What were your biggest pregnancy surprises and pet peeves?

I was honestly caught off guard by all the literature out there for pregnancy and new moms. You’ve got the usual suspects, like those "week-by-week pregnancy guides" or the "your baby's first year" manuals. But this one book, "The Modern Mom's Guide," just absolutely set me off. I managed to get through maybe two pages before I decided to just take it right back to the library.

graniteseal29 said:I was honestly caught off guard by all the literature out there for pregnancy and new moms. You’ve got the usual suspects, like those "week-by-week pregnancy guides" or the "your baby's first year" manuals. But this one book, "The Modern Mom's Guide," just absolutely set me off. I managed to get through maybe two pages before I decided to just take it right back to the library.

What was it about the book that got under your skin so much? 😁
I used "What to Expect When You're Expecting"—we bought it during my first pregnancy and it’s actually quite solid. It cost us a fortune back then, but it was worth every penny. It’s helpful to track what’s happening with the baby day by day. Plus, it’s packed with photos 😁

So, I’m grabbing coffee with a friend—I’m only seven weeks along—and she decides this is the perfect moment to recount her second pregnancy experience. She tells me how her water broke at six months and she spent the rest of the term stuck in the hospital. Thankfully, everything turned out fine and she has a healthy little girl now.
I actually told her four separate times to please spare me the horror stories, especially since I'm just starting out, but she simply wouldn't listen. She finishes her grim tale only to hit me with: "Well, I'm sure that won't happen to you." 🙂
The nausea is driving me crazy, and I’m hungry all the time, yet I have absolutely no idea what I actually want to eat.
By the way, I think I'll handle this pregnancy differently than my first; back then, I was much more polite about people's unsolicited advice.
This time around, I’ll probably be a bit more grouchy, seeing as the "you should" and "you shouldn't" comments have already started rolling in.
It’s enough to drive a person mad... and we're barely even getting started. 🙂

Dana Brown8 said:So, I’m grabbing coffee with a friend—I’m only seven weeks along—and she decides this is the perfect moment to recount her second pregnancy experience. She tells me how her water broke at six months and she spent the rest of the term stuck in the hospital. Thankfully, everything turned out fine and she has a healthy little girl now.
I actually told her four separate times to please spare me the horror stories, especially since I'm just starting out, but she simply wouldn't listen. She finishes her grim tale only to hit me with: "Well, I'm sure that won't happen to you." 🙂
The nausea is driving me crazy, and I’m hungry all the time, yet I have absolutely no idea what I actually want to eat.
By the way, I think I'll handle this pregnancy differently than my first; back then, I was much more polite about people's unsolicited advice.
This time around, I’ll probably be a bit more grouchy, seeing as the "you should" and "you shouldn't" comments have already started rolling in.
It’s enough to drive a person mad... and we're barely even getting started. 🙂

I second this. I'm nauseous whether I'm hungry or not, whether I eat or don't eat, whether I drink something or don't... 🙂🙂 It's exhausting.
It's annoying having to carry around little bags for vomiting in my purse. 🙂
It's annoying when I feel like I'm throwing up even though my stomach is empty and nothing comes up. 🙂
Come to think of it, everything is just irritating right now. 😂

wanderinghawk said:I second this. I'm nauseous whether I'm hungry or not, whether I eat or don't eat, whether I drink something or don't... 🙂🙂 It's exhausting.
It's annoying having to carry around little bags for vomiting in my purse. 🙂
It's annoying when I feel like I'm throwing up even though my stomach is empty and nothing comes up. 🙂
Come to think of it, everything is just irritating right now. 😂

I don't actually vomit, but that constant sensation in the back of my throat is exhausting. Sometimes I wonder if it would be easier to just let it happen so I could finally get some peace.

