The 24-week mark

I wrote the short reflection below a few weeks ago. By now I am quickly approaching the third trimester, but the feelings remain true. I hope this resonates with you, too.

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I guess that most women who have been pregnant, or people interested in the topic somehow, know how much of a milestone reaching the 24th week is.

During my first pregnancy, I eagerly awaited this moment. Being 24 weeks pregnant means that, statistically, your baby has a good chance of survival with no long-term problems if she were to be born. All major organs are substantially formed by now, and for the next 16 or so weeks the baby is mostly fattening up (and, of course, developing her brain, practicing breathing, growing her lungs etc. - but you get the idea).

There are so many worries throughout pregnancy that one really holds on to every opportunity to breathe a little easier, at least figuratively. As the kicks get stronger, and the bump becomes undeniable, you become more confident in your body’s capacity to nurture this new life.

Even if you’ve already nurtured a life before, you’re constantly reminded that every pregnancy is indeed unique, and that each and every milestone should be celebrated accordingly. At least for me, this time as in the last time, knowing my baby is growing stronger means that I am growing stronger, too. I ultimately become my own favorite alter ego: a fatigued, waddling, life-bearing badass rockstar.

24 weeks is also a time when you’re clearly pregnant. “Move over, people! Pregnant lady coming through!” is what I tell myself as I waddle down the street. It’s beyond my control - I can’t help but feel important. Personally, I have never felt more confident in my own body than when pregnant. I don’t have to make excuses for my thick calves (they’re swollen) or my round belly (obviously). My body is at its most beautiful while creating another life - it’s mind blowing. For some reason I become prone to taking bikini pictures and showing off my stomach at every opportunity. I become proud, the good kind of proud; the kind that I must nonetheless consciously stick to postpartum as well.

There are plenty of annoyances and challenges to be experienced during pregnancy, don’t get me wrong. But it has its upsides too, obviously, and I feel like these must be discussed and acknowledged at every opportunity. During my first pregnancy just as now, I know I’ll miss my bump and how empowered it makes me feel. The difference now is that I don’t know if I’ll get to experience this again, as we plan on sticking to being a family of four. It’s a bittersweet feeling. It’s also a welcome daily reminder to live in the present - something I terribly need.