What were your biggest pregnancy surprises and pet peeves?

The absolute worst part for me has been the weight gain, but honestly, the biggest shockers were the constant nausea and how literally everything started smelling like 🤮

Honestly, what really gets to me—and catches me off guard—is just how much everything hits you from day one. The nausea, the bloating, the tender breasts, all those physical shifts... it’s just a lot of extra stress and anxiety to deal with. I didn't realize pregnancy would feel like this, and I can't even say I'm enjoying it because I'm constantly worrying. Between trying to take care of myself and looking out for the baby, we totally lose sight of actually enjoying the moment or looking forward to the good stuff coming our way. People ask so many questions and talk so much, but honestly, none of that matters—I'm sure everyone means well and isn't being nosy just to be mean. Actually, I don't mind all the attention too much 🙂

So I had this encounter at my local Target with this super awkward cashier who always seems to ask the weirdest things, and today was no different... I walked in feeling incredibly bloated, just really uncomfortable, and she looks right at me and goes, "Oh wow, are you still in one piece?"

- So I just told her, "Nope..."
- And then she follows up with, "Aha, so when did you have the baby? Is that why your stomach is still there?"
- I told her it was about three months ago
- And she just goes, "Oh my goodness..." 😲

I ended up trying to play it off by saying, "Just kidding!" but honestly, what kind of question is that to ask someone? It was such an odd response to give...

At least she didn't say anything to me today ☕

Kevin Thomas3 said:The absolute worst part for me has been the weight gain, but honestly, the biggest shockers were the constant nausea and how literally everything started smelling like 🤮

dustycyclist132 said:Honestly, what really gets to me—and catches me off guard—is just how much everything hits you from day one. The nausea, the bloating, the tender breasts, all those physical shifts... it’s just a lot of extra stress and anxiety to deal with. I didn't realize pregnancy would feel like this, and I can't even say I'm enjoying it because I'm constantly worrying. Between trying to take care of myself and looking out for the baby, we totally lose sight of actually enjoying the moment or looking forward to the good stuff coming our way. People ask so many questions and talk so much, but honestly, none of that matters—I'm sure everyone means well and isn't being nosy just to be mean. Actually, I don't mind all the attention too much 🙂

I was throwing up all day long, I guess. Even brushing my teeth felt like a total nightmare because my stomach would turn the second the brush touched my mouth.
Everything sort of just leveled out around week 13 or 14, and I think that's when my appetite finally came back.

Suddenly, everyone’s an expert on some pregnant woman who caught the virus, ended up on a ventilator, picked up COVID in the hospital, went into preterm labor because of it, or had a baby with COVID... you know the drill. And they just *have* to share these horror stories. Even total strangers—your cousin's Uber driver, the lady in the CVS waiting room, the cashier at Whole Foods...
It drives me insane when acquaintances start spreading these nightmare scenarios about families and the virus, or spamming random links that don't even make sense, usually followed by: "Watch out! Are you vaccinated yet?!" Meanwhile, just a few months ago, those exact same people were screaming about how they weren't getting the shot. ☕ Or they announce they’re coming to visit, while simultaneously ignoring every single safety rule by hitting crowded bars, wearing gross, oily masks, or showing up to work looking half-dead.

Jesus, seriously!!! This crowd with all the negative stories. I even told my mother-in-law the other day, and once a neighbor tried to start one of those "Oh, Manda Bucina's aunt had complications..." type tales, and I just cut her off. I tell them: don't give me the negativity, only positive vibes please... and suddenly everyone goes quiet.
I mean, where else are you going to give birth? Why does everyone have to stick their noses in like they're part of the McCormick crew!!!

Oh, and something that totally caught me off guard during pregnancy is the bladder leakage..??!?😵 Just a few drops. Enough to ruin my underwear or a liner, and I'm only 5 months along...
I'm just hoping it stops.

Joshua Myers9 said:Suddenly, everyone’s an expert on some pregnant woman who caught the virus, ended up on a ventilator, picked up COVID in the hospital, went into preterm labor because of it, or had a baby with COVID... you know the drill. And they just *have* to share these horror stories. Even total strangers—your cousin's Uber driver, the lady in the CVS waiting room, the cashier at Whole Foods...
It drives me insane when acquaintances start spreading these nightmare scenarios about families and the virus, or spamming random links that don't even make sense, usually followed by: "Watch out! Are you vaccinated yet?!" Meanwhile, just a few months ago, those exact same people were screaming about how they weren't getting the shot. ☕ Or they announce they’re coming to visit, while simultaneously ignoring every single safety rule by hitting crowded bars, wearing gross, oily masks, or showing up to work looking half-dead.