15 pregnancy realities they don’t tell you about (but you’ll laugh about later)

Let’s dive into 15 pregnancy realities that no one may have warned you about, but they’re all part of the wonderful adventure of growing a tiny human.

1. The round-the-clock nausea

Morning sickness? More like all-day sickness! It doesn’t care about the time—it can strike anytime, anywhere, and you’re left feeling queasy when you least expect it. While it’s commonly referred to as “morning sickness,” many expecting mothers find themselves battling nausea and vomiting throughout the day, not just in the morning hours. 

The cause of morning sickness isn’t entirely understood, but it’s believed to be related to hormonal changes, particularly the rise in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels during early pregnancy. Some lucky mums-to-be breeze through the first trimester without a hint of nausea, while others find themselves glued to the porcelain throne for weeks on end.

2. The sleep struggle

Finding a comfortable sleeping position becomes a nightly challenge. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while blindfolded—except you’re just trying to get some shut-eye. As your belly grows and your body undergoes numerous changes, finding that perfect sleeping position becomes increasingly elusive. 

The back is a no-go zone due to the pressure it puts on major blood vessels, and lying flat on your stomach is out of the question. Left side? Right side? Pillows propped everywhere? It’s a nightly ritual of trial and error as you attempt to drift off into dreamland. And just when you finally find a somewhat comfortable position, nature calls, and it’s back to square one.

3. Hormones on a rollercoaster

Your emotions take you on a wild ride, thanks to those lovely pregnancy hormones. One minute you’re sobbing over a sappy movie, and the next you’re laughing hysterically at a silly joke. Blame it on the hormones! Pregnancy hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, go into overdrive during pregnancy, affecting everything from your mood to your appetite. 

These hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, tearful breakdowns over seemingly trivial matters, and uncontrollable bursts of laughter at the most inappropriate times. While it can feel like you’re riding an emotional rollercoaster, rest assured that it’s all perfectly normal and part of the miraculous journey of pregnancy.

4. Pregnancy brain strikes again

Forgetfulness becomes your new normal. You’ll walk into a room and forget why you’re there, or spend hours looking for your phone while holding it in your hand. Pregnancy brain is real, folks! You’re not losing your mind—you’re just experiencing pregnancy brain, a phenomenon characterized by forgetfulness, absent-mindedness, and occasional bouts of clumsiness. 

Blame it on the hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, and the sheer mental and physical exhaustion that often accompany pregnancy. From forgetting appointments to putting the milk in the pantry and the cereal in the fridge, pregnancy brain can make you feel like you’re living in a perpetual fog. But rest assured, it’s a temporary condition, and your memory will return to normal once you welcome your little bundle of joy into the world.

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5. Everyone’s a pregnancy expert

Get ready for a flood of advice—from your neighbour’s cousin’s sister to the lady at the grocery store. Suddenly, everyone’s an expert on pregnancy and parenting, and they’re not shy about sharing their wisdom. As soon as you announce your pregnancy, you’ll find yourself bombarded with well-meaning advice, suggestions, and anecdotes from friends, family members, colleagues, and even complete strangers. 

From the best prenatal vitamins to the most effective labour positions, everyone has an opinion on how you should navigate your pregnancy journey. While some advice may be helpful, others may leave you scratching your head in bewilderment. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Trust your instincts, do your research, and don’t be afraid to politely decline unsolicited advice that doesn’t resonate with you.

6. The never-ending bathroom trips

Your bladder becomes your new best friend, demanding attention around the clock. Say goodbye to uninterrupted Netflix sessions—you’ll be making frequent bathroom trips like it’s your new hobby. If you thought you were acquainted with your bladder before pregnancy, prepare to become inseparable companions over the next nine months. As your uterus expands and puts pressure on your bladder, you’ll find yourself making countless trips to the bathroom throughout the day and night. 

Whether it’s the urge to pee every hour on the hour or the sudden sprint to the toilet when a sneeze catches you off guard, your bladder will make its presence known like never before. Embrace the frequent bathroom breaks as an opportunity to stretch your legs, hydrate, and sneak in a few moments of much-needed rest and relaxation.

