The Waddle
Around this time last year my husband and I only had one car, so I would drop him off and pick him up from work. There was another family doing the same thing and I always noticed that the wife would get out of the car once she parked and go inside (to use the bathroom, I’m guessing). She was pregnant. Very pregnant. My husband and I would both comment that she had to be ready to “pop” any day. The thing was, we must’ve said that for weeks, if not a couple months. She had The Waddle down pat. I felt so bad for her, because she just looked so uncomfortable doing something as simple walking, but all my husband could say was that he couldn’t wait until I was pregnant so he could see me waddle.
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This was at 31 weeks, but I really think the shadows were playing tricks. The belly wasn’t actually that big…I don’t think. |
Well, he’ll get his chance to see The Waddle all right. Not only do I already feel ginormous, but The Waddle, which made its appearance for the first time a few weeks ago, mostly when I needed the bathroom (i.e. when the baby was jumping on my bladder), feels like it’s now here to stay. I think I may walk more normal during the day, but once the afternoon/evening rolls around, my gate definitely changes.
I’ve decided The Waddle is a combination of several things:
- I have a four-pound human the size of a cantaloupe (or pineapple, depending on what fruit category you want to go with) nestled in my nether regions. She’s been head down since around 20 weeks, and from the feel of it, she has a gigantic head. I always figured—in my naive non-pregnant blissfulness—that being pregnant meant the baby stayed in your belly area and then moved on down when you were in labor. Not so, folks. Not. So. At. All.
- When you’re pregnant your bladder gets squished…like really squished. So that, combined with the above cantaloupe resting on said bladder gives you this ridiculously intense need to pee all. the. time. That (literal) pressure to use the restroom all the freaking time makes me waddle.
- I’m clearly not a twig. I have curves, meat on my bones, and child-bearing hips. Well, those lovely hips are all nice and loose now, thanks to hormones, and that means that they’re even more “bearing” than they were before. In other words, they’re spread out more. Combine that with the weight of the baby pressing down…there…and you’ll see how a duck-like “waddle” can easily happen.
But it doesn’t stop there….
- I’ve gained less than 20 pounds, but that additional weight, mostly all in the front of my body can seriously throw off my sense of balance and gravity.
- Since the belly’s blooming in front, that means your back has to compensate, so now I feel as though my back is always arched, but is also desperately trying to remain straight.
- Take all of the above and add in swollen feet (mine are still okay for the moment, thank goodness), decreased lung capacity (this lingering cough isn’t helping), and a “normal” walk may feel like you’re training for the speed-walking portion of the Olympics.
So, based on everything I just mentioned here’s my unscientific formula for The Waddle:
Baby girl doing a headstand on your you-know-what + added weight + backache+ slower walk+ weird balance issues + loose hips+ = The Waddle
Yeah…I’ve pretty much forgotten what it’s like to walk normally and I still have a little more than a month to go. I know my husband will get a giant kick out of it, too, since he mentions how excited he is to see The Waddle in action. Actually, I’m contemplating making a “Waddle Jar” for when he comes home. Every time he pokes fun at my waddling he’ll have to put $1 the Waddle Jar. Good idea? I think so.
Yep, I had it for sure. It's inevitable towards the end. It'll go away as soon as she's here. PS: I wasn't invited to your baby shower, but I have a little gift for you that I'll get to you some time.
You are invited, silly!!
Oh that is a BIG yes! And with my second child it was worse since I carried her lower and my hips were so happy I was pregnant they totally spread out and all the ligaments were loose. Oh the joys of pregnancy…
Oh my gosh, I can't believe I forgot to mention how low she is—that has to be contributing to it, too. All the moms I talk to tell me tales about how their baby used to be up in their ribs, kicking and wedging their butts/heads there, but she's been so low this entire time! She's just barely getting near my ribs.
This made my morning! I love seeing pregnant women waddle! I think it is the cutest thing, ever! I think the waddle jar is a FABULOUS idea 😀
I look like a drunk penguin.
And you've only gained 20 freaking lbs?!? Hatchu. (not really but really)
I am going to try my best to never laugh at a pregnant lady waddle because after hearing you recount it, I think I would just chose to sit and avoid walking altogether. I'm not sure which seems worse the bladder trampoline or creeping in the rib area. Geeze, these kids don't have any manners do they?!
And heck yes, $1 in the waddle jar sounds only fair.
Oooh yes. I definitely did The Waddle!! I don't remember exactly when it started happening, but one day I remember just FEELING like I was waddling. It's hard when you've gained 20 or more pounds, your hips spread like nobody's business and your back aches! There were times when I tried NOT to waddle just to see if I could actually walk normally. Haha! Needless to say, that didn't happen. 😛 You don't have too much longer to endure The Waddle, though!
Haha this is cute! Yes, I waddled I believe, I don't remember my husband ever mentioning it though… 🙂 Cute idea about the waddle jar!!
Oh just think…if you have to pee all the time, and you waddle all the way to the bathroom, and K pokes fun at you every time…you are going to be a RICH woman! Haha! If you are like all other mommies tho…you will spend every dollar on Pickles. 🙂 Love ya!
About two weeks ago I said to my husband "Now I understand why pregnant women waddle." Since my Baby Girl is still sooooo high up in my belly I don't HAVE to waddle but my goodness it's so much easier than standing up straight and walking like a normal person!