But the Peggy "surprise"
How could she go eight months without realizing she was not fat but pregnant - makes no sense on any level, at least for me.
Well, my Mother was well into her sixth month before she realized she was pregnant with my younger brother! After she had her first child the doctors told her that because of her physical problems she could not have any more children. (The boy died 18 months later as a result of brain damage suffered during birth). 8 years later she found herself gaining weight, but knew she couldn't be pregnant; besides, her menstrual periods continued. It was only after the baby had quickened and started vigorous kicking that she had doubts. (She Had dismissed the earlier quickening signs as intestinal upset.) Note: this was women who had carried a baby to full term in the past and who would have welcomed the opportunity to have more children. In fact, because my parents "couldn't have any more", and because they didn't want to raise Bobby as an only child, they initiated procedures to adopt a child (me). Even though Bobby died before the procedures were complete, they still adopted me. So, the medically pronounced certainty that she could not bear children coupled with the regular monthly events told her she just couldn't be pregnant!
Well, as my younger brother Chuck bears witness, she was!
Seems that when the Doctors told her she "couldn't" have children, they really meant that she "shouldn't" have children (her deformed pelvis made successful deliveries problematic. (Chuck was Caesarian).
der Brucer
Note" some women carry "high wide and handsome" and look like at mack truck at five months; others carry lower and can look only bloated by the ninth month.
