Before Birth

I entered the third third trimester of my pregnancy somewhere over the Indian Ocean on my way to Kuala Lumpur to attend a friend's wedding. So far the only eventful time during the pregnancy had been the argument at the airline counter in Delhi that refused to 'accept' my fit-to-fly certificate because my doctor overwrote the date at one place (we did board the flight - I mean it was two lawyers pitted against the hapless ground staff!)

Friends had expressed concern and surprise at my decision to travel in 'my condition'. It became a little tiring to explain time and again that I was pregnant, not ill. Second, my baby had been extra-ordinarily co-operative. I had none of the symptoms that usually presage birth. - I never got morning sickness or any strong aversion or even craving for food. So I skipped my way through the first 6 months poor-poohing what I saw as namby-pamby care that pregnant women subject themselves to. I ate what I liked (although I avoided alcohol), danced, pulled the usual long hours at work, carried my own shopping bags etc. Of course I did over do it at times - like the time my husband and I decided it would be a lark to explore Goa on a scooty (him a novice on a two wheeler and me 5 months pregnant! - no I am not proud of that).

In the last 2 months of my pregnancy I did force myself to exercise. My exasperated gynaecologist had, literally, underlined the need to walk everyday in my prescription card. Given my pre-pregnancy routine of long distance cycling, weight training and running, I found the idea of easily ambling along extremely tedious. To clarify, despite my nonchalance , I did cease all strenuous activity during my pregnancy (although it is not medically required, my gynaecologist would keep saying "Cycle if you want to, but don't fall" or "Yes, you can run, but don't fall" - as though people choose to fall!!). 

 The last 2 months of gestation were also the beautiful winter months of Delhi. Waking up to walk in the early morning sun while still not a pleasure, was not too painful either. I also took a few yoga lessons for pregnant women from the health instructor in Sitaram Bhartia Hospital. I would highly recommend yoga for expecting mothers - it did wonders for me and the back pain that was inevitable with the rapidly swelling belly.

But in my personal opinion, I really feel it is imperative to not let yourself be treated as an invalid simply because you are pregnant. I did have the good fortune of being spared most of the painful features of pregnancy. But even from this privileged vantage point, I can say that women who stop taking stairs, moving around, quitting jobs and confining themselves for pregnancy need to relax. When one does that, the atrophy of the active body and mind adds to the pressure following child birth. There is a lot of work that goes into caring for a newborn. The body needs to be active and energetic for that phase and you cannot afford to be overwhelmed. So enjoy pregnancy and take each day as it comes.