Maybe today is just one of those days where everything gets under my skin and I’m extra sensitive, but enough is enough. I need to vent... 🙂

I am sick of everyone constantly counting my calories and warning me about gaining too much weight. My belly is huge, but I'm 22 weeks pregnant. I eat a balanced diet and I don't overeat because I'm honestly not even that hungry, but since I'm not moving around as much, obviously things are changing... plus the baby is growing, obviously.
My back hurts and I can barely turn over in bed at night. I'm waking up multiple times a night... partly because I have to pee and partly because of the back pain.
The urge to pee is driving me insane, so even my walks outside only last about thirty minutes before I have to sprint to a restroom. I used to spend hours outdoors with my dogs, and I really miss that.
Everything down there hurts and I feel like I'm being stretched apart.
I have zero interest in sex, which makes me feel guilty even though my husband hasn't said a word or made me feel bad about it... I know how important sex is to him, especially since it was fine for me just yesterday.
Even being touched bothers me—I've become incredibly touchy.
I invited my cousin over for coffee and she said she couldn't make it (which is fine, people have lives), but then she added—she can't just sit at home on a Friday night because she's a single girl. 🙂
I'm frustrated with myself because everyone around me seems way more euphoric about the baby than I am. They talk about nothing but kids, pregnancy, and related stuff, when I would much rather talk about anything else. I don't feel like I'm carrying a little person; I just feel like I'm dealing with a swollen stomach that's uncomfortable, constant aches, a waddle instead of a walk, and having nothing left to wear. People look at me and only see a pregnant woman, not a person named Brenda Doyle5. 😢 😢
I am not enjoying this pregnancy. It isn't the best period of my life—and I lose it when people tell me, "Just enjoy it now, this is the most beautiful time of your life." Honestly, I don't know how they lived, but I've definitely had better times than this.
It's annoying how everyone throws baby name suggestions at me without asking, and when I say I don't like a name, they lecture me on why I should.
And then there are the people who "helpfully" suggest I go to the hospital or a maternity ward immediately, acting surprised that I'm still hanging out at home when I could be "enjoying" it there.

🙂

And so on... ☕

I’m about ready to snap because I honestly can’t deal with this anymore.😛
This is my second pregnancy, and since we already have one little girl, it looks like we’re adding another daughter to the mix. The commentary from people around us—most of whom don't even have kids themselves—is just relentless. It’s always something: "Oh, you'll have to have a third now," or "As long as they're healthy, right?" or the classic, "Again, a girl? Man, we were so lucky, our first was a boy."🙄

I genuinely cannot wrap my head around their logic. I don't understand where this sudden urge to "pity" us comes from, especially since, truth be told, I was secretly hoping for another girl. My husband was the one leaning toward having a son, so if anyone's disappointed, it's him—but these comments are getting exhausting.🙂

copperheron18 said:I’m about ready to snap because I honestly can’t deal with this anymore.😛
This is my second pregnancy, and since we already have one little girl, it looks like we’re adding another daughter to the mix. The commentary from people around us—most of whom don't even have kids themselves—is just relentless. It’s always something: "Oh, you'll have to have a third now," or "As long as they're healthy, right?" or the classic, "Again, a girl? Man, we were so lucky, our first was a boy."🙄

I genuinely cannot wrap my head around their logic. I don't understand where this sudden urge to "pity" us comes from, especially since, truth be told, I was secretly hoping for another girl. My husband was the one leaning toward having a son, so if anyone's disappointed, it's him—but these comments are getting exhausting.🙂

Man, people can be so incredibly clueless and annoying sometimes. Seriously, I don't know if they even realize how stupid they sound. You're having another daughter, and that should be a huge reason to celebrate. Don't let idiots like that ruin your mood.

Roger Rodriguez said:Those patches completely wrecked my hormones; I gained 30 pounds in just six months, and I dealt with constant allergic reactions at the application site, even though I switched spots every single week.🤷Even now, years later, I still have scars on my arms (where I gripped them most tightly because they kept peeling off my stomach) from those rashes that were so itchy I ended up scratching myself bloody.🙂
On the flip side, a close friend of mine has used them for five years straight without a single issue.🤷

By the way, those synthetic scents always made me feel nauseous too, especially that cloud of cologne my boyfriend sprays around the apartment in the morning; I’m honestly surprised I haven't thrown all his fragrances out the window yet.

