8 Surprising Truths About Pregnancy That The Internet Often Overlooks

When you find yourself expecting, you quickly realize just how misleading Hollywood can be. In films, pregnancy is often depicted as a magical experience that only involves the belly. Your uterus swells like a balloon, and suddenly—after a couple of minutes of dramatic labor—there’s a baby! Meanwhile, everything else remains unchanged: you might have a few emotional moments and some odd food cravings, but that’s about it.

The reality? Pregnancy is so much more than just a growing belly. It’s a full-body experience that can leave you feeling bewildered. Sure, you might deal with the occasional embarrassing moment or unexpected cravings, but there’s a whole lot more that no one, not even the internet, seems eager to discuss.

1. You’ll Have Boogers

You might think nose-picking is just a kid thing. Think again! When you’re pregnant, your body produces an avalanche of mucus, leading to some seriously large boogers. You’ll feel an intense need to deal with them. If you have little ones, you might as well give up on the “don’t pick your nose” lectures. Just aim for mild restraint in public places.

2. Weird Dreams Will Be Your New Normal

Prepare yourself for the bizarre. Your dreams will be anything but ordinary. I once dreamed that a famous author was teaching flower arranging in my old high school, and I was failing miserably. Expect to wake up in a panic, wondering why the world has ended and you can’t find your umbrella.

3. Stock Up on Extra Underwear

Just because your monthly visitor is gone doesn’t mean your underwear drawer is in the clear. You’ll encounter unpredictable discharge and sweat in your nether regions like never before. Consider this your cue to hit up the lingerie store for some extra comfy undies before laundry day rolls around.

4. The Nesting Instinct Is Real

You’ve probably heard of the nesting phase, but no one prepares you for the level of energy that comes with it. You might feel like you’ve just chugged three energy drinks and suddenly have a deep urge to clean and reorganize everything in sight. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself trying to move furniture around, even if it means injuring yourself in the process.

5. Your Body Will Achieve New Levels of Discomfort

Yes, your hips will widen and your pelvis will ache, but don’t forget about your hands and wrists. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common pregnancy companion, and it might require you to wear those awkward wrist braces at night. Don’t hesitate to take pain relief, either—your discomfort isn’t worth the wait.

6. Prepare for Unsolicited Comments About Your Weight

Get ready for a barrage of comments from well-meaning strangers and acquaintances alike. If you mention your due date, you might find yourself labeled either too big or too small. I once had someone express shock at how early I looked! If the comments get under your skin, joke about having “cancer” instead; it might just leave them speechless.

7. You May Experience Intense Mood Swings

Pregnancy can bring out some serious rage. A minor traffic annoyance might feel like a personal attack against you and your unborn child. It’s normal to feel irrationally angry at the world—just find a quiet space to vent it out with some loud music.

8. It’s All About the Boobs

Yes, they’ll grow, and yes, they might hurt. But get ready for the fashion industry to tell you that you need to flaunt them. Maternity clothing often prioritizes showcasing your bust over comfort. After all, once the baby arrives, you’ll be in full milk-cow mode.

In short, pregnancy is a wild ride filled with unexpected changes and challenges. The next time you hear someone say it’s all about the glow, remind them of the truths that come along with it. For more on this topic, you can check out other posts like this one and visit Make a Mom for expert insights. Additionally, the NHS offers excellent resources to navigate your journey.