Five Things That Have Surprised Me About Pregnancy
Being pregnant is pretty awesome, scary, fun and… strange all at the same time. Truth be told, there was a long period in my life when I didn’t think I’d ever be a mom. At one point I didn’t think I wanted kids at all. At another point I wanted kids, but the thought of being pregnant terrified me.
Things started to change when I met Brian, and the baby bug really began to bite around the time I turned 30. Now I am 32 years old, 15 weeks pregnant, and totally in awe of this whole experience.
Going into this, I knew some things were givens: my parents would be ecstatic (they are), complete strangers would have opinions about our name choices (they do), people would go into graphic details about their labors and deliveries (they have), and I would be paranoid about every ache, pain, or other strange feeling I had (I am).
But then there are the things that have really taken me by surprise. Here are 5 things I was either a little or completely unprepared for about pregnancy:
1) I don’t really have any weird food cravings. I never actually thought I’d be sending Brian out at 2:00 a.m. for a pickles and ice cream run, but I guess I thought there would be some strange foods I could not live without. Instead, I find that I have major food aversions, even to things I normally love.
For instance, I’ve have no desire for my favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream at the homemade ice cream shop near our house. And I have found myself in an all-out dry heave by just walking past the rotisserie chicken display at the supermarket. If I do find myself craving something, it usually only lasts for a day or two – after that, the thought of that food tends to turn me off.
2) I’m not into baby books. I’d always pictured myself with a book propped on my belly, reading in bed just before I fell asleep, but now that I’m pregnant I haven’t picked up one pregnancy or baby book. I think this is because I don’t want to be reading about things I should be feeling or noticing at a certain time in my pregnancy, and find myself panicking because I’m not feeling or noticing those things.
It might have been different if I were pregnant before online pregnancy boards were so readily available, though. I just prefer to head to those boards when I have a question about something related to where I am in my pregnancy, and usually that helps.
3) I’m not obsessed with Pinterest. I thought I’d have about 20 different pregnancy/baby/nursery boards going by this time, but I really haven’t been spending much time on the site lately. As far as the baby’s nursery goes, I’ve decided to take a pretty laid-back approach.
The room we’ll use is already painted a pretty light grey color, so we’re just going to keep the color as is, and then decorate it for a boy or a girl when we find out what we’re having next month. It’ll be simple and sweet and lovely. I’m not going crazy about themes or patterns or textures, like I figured I would. I find I just don’t need that stress right now!
4) Being pregnant makes you feel sick and tired. Okay, this one is not a complete surprise – I knew all about the possibility of morning sickness – but the extent of it has really thrown me for a loop. I used to pride myself on the fact that I could pretty much count on one hand the number of times in my life I’ve gotten physically ill (you know what I’m talking about).
But this pregnancy has made me completely lose count. I had some nausea – and not just in the morning – for the first few weeks after I found out that I was pregnant. Then it went away for a few weeks, so I thought it was over. Nope. It came back with a vengeance and brought along vomiting, migraines and extreme exhaustion. I did get some anti-nausea medication from my OB, which has helped, but I continue to carry around a little bag in my purse just in case.
5) Brian likes to share things with people. Things like how I’m feeling, that is. Brian isn’t exactly known to be the most chatty guy, but apparently he likes to blab about my pregnancy! It seems like everyone I run into asks me how I’m feeling, and follows it up with, “Brian says you’ve felt really sick.” I don’t mind it, it just surprises me. Actually, I find it cute and am glad that he cares!
So tell me, do you remember anything you found surprising when you were pregnant?
I never really had cravings but the aversions were terrible. With my first, for the first 5 weeks or so, I could only eat orange or white foods (not kidding). And the sight of meat made me nauseous. With my second, I couldn’t eat bacon the entire pregnancy. Crazy talk!!! I also noticed that, when looking back, I handled some difficulties and challenges far better than I would have expected. I felt very strong when I was pregnant 😉
oh Jane I love your honesty! I’m so happy for you and I love how you are open about the good and not-so-good. This baby is so lucky to have you and Brian as his/her mom and dad!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo
Being pregnant is great, I agree! I’m sad that I will never be pregnant again, so I love reading about other people being pregnant.