Right now, I am beyond frustrated because I actually had an accident in my pants right in the middle of the street. It was pouring rain, so maybe people thought I just sat in a puddle, but it wasn't pretty—I spent fifteen minutes hobbling along trying to find a restroom, only to end up losing it like I'd swallowed a gallon of water just five minutes before reaching my apartment.☕
And for three days, I've been worrying about this stomach ache, terrified that I'd start dealing with massive bloating today. Well, here we are; I feel like if I lit a match, I might blow up the entire apartment building. It feels like I've spent the last week eating nothing but heavy greasy fast food, and now it's all making its exit. I have never experienced anything quite this intense. I woke up in the middle of the night to such a stench that I nearly hallucinated; I genuinely thought I was stuck in a barn next to fifteen horses and cows. This is going to be the death of me!🙂

😂😂😂😂😂 Oh god, you really made me laugh. I actually needed this 🤣

copperheron18 said:I’m about ready to snap because I honestly can’t deal with this anymore.😛
This is my second pregnancy, and since we already have one little girl, it looks like we’re adding another daughter to the mix. The commentary from people around us—most of whom don't even have kids themselves—is just relentless. It’s always something: "Oh, you'll have to have a third now," or "As long as they're healthy, right?" or the classic, "Again, a girl? Man, we were so lucky, our first was a boy."🙄

I genuinely cannot wrap my head around their logic. I don't understand where this sudden urge to "pity" us comes from, especially since, truth be told, I was secretly hoping for another girl. My husband was the one leaning toward having a son, so if anyone's disappointed, it's him—but these comments are getting exhausting.🙂

🤣🤣😂😂
I have one daughter too, and I'm hoping for another girl this time...😍
A week before I gave birth, my neighbor asked me what I was having. I told her, "A girl." She just looked at me, patted me on the head, and said, "And what of it?"☕ 🙂

wanderinghawk said:🤣🤣😂😂
I have one daughter too, and I'm hoping for another girl this time...😍
A week before I gave birth, my neighbor asked me what I was having. I told her, "A girl." She just looked at me, patted me on the head, and said, "And what of it?"☕ 🙂

I also have a daughter, and we aren't even sure what we're waiting for yet, but if anyone drops a negative comment... 🙂

I honestly don't get people like that. We wanted two kids. Gender doesn't matter. For my first girl, I only ever got one snarky comment along the lines of, "Well, what good is she?" It caught me so off guard I didn't even know how to respond. I spent the rest of the day wondering what I should have said. 🙂

To be honest, this pregnancy is nothing like my first. I feel completely drained; I can barely move. The heartburn has already started, the nausea was a new experience since I didn't have it the first time, I've broken out in a rash, my hair is a mess, and my skin is parched. It's a disaster. Based on how differently I'm carrying this time, I'm starting to suspect it might be a boy.

It infuriates me. After spending the night running to the bathroom—let’s say four or five times—I wake up with a constant wave of nausea. It’s maddening that I can't even enjoy a quiet cup of coffee; by the third sip, my stomach turns. Everything looks revolting, yet I am starving at the same time.🙂It also grates on me that nobody takes me seriously. There is a distinct difference between vomiting and feeling nauseous. Because I am stuck in the nausea phase without actually throwing up, people dismiss me entirely. It’s exhausting walking around the house feeling like my stomach is rising in my throat, only to have someone tell me, "Can you drop the attitude? Try smiling for once." 🙂
I honestly look forward to meeting someone on the brink of puking who actually has a smile on their face. That would be pure bliss...🙄
This is my third day like this. Three days of being trapped in this nausea twenty-four hours a day, and still having to justify my existence every single morning.

