What were your biggest pregnancy surprises and pet peeves?

Scott Rodriguez2 Asks:
Oh my goodness, Roger Rodriguez, I am absolutely dying over your last two posts! 😂
I feel exactly the same way. It seems like everyone gets on my nerves lately, and I find myself snapping at just about anyone—but then, when I don't get the empathy I need, I just break down. Is it really only a matter of seconds before I'm in tears?
Whenever I see anything related to babies, I just turn into a complete puddle of mush. Is there anything more heart-melting?
I'm certainly not one of those pregnant women who is constantly beaming with smiles, high spirits, and perfect vibes.
I can only imagine what people are thinking about me—just look at this pregnant woman over here.
The baby bump isn't showing just yet, but... what do you think? It’s probably better if they don't crowd me when they jump up—it’s just my preference (and my partner's), and I’m really not looking for any extra affection right now.
Is there anything more precious than those quiet moments? My baby and I just love to snuggle and talk together when we're alone in bed.

Honestly, I am just so done with people giving me unsolicited advice when I didn't ask for a single thing. Why can't they just mind their own business? F... off.

Speaking of which, my hairstylist—someone I've only seen a handful of times—suddenly starts grilling me about how far along I am with the pregnancy. Then, out of nowhere, she pulls my cape aside and just starts rubbing my belly! Can you believe that? 😕 I couldn't quite get my bearings since it was behind me, but wasn't it looking rather strange? 🤣
I’m not usually that strict about boundaries, but I’ve always kept my personal space reserved for family and close friends. Did I really think complete strangers would just decide they could come over and start touching me?
And then I can't help but wonder, won't everyone probably act that same way toward the child? 😱

Jesse Johnson15 said:Honestly, if there isn't mold on it, it’s probably fine to eat 😳

you are actually being so sweet right now 🤣 have you thought about signing up for some sort of prenatal class where you can just vent all those fears? I mean, personally, I am absolutely terrified of the idea of actually holding a newborn, or even things like making sure doors stay shut and everything, and I am honestly counting down the days until I can bring all that up in a group session just so someone can look me in the eye, laugh a little, and tell me that everything is going to be okay.

Oh, those pregnant influencers on TikTok showing off their perfectly smooth, stretch-mark-free bellies with those serene little smiles? Total lies.
I might sound a bit ridiculous, but right now, I am spending way more energy worrying about whether I'll develop GD because of my family history than I am thinking about whether I'm having a boy or a girl, which I won't find out until Friday 👋 )
In my opinion, a "carefree" pregnant woman is really just an uninformed one 😳

And that is the absolute truth. 😳

You really are quite charming, aren't you? 🤣 Would you ever consider joining a prenatal class where you could actually talk about your fears? Personally, I’m terrified of things like holding the baby in my arms or even just holding doors open. I honestly can't wait to bring this up in a group setting—wouldn't it be such a relief to just vent and have someone look me in the eye and tell me there's nothing to worry about?

Is there anything more dishonest than those pregnant women on Instagram who stroke their perfectly smooth stomachs and just smile sweetly at the camera? It’s such a blatant lie, isn't it?
This might sound a bit silly, but I find myself worrying far more about my genetic predisposition for GD than I do about the actual glucose levels from a father I haven't even met yet. I should have some answers this Friday, but isn't it funny how our minds jump to the worst-case scenarios first? 👋 )
I honestly believe that a carefree pregnant woman is just an uninformed one, don't you think?

I’m not taking any classes right now, but I honestly think I’ll be starting psychotherapy soon. 🤣
To be honest, the idea of being surrounded by a dozen cheerful pregnant women actually scares me. That kind of positivity doesn't rub off on me; if anything, it does the exact opposite. I end up feeling even more frustrated because I can't match their energy, and then I just break down in tears.
While waiting in the lobby, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was fourth in line. After she mentioned how the epidurals failed her during her last two deliveries, I dared to admit my own fears about giving birth. Instead of empathy, she lectured me, basically saying that childbirth is just a biological function and something every woman must endure to fulfill her role.
I had to dig deep to keep from snapping back at her. It really hit home because my sister-in-law has been struggling with infertility and is constantly going through IVF treatments without success—can you imagine how devastating it would be to hear something like that?
Jesse Johnson15, if you have a specific wish regarding intimacy, I truly hope it comes true for you. For me, it's been 😍

