If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed a little one, you’ve probably scoured the internet for all the insights and hacks that can help you navigate pregnancy, from creating the ultimate baby registry to packing the perfect hospital bag and even figuring out natural remedies for labor. Because I have a penchant for these kinds of lists and enjoy pretending to be a pregnancy expert (spoiler alert: I’m not), I’ve compiled my own take: here are 11 pregnancy realities that no one seems to mention:
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Your Body Will Change in Unpredictable Ways (And That’s Totally Normal)
I once saw a sensational headline that read, “Celebrity Gains 50 Pounds During Pregnancy! OMG!” Before experiencing pregnancy myself, I remember thinking, “How could that happen?” But once I was pregnant, I realized how harsh those judgments are. It’s perfectly natural to gain weight during pregnancy—sometimes more than you expect. If your doctor confirms you and your baby are healthy, focus on that instead of stressing over the scale.
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People Forget Basic Social Etiquette Around Pregnant Women
You may find yourself on the receiving end of unsolicited comments like, “Wow, you’re HUGE!” or “Are you sure you’re only six months along?” These remarks are usually meant to highlight your beautiful baby bump, but they can come off as insensitive. Try not to let it get to you!
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Prepare for Repetitive Questions
From the moment you announce your pregnancy, get ready to answer the same questions over and over: When’s your due date? Are you excited? Have you had any cravings? Are you finding out the baby’s sex? What names are you considering?
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Expect a Flood of Messages on Your Due Date
When your due date rolls around, friends and family will undoubtedly check in to see if the baby has arrived, often assuming you just forgot to share the news. By this point, you might be so fed up with being pregnant that these messages could feel more annoying than supportive. One of my friends created a group text to update everyone when her baby was on the way, letting them know that if they hadn’t heard from her, the baby was still cozy inside.
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Google Can Be a Dangerous Place
If you’re ever worried about your health during pregnancy, resist the urge to Google your symptoms! Instead, consult your doctor. I’ve heard from multiple sources (aka my overactive imagination) that 100% of people who searched for health concerns on Google ended up thinking they were dying from something they heard about on Grey’s Anatomy.
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Forget Everything You’ve Seen on TV About Labor
Most TV shows depict labor with unrealistic drama. It’s unlikely that you’ll have a group of friends feeding you ice chips and cheering you on. Instead, you might feel hot, tired, and more than a little exposed.
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You Won’t Care Who Sees You Naked During Delivery
In the heat of the moment, being naked will be the least of your concerns.
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It’s Okay to Change Your Mind About Pain Management
During my pregnancy, I was adamant about avoiding an epidural. But once labor started, my resolve crumbled. I ended up needing an emergency C-section, which turned out to be a relief. Remember, every labor experience is different, and there’s no right or wrong way to handle it.
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Hospitals Have Strict Policies for Newborns
You might be surprised to learn that there are rules about how you can carry your baby in the hospital. For example, you may not be allowed to hold your baby in your arms while walking down the hall, even though that’s how babies are typically carried in the real world.
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You’ll Forget a Lot of Details
After giving birth, you may realize you don’t remember the timeline of your labor at all. I was fortunate to have a doula who took notes for me, and it was astonishing to see how much time was compressed or stretched in my memory.
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The Pain Will Fade Once You See Your Baby
Once you hold your little one for the first time, the pain of labor will likely feel like a distant memory—nature’s clever way of ensuring you might consider doing it all again.
What did I miss? I’d love to hear your own pregnancy truths in the comments! For more information on pregnancy, check out March of Dimes’ week-by-week guide, and if you’re considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers a reusable syringe kit that can help with that. You can also learn more about how this process works on their how it works page. And if you’re dealing with challenges like baby biting, don’t forget to check our post on curbing baby biting for helpful tips.
In summary, pregnancy is full of surprises, and while you may hear a lot of advice, the truths that often go unspoken can be the most valuable. Embrace the journey, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences!