What were your biggest pregnancy surprises and pet peeves?

It’s honestly such a nuisance. Every time I lean over the edge of the tub, my lower back starts acting up, which isn't exactly fun, but what really gets to me is the sensation of wet hair clinging to my back. It’s just unpleasant, plain and simple. Even during the summer, as soon as I get out of the ocean, I make a point of tying my hair up immediately because that feeling gives me the chills. It’s gross. But at this point, it looks like I don't have much of a choice in the matter.

Or just spending another fifteen minutes after your shower playing tug-of-war with the hair on your ass! 🤣

Jesse Evans85 said:Honestly, washing my hair has become such a massive chore lately... I mean, how on earth are you all managing it? I haven't gained a ton of weight—my stomach is still pretty small for being this far along—but even so, just getting through a hair wash feels like an uphill battle. It’s physically draining; my lower back starts aching, and I constantly find myself needing to sit down and catch my breath halfway through the process. It turns into this endless ordeal. By the time I actually finish, I’m so wiped out that I have to lie down for a bit before I can even think about drying it. I'm just completely spent.

haha true, I'm the same way.... felt like I was doing some kind of marathon 🙂))
couldn't even get off the couch... couldn't shave, couldn't bend over when things got messy, and man, cleaning up at the end was a struggle.. 😁 ..

My mom and my husband are driving me absolutely crazy right now! 😠

It feels like they’ve teamed up against me just because I insisted on buying a brand-new travel system for $750. We actually had an offer for some used ones just a few days ago, which might have worked since they were only a couple of years old and had only been used by one kid.
So now I’m stuck trying to explain to my mom exactly why we ended up pulling the trigger on the expensive new set.
The truth is, my husband finally took me to get them because he was feeling guilty. I’d basically been in a total fog, crying all day—I was just in such a bad headspace, and everything had just kind of piled up on me at once. I ended up snapping and laying it all out for him. I told him his priorities were completely skewed; apparently, a new roof for his hobby workshop matters more to him than his own child, even though that workshop could easily wait six months while the baby grows every single day and gets closer to being born.

In the end, I guess we finally agreed that I’m not entirely to blame for the new stroller purchase. It’s not like I did it for no reason, and honestly, if they had made that offer for the used ones a bit earlier, things might have been different—but I haven't been pregnant for very many days.
Besides, I feel awkward calling up his side of the family to see who has gear they can lend us so we wouldn't have to buy anything new.
I don't mind calling my own folks, but I really don't want to deal with his relatives.

Anyway, that’s the whole situation. 😁

Honestly, this past week has been a complete blur, and I’m just totally losing it—between my neighbors being a pain, my husband driving me up the wall, and just feeling like my own skin is too tight for me, I’m seriously at my breaking point! 😠
I’ve basically spent the whole day crying and just venting everything out, whether it’s because life is actually overwhelming right now or if it’s just my hormones doing a number on me. If it weren't for the Normabel I've been taking, I honestly don't know how I'd be holding it together. 😢
Now I’m starting to spiral a bit thinking about how all this stress might affect the baby. 😢Every time I go down an internet rabbit hole reading about how stress impacts a fetus, I end up totally horrified by what I read. 😢
What do you guys think about all this?

Linda Ward312 said:Honestly, this past week has been a complete blur, and I’m just totally losing it—between my neighbors being a pain, my husband driving me up the wall, and just feeling like my own skin is too tight for me, I’m seriously at my breaking point! 😠
I’ve basically spent the whole day crying and just venting everything out, whether it’s because life is actually overwhelming right now or if it’s just my hormones doing a number on me. If it weren't for the Normabel I've been taking, I honestly don't know how I'd be holding it together. 😢
Now I’m starting to spiral a bit thinking about how all this stress might affect the baby. 😢Every time I go down an internet rabbit hole reading about how stress impacts a fetus, I end up totally horrified by what I read. 😢
What do you guys think about all this?

