The Conclusion

So, I'm still wearing the bump now, eight days in, and I'm not sure if I want to take it off. It's kind of comfy, and I think I will miss it when it's gone. I enjoy it. But all good things must come to an end.

Today's been a big pain. The washing machine wiggle & wobbled it's way forward during the night and managed to stop the utility room door from opening. I managed to shove a spade under the door and push the washing machine back out the way of the door, but really hurt my foot in the process by kicking the handle wrongly. A great start to our nice relaxing Saturday, sigh.

The bump's really taught me to appreciate how tough it can be to be pregnant, you don't realise how much you rely on  being able to bend at your waist. I will not miss the uncomfortable nights, the awkward angles you have to use to put on socks and tie shoe laces. I will miss the "company" that the bump provides, I always had something to cuddle, if you know what I mean. I imagine for a woman who can feel the baby move and grow inside, that feeling must be a million times stronger.

If I were to do this experiment again (and I would, willingly) I would change a few things. Firstly, I'd make sure the bump was a much better fit on my body, the bump I have is loose at both the top and the bottom, which looks weird if you wear the wrong clothes. I'd also make it heavier, so that my balance would be off, and doing routine things like walking would be more tiring, making the whole experience more realistic. The challenges were a good idea, and I'd definitely include those again, maybe adding a few more (I never did try getting in & out of the bath). Lastly I'd try to find a way to make the bump move so that I could get simulated kicks at random times, having the bump is really easy when you know it's just going to stay where you put it and not bother you while you're driving, or trying to eat.

So to sum up, I've had a good time. I've had some tough times, and some fun ones, but I imagine being pregnant is much more better then pretending!