Things They Don't Tell You

Ok, so I think I am far enough along in pregnancy to share a few insider tips or rather secrets that go along with the joys of "being with child." Honestly, this is as much a list for those thinking about becoming prego as much as it is a reminder for me! I will spare you the long blog and only post 5 at a time... I suspect I will have lots to add to the list post delivery!

Here it goes:

1. Once you are pregnant, you do not own your body anymore. This may seem like an obvious statement, but its amazing how much changes that you don't think of. You are constantly tired, body parts don't function properly, symptoms you have never had before pop up randomly, you start liking foods that you never liked before and stopped liking things that you always loved eating prior to pregnancy. Its like you disappear from your former self.... oh and once you think you have finally got it figured out- you start a new trimester- with new crazy attached.

2. Speaking of bodily functions... not to go into too much detail but here are a few symptoms they don't tell you about. Nosebleeds. Yep, weird but it is true. I never had this prior to pregnancy so it was a big surprise to me. Gums bleeding. It doesn't matter how clean your teeth are, this will still happen. Constipation. Umm, enough said. Heartburn. Probably one of the worst parts of pregnancy in my opinion. Sciatica. Seriously, this will drop you to the floor its so painful. Also, its random so you never know when or why it will happen. Just expect pain.

3. Tired. No, rather exhausted. I expected that I would have some change in my energy level before I got pregnant but nothing like this. Its like I could hibernate for 9 months and still not feel like I have caught up on my sleep!

4. Everyone loves a pregnant person. Its amazing how people gravitate towards you when you become pregnant... especially as you start to grow a belly! Women who have had children like to reminisce about their pregnancies, women who haven't had children are generally curious and ask questions about how you are doing. (Also I think they secretly like it when you put on weight. Makes them feel better about themselves.) Men are usually protective especially when it comes to physical tasks. For example, they will carry boxes or open doors for you without question. Its nice.

5. Unsolicited advice and touching of the belly. I get random advice all the time about how I should raise or take care of the baby when it gets here. I am not sure why but its usually older people who dole out the advice without ever thinking twice. Usually, I just smile and say thanks. Its really all you can do. Regarding belly touching... I am not big on this. Apparently my stomach has a big target on it and everyone has to touch it. No one asks, they just do it.