Pregnancy is full of surprises, but some things caught me completely off guard! I knew about morning sickness, cravings, and weight gain, but there were so many unexpected symptoms and realities that I wish people had talked about more. Here’s what really stood out to me, plus a few myths versus realities and what actually helped me through it all.
The Symptoms No One Warned Me About
I expected some nausea (which thankfully didn’t last into my second trimester), but I had no idea about the exhaustion that hit immediately. It wasn’t just feeling a little tired—I was completely wiped out from the start. And the congestion? No one told me about the constant stuffy nose, the extra mucus, and the bloody noses that would become part of my daily life.
Acid reflux quickly became my new worst enemy, and my back and hips have felt like they needed to pop since the first trimester. Speaking of changes, I knew my boobs would grow, but I wasn’t prepared for my rib cage to expand, making my entire torso feel different. On top of that, my diaphragm moved up, making it harder to take deep breaths.
Another unexpected struggle? My skincare routine had to change completely! I knew pregnancy hormones could cause breakouts, but I didn’t realize so many of my go-to products were no longer safe to use. Plus, I developed horrible backne in my first trimester that I wasn’t ready for.
My dogs even reacted differently! My senior dog has been glued to my side, acting as my little protector, while my 1.5-year-old pup remains clueless about the whole thing.
And let’s talk about movement—everyone mentions the baby kicking your bladder, but no one prepared me for her using my cervix as a soccer ball. That is a whole different (and very uncomfortable) experience!
Myths vs. Reality
Myth: Pregnancy cravings mean pickles and ice cream at midnight.
Reality: I haven’t had weird cravings at all! Just strong food aversions—chicken, salmon, and coffee were completely off the table for me (thankfully I got over them by now). On the other hand, I could never get enough fruit, especially dragonfruit bowls from Jamba Juice!
Myth: It’s just your belly that grows.
Reality: Nope! My rib cage expanded, my diaphragm shifted, and even my breathing changed. My whole body is adjusting in ways I didn’t expect.
Myth: You just sleep on your side for comfort.
Reality: Side sleeping is necessary, but it comes with its own challenges—my hips ache constantly, and since back sleeping isn’t recommended, getting comfortable at night is a struggle.
Myth: Everyone will be supportive and excited for you.
Reality: People love giving unsolicited advice and telling you what you should or shouldn’t be doing. Some comments have definitely thrown me off, even when I expected them!
What Actually Helped Me
✔ For Acid Reflux: Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, tums, and sleeping with my upper body elevated.
✔ For Congestion & Bloody Noses: Using a humidifier, Zyrtec, and drinking tons of water.
✔ For Back & Hip Pain: Staying active with Lagree (a Pilates-style workout), stretching, and using a pregnancy pillow at night (my husband’s worst nightmare).
✔ For Food Aversions: Focusing on what I can eat instead of forcing what I can’t. My fruit obsession is real!
✔ For Dealing with Unwanted Advice: Setting boundaries and reminding myself that every pregnancy is different.
✔ For Skin Issues: Finding pregnancy-safe skincare alternatives and accepting that some things (like backne) will pass with time.
Pregnancy has been full of surprises, and while some symptoms have been tougher than others, I’ve learned so much along the way. I hope sharing my experience helps other moms-to-be feel more prepared for the unexpected parts of pregnancy!
What’s something about pregnancy that caught you off guard? Let me know in the comments!
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