People often say that women forget what childbirth is like, because if they remembered, no one would ever do it more than once. Personally, I had no trouble at all remembering. The sense of massive inertia, particularly. That endless time toward the end, when it seems that it never will end, that one is mired in some prehistoric tar pit, every small move a struggle doomed to futility. Every square centimeter of skin stretched as thin as one's temper. You don't forget. You simply get to the point where you don't care what birth will feel like; anything is better than being pregnant for an instant longer.
The experience of childbirth is often described as unforgettable, yet many people claim that women tend to forget the pain of it. In this reflection, the author emphasizes that while some may forget, the physical and emotional strain of the final stages of pregnancy leaves a lasting impression. The overwhelming sense of inertia and the prolonged discomfort make every moment feel eternal, as if time is standing still.
The writer articulates the agony of feeling trapped and the frustration that accompanies the experience. Despite the memories of pain, the desire to escape from the discomfort of pregnancy overshadows the fear of childbirth itself. Ultimately, the willingness to endure the pain of birth arises from the desperation to end the taxing journey of pregnancy.
