There is really nothing quite like it. At first it just feels like an inner flutter, like there is a butterfly inside you. It’s faint and makes you wonder if it was real.
Never fear, in the coming days it becomes a bit more certain. It is completely unpredictable. It gets your attention every time. You smile whether you want to or not.
As the baby grows, the light sensation turns into little jabs and rolls. It feels like quite a bit of activity at times. It becomes normal. In fact, the sensation of nothing causes a small panic.
Once the baby starts getting big enough to see that you are pregnant, the movements start to be more squirmy. It is fascinating to watch the lump on your belly shift from one side to the other. It becomes very real that there is an independent person in there.
Toward the end, there is simply no space left. There is pressure on your bladder, stomach, and lungs. Sometimes all at once, sometimes all on one organ. The insides of the rib cage start to feel a bit bruised and jabs in certain spots become painful due to repetition.
When the baby turns head down, it’s a very odd sensation. There is a softball where there used to be nothing. It feels odd all the time, but especially when you walk.
Now you waddle instead of walk, can’t take a deep breath, you don’t know if your bladder is full or compressed, but it’s prone to leaking either way. It’s time to stay home and wait.
My mom said the last two weeks are designed to make you willing to do anything to get that thing out. I agree. The delights are pretty much over, and the Braxton hicks contractions are scary and exciting. Mostly a disappointment because you’re so ready to do whatever it takes.
Just when you realize you can’t even remember what it’s like to live alone in your body, it’s time.
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