality, while pregnancy truly is so beautiful and amazing, it’s not easy. We need to recognize that you need much more support than just a prenatal vitamin and a couple of weeks to recover post-birth.
We need more comprehensive prenatal care (that includes better nutrition education). We need more accessible postpartum healthcare, support, and policy changes that allow new moms to actually recover after birth. And we need to normalize the need for help at any point in the journey.
Because with something so challenging as pregnancy, we shouldn’t be any less supported simply because we have an “easy” experience. We shouldn’t be expected to “bounce back” and the time, care, and nourishment needed all throughout pregnancy and into postpartum and beyond needs to be recognized and honored.
Are you struggling through pregnancy? Sidelined by feeling miserable? Confused about what to eat and how to nourish yourself? Anxious for what’s next and want to prepare? There are solutions to your challenges and support available. Apply now to work 1:1 with me and let’s get you feeling healthy, happy, and ready.
Are you struggling through pregnancy? Sidelined by feeling miserable? Confused about what to eat and how to nourish yourself? Anxious for what’s next and want to prepare?
There are solutions to your challenges and support is available! Apply to work with me and let’s get you feeling healthy, happy, and ready.