Everyone loves to lecture me. They say, "A pregnant woman should be cheerful and bright," while I'm over here trying to explain that it’s hard to fake a grin when I feel like I'm going to lose it every time I take a sip of water.🤷
Then there’s the advice to "just lie down and rest." But if I do that, I get hit with, "You aren't doing anything today," or my favorite: "You're pregnant, you're not sick."☕

The list goes on. This is just the beginning...☕

Since this is my second pregnancy in a pretty short window—gave birth barely over a year ago—it’s driving me crazy how everyone keeps commenting on how much of a bump I’m already showing at just 13 weeks.
SO WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO ABOUT IT?? I know I won't be fitting into my jeans anymore, and I actually went out to buy maternity pants yesterday, but let's face it: I've always been built in a way where everything goes straight to my stomach. And honestly, I'll be the one dealing with the postpartum weight loss, not these busybodies.
I'm also feeling a bit on edge because I've been stuck with a cold, sinus pressure, and a headache, so I'm trying to come up with a clever comeback for these comments. Any suggestions? 😁

Dana Brown8 said:Since this is my second pregnancy in a pretty short window—gave birth barely over a year ago—it’s driving me crazy how everyone keeps commenting on how much of a bump I’m already showing at just 13 weeks.
SO WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO ABOUT IT?? I know I won't be fitting into my jeans anymore, and I actually went out to buy maternity pants yesterday, but let's face it: I've always been built in a way where everything goes straight to my stomach. And honestly, I'll be the one dealing with the postpartum weight loss, not these busybodies.
I'm also feeling a bit on edge because I've been stuck with a cold, sinus pressure, and a headache, so I'm trying to come up with a clever comeback for these comments. Any suggestions? 😁

Ugh, I feel you. This is my second pregnancy too, and the commentary is identical.
My bump was visible practically from day one, and there's a constant stream of remarks about how big it is or how huge the baby must be. Since I have friends around me who are pregnant with their firsts and we look roughly the same size, there’s this endless cycle of bewildered stares and questioning...
Then comes that irritating lecture about how it’s my second time around, how my skin isn't as elastic as it used to be, blah blah blah. It’s accompanied by those pitying looks that seem to imply, "Oh, don't bother making excuses, just admit you've put on weight." 🤣
Anyway, I'm nearly 24 weeks along now, I've gained a significant amount of weight, and the belly is going to be massive by the time I deliver...
Given that I ended up even thinner after my first pregnancy than I was before, I'm telling you: don't let it get to you. I'll be back to my usual self eventually, even if I'm living on nothing but crackers and water, so there won't be much long-term enjoyment in staring at this extra weight. 😛

copperheron18 said:Ugh, I feel you. This is my second pregnancy too, and the commentary is identical.
My bump was visible practically from day one, and there's a constant stream of remarks about how big it is or how huge the baby must be. Since I have friends around me who are pregnant with their firsts and we look roughly the same size, there’s this endless cycle of bewildered stares and questioning...
Then comes that irritating lecture about how it’s my second time around, how my skin isn't as elastic as it used to be, blah blah blah. It’s accompanied by those pitying looks that seem to imply, "Oh, don't bother making excuses, just admit you've put on weight." 🤣
Anyway, I'm nearly 24 weeks along now, I've gained a significant amount of weight, and the belly is going to be massive by the time I deliver...
Given that I ended up even thinner after my first pregnancy than I was before, I'm telling you: don't let it get to you. I'll be back to my usual self eventually, even if I'm living on nothing but crackers and water, so there won't be much long-term enjoyment in staring at this extra weight. 😛