I suspect stress does affect the baby, but I suppose it isn't always easy to just switch off those feelings. Sometimes emotions—anger, sadness, anxiety—just take over completely.

Maybe try looking for some lighter threads to read.😉
Try checking out the non-pregnancy forums; I imagine that might lift your mood at least a little bit.
And if nothing else, it might help to see that you aren't the only one letting your emotions run wild. 😁

MM, his mom, and my mom all got on my last nerve today. 😠

We’re just sitting around talking when the baby topic comes up. I casually mention I’ve been looking into things—crunching numbers, figuring out what we need to buy, seeing what we can borrow, or who we can ask to get us some cute little outfits... stuff like that.

And then they hit me with it: "Why are you even looking at that? There's still plenty of time, and who knows what might happen?" 😲 Apparently, it's some "bad omen" to look too early, let alone actually buying stuff ahead of time. 🙄 (Just out of pure spite, I spent the whole evening on my laptop and already dropped $45 on some baby clothes from eBay. 😛)
🙂Seriously, they better watch it. Once these pregnancy hormones kick in, they won't know what hit them.

To top it off, they started grilling me about what the baby's name is going to be. I gave them an answer and everyone basically spat on me—my family was vocal about it, and his side just gave me that judgmental silence. 🙄 Even that idiot MM didn't back me up, since the name was my choice and not his (but we finally agreed on it a week ago, so there's no changing it now! 🙂)!

Mary, I see we’re both in the same boat with our pregnancies—it doesn't seem too early at all to start browsing and picking up baby essentials. Let people say whatever they want; honestly, I think the best way to handle it is just to let it go in one ear and out the other. I find it so much easier when I can stick to that mindset, though, I'll admit, I don't always succeed at it.
And my name is actually quite lovely.

Honestly, Sveki drove me absolutely crazy regarding baby names during both of my pregnancies. 😠
First time around—we were discussing what to call the little guy, and I suggested John, only for her to chime in with, "Oh, I think Luke sounds so much prettier." Okay... and? 🤷
Then the second time, which is actually right now—we’re talking about names for the baby girl, I suggest Sarah, and she’s back at it again: "Wouldn't Petra have been better? I love that one." It's always the same thing; like, okay, and? WTF?!?!?! 😠

My dad is constantly lecturing me about my portions. My mom is doing the exact same thing. Honestly, it’s getting so repetitive that I can practically predict it the second they open their mouths. Then, my husband comes home around 10 p.m. and hands me a slice of cake 😬 And I’m just like, "Oh, you don't want me eating this!" But then the guilt hits me hard. Every single bite feels like a chore because I start questioning if I should even be having it. What’s most frustrating is that I’m eating normally, so I don't get what all the fuss is about. I mean, for heaven's sake, I'm pregnant—it's impossible not to put on a few pounds! I know they mean well, but in those moments when they harp on me, I feel like an elephant. Then I'll open my closet, catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and just burst into tears. They keep telling me how difficult labor is for larger women, or how hard it will be to lose the weight later—all the stuff I already know, which is exactly why I'm supposed to WATCH what and how much I eat.. Ugh 😢

Most people know by now that I'm expecting. And they won't stop staring at my belly, judging me. It's like they're constantly measuring me with their eyes. No matter who I'm talking to or what the topic is, their gaze just drifts to my stomach like I'm under a microscope. I find myself wondering, "Did I really get too big? Is that why everyone is commenting on it?" 😬 I'm becoming obsessed. I honestly can't wait until I've fully rounded out so I can just shove it right in their faces and let them stare all they want.

