What were your biggest pregnancy surprises and pet peeves?

That actually brings back some memories. I used to spend hours just staring out the window, and my grandma would give me this horrible look because I wouldn't get up.
As if I’m supposed to just hop right up with a broken leg. 😂

I don't know, personally, being stuck on a city bus feels like a coma. It’s just suffocating and smells terrible. 🤷

I spent most of last summer in a deep, almost obsessive state of reflection regarding dogs—scouring forums and endlessly searching for my kindred spirit. Honestly? I am genuinely envious of all of you dog owners.

One of these days, I’ll finally have a loyal four-legged companion of my own!

As for those horror stories about childbirth I’ve been hearing lately... well, I won't even go there. And don't even get me started on all the superstitions out there. Ugh! 🙂

It honestly bugs me how much selfishness is running rampant these days—zero solidarity left. I’m not the type to play the victim or act helpless; I do everything physically possible to handle my own business. I try my best not to be a nuisance or expect anyone to go out of their way for me, but in nearly eight months, not a single soul has even let me cut ahead in line at the checkout.

If it weren't for my blood pressure being trash—making it impossible to stand for more than three minutes without seeing stars—it wouldn't even be a big deal. But now I’m starting to avoid grocery stores, lines, and just going out in general because I'm terrified of passing out. Honestly, after what I've dealt with, I just don't trust people anymore. The other day, I dropped some change all over the floor at Cosmos, and the cashiers just stood there watching me struggle to pick it up while I was dealing with a stomach issue and juggling bags. And don't even get me started on the retirees—they'll literally shove you right out of line at the counter. Typical Mediterranean. 🙂

When it comes to those horror stories about childbirth—you know, the ones filled with gruesome details that make your blood run cold—and people asking if I’m actually ready for all that... honestly, I just tell them I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I’m trying my best to stay level-headed and not let the scare tactics get to me. I want to stay calm right up until the big day. I’ve read enough to know that panicking isn't going to help me one bit... just gotta stay steady...

And regarding waiting in lines—I am right there with you. It’s not like I’m being difficult; I’ll wait as long as I can, but at least have the decency to ask. Seriously, every single time I’ve seen a pregnant woman, I’ve offered her my seat or let her cut ahead of me in line... and I fully intend to keep doing that once my little one arrives. As for those women who seem to have completely forgotten what it's like, and their husbands too—well, that says a lot more about their character than mine.

The other day I was riding the subway, it was packed, and I was standing right by the doors. The train pulled into a station where a huge group of high schoolers needed to get off, and since I was blocking the way, I told them I'd step out so the kids could clear the exit and then I'd hop back on. Just as I was trying to move, this old guy with a cane gets in my way. He starts shoving past me and my baby bump, trying to force his way onto the train. I said, "Sir, could you please wait a second so people can actually get off?" and he snaps back, "If you weren't blocking the door, they'd be out!" So I told him, "If you weren't pushing, you might actually be able to get through." He starts waving his cane around like, "I handled much tougher things back in college, you youngsters... blah blah blah..." I just looked at him and said, "It seems you didn't learn the basics of manners in college." What a jerk.

Anyway, he eventually calmed down, picked someone else to bother, sat for one stop, and then hopped off🤦

Sometimes I wish we were Eskimos so we could just bundle up those ancient fossils and send them out into a blizzard with nothing but a single stick of firewood😁

Ashley Bailey75 said:It honestly bugs me how much selfishness is running rampant these days—zero solidarity left. I’m not the type to play the victim or act helpless; I do everything physically possible to handle my own business. I try my best not to be a nuisance or expect anyone to go out of their way for me, but in nearly eight months, not a single soul has even let me cut ahead in line at the checkout.

