8 Surprising Realities About Pregnancy That Took Me By Surprise

home insemination Kit

Ah, pregnancy! The journey that comes with its own set of surprises. Here are some things I thought I had down pat before I actually experienced it myself.

1. Touching the Belly: I naively assumed it was totally fine to touch a pregnant woman’s belly without asking. Nope! While some women might be okay with it, others aren’t. If you feel the urge to reach for that bump, definitely ask for permission first. You might get a warm smile or, well, a not-so-friendly jab.
2. The Registry Experience: I envisioned registering for baby items as a fun outing. Spoiler alert: it turned into a major stress-fest. Trying to pick out baby gear felt like a horror movie—lots of fear and anxiety. I mean, after tackling the diaper section, I was practically in tears before reaching the stroller aisle. Wedding registries were a breeze compared to this!
3. Crying for Odd Reasons: I thought I’d be a pro at handling my emotions, but then came that one day at the deli when I completely lost it because I was skipped in line. I mean, really? I turned into a mascara-streaked mess over a sandwich order. Who knew pregnancy could make mundane moments so emotional?
4. Expecting an Easy Ride: I believed my pregnancy would be smooth sailing since I was young and healthy. But, surprise! Gestational diabetes, a breech baby, and a C-section were not exactly in my plan. Pregnancy really has a way of throwing curveballs.
5. Maternity Shopping Joy: I thought finding cute maternity clothes would be a blast. Instead, I found that nothing seems to fit right. And don’t even get me started on those fake bumps at stores—who wants to strap on something that’s been used by a dozen other moms?
6. Peaceful Pregnancy: I was under the impression that pregnancy meant serene yoga sessions and blissful moments. However, I quickly learned that rage could bubble up unexpectedly, whether from a disagreement with my partner or a frustrating encounter with family. It’s all part of the emotional rollercoaster, so don’t sweat it!
7. Keeping Track of Weeks: I thought I’d easily remember how far along I was. Nope! I often found myself repeating the same week for weeks on end. My responses varied depending on the audience—from vague answers to overly detailed ones to my husband, who quickly learned to steer clear when I needed help.
8. Pregnancy Brain: I assumed “pregnancy brain” was just a saying, but it’s real! One minute I’d be talking, and the next, I’d forget what I was saying. Classic! Have you seen my sunglasses? Oh, they’re on my head. Never a dull moment!

For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this other blog post about home insemination kits. If you’re looking for expert advice, Make a Mom has got you covered with top-notch resources. And for those exploring IVF options, Johns Hopkins offers invaluable information.

In summary, pregnancy is a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. From emotional breakdowns to surprising challenges, it’s not what I thought it would be. But hey, that’s part of the adventure!