Reality Bites

I know that I have lots of readers out there who are also expecting triplets, or who have a family member who is. So for all of you, a little reality in this post.

My pregnancy has gone very smoothly, but that doesn't mean it's been easy. And now, it's getting harder every day. You cannot underestimate the physical demands that three babies put on a mama's body. As another triplet mom told me, just because the pregnancy has been going well from a medical standpoint doesn't mean that it's not still hard.

In the past I've posted about being really tired and growing at an unbelievable rate. I've written about my sciatica and how I wouldn't be on my feet without the help of my chiropractor and my massage therapist. I've written about not being able to pick things up or shave my legs. I've tried always to have a sense of humor about all of it, because really, what's the sense of moaning over every little thing? It's in everyone's best interest for me to carry these babies as long as possible, regardless of how hard it is.

But, I'm afraid that it's easy for people to read that I took my daughter to the zoo more than a month past the point where many triplet moms are on bed rest, or that I worked up until 32 weeks, even still going to the office 3 days a week, and get an unrealistic impression that a triplet pregnancy is no big deal.

It is a very big deal. Even if it goes smoothly. Which it doesn't for everyone. You have to listen to your body and not do too much. (All you pregnant moms out there, I'm talking to you!) I have been fortunate to be able to do quite a bit throughout this pregnancy -- at least to this point.

I've now reached the point where I'm only good on my feet for about 5 minutes, 10 if I absolutely have to be. Then my legs start to shake from the effort. My back sometimes aches so much at night that I have to move to the couch so I can get a little back support. Today, the pelvic pain was so bad that I had to stand still and catch my breath every time I stood up, and I could hardly lift my leg high enough to go up a small step. When I lay down at night, my dislocated rib hurts and my left hip kills from the effort of supporting all this weight.

I don't tell you this to complain, but because I think it's important for everyone to understand the reality of being so "full of babies." Have other mamas had it harder? Sure. But that doesn't change the physical challenges of my pregnancy at all.

Be inspired by my smooth journey to 32 weeks 6 days and more than 12 lbs. of baby, but know that it's not without its challenges.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I joked that God knew what he was doing when He put moms through pregnancy. It taught me to get up every couple hours, just like I needed to once Amelia was born. The same applies this time around. I'm sure the challenges I'm going through now will look like nothing compared to dealing with three 2-year-olds!

Off to try to get a good night's rest and keep growing these babies. Keep those prayers coming! We're in the home stretch now.