A lot of women say they love being pregnant, but I wasn't such a
The words of Marion Jones, “A lot of women say they love being pregnant, but I wasn’t such a big fan,” reveal the honesty of one who dared to speak her truth against the tide of expectation. In them lies a quiet defiance: the recognition that experiences sanctified by tradition and praised by others may not be the same for all. To bear pregnancy is to walk a path of both creation and burden, joy and trial, and Jones reminds us that acknowledging the hardship does not diminish the miracle—it simply makes it real.
The origin of such a confession lies in the long history of silence surrounding women’s bodies. For centuries, women were expected to endure the pains of childbirth and the trials of pregnancy in quiet submission, while their discomfort was softened in story by images of maternal bliss. Yet the truth has always been more complex. Every woman’s body is different; every journey is unique. By admitting she was not “a fan,” Jones breaks the illusion that love of pregnancy is universal, giving voice to countless women who felt the same but feared to say it aloud.
Consider the story of Queen Victoria, mother of nine children. Though revered as a symbol of motherhood, she herself wrote often of her dislike for pregnancy, calling it wearisome and even disagreeable, despite her deep love for her children. Her words, like Jones’s, reveal that one may treasure the result—the child—while not delighting in the process. Their honesty shows that strength does not mean pretending to enjoy what is painful, but enduring it for the sake of love and duty.
Jones’s statement also carries a deeper wisdom: that authenticity is power. In a world that often demands women hide their struggles and conform to an ideal, her truth-telling honors the diversity of women’s experiences. By admitting that pregnancy was not a joy for her, she affirms that one’s worth as a mother is not measured by enthusiasm for the process, but by the love and care given afterward.
The lesson for generations is this: do not let expectations silence truth. Some may rejoice in pregnancy, others may endure it with patience rather than delight. Both are valid, both are worthy, both are human. To honor women is to honor their individual voices, their unique journeys, and the strength that lies in speaking honestly.
Let the future remember: the path to motherhood is not the same for all, and there is no shame in confessing hardship. For in truth, courage is not found in pretending to love every burden—it is found in bearing it, in speaking of it, and in shaping life despite it. And that courage, in itself, is the greatest gift a mother can give.
APAn Phuc
Marion Jones’ perspective on pregnancy is an important reminder that not all women experience it the same way. There’s a lot of emphasis on the joy of motherhood, but it’s also essential to acknowledge the discomfort and challenges that come with it. How can we better support women who don’t feel that ‘natural’ connection to pregnancy and instead focus on providing empathy and understanding for their unique experiences?
NTai hoa nguyen thi
Marion Jones’ comment makes me think about how pregnancy is often portrayed as a beautiful and blissful experience. However, many women may not feel that way. How much of this ‘love for pregnancy’ is societal pressure versus genuine feelings? Should there be more conversations that allow women to express their discomforts and struggles without feeling guilty or abnormal? It’s important to redefine what pregnancy ‘should’ feel like.
PTDuong Thi Phuong Thao
I appreciate Marion Jones’ candidness about not enjoying pregnancy. There’s a lot of societal pressure for women to love being pregnant, but not everyone has the same experience. It’s essential to acknowledge that pregnancy can be difficult for many women—emotionally, physically, and mentally. How do we balance the portrayal of pregnancy in the media to include more diverse experiences, instead of idealizing it as a purely joyful experience?
NTNguyen nhat tien
Marion Jones’ honesty about her experience with pregnancy is refreshing. It’s common to hear people romanticize pregnancy, but it’s important to recognize that not everyone feels the same way. Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging, and it’s okay to not love every moment of it. How can we create more space for women to share their real, unfiltered experiences without fear of judgment or expectations?