Man, I just love these badass women, total queens. Honestly, I’d probably 😠give them my full support too. And don't even get me started on those groups of kids out there who basically ignore contraception; I 😠don't even want to go there. She isn't being biased without reason... A close friend of mine went through years of grueling IVF and finally had this absolutely beautiful little girl about a year ago. When you realize everything she had to endure just to get to that point, hearing people argue against it makes me want to just lose it on them, but whatever, that's a whole other rant for another day...
Look, there is no way I'm backing down on this one. 🙂

Nobody’s been touching my stomach. Aside from my mother and a couple of family members—and even then, only after they asked for permission. It feels incredibly weird having people poke at you like that 🤣

Roger Rodriguez said:

Scott Rodriguez2 Asks:
Oh my goodness, Roger Rodriguez, I am absolutely dying over your last two posts! 😂
I feel exactly the same way. It seems like everyone gets on my nerves lately, and I find myself snapping at just about anyone—but then, when I don't get the empathy I need, I just break down. Is it really only a matter of seconds before I'm in tears?
Whenever I see anything related to babies, I just turn into a complete puddle of mush. Is there anything more heart-melting?
I'm certainly not one of those pregnant women who is constantly beaming with smiles, high spirits, and perfect vibes.
I can only imagine what people are thinking about me—just look at this pregnant woman over here.
The baby bump isn't showing just yet, but... what do you think? It’s probably better if they don't crowd me when they jump up—it’s just my preference (and my partner's), and I’m really not looking for any extra affection right now.
Is there anything more precious than those quiet moments? My baby and I just love to snuggle and talk together when we're alone in bed.

Honestly, I am just so done with people giving me unsolicited advice when I didn't ask for a single thing. Why can't they just mind their own business? F... off.

Speaking of which, my hairstylist—someone I've only seen a handful of times—suddenly starts grilling me about how far along I am with the pregnancy. Then, out of nowhere, she pulls my cape aside and just starts rubbing my belly! Can you believe that? 😕 I couldn't quite get my bearings since it was behind me, but wasn't it looking rather strange? 🤣
I’m not usually that strict about boundaries, but I’ve always kept my personal space reserved for family and close friends. Did I really think complete strangers would just decide they could come over and start touching me?
And then I can't help but wonder, won't everyone probably act that same way toward the child? 😱

And that is the absolute truth. 😳

You really are quite charming, aren't you? 🤣 Would you ever consider joining a prenatal class where you could actually talk about your fears? Personally, I’m terrified of things like holding the baby in my arms or even just holding doors open. I honestly can't wait to bring this up in a group setting—wouldn't it be such a relief to just vent and have someone look me in the eye and tell me there's nothing to worry about?

Is there anything more dishonest than those pregnant women on Instagram who stroke their perfectly smooth stomachs and just smile sweetly at the camera? It’s such a blatant lie, isn't it?
This might sound a bit silly, but I find myself worrying far more about my genetic predisposition for GD than I do about the actual glucose levels from a father I haven't even met yet. I should have some answers this Friday, but isn't it funny how our minds jump to the worst-case scenarios first? 👋 )
I honestly believe that a carefree pregnant woman is just an uninformed one, don't you think?

I’m not taking any classes right now, but I honestly think I’ll be starting psychotherapy soon. 🤣
To be honest, the idea of being surrounded by a dozen cheerful pregnant women actually scares me. That kind of positivity doesn't rub off on me; if anything, it does the exact opposite. I end up feeling even more frustrated because I can't match their energy, and then I just break down in tears.
While waiting in the lobby, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was fourth in line. After she mentioned how the epidurals failed her during her last two deliveries, I dared to admit my own fears about giving birth. Instead of empathy, she lectured me, basically saying that childbirth is just a biological function and something every woman must endure to fulfill her role.
I had to dig deep to keep from snapping back at her. It really hit home because my sister-in-law has been struggling with infertility and is constantly going through IVF treatments without success—can you imagine how devastating it would be to hear something like that?
Jesse Johnson15, if you have a specific wish regarding intimacy, I truly hope it comes true for you. For me, it's been 😍

First off, don't beat yourself up; it's not your fault that she's acting out like that. 😳 It honestly drives me crazy when you run into those types of mothers who immediately hit you with these terrifying trauma stories, only to turn around a second later and preach about how everything should just be "natural." 🙂
But you have to realize that, poor thing, she probably needs it—it's just her way of boosting her own ego. She’s had a birth, and you haven't, you know? 😬

There's a pretty good chance that besides her kids, she doesn't have much else going on in her life.

Disclaimer here: I'm not saying these memories aren't a big deal, far from it.

