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I always imagined pregnancy to be one of those moments where the next 9 months of your life would be as glorified as Beyoncé announcing a 50 state tour. Or even as vibrant and peaceful as waking up in a bed of flowers each and every day. My only true concern was what would happen after the baby. Would I get enough sleep? Would the little one match? You know…things most expectant moms would worry about.
With no surprise, pregnancy comes with a lot of surprises and several misconceptions that of course, I’d learned the hard way. I suppose it could be considered initiation into motherhood.
I suppose Mothers who have undergone these situations before could forget to tell you, because it all dissipates and becomes tribal once you see your bundle of joy for the first time. However, I’m still undergoing the “pregnancy initiation” so while these events are fresh I’d figure I’d let the secrets out!
Everyone’s pregnancy will be different. And no two pregnancies are alike. You could pop out 14 kids and each experience will live to tell it’s own story! Based off of my current experience and the commonalities of other expecting women, here are ___ secrets every mother to be should know!
1. Stack up on toilet paper tissue…. trust me
We all know pregnant women pee a lot! But the word a lot becomes so subjective and useless when you find yourself on the 5th urination cycle of the morning reaching for toilet paper that’s not there! My little one loves to rest right above my bladder. Bjs and Sams Club have become my best friends. I buy toilet paper in bulk now to ensure the supply of toilet paper when my bladder won’t let up.
2. Morning sickness last forever!
Okay so perhaps it’s not forever but it will seem like it. My morning sickness refused to concede until week 17.5! That means almost 4 months of constant nausea, and vomiting. I’m not too sure why they call it morning sickness as my sickness was around the clock and nothing seemed to work except for the pink stork’s morning sickness tea that eased the pain for probably 4 hours. If you’re apart of the chosen few who doesn’t experience the slightest bit of sickness, consider yourself blessed.
3. You’re more prone to food poisoning so kiss the buffets and party buffets goodbye!
They say eating whatever you like is a perk to pregnancy but it’s not entirely true if you’re brought to an all you can eat buffet and you’re restricted to eat. When you’re pregnant your immune system becomes weakened as your sharing and creating life within you. Most buffets do a pretty good job with keeping food warm at an appropriate temperature but there are many germs from outside customers that can contaminate the food you eat. This also goes the same for parties with buffet styled foods. Most good should be kept around 140 degrees Fahrenheit and if left out too long it can develop bacteria. I learned this the hard way, as I got food poisoning from a family event most likely because the food was left out all day as we were dancing and enjoying each other’s company with occasional serve yourself meals all night. If you’re pregnant and find yourself in this situation, you’re better off preparing your own meal just to air on the side of caution.
4. Dehydration can cause a boat load of trouble
If you think your drinking enough water…you’re not. When you’re pregnant water should probably be your only choice of drink. Most women believe they are drinking enough water to complete their daily water intake but they misjudge just how much they really are taking. When you’re pregnant you have to remember you’re drinking for two, so try to drink double what you were drinking before especially in hotter climates. Dehydration can cause premature cramping, Braxton Hicks, and wicked Charlie horses (all of which I’ve experienced). You especially don’t want to make yourself more prone to muscle tension and possibilities of fainting. Yea you may not like water… but it’s practically the fountain of youth and life so drink up.
5. Everyone will see your stomach as a magic lamp and will want to rub it
There is nothing wrong with telling people no when they ask to rub your stomach. Your body is still your body and you have a right to decline touches. Occasionally you’ll encounter those who automatically touch your stomach without permission and it can become a very awkward situation. Yes these people are all doing it out of love because they can’t help but smile at a beautiful bump, but don’t let it stress you
6. There will be times where your emotions will overrule you…it’s okay!
Your body is going through amazing changes and your hormones are probably on a roller coaster which is normal. When you’re pregnant you’re probably doing one of the most important duties you’ll ever experience in life and that makes it magnificent. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to love every step of the way because pregnancy is hard. You can love what’s growing inside of you without enjoying every minute of the experience. Let your emotions run naturally and accept the moments as apart of the journey.
7. Farting will no longer be something for little boys
Plain and simple…pregnant women fart a lot and can’t help it. You have progesterone to thank as your body produces more hormones to accommodate the little one growing inside of you. Consider it a right of passage hehehe
The journey of pregnancy comes with more surprises than you can imagine and no it’s not always going to be easy but try to love and receive each moment as a gift! Don’t let these shocking secrets deter you from pregnancy but use them to prepare you for delightful motherhood!
Need another real life story?…
Check out Kenzie’s Post on her own pregnancy and motherhood experience!
What are some other secrets you wish you knew about pregnancy? Drop a comment below!
Kathryn says
Thank you for sharing this! I am a lot like you where I am more anxious about when the baby actually comes than thinking about the pregnancy. My husband and I are ready to start trying and I didn’t even think about what the actual pregnancy would be like! Congratulations on your new baby!