What were your biggest pregnancy surprises and pet peeves?

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Michelle Nelson4 said:Honestly, it’s so frustrating. I am just sooooo incredibly exhausted and unmotivated lately. I feel like I have zero drive to do anything at all. I head into the office and try to tackle even the simplest little task, but my mind just wanders everywhere. Before I know it, two hours have vanished and I have absolutely no clue what I actually accomplished during that time... 😢
I had originally planned to work through at least July, take some vacation time, and then maybe take a month of medical leave right before maternity leave kicks in. But honestly? Right now, I feel like calling my boss and telling them I won't be in starting tomorrow! I don't understand why I'm feeling this way. Last time, I actually enjoyed being at work—they practically had to nudge me to get me to stay! It was fine back then...
I just have to force myself to push through May, and maybe part of June, just so my disability benefits aren't such a massive drop from my regular paycheck...

Honestly, I’m right there with you. It feels like this constant, heavy cloud hanging over me—just total, chronic exhaustion. I don't know if it's the stress or just life in general, but I am perpetually wiped out.
I honestly have no clue how I managed to pull that off the first time—like, how did I even function during those 45 days leading up to the deadline? It makes zero sense. I guess I was just running on pure adrenaline or something, because looking back, I don't know how I kept my head above water. Maybe I was just oblivious, who knows? But seriously, it feels like a total mystery to me now.

I’ve spread out even more than I did the first time around. My butt is just massive now.

It really gets under my skin how easily I can lose my cool...

Right now, I’m particularly frustrated with a certain relative of mine. Basically, she and her husband skipped our wedding because he just "couldn't make the trip" since they don't live here in the States. Now, we're apparently not supposed to be upset about it. To top it all off, they're back in town visiting and acting like we should just drop everything to meet up with them. Honestly, I have no idea where I stand on that, and what's worse is that they're actually acting offended with us. It genuinely hurts, but I can't help but wonder how anyone could be so shameless.

Sveky..
"What on earth is my grandson doing????" — honestly, how should I know?
"Let me just feel..." — and then he goes and puts his hand right on my stomach. 🤔 😬

Bryan Diaz said:I have to say, I’m really getting frustrated with this nipple discharge issue I've been dealing with lately.

Honestly, I’m actually stoked about it.😕 Like, I know for a fact I won't have any issues breastfeeding later. It doesn't just leak out of nowhere—I can pretty much grab those little drops whenever I want 😍😍😍
I just gotta pull my nipples out a bit first.

Ashley Price57 said:Sveky..
"What on earth is my grandson doing????" — honestly, how should I know?
"Let me just feel..." — and then he goes and puts his hand right on my stomach. 🤔 😬

Ha, ha... looks like we aren't alone in this!😁 My mother-in-law once told me I should kiss E. (who was still in the womb at the time)🤣, and when I pointed out that might be a little tricky, she simply suggested I just rub her belly instead. 😂

Steven Barrett6 said:Honestly, I’m actually stoked about it.😕 Like, I know for a fact I won't have any issues breastfeeding later. It doesn't just leak out of nowhere—I can pretty much grab those little drops whenever I want 😍😍😍
I just gotta pull my nipples out a bit first.

I’m also holding onto hope that this is a good sign for my milk supply, but honestly, why is it already leaking? It actually caught me totally off guard yesterday when I noticed a drop on my stomach. My nipples are always sort of in between being pulled out or tucked in, and it’s been going on like this for months now.

Bryan Diaz, listen, mine was leaking constantly from around week 16 or 17 all the way through week 20. Then things finally settled down. Now, every once in a while, I’ll spot a little spot on my pajamas, but it’s rare—back then, though, my pajamas would be soaked. During the day, I guess my bra just soaks it all up.

It honestly drives me up the wall that I’m expected to be constantly tethered to my phone—even when I’m just running to the bathroom. If I don't pick up immediately, everyone loses their minds, acting like I’ve vanished off the face of the earth or something. Are they really that paranoid? "Where is he? Is he okay? Did he pass out?" Please. Between stepping away for a quick restroom break, hopping in the shower, or actually trying to wash my hair without being interrupted, I can't even have five minutes of privacy.