On the other hand: I wouldn't mind a little extra intimacy myself either. 😍
But hey, whatever happens, happens. 🙂

So yeah, girl... 😢

Susan Edwards8 said:Man, I just love these badass women, total queens. Honestly, I’d probably 😠give them my full support too. And don't even get me started on those groups of kids out there who basically ignore contraception; I 😠don't even want to go there. She isn't being biased without reason... A close friend of mine went through years of grueling IVF and finally had this absolutely beautiful little girl about a year ago. When you realize everything she had to endure just to get to that point, hearing people argue against it makes me want to just lose it on them, but whatever, that's a whole other rant for another day...
Look, there is no way I'm backing down on this one. 🙂

Same here, 😠

driftingcrane83 said:Nobody’s been touching my stomach. Aside from my mother and a couple of family members—and even then, only after they asked for permission. It feels incredibly weird having people poke at you like that 🤣

I actually had this experience where the owner of a restaurant I was having lunch at suddenly felt entitled to get close to me. I’d never even seen the guy before! But he acted like it was totally fine because his daughter was just born two months ago. Like, we're part of the same club now or something. 😳

And what are you supposed to do in that situation?

Roger Rodriguez: Why don't you try taking a class? Personally, I go to them, and they really help you see that everyone is dealing with something different—one lady is losing it, another is burping, a third is crying, and one is just laughing and sharing stories about why she's crying... it helps me find a bit of humor in the middle of it all. 😬
And nobody is going to judge you if you admit you're scared. Kids don't come with an instruction manual, for goodness sake...

It drives me absolutely insane when people blame every single bit of my frustration on pregnancy hormones.
Look (you absolute jerk/idiot for even saying that), this didn't bother me before, it doesn't bother me now, and it sure as hell won't bother me later. I simply won't tolerate certain ways of talking or people acting high and mighty, so I match their energy. Then, they have the nerve to pat me on the head and tell me I'm just being "hormonal." Okay, fine, if I'm being hormonal, then what’s your excuse???!!!
The truth is, I don't have any crazy pregnancy cravings, sudden whims, or emotional outbursts. I am just as grounded now as I was during my first pregnancy. My marriage is stable, I have a great husband, and everything I had before is still here; I don't need to hide behind the "I'm pregnant" excuse just to get my way or make things up.
But apparently, nothing is ever good enough... and then I start thinking maybe I really am just a jerk who's making things up just for the sake of it, just to keep everyone else happy.
🙄

driftingcrane83 Asks:
Nobody has touched my stomach. Aside from my mother and a couple of family members—and even then, only after they asked for permission. It feels so incredibly strange having you all poking at me! 😂

Maybe you're just putting out some bad vibes? 🤣
And honestly, isn't it just wonderful how everyone focuses entirely on my looks? It’s almost as if I'm not even actually here. 🤷 I mean, look, the comments aren't necessarily bad, but I feel like I'm at one of those awkward small-town county fairs. It's always something like, "Oh my gosh, you didn't even get any freckles!" (Wait, why would I have gotten them anyway? Is that supposed to be the norm?) or "Wow, you didn't really gain much weight!" Honestly, how am I supposed to stay calm when people say stuff like that? 😠 Forget it—I’m more hungry than full anyway. Now I have to sit here peacefully while some liberal pundits try to judge whether I've gained weight or not. Honestly, what is wrong with people?
I was hanging out with a group of pregnant women recently—some I’ve known forever and others I met for the first time. I didn't think twice about commenting on how they looked; instead, I just asked a few thoughtful questions about their pregnancies and left it at that. Isn't it better to focus on the experience rather than the appearance?

Jesse Johnson15 said:First off, don't beat yourself up; it's not your fault that she's acting out like that. 😳 It honestly drives me crazy when you run into those types of mothers who immediately hit you with these terrifying trauma stories, only to turn around a second later and preach about how everything should just be "natural." 🙂
But you have to realize that, poor thing, she probably needs it—it's just her way of boosting her own ego. She’s had a birth, and you haven't, you know? 😬

There's a pretty good chance that besides her kids, she doesn't have much else going on in her life.

Disclaimer here: I'm not saying these memories aren't a big deal, far from it.

On the other hand: I wouldn't mind a little extra intimacy myself either. 😍
But hey, whatever happens, happens. 🙂

So yeah, girl... 😢

Same here, 😠

I actually had this experience where the owner of a restaurant I was having lunch at suddenly felt entitled to get close to me. I’d never even seen the guy before! But he acted like it was totally fine because his daughter was just born two months ago. Like, we're part of the same club now or something. 😳

And what are you supposed to do in that situation?

Roger Rodriguez: Why don't you try taking a class? Personally, I go to them, and they really help you see that everyone is dealing with something different—one lady is losing it, another is burping, a third is crying, and one is just laughing and sharing stories about why she's crying... it helps me find a bit of humor in the middle of it all. 😬
And nobody is going to judge you if you admit you're scared. Kids don't come with an instruction manual, for goodness sake...

