Pregnancy is one of those things that you truly do not understand until you experience it. There are ups and downs, easy days and hard days, and moments when you aren’t sure if you can wait one more day to meet your baby.
As a first-time mom-to-be, there were a lot of things about pregnancy that surprised me! It’s like I didn’t believe what people had said until I experienced it myself.
5 Things That Surprised Me About Pregnancy
1. Tying Your Shoes Is Hard
. . . and so is emptying the dishwasher, carrying the laundry basket, and just about anything else when you hit the end of that pregnancy journey. While I was clued in that pregnancy would often be uncomfortable, I was surprised by how uncomfortable some of these experiences would be and how they would prevent you from doing some of the normal tasks that are part of your daily life. My friends were not exaggerating! Next time you see a very pregnant person, give her your seat on the subway or help her out.
2. You Join the “Club”
In contrast to those aches and pains, pregnancy has some really exciting parts! One of these is joining the “mom club.”
This is comprised of moms and moms-to-be who build you up and support you. Since sharing my pregnancy and sporting my growing bump, I have received so many supportive smiles, words of affirmation, and even text messages from friends, acquaintances, and strangers. It’s been such a heartwarming feeling to be a part of this ongoing sisterhood of motherhood.
3. There’s Always Something to Learn
Pregnancy stages, registry must-haves, labor and delivery advice, breastfeeding tips, newborn care techniques, life postpartum–the list goes on and on for first-time mamas. There’s a lot to learn, and while it can feel overwhelming at times, dozens of resources are available to you.
A few of my go-to resources throughout pregnancy have included:
- Mom friends
- Helpful pregnancy apps
- Pregnancy and motherhood resources like Baby Chick
- American Pregnancy Association
4. Staying Active Has Helped In More Ways Than One
The American Pregnancy Association (APA) recommends 30 minutes of exercise for pregnant women on most or every day. For me, this looked like a walk with my husband and dog or a prenatal yoga class, choosing the low modifications. So, how has this helped? Not only did exercising keep me healthy during pregnancy, but it also improved my mood during an off day.
The APA also credits exercise for reducing backaches and swelling, preventing gestational diabetes, increasing energy, and improving sleep.
5. You Miss Deli Sandwiches
There’s truth behind the statement that you want what you can’t have, especially during pregnancy. Surprisingly, the toughest of the no-nos for me has been deli sandwiches.
If you’re beginning your pregnancy journey, be sure to familiarize yourself with foods to avoid! This list includes high-mercury fish, raw seafood (sushi), undercooked seafood or meat, raw eggs—yes, that includes poached or runny—too much caffeine, deli meat, and unpasteurized cheeses.
Everyone’s pregnancy is unique, special, and full of surprises, whether it’s their first or their fifth.