If it weren't for my blood pressure being trash—making it impossible to stand for more than three minutes without seeing stars—it wouldn't even be a big deal. But now I’m starting to avoid grocery stores, lines, and just going out in general because I'm terrified of passing out. Honestly, after what I've dealt with, I just don't trust people anymore. The other day, I dropped some change all over the floor at Cosmos, and the cashiers just stood there watching me struggle to pick it up while I was dealing with a stomach issue and juggling bags. And don't even get me started on the retirees—they'll literally shove you right out of line at the counter. Typical Mediterranean. 🙂

I am dying laughing! :-D

Bradley Stewart said:When it comes to those horror stories about childbirth—you know, the ones filled with gruesome details that make your blood run cold—and people asking if I’m actually ready for all that... honestly, I just tell them I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I’m trying my best to stay level-headed and not let the scare tactics get to me. I want to stay calm right up until the big day. I’ve read enough to know that panicking isn't going to help me one bit... just gotta stay steady...

And regarding waiting in lines—I am right there with you. It’s not like I’m being difficult; I’ll wait as long as I can, but at least have the decency to ask. Seriously, every single time I’ve seen a pregnant woman, I’ve offered her my seat or let her cut ahead of me in line... and I fully intend to keep doing that once my little one arrives. As for those women who seem to have completely forgotten what it's like, and their husbands too—well, that says a lot more about their character than mine.

The other day I was riding the subway, it was packed, and I was standing right by the doors. The train pulled into a station where a huge group of high schoolers needed to get off, and since I was blocking the way, I told them I'd step out so the kids could clear the exit and then I'd hop back on. Just as I was trying to move, this old guy with a cane gets in my way. He starts shoving past me and my baby bump, trying to force his way onto the train. I said, "Sir, could you please wait a second so people can actually get off?" and he snaps back, "If you weren't blocking the door, they'd be out!" So I told him, "If you weren't pushing, you might actually be able to get through." He starts waving his cane around like, "I handled much tougher things back in college, you youngsters... blah blah blah..." I just looked at him and said, "It seems you didn't learn the basics of manners in college." What a jerk.

Anyway, he eventually calmed down, picked someone else to bother, sat for one stop, and then hopped off🤦

Sometimes I wish we were Eskimos so we could just bundle up those ancient fossils and send them out into a blizzard with nothing but a single stick of firewood😁

My experiences have been much better, honestly—sorry to the younger generation. Most of the time, middle-aged women would let me go ahead in line. You'd find the occasional young guy or girl, too. But the elderly? Zero points. I don't expect them to jump up for me, but I do expect them not to shove past me. I remember when I was 36 weeks pregnant and walking to the bus stop—people were shoving right past me to get on. I had to move just to stay safe. Once, while I was sitting down, an old lady practically lunged at me just to lecture me about why I was sitting while she was standing—as if I was making her work harder to see me. My stomach was massive toward the end of the pregnancy; there was no way she could have mistaken that for just being overweight.

To be honest, I’ve developed a bit of an aversion to elderly passengers on public transit lately. You can usually tell who actually needs a seat and who’s just looking for a confrontation—the ones who don't actually need help won't even give you a second glance. Those who insist on being difficult seem to ride just to pick fights. It's exhausting. I rarely take the subway, but whenever I do, if I have a legitimate reason to sit, I still feel that nagging discomfort of someone judging me. Not anymore. If anyone tries to lecture me about it now, they’ll get a piece of my mind.

I’ve also noticed people glancing at my midsection when I’m at the grocery store. To be clear, if I’m out shopping, I’m doing fine and certainly don't need any special treatment, but I find myself wondering who might actually step aside for me. It's become a sort of minor social experiment. 🙂

Around here, pregnant women are treated just like everyone else. You wait your turn, nobody cuts you in line, and nobody expects special treatment on the subway.

I guess when I first moved here, I was actually a bit shocked that people don't automatically stand up for the elderly on the train. 🤷

Right now, I'm just annoyed because I have a massive craving for some sour cabbage, and I doubt I'll be able to find anything even close to it around here. 🙂

I’ve actually lost count of how many times I’ve sent emails over to the MTA, Walmart, Lidl, and the rest of those big companies, basically begging them to just put up some clear signs at the registers and inside the transit cars letting people know that folks with disabilities or pregnant women should get priority. I mean, if these corporations don't step up and actively build that kind of culture within their own spaces, I don't think regular people are ever going to just start doing it on their own, you know? It’s like, someone has to set the tone. I was at a local utility office the other day, and every single service window had one of those stickers clearly stating who gets preference, which was nice, but even then, I still had people practically coming at me with attitude because they thought I was cutting the line just because I had priority. I just sort of looked at them and was like, "Look, I'm honestly just glad I get to sit down," so I figured I'd just hang out and wait for 😁

The other day I was standing in line at Lidl, and they only had two registers open. The line was massive, and there were at least three people right behind me. This guy starts walking toward us, and I could tell he was trying to cut right in front of me. I tried to sidestep a little to block him, but he just stepped right in front of 🤦

I told him, "Excuse me, sir, the end of the line is way back there..." and he just gives me this look like, "Just move aside." Then he actually let me pass 🤦

Of course, I just went right back to my spot in line. Some people really lack basic manners here...