I just don't feel like it. Is it just me? 🤣 I just finished up my finals, and now classes are starting back up again. It’s not that I’m drowning in work, but honestly, I’m so exhausted that even my basic responsibilities feel like a mountain to climb. I ended up skipping that certification course because I felt like I couldn't squeeze it in, even though I know deep down it would actually help me out. Is it always going to be this draining?

Anonymous said:It drives me absolutely insane when people blame every single bit of my frustration on pregnancy hormones.
Look (you absolute jerk/idiot for even saying that), this didn't bother me before, it doesn't bother me now, and it sure as hell won't bother me later. I simply won't tolerate certain ways of talking or people acting high and mighty, so I match their energy. Then, they have the nerve to pat me on the head and tell me I'm just being "hormonal." Okay, fine, if I'm being hormonal, then what’s your excuse???!!!
The truth is, I don't have any crazy pregnancy cravings, sudden whims, or emotional outbursts. I am just as grounded now as I was during my first pregnancy. My marriage is stable, I have a great husband, and everything I had before is still here; I don't need to hide behind the "I'm pregnant" excuse just to get my way or make things up.
But apparently, nothing is ever good enough... and then I start thinking maybe I really am just a jerk who's making things up just for the sake of it, just to keep everyone else happy.
🙄

😘
I can relate to that feeling, even if my hormones are running the show right now; that doesn't mean my feelings aren't valid. Honestly, the things that bother me haven't changed since before the birth, but back then, I had enough patience to just bite my tongue and swallow the nonsense. Now? I have absolutely no filter left, and if something bothers me, I say it.

Roger Rodriguez said:

driftingcrane83 Asks:
Nobody has touched my stomach. Aside from my mother and a couple of family members—and even then, only after they asked for permission. It feels so incredibly strange having you all poking at me! 😂

Maybe you're just putting out some bad vibes? 🤣
And honestly, isn't it just wonderful how everyone focuses entirely on my looks? It’s almost as if I'm not even actually here. 🤷 I mean, look, the comments aren't necessarily bad, but I feel like I'm at one of those awkward small-town county fairs. It's always something like, "Oh my gosh, you didn't even get any freckles!" (Wait, why would I have gotten them anyway? Is that supposed to be the norm?) or "Wow, you didn't really gain much weight!" Honestly, how am I supposed to stay calm when people say stuff like that? 😠 Forget it—I’m more hungry than full anyway. Now I have to sit here peacefully while some liberal pundits try to judge whether I've gained weight or not. Honestly, what is wrong with people?
I was hanging out with a group of pregnant women recently—some I’ve known forever and others I met for the first time. I didn't think twice about commenting on how they looked; instead, I just asked a few thoughtful questions about their pregnancies and left it at that. Isn't it better to focus on the experience rather than the appearance?

I just don't feel like it. Is it just me? 🤣 I just finished up my finals, and now classes are starting back up again. It’s not that I’m drowning in work, but honestly, I’m so exhausted that even my basic responsibilities feel like a mountain to climb. I ended up skipping that certification course because I felt like I couldn't squeeze it in, even though I know deep down it would actually help me out. Is it always going to be this draining?

😘
I can relate to that feeling, even if my hormones are running the show right now; that doesn't mean my feelings aren't valid. Honestly, the things that bother me haven't changed since before the birth, but back then, I had enough patience to just bite my tongue and swallow the nonsense. Now? I have absolutely no filter left, and if something bothers me, I say it.

I'm with you on this one! 🙏
I honestly don't have the energy to deal with everyone's constant whining anymore. I've actually distanced myself from certain people lately, and frankly—I don't miss them one bit! 🙄

Roger Rodriguez said:

driftingcrane83 Asks:
Nobody has touched my stomach. Aside from my mother and a couple of family members—and even then, only after they asked for permission. It feels so incredibly strange having you all poking at me! 😂

Maybe you're just putting out some bad vibes? 🤣
And honestly, isn't it just wonderful how everyone focuses entirely on my looks? It’s almost as if I'm not even actually here. 🤷 I mean, look, the comments aren't necessarily bad, but I feel like I'm at one of those awkward small-town county fairs. It's always something like, "Oh my gosh, you didn't even get any freckles!" (Wait, why would I have gotten them anyway? Is that supposed to be the norm?) or "Wow, you didn't really gain much weight!" Honestly, how am I supposed to stay calm when people say stuff like that? 😠 Forget it—I’m more hungry than full anyway. Now I have to sit here peacefully while some liberal pundits try to judge whether I've gained weight or not. Honestly, what is wrong with people?
I was hanging out with a group of pregnant women recently—some I’ve known forever and others I met for the first time. I didn't think twice about commenting on how they looked; instead, I just asked a few thoughtful questions about their pregnancies and left it at that. Isn't it better to focus on the experience rather than the appearance?

