We meet women who share how their pregnancy made them feel after Cheryl and Luisa Zissman admitted to hating it
One loved it because of the confidence it gave them and the other hated it because of how tired it made her
GONE are the days when women have to embrace morning sickness, hormonal changes and weird cravings.
After Cheryl and Luisa Zissman breaking motherhood taboo by confessing they loathed being pregnant, two members of Team Fabulous reveal how it made them feel.
‘Hated it,’ says Fabulous Editor Sinead McIntyre, 45
“Getting pregnant was one of those battles I began to think I’d never win.
"But after years of trying, fertility investigations and two rounds of IVF, the magic blue line finally appeared in September 2010.
"My husband Alistair and I were delighted, particularly when we found out we were expecting boy and girl twins.
"The only spanner in the works was that I hated being pregnant, and six years after the birth, my jaw still drops when people tell me they love it.
"My pregnancy was complicated by having two babies. It was high-risk and words such as ‘autism’ and ‘cerebral palsy’ were immediately mentioned. Even so, I was determined to enjoy my longed-for pregnancy.
"But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. I hated the period where I just looked like I’d eaten too many pies, and my normal clothes didn’t fit but nor did maternity wear so I had to undo my trouser buttons and wear loose-fitting tops.
"I hated not being able to eat my favourite stinky cheeses, runny poached eggs, shellfish and medium-rare steak – not to mention the fact I couldn’t have any alcohol for nine months.
"I couldn’t stand being out with loud, drunk people when I was sober, so I stayed in and watched TV.
"I hated people touching my bump, feeling tired all the time, not being able to take my dog for a walk without having to pee in a bush, being beaten up on the inside by four tiny hands and feet and the fact my boobs were four times their normal size.
I hated the period where I just looked like I’d eaten too many pies
Sinead McIntyre
"I couldn’t wait to give birth.
"Once I did, and held Riley and Harris for the first time (while eating a giant piece of Brie washed down with bubbly) it was worth it.
"I just won’t be doing it ever again!”
‘Loved it,’ says Fabulous Assistant Editor Claie Wilson, 44
“If I could bottle the feeling I got from being pregnant, I would. Even bouts of morning sickness didn’t dull my utter joy.
"Although I always knew I wanted children, I’d never thought about what being pregnant would feel like until I discovered I was expecting my son Sam in April 2005.
"Instantly – despite a new aversion to the smell of onions and leather – I felt like I was glowing with good health and my locks were glossier than Heidi Klum’s.
"It turned out that being ‘fat’ suited me, too, and I never worried about having that extra piece of cake if I fancied it. As clichéd as it sounds, I felt like a warrior – I was growing a Real. Life. Person.
"I didn’t mind not having my usual bottle of wine with friends on a Friday. Instead, I planned the feast of all feasts to enjoy once the baby arrived.
"When I felt the first flutter of movement, I remember holding my breath in awe. When that turned into (sometimes agonising) kicks in the ribs, I relished them all, knowing it was Sam’s way of saying he was OK.
"I was extremely lucky to have a stress-free pregnancy, but my good nine months ended in a bad birth (36-hour labour and emergency C-section).
"Even so, when I fell pregnant with Jake in 2009, I again enjoyed every second. Which is why when I see a pregnant woman now, it takes all my strength not to run over and rub her belly.
"I know that with my boys now aged 11 and seven, my childbearing window has probably passed, but "I’d still give anything to feel as strong, confident and beautiful as I did when I was pregnant.
"Although I’m not so sure I fancy the giving birth bit…”