VISHAL MEHRA writes:

Regarding the recent discussion of the shamefulness of being pregnant, it is useful to read C.S. Lewis’s “Introduction to Paradise Lost,” in which he talks about how Milton handled pre-Fall sexuality.

Now by Christian doctrine, bodily shame is excluded pre-Fall but per Lewis, a certain bashfulness is not excluded and is entirely appropriate. This is the bashfulness we feel when we are praised or when a lover seeks us. C.S. Lewis says this feeling appears whenever a subject is made into an object.

So a pregnant woman may be expected to feel bashful, which is appropriate, and the family would be appropriately protective of the modesty. However, shame would be an incorrect attitude, both on the part of pregnant lady and the family. By the way, Lewis thought that Milton was not too successful in describing pre-Fall sexuality. His Adam is altogether lacking in modesty while Eve is too coy.

Laura writes:

Excellent point. Thank you.

It is a mistake to think that the custom of female modesty is an expression of shame.  It is not hatred of the body that leads to discreet clothing and behavior but a healthy sense of reserve and an awareness that something beyond the self is at work when our bodies change.

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