7. Cravings get weird

Cravings take you on a culinary adventure you never expected. Pickles and peanut butter sandwiches? Why not! Suddenly, you’re concocting food combinations that would make a chef blush. Ah, pregnancy cravings—the stuff of legends! From the classic pickles and ice cream to the downright bizarre (pickle juice slushies, anyone?), pregnancy cravings can range from the sublime to the ridiculous. While the exact cause of pregnancy cravings remains a mystery, hormonal fluctuations, nutrient deficiencies, and changes in taste and smell are believed to play a role. 

Whether you find yourself craving sweet, salty, sour, or savoury foods, indulge your cravings in moderation and listen to your body’s cues. Just remember to balance those midnight ice cream runs with plenty of nutritious fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support your growing baby’s development.

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8. Acne’s surprise comeback

Just when you thought you left acne behind in high school, it decides to make a grand reappearance. Pregnancy hormones wreak havoc on your skin, and you find yourself battling breakouts like a teenager. Ah, the joys of pregnancy acne! As if dealing with morning sickness, fatigue, and mood swings weren’t enough, now you have to contend with stubborn breakouts and pesky blemishes. Blame it on the surge in hormone levels, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands in your skin and lead to increased oil production. 

Combine that with changes in skin pH, increased blood flow, and a buildup of dead skin cells, and you have the perfect recipe for pregnancy-related acne. While it can be frustrating to deal with breakouts during pregnancy, there are steps you can take to keep your skin clear and healthy. Stick to a gentle skincare routine, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive exfoliants, and consult your healthcare provider before using any acne treatments or medications.

9. Unexpected hair growth

Thicker hair sounds like a dream—until it starts showing up in unexpected places. You’ll find yourself questioning if you’re growing a baby or a werewolf. Pregnancy hormones can work wonders for your hair, giving it a thicker, fuller appearance and a healthy, glossy sheen. But while you may enjoy luscious locks on your head, you may also notice hair sprouting in places you never expected—hello, belly hair! From peach fuzz to full-blown hair growth, it’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience increased hair growth on their face, abdomen, arms, and legs. 

Blame it on those pesky hormones, which can stimulate hair follicles and disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. While it may feel like you’re auditioning for a role in a werewolf movie, rest assured that the excess hair growth is usually temporary and will subside after you give birth. In the meantime, embrace your inner goddess and rock that pregnancy glow!

10. Maternity clothes dilemma

Finding clothes that fit becomes a whole new adventure. The maternity section offers limited choices, and suddenly, comfort trumps fashion. Embrace the stretchy waistbands! As your belly expands and your body undergoes numerous changes during pregnancy, finding clothes that fit comfortably and flatter your changing figure becomes a top priority. While the maternity section offers a range of options designed to accommodate your growing bump, you may find yourself facing a dilemma—do you prioritize comfort or style?

 From stretchy leggings and oversized T-shirts to flowy dresses and elastic-waist pants, maternity clothes come in all shapes, sizes, and styles to suit your personal preferences and lifestyle. Embrace the opportunity to experiment with new silhouettes, colours, and textures, and remember that comfort is key during pregnancy. Whether you opt for form-fitting basics or loose-fitting layers, choose pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and fabulous throughout your pregnancy journey.

11. Baby bump: friend or foe?

Your baby bump becomes a conversation starter, a resting spot for snacks, and an obstacle in tight spaces. Who knew something so cute could be so cumbersome? Ah, the baby bump—the quintessential symbol of pregnancy and motherhood. From the moment it makes its grand entrance, your baby bump becomes the focal point of every conversation, photo opportunity, and social media post. 

Friends, family members, and even complete strangers can’t resist commenting on the size, shape, and position of your growing belly, and you find yourself fielding questions about your due date, baby’s gender, and pregnancy cravings on a daily basis. 