And on another note, my stomach has been acting up during sex :/ we're definitely going to have to try some new positions 😁

Lidl, Sunday, noon. You expect a crowd, right? Sure, they could open more registers, but they don't. My husband and I are just standing here in line, waiting. There’s this young couple behind us, and the woman won't stop complaining—just constant, high-pitched whining about how they really should have more cashiers open. She actually tells her partner, "I'll just pretend I'm pregnant so I can cut the line, haha." I just 🙄 . Then, a second register finally opens, and she lets out this huge "Finally!" before sprinting toward it with a look of pure triumph.

Bravo. You did it. You saved yourself exactly five minutes of waiting. On a Sunday. At midday. When you knew it would be busy. My husband and I are still stuck in this same line, and by the time we reach the front, it'll be five minutes later anyway. If I were feeling sick, I wouldn't have been there in the first place.

On the bright side, my stomach is quite visible, and I can see everyone pointedly looking away from it. Not that I need anyone to let me skip ahead, but it’s honestly pretty funny. 😁

I have to say, this whole idea of "pretending to be pregnant" strikes me as nothing more than a joke. 🤷
I’ve found myself thinking—or saying—the exact same thing quite often when dealing with online forums or even when interacting with the Department of Justice. 😬

Is your bump really that noticeable already? Please don't take offense, but I did check your ticker. In my view, fifteen weeks is that ambiguous transitional period where you might show a little, but people aren't entirely certain. Most folks would rather take no action at all rather than risk offending someone who might just be a bit more curvaceous. 😉

On a personal note, it is incredibly frustrating that because of a hematoma and then a low-lying placenta, I haven't been able to have sex for three months now. 🙂
I find myself constantly dreaming about various erotic encounters or orgies; whenever a scene involving intimacy comes up in a TV series or a movie, I end up practically attacking my couch or a pillow like some sort of hyperactive little terrier. 🤦

Haha, I suppose there's some truth to it. Maybe people just think I've put on a little weight. 🤣

Whatever. I don't really care if she was joking or not. I know she said it, and I know she wouldn't actually do it, but I honestly don't see the issue. You walk into a store when it's clearly busy, and suddenly that's such a massive scandal. Honestly, I found the whole thing hilarious, yet slightly pathetic at the same time. Nothing more, nothing less.

On a different note, regardless of whether my pregnancy is obvious or not—there's a priority lane for pregnant women and people with disabilities in Los Angeles. I noticed there was a standard line there, and it didn't look like any of them were actually pregnant (or maybe they're just hiding it, who knows?). It made me wonder if people use those lanes for other reasons too. Not that I'm saying pregnant women and people with disabilities shouldn't have priority here, but it felt like just another lane. Then again, you see people with full carts trying to squeeze into the ten-item express lane all the time. 🤔

Nothing about being pregnant actually irritates me. I enjoy just observing the world. While I already have that cute little pregnancy bump, I'll probably just look like I've gained weight to everyone else. Funny! One surprise, though: my chest size jumped up two sizes in just two days. I can only imagine what happens after the baby arrives. 😢

I, well, I seem to be stuck somewhere in that middle ground, where my figure doesn't quite match those unrealistic "porn star" proportions you see everywhere now. 😵

Regarding my midsection, I still frequently get that awkward impression where people can't tell if I’m actually pregnant or if I’ve just put on a little extra weight—even though I've already crossed into the second half of my pregnancy. It's a strange sensation, isn't it? In reality, I have quite a petite frame, so it's really just this belly that stands out.
But then, I find myself reflecting on who I was during my teenage years and throughout my twenties. Back then, I could never tell if a woman was pregnant or not. I suppose I only ever truly noticed expectant mothers once they reached that much more prominent stage, where it becomes impossible to hide.

