Differences in pregnancy reaction

Being pregnant with number 3 I have to say I'm every bit as excited as with number 1. Sure there are some differences; no lie ins to recoup and not being able to fully focus on the being that is growing in me. But I'm looking forward to it just as much as number 1 or 2. The reaction however when you're pregnant really does change depending on your number. 

Number 1

Wow, the excitement! Everyone is really pleased for you and really excited. You're wrapped up in cotton wool and really taken care of by everyone. You get regular texts from people asking how are you and baby are and you're still treated as a person and not just a baby making machine. 

Number 2

If you do it close together like us (15 months) then you're met with varying reactions. Disbelief and shock often and most people will think you're mad. Strangers will let you know this too. I was so nervous before number 2 was born because the reaction was so negative and speaking to a friend recently who will have an 18 month gap she has experienced largely the same. It was the best thing we ever did, don't let people ruin it for you. 

Number 3

The perception is that it's easy. My body is used to it, the more you do something the easier it becomes? No! Ok for me this has been the easiest pregnancy but this is only because last time I was so sick. It was awful and I dreaded it happening this time to the point that I was put off having another but luckily it's turned out to be completely different to that. But it's just the same as number 1, I'm still anxious until I see the scans, I'm still excited when I hear the heartbeat or get a flutter in my belly but for others it's totally different. People forget to congratulate you. Not a person but people including several family members!! This isn't a rant against them at all just interesting how different it is. 

I sometimes get asked how I am but usually people ask about the kids first. Telling people I'm pregnant is usually met with an air of expectation and an expectation that this is me for the next 10 years, constantly pregnant. Believe me that is not happening! Not many people seem excited this time and not many people check how you are. And for being wrapped up in cotton wool? Forget it - you have to get on like usual and carry on being a human trampoline for the first two. 

The good thing between number 2&3 is that I don't get the same negative reaction. And I'm not nervous this time just excited. People usually say "you'll be busy" which really makes me laugh because life isn't quiet at the moment! I've also had a couple of compliments that I don't look old enough (hooray!!) and that my two must be very good because I don't look very stressed! I'll take those... Let's hope once number 3 comes I'll be looking the same. 

Things were always going to change between pregnancies but sometimes you don't realise how much. I'll be covering another post soon on how friendships change once you have kids, no matter how much you don't want them to change. But perhaps it changes when the bun enters the oven?! Or as each new seed is planted, your old life and how people treated you seems further and further away. I wouldn't change a thing though and I know how lucky I am to be in this position and not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for that. 

I would love to hear other peoples experiences about reactions to their pregnancies. Please let me know!