Respect for the Unborn

           Sorry for not posting last week, morning sickness and work just kept me down all week.

            I have a friend and fellow teacher who is also expecting. She is 8 months along but it has been nice to ask her about her experiences with her first pregnancies and get advice from here about pre-natal care down here. Although she is an American as well, she has been here longer than me and is obviously further along in her pregnancy so learning what her doctor told her until I could get in with mine was a huge help. However, one thing she told me that I had not thought about was that here, there is a huge respect for the unborn.

            I had not thought about it but it is very true. I am now 10 weeks along but I look pregnant as I have a belly already. For the first few weeks Jonathan had to tell people I was pregnant as there is a policy for public transportation that the elderly, disabled, pregnant women and children gets seats first. So, as soon as one of those people stepped on a bus or train they were expected to get a seat and someone usually very fast and willingly stood up to allow them to have a seat. There are of course times when no one wants to do this which infuriates my husband so he refuses to take that bus or whatever and will wait until he can find one with a seat for me.

            However, sometimes I have to do some transportation solo. Although Jonathan and I take the same route to work, mine is a little further so I end up going alone for some of it. The other day I stepped on the train on the way to meet Jonathan at our rendezvous point and a man immediately jumped up and let me have his seat because he saw my belly. I have never once seen this happen in the States for a pregnant woman, other than my brothers doing it because they were taught to respect those with child by my Mother and Father.

            Another thing I have noticed is the complete understanding and lack of judgement of pregnant women. I have had morning sickness and I was concerned it would strike at work because it is really an all-day sickness rather than just morning. I hated this because I am a private person and feel judged easily and I just did not want that to happen in public. However, here it is not scorned. Everyone knows it happens and that just means the baby is growing and the pregnancy is healthy. So the fear of public morning sickness has slowly subsided but the Lord has been good and I have been able to find something that works and have been able to get through the day without being sick. Yay!

            In addition, pregnant women here are treated gently I have noticed. They are not expected to carry heavy things and workers or strangers alike will jump in to help a pregnant woman if needed.

            On a side note: went to the doctor and everything looks good! One healthy baby so far! Until next week, bye all y’all!