My mom this weekend.
Scenario one: - When you have the baby and he’s throwing some big party, I’m coming over to stay with you for two days, but he better not be there. - Mom, he’s gonna be hosting this whole thing while I’m stuck in the hospital, then he’ll be right back home with me.
- Well fine, but he could just stay there for those two days and I could come visit you instead. 🤦
Then my little sister jumps in and snaps at me to just leave her alone. 😳

Scenario two: - Why are you wearing those flats? (Like, they're two sizes too big, I just slide them on and go). Just buy some clogs or sandals, it’d be way easier on you. I didn't even say anything.

Hannah Lewis2 said:My mom this weekend.
Scenario one: - When you have the baby and he’s throwing some big party, I’m coming over to stay with you for two days, but he better not be there. - Mom, he’s gonna be hosting this whole thing while I’m stuck in the hospital, then he’ll be right back home with me.
- Well fine, but he could just stay there for those two days and I could come visit you instead. 🤦
Then my little sister jumps in and snaps at me to just leave her alone. 😳

Scenario two: - Why are you wearing those flats? (Like, they're two sizes too big, I just slide them on and go). Just buy some clogs or sandals, it’d be way easier on you. I didn't even say anything.

moms!
I seriously can't complain about mine... it’s already starting...
-Listen, I'll take some time off during those first few weeks after you give birth so I can help you.
-Mom will be home on vacation during the first week, so you should take yours during the second week..
-But you're going to need help with everything
-Yeah, well Mom will be home, and you can just come over after work or during your lunch break (she works five steps away from my apartment)
-But how are you going to bathe him...
-Mom, you can just show me when you come by after work
-But for the first week, you shouldn't be doing anything heavy or strenuous until you've recovered
-Well, just take the first week off then...
🤣🤣🤣

Hannah Lewis2 said:My mom this weekend.
Scenario one: - When you have the baby and he’s throwing some big party, I’m coming over to stay with you for two days, but he better not be there. - Mom, he’s gonna be hosting this whole thing while I’m stuck in the hospital, then he’ll be right back home with me.
- Well fine, but he could just stay there for those two days and I could come visit you instead. 🤦
Then my little sister jumps in and snaps at me to just leave her alone. 😳

Scenario two: - Why are you wearing those flats? (Like, they're two sizes too big, I just slide them on and go). Just buy some clogs or sandals, it’d be way easier on you. I didn't even say anything.

Honestly? I'll take my own mother over a mother-in-law any day of the week. At least with Mom, you can actually stand up for yourself and talk back. With a mother-in-law? You just have to sit there and play nice while she smiles through her teeth.😂

My mother-in-law is refusing surgery because she thinks she needs to be here to help us once the baby arrives...
I mean, it’s sweet of her, really, but during those first few weeks, I want my own mom by my side, not her... though I doubt she'll see it that way.
But my husband and I finally sat down and worked out a plan: if she stays at our place for more than five hours on our first day home, he’s going to step in and have a real talk with her about setting some boundaries. Same goes if she pops in for two hours straight two days in a row—we're having that conversation.

My mother-in-law plans on taking her vacation during the last week of June and then the first two weeks of July... I didn't hesitate to tell my husband that she can't just show up whenever she wants.

Robert Johnson6 said:Honestly? I'll take my own mother over a mother-in-law any day of the week. At least with Mom, you can actually stand up for yourself and talk back. With a mother-in-law? You just have to sit there and play nice while she smiles through her teeth.😂

Ugh, please. My mother-in-law is actually an absolute dream. All she said was, "If you need anything, I'm here for you." That was it. Simple. But my own mother... honestly, if God wasn't watching over me, she'd probably be standing in my living room right now without even knocking.
And then there's this pushy woman acting like she's going to come visit me in the hospital. It's not like anyone visits me in the hospital anyway, except for my husband. Plus, they live like two hours outside of Washington, D.C., so driving all the way into D.C. is a massive hassle for them... So I told her, look, you might as well just come by our place in the suburbs since you haven't even visited us there yet. But no, she's convinced it'll be the highlight of her life to sit in some sterile hospital room.

Jesse Evans85 said:Exactly. Just a few days before my due date, I've had everyone under the sun debating whether I'm feeling okay or when I'll be doing what... I'm already overwhelmed enough as it is, and I really don't need all that added pressure.
Plus, I truly don't see why anyone needs to be the first to know that something is happening... those who need to know will find out, and everyone else can wait until the time is right.

Haha, that bit about the mother-in-law is spot on. Mine asks me: "So, what is Jesse Evans85 up to?" (as if I have any clue... what is he doing? I don't know, he's still in my womb!).