Last night, my husband told me he was going to kill himself! 😬 He said it in such a sweet, gentle tone that we actually ended up laughing.. 😬 He said that after I had spent half an hour venting, screaming, crying, throwing things, and nearly breaking everything in the dishwasher. Once I finally curled up and sat down next to him, he whispered it while holding me. So romantic 😍

It’s actually quite comforting to see that I'm not the only one dealing with mood swings. Then my friend tells me... "Just wait until the baby is born, that's when the real storm hits!!!!" 😂 😬

Nancy Jones2 said:Honestly, Sveki drove me absolutely crazy regarding baby names during both of my pregnancies. 😠
First time around—we were discussing what to call the little guy, and I suggested John, only for her to chime in with, "Oh, I think Luke sounds so much prettier." Okay... and? 🤷
Then the second time, which is actually right now—we’re talking about names for the baby girl, I suggest Sarah, and she’s back at it again: "Wouldn't Petra have been better? I love that one." It's always the same thing; like, okay, and? WTF?!?!?! 😠

Ugh, those names... why do they even care? It’s hard enough picking a name without them sticking their noses in our business. They had their turn to pick when they were pregnant. Now it’s our turn.

If they want to play architect, they can go make a new baby and then try picking names again, lol.

P. S. John and Sarah are great names, if you ask me :-)

Ashley Price57 said:My dad is constantly lecturing me about my portions. My mom is doing the exact same thing. Honestly, it’s getting so repetitive that I can practically predict it the second they open their mouths. Then, my husband comes home around 10 p.m. and hands me a slice of cake 😬 And I’m just like, "Oh, you don't want me eating this!" But then the guilt hits me hard. Every single bite feels like a chore because I start questioning if I should even be having it. What’s most frustrating is that I’m eating normally, so I don't get what all the fuss is about. I mean, for heaven's sake, I'm pregnant—it's impossible not to put on a few pounds! I know they mean well, but in those moments when they harp on me, I feel like an elephant. Then I'll open my closet, catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and just burst into tears. They keep telling me how difficult labor is for larger women, or how hard it will be to lose the weight later—all the stuff I already know, which is exactly why I'm supposed to WATCH what and how much I eat.. Ugh 😢

Most people know by now that I'm expecting. And they won't stop staring at my belly, judging me. It's like they're constantly measuring me with their eyes. No matter who I'm talking to or what the topic is, their gaze just drifts to my stomach like I'm under a microscope. I find myself wondering, "Did I really get too big? Is that why everyone is commenting on it?" 😬 I'm becoming obsessed. I honestly can't wait until I've fully rounded out so I can just shove it right in their faces and let them stare all they want.

Last night, my husband told me he was going to kill himself! 😬 He said it in such a sweet, gentle tone that we actually ended up laughing.. 😬 He said that after I had spent half an hour venting, screaming, crying, throwing things, and nearly breaking everything in the dishwasher. Once I finally curled up and sat down next to him, he whispered it while holding me. So romantic 😍

It’s actually quite comforting to see that I'm not the only one dealing with mood swings. Then my friend tells me... "Just wait until the baby is born, that's when the real storm hits!!!!" 😂 😬

The only real advice I can offer you—and I think even Merry would agree—is to just pretend you don't hear them. Once they realize their little comments aren't getting under your skin, they'll eventually stop.
I have to say, though, that last sentence really gets under my skin—I absolutely loathe it. It’s as if they're implying I'm going to give birth to some kind of monster rather than a beautiful baby.

Ashley Price57 said:My dad is constantly lecturing me about my portions. My mom is doing the exact same thing. Honestly, it’s getting so repetitive that I can practically predict it the second they open their mouths. Then, my husband comes home around 10 p.m. and hands me a slice of cake 😬 And I’m just like, "Oh, you don't want me eating this!" But then the guilt hits me hard. Every single bite feels like a chore because I start questioning if I should even be having it. What’s most frustrating is that I’m eating normally, so I don't get what all the fuss is about. I mean, for heaven's sake, I'm pregnant—it's impossible not to put on a few pounds! I know they mean well, but in those moments when they harp on me, I feel like an elephant. Then I'll open my closet, catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and just burst into tears. They keep telling me how difficult labor is for larger women, or how hard it will be to lose the weight later—all the stuff I already know, which is exactly why I'm supposed to WATCH what and how much I eat.. Ugh 😢

Most people know by now that I'm expecting. And they won't stop staring at my belly, judging me. It's like they're constantly measuring me with their eyes. No matter who I'm talking to or what the topic is, their gaze just drifts to my stomach like I'm under a microscope. I find myself wondering, "Did I really get too big? Is that why everyone is commenting on it?" 😬 I'm becoming obsessed. I honestly can't wait until I've fully rounded out so I can just shove it right in their faces and let them stare all they want.