I just don't feel like it. Is it just me? 🤣 I just finished up my finals, and now classes are starting back up again. It’s not that I’m drowning in work, but honestly, I’m so exhausted that even my basic responsibilities feel like a mountain to climb. I ended up skipping that certification course because I felt like I couldn't squeeze it in, even though I know deep down it would actually help me out. Is it always going to be this draining?

😘
I can relate to that feeling, even if my hormones are running the show right now; that doesn't mean my feelings aren't valid. Honestly, the things that bother me haven't changed since before the birth, but back then, I had enough patience to just bite my tongue and swallow the nonsense. Now? I have absolutely no filter left, and if something bothers me, I say it.

🤣 Believe it or not, I haven't really felt 🙂 personally, though I don't care that much about any of it. Even my husband tells me I'm acting completely normal—though maybe he's actually just terrified of me? Or maybe I was always this moody to begin with? 😬 )

And am I the only one who hasn't had those crazy "hangry" episodes yet? When does that part of the madness actually kick in?

By the way, when do you guys usually find time to check in here? Should we maybe pivot to a different topic so we don't go too far off track from the main thread?
I'm pretty new to this group, and man, some of these thread titles are intense 😱 it feels like it's nothing but talk about aches and pains and stuff like that 🙄

Jesse Johnson15 said:🤣 Believe it or not, I haven't really felt 🙂 personally, though I don't care that much about any of it. Even my husband tells me I'm acting completely normal—though maybe he's actually just terrified of me? Or maybe I was always this moody to begin with? 😬 )

And am I the only one who hasn't had those crazy "hangry" episodes yet? When does that part of the madness actually kick in?

By the way, when do you guys usually find time to check in here? Should we maybe pivot to a different topic so we don't go too far off track from the main thread?
I'm pretty new to this group, and man, some of these thread titles are intense 😱 it feels like it's nothing but talk about aches and pains and stuff like that 🙄

point?

Jesse Johnson15 said:🤣 Believe it or not, I haven't really felt 🙂 personally, though I don't care that much about any of it. Even my husband tells me I'm acting completely normal—though maybe he's actually just terrified of me? Or maybe I was always this moody to begin with? 😬 )

And am I the only one who hasn't had those crazy "hangry" episodes yet? When does that part of the madness actually kick in?

By the way, when do you guys usually find time to check in here? Should we maybe pivot to a different topic so we don't go too far off track from the main thread?
I'm pretty new to this group, and man, some of these thread titles are intense 😱 it feels like it's nothing but talk about aches and pains and stuff like that 🙄

I’m in the exact same boat as you. It wasn't until I hit the 36-week mark that I had my first real hormonal meltdown, where I just started crying for absolutely no reason at all. My appetite has also only really kicked in now that I'm nearing the end of the pregnancy.
If anything, I’d say I’ve been much more mellow since becoming pregnant; I find myself picking fewer fights with my husband and things like that.

I did have one rather strange experience, though—a waitress who saw me for the first and last time reached out to touch my belly. She was all euphoric and kept asking if the baby was moving. To be honest, I was more caught off guard than actually annoyed by it. Aside from that, only my family and close friends have touched my stomach, and usually only because I invited them to.

Lawrence Cook2 said:I’m in the exact same boat as you. It wasn't until I hit the 36-week mark that I had my first real hormonal meltdown, where I just started crying for absolutely no reason at all. My appetite has also only really kicked in now that I'm nearing the end of the pregnancy.
If anything, I’d say I’ve been much more mellow since becoming pregnant; I find myself picking fewer fights with my husband and things like that.

I did have one rather strange experience, though—a waitress who saw me for the first and last time reached out to touch my belly. She was all euphoric and kept asking if the baby was moving. To be honest, I was more caught off guard than actually annoyed by it. Aside from that, only my family and close friends have touched my stomach, and usually only because I invited them to.