🤦
Listen, what she's DOING is studying quantum physics, damn it... 🙄
It's getting to me—my patience is hitting zero lately, even for people and situations that aren't even being jerks. For example, the other day with my aunt (who I actually love, usually)—we're standing outside a Pre-natal clinic, staring at some Bugaboo strollers in the window. Overpriced as hell. My aunt is planning to foot the bill for the stroller—and she's a total Virgin in every single astrological sense, a firm believer in that "you get what you pay for" logic. So, the conversation goes something like this...
Aunt: Oh my god, look at that beige one, it is just DIVINE, look.
Me: They're nice, sure, but first off they're way too expensive, and second, that light beige doesn't look very practical to me.
Aunt: But they are gorgeous, let's take a closer look.
Me: Yeah, they really are pretty, but that's almost $2000.
Aunt: Well, all the prices are about the same. And look how beautiful they are.
Me: Sure, but you can get a 3-in-1 combo elsewhere for that kind of money, and here you're just paying for the basket.
Aunt: Well then, just buy the rest later. They're just lovely, look.
Me: (...money is practically flying out of my ears...) Look, they're lovely, but for God's sake, with all the extras that'll probably hit fifteen hundred bucks, what are you thinking?
Aunt: But look at those big, practical wheels.
Me: (...looking around to see if there's a subway train I could jump under...) Other brands have big wheels too and they don't cost a fortune.
Aunt: But it's gotta be a good brand if it's this pricey... and they are JUST STUNNING, so come on, let's check them out.

............not gonna bore you with the rest, it went on for a solid ten minutes... I was losing my mind. No, we didn't buy them, obviously. We won't.

My mother-in-law had already made it quite known that she’ll be staying with us once the baby arrives. I figured, okay, fine—she lives nearby, I’m giving birth at the same hospital where she works, and hey, there's a new grandchild involved. It makes sense. My own mom is also planning to drop by for those first week or two while we find our footing. I mean, if nothing else, someone needs to handle the cooking and the cleaning, so I suppose it's helpful. Honestly, I don't think I'll have much energy for that myself. We were actually sitting at her place talking about how great it will be to have the extra hands, when suddenly she snaps, "I'll be the one bathing the baby!" Like, seriously? It’s not like you get to pick your career path in a game of Life, so maybe don't get so worked up! I just looked her dead in the eye and said, "Noooo, your son and I will handle the baby; you can choose between being the chef or the laundry expert." You should have seen the look she gave me. 😂

My mom told me just a few weeks ago that once I have the baby, I need to be resting for at least eight days straight. She said during that time, either my mother or she herself will come over to help me out... and honestly, I think I’m losing it. 🙄 Sure, she’s an amazing cook, but she can easily whip up a meal, drop it off, and head right back home. What I actually need in that moment is for her—or my mom—to be physically here, hovering and fussing over me in the house! My husband can handle the cooking and the cleaning; I already made it clear that nobody is visiting for the first couple of weeks, so I truly don't care if the house looks like a disaster zone...
Look, I don't know how everything will actually play out until the baby arrives, but both of them are already getting on my nerves, and I really don't want to be stuck listening to their lectures on top of everything else. 🙂

It’s also driving me crazy because I just bought this body cream specifically for pregnant women via DM so I could massage it on every morning, and it smells absolutely revolting 🙂

Olivia Miller2 said:My mother-in-law is refusing surgery because she thinks she needs to be here to help us once the baby arrives...
I mean, it’s sweet of her, really, but during those first few weeks, I want my own mom by my side, not her... though I doubt she'll see it that way.
But my husband and I finally sat down and worked out a plan: if she stays at our place for more than five hours on our first day home, he’s going to step in and have a real talk with her about setting some boundaries. Same goes if she pops in for two hours straight two days in a row—we're having that conversation.

Oh, you are far too patient. Personally, I would have given both my mother-in-law and my mom just ten minutes on those first few days to see the baby before saying "goodbye." And that wouldn't even be every day. I think I’d lose my mind.

