Friday, February 3, 2012

Summer pregnancy versus winter pregnancy

At MOPS a few weeks ago there was a rather lively discussion about which is best: a summer pregnancy or a winter pregnancy.  Having experienced both, I have to say that I like being pregnant in the winter better overall for the following reasons:
  • I am not cold.  I hate being cold and having 35 pounds of extra matter keeps the blood flowing.  Also taking so much extra effort to move around.  Steve always comments on my freezing cold feet when he gets in bed, but that hasn't been the case since being pregnant.
  • I am not hot.  Usually I like being warmish, but being pregnant in the summertime stinks.  It's so sticky and nasty.
  • Cardigans are super flattering.  Thanks to Kylie's collection of maternity clothes, I have been enjoying an ample supply of sweaters and cardigans and I just love how they minimize the shelf-like bump that is protruding from my abdomen.
  • I can wear jeans.  Maybe super-skinny pregnant people can enjoy wearing shorts, but I prefer to cover up as much of my preggo body as possible.  Flared or even skinny jeans with boots are so slimming.
  • I have more energy.  This is directly related to being neither too hot nor too cold.
  • Exercising is easier.  Again, it's really nice to not die of heat stroke every time I go on a walk.  Plus I don't feel bad about never ever wanting to wear a maternity swimming suit.
  • I can look forward to having an older baby in the summer when we have more opportunities for Outside Activities.
  • Baby E and I can share winter birthdays.  Oh yeah.
  • Little winter baby suits are so stinking adorable and my poor child will not be obligated to show off his skinny legs.
Of course, while being pregnant in the winter does have it's definite perks, I think that having a baby in the winter will be challenging.  The main issue will be the necessity of remaining in hibernation until the weather warms up.  I loved being able to take Harriet outside in the stroller - in fact, it was a total sanity saver and waistline trimmer.  I'm fairly certain that I will be deterred from taking E anywhere when it's cold.  Also, there are just more germs and bugs floating around in the winter. Just another reason for a winter baby to stay in hibernation.  

The moral of the story is that a lot of people are going to have to come keep me company or take Harriet away before I lose my mind to cabin fever.`