You have a point. 🙂

Regarding my chest size—it’s a given that nobody notices the belly when they're that large. 🤣

By the time I give birth, I might actually look pregnant to strangers, haha!

Something else caught me off guard. My son can't stand it when I eat junk food—things like chips, overly processed snacks, or sweets. I fully expected to devour three tons of chocolate during this pregnancy, but it’s been the exact opposite. It's mostly fruit and vegetables. Which is great. But still surprising. He keeps an eye on me and my figure. 🙂

Question about what happens after you give birth 🙂

I’m out here in the middle of nowhere, home alone with two kids. My husband works away from home, so he’s only back for maybe ten days every few weeks...
The first couple of times, my mom used to come stay with us. She can't anymore. Now, my mother-in-law lives 19 miles right next door and she never stops questioning me about how I’m handling everything. She acts like she’s making some huge sacrifice, yet my own mother isn't there? Or my sister? She never mentions them... 🙄
The breaking point was when she actually suggested someone should take both kids away for at least five days just so I could get some sleep and bond with the baby.
Are you kidding me?! There is absolutely no way I’m letting anyone take my children away. I want us to be together constantly. I’m not risking any kind of trauma over something so trivial. God forbid there are complications, but right now, that idea sounds completely insane to me...
How am I supposed to stay polite. How... 🕺

It’s actually kind of wild how I can't even stomach my coffee anymore... even that single cup I used to rely on every morning. And honestly, the sex has been incredible... my husband is absolutely obsessed with these new curves and everything 😁

swiftfalcon32 said:It’s actually kind of wild how I can't even stomach my coffee anymore... even that single cup I used to rely on every morning. And honestly, the sex has been incredible... my husband is absolutely obsessed with these new curves and everything 😁

haha, mine is pretty much feeling the exact same way! 🤣
The only thing that’s driving me crazy is being all worked up but feeling way too exhausted to actually do anything about it—so I just curl up, even when I'm not super comfortable, and end up having all these wild dreams only to wake up feeling totally frustrated...

Man, this sleep thing is really killing me... though the last couple of days have been alright. I actually managed to get the dishes done after what felt like forever. I’ve become such a couch potato lately 😁

It honestly eats at me. For the first six months of my pregnancy, I was juggling three different jobs, traveling constantly for work, and keeping everything running perfectly smoothly... everything was handled exactly as promised. Then, I go on vacation right before my maternity leave kicks in, and they suddenly tell me they won't be renewing my contract. It was all supposedly settled once my replacement arrived... everything was set.

I’m just losing my mind. The stress is overwhelming, and now I’m supposed to just sit here and rest...

Then, three days later, they come back and say they actually *will* renew my contract after all.

But the damage is already done. Everything I had mapped out for myself has just completely fallen apart. Those people are unbelievable... at first, I was absolutely furious, but now I just feel miserable.🙂

I wish I could just say "to hell with them" and move on, but I can't even find the energy for that. Even that feels off-limits now.

It honestly stung so much when people started telling me that now that I’m pregnant—and especially once I actually give birth—everything just... stops.
My life is supposed to end? Like, everything just ceases to exist??
The suggestion that I should just abandon my fitness routine and stop focusing on myself, as if I’m just going to clock out at 3 p.m. every day... I usually try to be patient, but I have a pretty short fuse when it comes to this kind of nonsense, though I've tried to hold back until now. Lately, I can't even deal it anymore; I've actually lost some good friends because of his wife, who is just such a judgmental person and frankly, a complete nightmare to be around. I just don't have the energy for that drama. :/
I am an athlete at heart and I still am. I'm four months along now, and I fully intend to stay active, just like so many of my other female friends who prioritize fitness and an active lifestyle—adjusting things as needed for the pregnancy, of course, and then continuing after the baby arrives. I truly cannot wrap my head around why so many women suffer through this and feel forced to give up their entire lives after having kids... which, by the way, is what babies are for???
Anyway, I’m feeling quite worked up about it all right now...🙂