Oh man, tell me about it!!! The memories are flooding back now. There was this one time I actually burst into tears over a plate of sautéed zucchini. I usually absolutely love them—I basically spend the whole year counting down the days until zucchini season hits—but I piled a plate high, took one bite, and suddenly, ugh, everything changed! My sense of taste just completely flipped and they tasted revolting. I ended up hiding away like a little kid.😬

Honestly, I'm just too exhausted to complain about anything lately.😬

Wait, did we end up going to the same restaurant?🤣

Roger Rodriguez said:

driftingcrane83 Asks:
Nobody has touched my stomach. Aside from my mother and a couple of family members—and even then, only after they asked for permission. It feels so incredibly strange having you all poking at me! 😂

Maybe you're just putting out some bad vibes? 🤣
And honestly, isn't it just wonderful how everyone focuses entirely on my looks? It’s almost as if I'm not even actually here. 🤷 I mean, look, the comments aren't necessarily bad, but I feel like I'm at one of those awkward small-town county fairs. It's always something like, "Oh my gosh, you didn't even get any freckles!" (Wait, why would I have gotten them anyway? Is that supposed to be the norm?) or "Wow, you didn't really gain much weight!" Honestly, how am I supposed to stay calm when people say stuff like that? 😠 Forget it—I’m more hungry than full anyway. Now I have to sit here peacefully while some liberal pundits try to judge whether I've gained weight or not. Honestly, what is wrong with people?
I was hanging out with a group of pregnant women recently—some I’ve known forever and others I met for the first time. I didn't think twice about commenting on how they looked; instead, I just asked a few thoughtful questions about their pregnancies and left it at that. Isn't it better to focus on the experience rather than the appearance?

I just don't feel like it. Is it just me? 🤣 I just finished up my finals, and now classes are starting back up again. It’s not that I’m drowning in work, but honestly, I’m so exhausted that even my basic responsibilities feel like a mountain to climb. I ended up skipping that certification course because I felt like I couldn't squeeze it in, even though I know deep down it would actually help me out. Is it always going to be this draining?

😘
I can relate to that feeling, even if my hormones are running the show right now; that doesn't mean my feelings aren't valid. Honestly, the things that bother me haven't changed since before the birth, but back then, I had enough patience to just bite my tongue and swallow the nonsense. Now? I have absolutely no filter left, and if something bothers me, I say it.

I didn't have one before, either.
And I definitely don't have one now.
If you try to play games with me, honestly, I don't care if you were pregnant or not, ☕just shut up.

Jesse Johnson15 said:Honestly, if there isn't mold on it, it’s probably fine to eat 😳

you are actually being so sweet right now 🤣 have you thought about signing up for some sort of prenatal class where you can just vent all those fears? I mean, personally, I am absolutely terrified of the idea of actually holding a newborn, or even things like making sure doors stay shut and everything, and I am honestly counting down the days until I can bring all that up in a group session just so someone can look me in the eye, laugh a little, and tell me that everything is going to be okay.

Oh, those pregnant influencers on TikTok showing off their perfectly smooth, stretch-mark-free bellies with those serene little smiles? Total lies.
I might sound a bit ridiculous, but right now, I am spending way more energy worrying about whether I'll develop GD because of my family history than I am thinking about whether I'm having a boy or a girl, which I won't find out until Friday 👋 )
In my opinion, a "carefree" pregnant woman is really just an uninformed one 😳

Ugh, what a total load of nonsense!
I'm actually in my 37th week now, and honestly? I’m even more chill than I was before I got pregnant... and it's not because I'm young and clumsy (hey, I'm 36!) or because I just don't care... it's actually because I *am* informed. I don't jump every time some other pregnant lady or a worried bystander starts panicking over every little thing...
Most of what I know, I learned by taking the long way around all those pregnancy horror stories and sticking to reading stuff that actually felt useful to me... My pregnancy has been awesome, barely any issues at all (just a few swollen veins and a little back pain here and there...)
Plus, the pregnant women I see hanging around hospitals and clinics always seem so grumpy and ready to snap at anyone, so I guess they find it weird when someone isn't acting just as stressed as they are...
Give me a break... as if being pregnant is this divine, sacred thing meant only for a chosen few...
Just relax, people! It’s totally natural... and as such, there’s really no need to obsess over every single tiny detail...
I haven't changed one bit from who I was before. In fact, I take everything in stride with a smile... whether it's people touching my belly, asking silly questions, or not giving up a seat on the subway... so what? I'm happy, and I still have plenty of energy, just like always. When you really know yourself—belly or no belly—life is easier. There aren't these massive identity shifts when you get pregnant, unless (God forbid) there are unexpected complications...
Good luck!😉)

I also feel pretty great most of the time. Sure, I might be a little "off," but nothing dramatic. Honestly, I’m just happy and content with who I am.