But while your baby bump may attract plenty of attention and admiration, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From navigating crowded spaces and squeezing into tight corners to finding a comfortable sleeping position and getting dressed without toppling over, your baby bump presents a unique set of obstacles and adventures. Embrace the journey, laugh at the unexpected, and remember that your baby bump is a beautiful reminder of the miraculous journey of pregnancy.

12. Swollen feet & ankles

Say hello to cankles—the not-so-glamorous side effect of pregnancy. Fashionable shoes become relics of the past as you opt for comfort over style. As your due date approaches and your baby bump grows larger, you may notice swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs—a condition affectionately known as “cankles” (a delightful combination of calves and ankles). Blame it on the increased pressure on your veins and blood vessels, which can impede circulation and cause fluid retention in your lower extremities. 

While mild swelling is a common and usually harmless side effect of pregnancy, severe or sudden swelling accompanied by other symptoms, such as high blood pressure, headaches, or vision changes, may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia. If you experience any concerning symptoms, be sure to contact your healthcare provider for guidance and evaluation. In the meantime, elevate your feet whenever possible, stay hydrated, and avoid standing or sitting for long periods to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

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13. The dance party within

Feeling those first kicks is magical until your baby discovers your bladder. But those tiny movements remind you of the miracle growing inside you. One of the most exciting milestones of pregnancy is feeling your baby’s first movements, known as “quickening.” It’s a magical moment that signals the beginning of a beautiful bond between you and your unborn child. As your baby grows and develops in the womb, you’ll feel a variety of sensations, from gentle flutters and subtle nudges to full-blown somersaults and karate kicks. While those initial movements may catch you by surprise, they soon become a source of comfort, reassurance, and joy as you connect with your baby in a profound and meaningful way. And while those tiny kicks and punches may occasionally catch you off guard—especially when they target your bladder with pinpoint accuracy—they serve as a poignant reminder of the miracle unfolding within you. So, cherish each flutter, embrace each kick, and revel in the wondrous dance party happening inside your belly.

14. The pregnancy waddle

Walking gracefully? Not anymore. The pregnancy waddle becomes your signature move, accompanied by a soundtrack of grunts and groans. As your pregnancy progresses and your baby bump grows larger, you may notice changes in your posture, gait, and overall movement. Enter the pregnancy waddle—a quirky, endearing, and slightly awkward walking style that becomes your new signature move. Characterized by a side-to-side sway and a slightly exaggerated hip sway, the pregnancy waddle is as unique as it is unmistakable. Blame it on the shift in your body’s centre of gravity, the strain on your back and pelvic muscles, and the sheer size and weight of your baby bump. While the pregnancy waddle may elicit a few chuckles and quizzical glances from passersby, it’s a perfectly normal and natural adaptation to the physical changes of pregnancy. So, embrace your inner penguin, strut your stuff with pride, and wear your pregnancy waddle like a badge of honour—it’s all part of the beautiful journey of motherhood.

15. Countdown to D-day

As the due date approaches, a mix of excitement, nerves, and anticipation sets in. You’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, and the journey is just beginning. The final countdown to your baby’s arrival is a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to nervousness and apprehension. As the due date draws nearer, you may find yourself experiencing a range of conflicting emotions, wondering if you’re truly ready for the challenges and joys of parenthood. But amidst the uncertainty and butterflies in your stomach, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement and wonder as you prepare to meet your little one for the first time. 

From assembling the crib and washing tiny onesies to packing your hospital bag and finalizing your birth plan, each task brings you one step closer to holding your precious baby in your arms. As you eagerly await the arrival of your bundle of joy, take comfort in knowing that you’re surrounded by love, support, and a community of fellow parents who have walked this path before you. Embrace the journey, cherish the moments, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime—parenthood awaits!

Embracing the humour in pregnancy realities

Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with surprises, challenges, and plenty of laughs along the way. While some aspects may catch you off guard, they’re all part of the beautiful adventure of bringing new life into the world. So, embrace the quirks, laugh at the unexpected, and cherish every moment of this remarkable journey. After all, these are the stories you’ll be sharing for years to come!

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