"Battleaxe" Galactica

As you've probably gathered from the title, this post is all about the similarities between us pregnant women and aircraft or, even cooler, spaceship carriers.

For starters, we share similar physiological traits. We're humongous, and our sheer volume and size are requirements for carrying massive loads. We have such a presence that no one in our vicinity dares messing around with us. They quickly, and sometimes frantically, get out of the way as soon as we enter their parameter.

Our sheer size also contributes to some physical limitations. It's difficult to see what's behind us (and for us to see our behinds for that matter). Therefore, a lot more time, effort, and space are needed just to do a 90-degree maneuver. Also, because we're limited in what we're able to see, it takes a lot of internal coordination and communication to move around. Going down a flight of stairs, for instance, is no longer a simple task. It requires 3 careful steps:
Step 1, getting ready: come to a complete stop and stand firmly on the top landing.
Step 2, with one hand on the belly and the other on the railing, slowly lean forward until you're able to see your own feet. It also helps if you bend your knees a little.
Step 3, visually assess the approximate distance between each step and create a mental imprint. When you're ready, straighten your torso and start walking down one foot at a time while consciously reviewing the visual imagery of the flight of stairs. Keep your eyes leveled for clueless passer-bys. Most importantly, remember to keep one hand on the railing at all times.

Aside from physical limitations, spaceship carriers and pregnant women also use up more energy more quickly. This is why a large portion of our time is spent being idle. However, while we may seem immobile on the outside, continuous and various tasks are being done deep inside. When we are required to move, making sure we have effective and sufficient fueling is the absolute essential. Just like some carriers use nuclear power to increase sustainability, preggers stuff their bags with enough snacks and drinks to feed two people all day. When it's time to be on the move, we move more slowly and for a shorter period of time. After all, when you're this big, nothing feels like a walk in the park anymore (whoever came up with the figurative meaning of "a walk in the park" was obviously not pregnant at the time).

Despite all the limitations, there's certain pride that comes with this mission. While physically I may feel more fragile, in my mind I actually feel indestructible. The Mother Ship can take a lot of beating to keep everyone inside unharmed. Sure it's tough and uncomfortable carrying all this weight in this heat and humidity, but I take comfort in the fact that I'm the one dealing with it.