Honestly, there were a few things during my pregnancy that nearly drove me over the edge, like
1. "Why won't you find out the gender? How can you possibly wait? You definitely know, you're just being difficult, right?"
ME: 🙂

2. "Based on your face, I’d bet it’s a girl," or "The shape of your belly says it's definitely a boy!"
ME: 🙄

3. "Why on earth did you pick those names? No one in your family is even named that!"
ME: 😕

4. "Are you crazy? How can you even drive a car this far along!" or "Isn't your husband embarrassed seeing you vacuuming the floor with a bump that big?"
ME: 😲 😕

5. "Just enjoy the sleep while you can for these next few weeks. Once the baby arrives, you won't get a wink of shut-eye!"
ME: 🙂

And then there was an endless stream of other questions and comments designed specifically to grate on my last nerve! ...
- And honestly, it didn't stop once the baby was actually here 😁

Jesse Johnson15 said:🤣 Believe it or not, I haven't really felt 🙂 personally, though I don't care that much about any of it. Even my husband tells me I'm acting completely normal—though maybe he's actually just terrified of me? Or maybe I was always this moody to begin with? 😬 )

And am I the only one who hasn't had those crazy "hangry" episodes yet? When does that part of the madness actually kick in?

By the way, when do you guys usually find time to check in here? Should we maybe pivot to a different topic so we don't go too far off track from the main thread?
I'm pretty new to this group, and man, some of these thread titles are intense 😱 it feels like it's nothing but talk about aches and pains and stuff like that 🙄

True, but I can barely keep up over there; posts are flying by so fast that just as I try to introduce myself, I see ten more have been posted and suddenly I'm jumping into a conversation mid-stream 😢 It's impossible to find a moment to breathe 😢

rustynomad12 said:Ugh, what a total load of nonsense!
I'm actually in my 37th week now, and honestly? I’m even more chill than I was before I got pregnant... and it's not because I'm young and clumsy (hey, I'm 36!) or because I just don't care... it's actually because I *am* informed. I don't jump every time some other pregnant lady or a worried bystander starts panicking over every little thing...
Most of what I know, I learned by taking the long way around all those pregnancy horror stories and sticking to reading stuff that actually felt useful to me... My pregnancy has been awesome, barely any issues at all (just a few swollen veins and a little back pain here and there...)
Plus, the pregnant women I see hanging around hospitals and clinics always seem so grumpy and ready to snap at anyone, so I guess they find it weird when someone isn't acting just as stressed as they are...
Give me a break... as if being pregnant is this divine, sacred thing meant only for a chosen few...
Just relax, people! It’s totally natural... and as such, there’s really no need to obsess over every single tiny detail...
I haven't changed one bit from who I was before. In fact, I take everything in stride with a smile... whether it's people touching my belly, asking silly questions, or not giving up a seat on the subway... so what? I'm happy, and I still have plenty of energy, just like always. When you really know yourself—belly or no belly—life is easier. There aren't these massive identity shifts when you get pregnant, unless (God forbid) there are unexpected complications...
Good luck!😉)

That sounds lovely, but my situation is a bit different; I'm not feeling lucky, I'm just feeling pure rage and frustration. It's not even because I'm pregnant, it's because at 25, I feel like I've been hit by a truck every single day. I get that so many women feel this way and that it eventually passes, but for me, this is just reality.It’s a massive shift physically, which honestly takes a toll on my mental state because I absolutely despise feeling vulnerable. 🤷 It’s hard to stay positive when one wrong move leaves me sidelined and stuck in bed for an entire week.
I wish I could find a way to laugh about all this—I can usually find the humor in other people's struggles 😬 but when it comes to myself, it's much tougher. I have to admit, it’s been a struggle coming to terms with these new limitations and realizing there are things I simply can't do anymore.

Roger Rodriguez, there’s a wide spectrum here. Roughly speaking, I feel like we older moms—I'm 34 myself—especially those of us having our first, are in a slightly different life stage than you guys at 25. Isn't it perfectly understandable that the stress levels hit you much harder?

I can’t even imagine being pregnant at 25. 😁 So, hats off to you all. Keep pushing forward.