Alexander Jackson142 said:My mom told me just a few weeks ago that once I have the baby, I need to be resting for at least eight days straight. She said during that time, either my mother or she herself will come over to help me out... and honestly, I think I’m losing it. 🙄 Sure, she’s an amazing cook, but she can easily whip up a meal, drop it off, and head right back home. What I actually need in that moment is for her—or my mom—to be physically here, hovering and fussing over me in the house! My husband can handle the cooking and the cleaning; I already made it clear that nobody is visiting for the first couple of weeks, so I truly don't care if the house looks like a disaster zone...
Look, I don't know how everything will actually play out until the baby arrives, but both of them are already getting on my nerves, and I really don't want to be stuck listening to their lectures on top of everything else. 🙂

It’s also driving me crazy because I just bought this body cream specifically for pregnant women via DM so I could massage it on every morning, and it smells absolutely revolting 🙂

I completely agree with the bolded part. My husband knows how to take care of everything around the house and he'll be home for those first few weeks. Neither of the mothers-in-law are allowed to work, mostly because they'd just end up stressing me out. Besides, if we actually need anything, everyone lives within a five-minute drive of us. But staying over? No way.

I see we’re diving into the whole saga of mothers-in-law and overbearing parents. Honestly, toward the end of my last pregnancy, I was genuinely trembling with anxiety, terrified that I wouldn't get a single moment of peace with my newborn. It felt like everyone was already scheduling their "help" visits, while my mother-in-law was basically planning to move her entire extended family into my house just to catch a glimpse of the baby. From that moment on, I had one mantra running through my head: those first forty days belong strictly to the three of us—to bond, to recover, and to build up our immune systems. I didn't need "help," because I’m not an idiot; I know how to handle a baby. Besides, my plan was to simply rest and snuggle with my little one while my husband handled the cooking, the cleaning, and the general household chaos. I told the grandparents they could drop by for maybe an hour on the weekends. As for anyone else? Not until after the first pediatrician appointment, period. They knew I was stubborn, and they knew there was no negotiating with me. I absolutely cherished those quiet moments, just me and the baby, without a mother-in-law, a mother, or a visiting nurse hovering over us. Everything went smoothly—the umbilical cord actually fell off while we were still at the hospital, so I didn't have any issues there. Before I headed back to work, my husband would bring me breakfast in bed, then lunch after I got home, and he'd spend the afternoon just being present with us before handling the dinner and the cleanup in the evening. By the time I was fully recovered, the little guy was already enjoying bath time. My husband set everything up, and we’d bathe him together. Breastfeeding was a breeze, and sleep was even better. We just lived in this beautiful, peaceful bubble. Eventually, we scheduled visitors whenever it suited us, especially since the weather was gorgeous and we felt free to wander around. But now, looking ahead to the next one (fingers crossed for a positive test), I can already see the battles coming. I know I’ll be fighting tooth and nail for privacy, because everyone will try to convince me that I won't be able to manage a newborn and a two-year-old on my own. Even now, with my oldest being fifteen months, people are already trying to tell me how to organize the pantry or where to put the dishes. Just the thought of being in the hospital again and having everyone scrambling and fighting over who gets to watch my toddler... it honestly makes my skin crawl.

First off, it drives me insane that my phone rings fifty times a day. At this rate, I’m gonna have six arms by the time I give birth from all this radiation 🙄🙄 And of course, if I happen to be typing or—God forbid—actually doing something productive instead of staring at my screen, I’ll end up with 3,000 missed calls and a bunch of sobbing voices on the other end asking, "Where are youuuu?? Is everything okay???" 😠
Especially during those first month or two before I finally lost my mind... I could have slept all day because I was just so exhausted. 🙂 They were getting on my nerves so much that I actually turned my ringer off a few times. You can't even sleep like a normal person. 🙂
And then there's my mom and his mom... Man. We're going to be in San Diego, mine are from Tulsa, and his family is from some small town in rural America. I don't know anyone in San Diego, and since this is our first kid, I'm expecting some help when we get home from the hospital. But I think I was delusional thinking they'd just come for a week while I'm recovering... and obviously, my mom will show up, since she's totally chill with me. But... 🙂 His mother actually said, through tears, "Ohhh, I'll come to you, wherever you are, even if it's at the end of the world." Yeah, we aren't playing that game. I mean, obviously, I won't ban a woman from seeing her grandchild, but it'll be the same rules as my mom. One week, and then she's out... 🙂
Plus, his mother loves to act like she's the boss, which already has my blood pressure hitting a million. Whatever though, we'll manage somehow, and I usually just don't talk back to her. But I can only imagine what it would be like if she stayed for a month. Like she's back in her own house or something.
And one more thing: the very first thing people do when they see me is comment on my weight or ask to feel my belly. Just to be clear, I'm not tiny, and I'm not fat, 😁
but my stomach and everything else is growing at a normal pace, slowly...
And I've got another 5 or 6 months of this. I'll just buy some earplugs and nod along saying "uh-huh"... 🤣