16+ Things I wish I knew about pregnancy before getting pregnant

It's can be an exciting and overwhelming time when you are expecting a baby, but it may also be filled with uncertainty and fear. Unfortunately, no manual gives you all the answers when it comes to pregnancy. Read on to several things I wish I knew about pregnancy that I wish someone told me before I got pregnant.

Weight

Pregnancy can be a challenging time, especially when it comes to managing your weight. Despite your best efforts to keep your weight gain under control, your hunger levels can throw a wrench in your plans. It's no secret that pregnancy can leave you feeling ravenous, and even the most disciplined among us can find ourselves reaching for that extra slice of pizza or sneaking a midnight snack. So if you're struggling to keep your weight gain in check, know that you're not alone. Just remember to listen to your body and give it the nourishment it needs to support your growing baby. If you feel unsure whether or not your weight gain is normal during your pregnancy, consult with your doctor.

Nausea & Hunger

It's a feeling that many pregnant women can relate to - that dizzying combination of hunger and nausea that makes you want to eat everything and nothing all at the same time. And what's worse, morning sickness can linger all day, leaving you feeling constantly queasy. But fear not! There are remedies available to help alleviate these symptoms, from medications that can be taken orally to those that can be administered through the backdoor. These fast-acting solutions can quickly bring relief and allow you to enjoy a satisfying meal once again. So if you're feeling the pangs of hunger mixed with the discomfort of nausea, remember that there are options available to help you feel better.

Deficiency

Taking vitamins is often considered a proactive step towards maintaining a healthy body, but sometimes it may not be enough to prevent deficiencies. This is especially true for pregnant women, whose bodies undergo tremendous physical changes during pregnancy. The demands placed on the body during pregnancy can lead to nutrient deficiencies, even if they are taking supplements. It's important to recognize that pregnancy requires special attention and care to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the growing baby. So, have blood tests done a few times during your pregnancy to ensure your body gets all the nutrition it needs to grow your baby.

Food Sensitivities

Did you know that your food sensitivities can change during pregnancy? It's true! I have had Irritable Bowel Syndrome for years, being sensitive to wheat and lactose, but during my pregnancy, those sensitivities diminished. I was able to enjoy a regular sandwich and some yogurt without any issues! However, things changed again after giving birth. It's fascinating how our bodies can adapt and change during such a transformative time.

Palate

Not only can food sensitivities change, but your sense of taste may also change. One minute you could be craving your favorite foods, and the next, you find them repulsive. Take pumpkin soup, for example. I use to love pumpkin soup, however, it became a nauseating nightmare during their pregnancies. The culprit? A pesky metallic taste that plagued their mouth and altered the flavor of everything they ate. But the good news is that once pregnancy was over, my palate went back to normal, and they were able to enjoy their beloved pumpkin soup once again.

Caffeine

Did you know that what you drink during pregnancy can affect your little one? Caffeine, even in small amounts, can cross the placenta and affect your baby's heart rate and movements. So, while you may love the boost of energy from your morning coffee or afternoon soda, it's important to be mindful of how much you're consuming. And just like how your body reacts to caffeine, your baby might have a similar response. So, if you notice lots of kicking and movement in your belly after indulging in your favorite caffeinated beverage, it might be a sign that your baby is feeling the effects too!

Maternity Clothes

Moms-to-be, listen up! You don't need to splurge on a whole new wardrobe of maternity clothes. Trust me, I've been there. With my first child, I went all out and bought so many new outfits. But with my second child, I got creative and used what I already had. It was a five-year gap between my pregnancies, and I had sold all my maternity wear, not expecting another baby. When my bump started showing, I relied heavily on stretchy leggings. I even wore them backward sometimes, so the larger side could fit over my bum. Paired with a stretchy dress, this outfit carried me through the entire pregnancy, and no one was the wiser. I also extended the life of my jeans with a hair tie looped through the buttonhole and over the button. And when I needed a few maternity jeans at the end of my pregnancy, I thrifted them instead of buying new ones. So don't stress about buying tons of maternity clothes. Get creative, use what you have, and thrift when you can. Your wallet (and closet) will thank you!

Dental care

Pregnancy is a wonderful journey that comes with its unique set of challenges, including some surprising changes to your dental health. As a mom-to-be, I quickly realized that brushing my teeth was not going to be the same experience as before. Every time I picked up my toothbrush, it was like a scene from a horror movie - blood, blood, and more blood. It turns out that bleeding gums are a common occurrence during pregnancy, and it can take a toll on your oral health. Since my teeth aren't the strongest, to begin with, I knew I couldn't skip out on my dentist appointments. So, if you're expecting, be sure to take extra care of your teeth and gums and keep up with those dentist visits to ensure a healthy smile for you and your little one!