Quinn:

I've been sitting here staring at my screen for a while now, just trying to find the right way to put this all together because there’s so much swirling around in my head, and honestly, it feels like I need to get it out there somewhere just to make sense of it all. You know those days where everything feels slightly off-kilter, like you're walking through a dream that’s just a little too vivid? That’s been my headspace lately. It’s funny how life works, isn't it? One minute you think you have a handle on things—you've got your routine down, maybe you're grabbing a coffee at a local Starbucks and feeling pretty settled—and then something shifts, and suddenly you're looking at the world through a completely different lens. I was actually thinking about this the other day while I was driving through downtown Chicago, watching the traffic crawl along, and it hit me how much we all just try to maintain this facade of having it all figured out when, in reality, most of us are just making it up as we go. I don't mean to ramble, I really don't, it's just that when you start pulling on one thread of a thought, the whole sweater tends to unravel, if that makes any sense. I feel like I'm constantly trying to weave it back together, though. Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm still processing everything, and I wanted to reach out and share this bit of my internal monologue with you all, even if it's a little disorganized. It feels more honest that way, I suppose. Just being real about the messiness of it all. kaže: I’m currently 37 weeks along, and honestly, I feel more at peace and carefree right now than I ever did before I was even pregnant. It’s such a strange, beautiful thing how everything just settles into place when you get this close to the finish line.

That sounds great, but about that part in bold:

driftingcrane83 said:I also feel pretty great most of the time. Sure, I might be a little "off," but nothing dramatic. Honestly, I’m just happy and content with who I am.

I’d say I’m happy about 99.9% of the time, honestly, but I can’t help the way my stomach knots up right before any kind of lab work or medical analysis. I don't mean to make a huge deal out of it—it’s not like I’m having a full-blown meltdown or anything—but if I said I didn't feel that wave of anxiety creeping in before every single checkup, I’d be lying to myself. It’s such a strange, conflicting thing because, at the exact same time, there’s this little part of me that actually looks forward to them, almost like I'm eager to just get it over with and see the results.

I guess it all really comes down to how much of a struggle the pregnancy itself is, because honestly, for me, it’s been pretty much nothing but misery so far—I don't even bother counting the times I've been sick to my stomach anymore since it's just become such a constant thing. But on top of that, there's this one physical issue I'm dealing with that actually has nothing to do with being pregnant, which basically means I could be forced into bed at any given moment. And for someone like me, who absolutely hates being stuck lying down and prefers staying on the move, that is a seriously tough pill to swallow.

I just can't help it, you know? It’s like this thing that keeps bubbling up in the back of my mind, and honestly, I can't seem to shake it, no matter how much I try to stay busy or distract myself with work or anything else. It just hits me out of nowhere every once in a while, and there's really nothing I can do about it other than just sit there and let the thought wander through my head. 🤷 I mean, honestly, if you look at the big picture, I’m actually doing pretty great—just living my best life and keeping things happy for Mom. 😁

I guess what I was getting at with my whole thing about ignorance is that if you don't know something exists, it can't exactly weigh on your mind, right? It’s like, if I had no idea that one of my health issues could actually pose a risk during Pregnancy, I wouldn't be losing any sleep over it at all—I’d just be going about my day, totally oblivious, while everything stays blissfully unaware. It's that classic "ignorance is bliss" situation where you're just coasting along because you don't realize there's even a bump in the road ahead.

So, just to give you an idea of how this works... 🙂
I’m not trying to be negative or anything, I just really believe that having these kinds of fears is totally normal—just like how dealing with heartburn, hemorrhoids, or broken capillaries is just part of life. You could just keep adding things to that list forever. It doesn't mean that everyone out there is experiencing them at the exact same time, you know? 🙂

I’m 31 now, and honestly, I feel like I've finally settled that big, nagging life question once and for all. I mean, I really think age plays a certain part in how you see things, doesn't it? It's like everything just starts to click into place differently when you hit your thirties. 🙂

Honestly, looking back, I feel like I was such a freaking kid when I was dealing with Pregnancy at 22. I was way, way more chill back then than I am now🙂. Back in the day, we didn't have the internet constantly screaming in our faces. I had my friends who were also pregnant, a couple of books like "What to Expect When You're Expecting," and maybe some old issues of *Parents* magazine. Google? Zero help. I didn't have any worries because, frankly, I didn't even know what was coming my way. Fast forward to 34, and man, I’m a total nervous wreck. I’m constantly overthinking everything, just spiraling. I’m drowning in information, and even though I’m trying so hard to just enjoy the moment, it’s impossible. It’s just constant stress—waiting on ultrasound results, worrying about every little thing, checking for discharge, dealing with nausea, and now I've got a UTI🙂—I’m losing my mind, seriously.

Since everything is so subjective 🤷
I always planned on having a Pregnancy around age 33. Honestly, it’s been great (mostly). No morning sickness, no other nonsense.
Plus, I actually enjoy being pampered by everyone, and I can afford certain luxuries that I usually wouldn't 😁

My hips still ache, which is something my aunts constantly nag me about, while the men don't lift a finger. It isn't even about the pregnancy; sexism just gets under my skin regardless.