I had both cravings and aversions. I couldn’t eat steak with my first one. The thought of chewing it and swollen it made me gag. I also couldn’t eat Parm Cheese on pasta or Provolone on a sandwich. They both tasted like they were bad… and still can’t eat some Parmesan cheeses!
It’s amazing how you lose control of your body and it is just taken over by the pregnancy. Honestly I think that is what I loved the most.
Enjoy it and I’m so glad you are documenting it on here, it’ll be nice to have for your child to read someday.
I’ve got 5 days left to go and what’s surprised me most is how good I’ve felt. Sure I’ve been tired and I’m enormous and reasonably uncomfortable at this late stage, but I’ve been incredibly lucky not to have any morning sickness, pain, or any other unusual symptoms. If this is as bad as it gets, I’d definitely do it again.
I’m 8+ months preggo still and at age 29 I was SO excited to find out after living a life with kids in mind (I have always just loved kids- babysitter, camp counselor, teacher, etc). I’m a fairly “natural” gal and always thought I’d eat so healthy and that sick pregnant woman had it “all in their heads….” Well… BAM reality check! Pregnancy has not agreed with me at all and that surprise was the hardest for me to swallow …. 6-7 months of nausea and anti nausea meds daily…. Aversions to vegetables for about 3 months… Craving sweets…. I really had to adjust my perspective ….. Long story short- FLEXIBILITY is key! Don’t beat yourself up over a soda if it means it will help you keep your food down at dinner… And sometimes eating 2 snickers, shamelessly, in a row is OK. moderation. Flexibility and moderation…. I’m hoping this will carry me through labour as well! 😉 Good luck sweet girl!
I was surprised how amazing I felt- like carrying Addie was giving me new life and new purpose (which she did!).
I did HATE sausage, which was strange for me and I liked milkshakes, which are a caloric nightmare, but never sent Dave out. I really think that would be insane!
I can’t wait to see more pics of YOUR belly <3
Yes, Dad and I ARE ecstatic and this journey is the most joyous, happiest, loving adventure in the universe! We are blessed to be along for the ride! Love you, Honey and LOVE your Babe already! xoxox!
My thing about being pregnant: I HATED IT (except for the feeling that I could eat grilled cheese and macaroni whenever I wanted – still regretting that).
As for names – we didn’t tell anyone our ideas other than VERY close family until the baby came and was officially named because A) No one gives an opinion once it’s done, B) It’s my belief that it’s a private thing until baby comes, and C) Safe delivery first, name second.
I’m SO happy for you! To next summer on the beach with baby and two excellent little babysitters!
When pregnant and you find yourself wanting to eat salty and spicy food, prepare for a boy.
Wanting to eat sugary foods, prepare for the pink.
Love your post! I craved fish and tomatoes when I was expecting Steph. They say that fish is brain food..and I truly believe this cause she is very smart. I craved hot spicy foods with my son….I use to take a flour taco shell, cover with cheddar cheese and top with hot peppers and broil it…sorry if I am making you sick…and he came out stubborn. I couldn’t stand to go near a meat counter in the store…And as for names…I changed Steph’s name as soon as I saw her come out. She was going to be named Tiffany, but she looked more like a Stephanie…And my son, Nathan was named after this cute guy that walked into church one day…Have a blast planning for the baby..you and Brian have so much to look forward to.
Jane,
You are such a genuine person, friend and woman! I love your honesty so much and I’m so happy for you and Brian. I remember when I first found out I was pregnant. I was surprised at how much I felt icky when my stomach was empty. I had to keep crackers by my bed. I was also surprised at how fast my body changed. I experienced round ligament pains because my boy had long legs and boy was he stretching me to my limits! Ahhhh, the joys, the highs, the surprises. Believe it or not, it goes by fast! I hope your pregnancy gets better every week.. with less nausea. XO