I started this pregnancy a pound lighter than the first one, but whatever—the bump just popped out, especially in the last two weeks. It’s infuriating how *everyone* is obsessed with my weight. That was the number one question during my first pregnancy too; everyone acted shocked that I only gained 14 pounds instead of 20+. (I usually struggle with weight gain, so I expected more, but I was pleasantly surprised.)
Nobody has bothered to ask, "How are you doing?" (except for my mom 😍). Instead, it's always that stunned, "Oh my god, you're already so big, how much weight have you put on?" 🙂
Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, the baby is developing perfectly, thanks for asking, okay?
God, this is such a high-stress period. If I snap at someone even slightly, I'm the one getting blamed because of "hormones." There's no winning. Grrr !!! (Feeling a little better now.)

hey girls 🙂

after wandering through the absolute wilderness of the "wedding" forums, I finally made it here. 😍

I'm only 11 weeks along, and people are already acting like I have a massive baby bump.
I don't get it. Like, there's no way you can see my 🙂 I didn't think this would bother me, but honestly, it kind of does.

It honestly drives me crazy how I can burst into tears over absolutely nothing right now😠, even though I’m usually the type who stays stone-faced through everything. Even when someone passes away, I just go quiet—no tears, nothing... but riiiight now, I am a total emotional wreck😲....I just can't toughen up at all; my lip actually starts trembling. And the more I try to push through it and distract myself by thinking about Linić, Bandić, or even just watching the heavy rain hitting the windows outside, the harder it gets!!!!!
And don't even get me started on the fact that I have zero clothes left that fit, and it’s already the 20th week. I've been totally sabotaging myself by avoiding buying larger sizes or any actual maternity wear, basically choosing to just lounge around the house naked until the baby arrives☕

The question "so, what are you going to do about the dog?" 🙂

casualmoose14 said:It honestly drives me crazy how I can burst into tears over absolutely nothing right now😠, even though I’m usually the type who stays stone-faced through everything. Even when someone passes away, I just go quiet—no tears, nothing... but riiiight now, I am a total emotional wreck😲....I just can't toughen up at all; my lip actually starts trembling. And the more I try to push through it and distract myself by thinking about Linić, Bandić, or even just watching the heavy rain hitting the windows outside, the harder it gets!!!!!
And don't even get me started on the fact that I have zero clothes left that fit, and it’s already the 20th week. I've been totally sabotaging myself by avoiding buying larger sizes or any actual maternity wear, basically choosing to just lounge around the house naked until the baby arrives☕

This really gave me a good laugh... I am in the exact same boat, currently hitting that 20-week mark myself. 😁

Kimberly Phillips6 said:The question "so, what are you going to do about the dog?" 🙂

This really gave me a good laugh... I am in the exact same boat, currently hitting that 20-week mark myself. 😁

I actually gave that same answer to some old lady on the street once—told her, "Well, where else would I go? To a chili cook-off." ☕ She just stared at me and hurried away... 🤣

Right now, it's just the frustration of wanting to do absolutely nothing but sleep, yet being unable to... 🙂

casualmoose14 said:It honestly drives me crazy how I can burst into tears over absolutely nothing right now😠, even though I’m usually the type who stays stone-faced through everything. Even when someone passes away, I just go quiet—no tears, nothing... but riiiight now, I am a total emotional wreck😲....I just can't toughen up at all; my lip actually starts trembling. And the more I try to push through it and distract myself by thinking about Linić, Bandić, or even just watching the heavy rain hitting the windows outside, the harder it gets!!!!!
And don't even get me started on the fact that I have zero clothes left that fit, and it’s already the 20th week. I've been totally sabotaging myself by avoiding buying larger sizes or any actual maternity wear, basically choosing to just lounge around the house naked until the baby arrives☕

I totally feel you! 😢
I’m just as sensitive, and honestly, just as high-strung.

We are hitting these milestones at the exact same time. I feel huge—my legs feel like freaking tree trunks... and then there's the stomach. I hate feeling this heavy, and I am definitely not enjoying pregnancy (this first one has been a total nightmare). I'm basically just white-knuckling it from one checkup to the next, waiting for the Libertarian Party to somehow fix my life. 🙂
I’ve basically given up and just live in oversized tunics and leggings.