Craving

Pregnancy is a time of exciting changes, and one of those changes is the sudden onset of cravings. But, did you know that not all cravings are for food? Yes, that's right! You may experience a sudden urge to clean and organize your home or even go on a shopping spree for the cutest baby clothes. And guess what? It's normal! So, go ahead and give in to those nesting hormones because it's not only satisfying but also therapeutic. Trust me, trying to ignore them will only make things harder for you, and you might end up feeling moody and less fun to be around. So, embrace those urges and enjoy the journey!

Keep an eye on your Wallet

Preparing for a new baby can be an exciting time, but it's easy to get carried away with buying all the cute clothes and gadgets. However, it's important to keep in mind that babies grow quickly, and their needs change as they develop. As I learned from experience, even the weight estimation from midwives can be off, leaving all the clothes I had bought too big for my little one. And while it's tempting to create a fully-stocked nursery, it's not always necessary, as my child didn't start using it until she was almost 3 years old. So, when it comes to shopping for your bundle of joy, it's best to only purchase the basics and wait until you need something before buying it. You'll be amazed at how little a baby needs besides a bed and a few diapers, and thanks to the convenience of online shopping, you can easily order what you need and have it delivered the next day.

Ultrasounds

Receiving a positive ultrasound report is undoubtedly exciting for expecting parents, but it's crucial to understand that it doesn't eliminate the risk of miscarriage. It's common to assume that everything is going to be smooth sailing from that point, but in reality, numerous complications can arise before holding a healthy baby in your arms. It's essential to stay vigilant and attuned to your body's signals and instincts throughout the pregnancy journey. Even with a positive ultrasound, always trust your gut and be aware of any signs that may indicate a problem. When in doubt, consult with your doctor.

Switching doctors

Finding the right healthcare provider is crucial, especially when you're expecting a child. However, sometimes the first choice may not always be the best one. For instance, when I was pregnant, my first midwife practice was less than satisfactory. Despite my concerns about the position of my baby, they reassured me everything was fine. However, I always felt something was off, and turns out I was right - they were wrong. So, my advice to all expecting mothers is to trust your instincts and don't hesitate to switch doctors if something doesn't feel right. Your baby's health is the most important thing, and you deserve to have a healthcare provider who listens to and respects your concerns.

Prepare to be unprepared

Pregnancy is an incredible journey full of joy and anticipation, but let's be real, it's not always a glowing experience. You might find yourself sweating one minute and shivering the next, or dealing with pesky acne that refuses to disappear. And let's not forget about the mysterious swelling that can pop up in unexpected places. But the physical discomfort doesn't stop there. Back pain, leg pain, and pelvic floor pain are all too common, making even the simplest tasks, like turning over in bed, feeling like a monumental effort. Despite the challenges, pregnancy is still an awe-inspiring experience, but it's important to acknowledge the struggles too.

Sleep

It's no secret that pregnancy can be tough, and getting a good night's sleep is often a thing of the past for expectant mothers. Hormones wreak havoc on your body, leaving you feeling restless and anxious at night. And as if that wasn't enough, the weight of a big belly in the final stretch can make it even harder to find a comfortable position in bed. From personal experience, I know how challenging it can be to get some shut-eye during pregnancy. My body was in constant discomfort, and I was left tossing and turning all night long. By the time labor finally arrived, I was already severely sleep deprived. But despite the struggle, the reward of bringing new life into the world made it all worth it in the end.

Male Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy is an amazing journey that involves not just the mother, but also the partner. It's not just the expecting mother who experiences the symptoms; the partner can also go through some changes. Surprising, right? For instance, while I was pregnant, my boyfriend gained weight and also had some trouble with bleeding gums. It was unexpected, but we both laughed about it and took it in stride. It's amazing how pregnancy can affect different people in different ways, and it's important to be aware of these changes and support each other throughout the journey.

Sex life

As your body transforms to support your growing baby, your sexual experiences with your partner will also evolve. From heightened sensitivity to new positions, pregnancy can bring a whole new level of excitement to your intimate moments. Get ready to explore this new adventure together and discover the unique pleasures that come with pregnancy sex!

Second pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but did you know that no two pregnancies are the same? Just because you've been through it before doesn't mean you know exactly what to expect the second time around. You may be in for a few surprises! From increased morning sickness and pain to pelvic instability, the second pregnancy can be completely different from the first. But don't worry, with the right support and guidance, you can still enjoy all the joys of pregnancy, no matter how many times you go through it!

Googling

When it comes to pregnancy, it's natural to want to know every detail about what's happening to your body and your growing baby. But sometimes, relying too heavily on Google can do more harm than good. It's important to trust your instincts and use your common sense to guide you through this exciting time. Constantly searching for information can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety, taking away from the joy of being pregnant. So take a deep breath, relax, and embrace this incredible journey.

In conclusion, pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the journey ahead and make informed decisions that will benefit both you and your baby. By learning from the experiences of others and seeking advice from healthcare professionals, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so be kind to yourself and enjoy the ride!