Last night, my husband told me he was going to kill himself! 😬 He said it in such a sweet, gentle tone that we actually ended up laughing.. 😬 He said that after I had spent half an hour venting, screaming, crying, throwing things, and nearly breaking everything in the dishwasher. Once I finally curled up and sat down next to him, he whispered it while holding me. So romantic 😍

It’s actually quite comforting to see that I'm not the only one dealing with mood swings. Then my friend tells me... "Just wait until the baby is born, that's when the real storm hits!!!!" 😂 😬

Man, my old man is always on my case about my appetite, too. 🙄 And what do I do? I act like a total genius. 😛
The last thing I do is clear my plate.

But honestly? It doesn't even bother me. 🤷 😁

Bryan Diaz said:The only real advice I can offer you—and I think even Merry would agree—is to just pretend you don't hear them. Once they realize their little comments aren't getting under your skin, they'll eventually stop.
I have to say, though, that last sentence really gets under my skin—I absolutely loathe it. It’s as if they're implying I'm going to give birth to some kind of monster rather than a beautiful baby.

Ugh, tell me about it... Honestly, seeing him so scared broke my heart a few times. He looked at me and asked if he’d really never be able to go riding with the guys or play video games again... It got to the point where I was the one comforting him, trying to explain that he'll still have plenty of time for his bike and gaming.🤣

I am beyond irritated by all the "labor war stories" coming from the delivery room. It seems like everyone—and I mean everyone—who knows I'm pregnant feels entitled to give me the gory details about how someone else was in labor for twenty hours, or how they wouldn't dilate, or how doctors had to jump on their stomach because the baby wouldn't descend. Honestly, just chill out. I need this information about as much as I need a root canal. I try my best to ignore this kind of stuff online to avoid feeding my own paranoia, yet in real life, where I don't have an "ignore" button, I’m getting hit by heavy artillery from every direction. And I'm only just getting started. At this rate, I might actually kill someone before the due date.

Jason Lee2 said:I am beyond irritated by all the "labor war stories" coming from the delivery room. It seems like everyone—and I mean everyone—who knows I'm pregnant feels entitled to give me the gory details about how someone else was in labor for twenty hours, or how they wouldn't dilate, or how doctors had to jump on their stomach because the baby wouldn't descend. Honestly, just chill out. I need this information about as much as I need a root canal. I try my best to ignore this kind of stuff online to avoid feeding my own paranoia, yet in real life, where I don't have an "ignore" button, I’m getting hit by heavy artillery from every direction. And I'm only just getting started. At this rate, I might actually kill someone before the due date.

I completely agree; it’s both fascinating and deeply irritating. There is this strange human compulsion to dump every known and unknown birth nightmare onto me. And don't even get me started on the postpartum horrors, like being told to forget about sleep or hearing threats like, "Just wait until you see what happens once the baby is actually here..."

Jesse Evans85 said:I completely agree; it’s both fascinating and deeply irritating. There is this strange human compulsion to dump every known and unknown birth nightmare onto me. And don't even get me started on the postpartum horrors, like being told to forget about sleep or hearing threats like, "Just wait until you see what happens once the baby is actually here..."

It grates on my nerves as well; I make a point to avoid reading or listening to such things entirely, and if I happen to overhear a snippet by accident, I ensure it goes in one ear and straight out the other..

Jason Lee2 said:I am beyond irritated by all the "labor war stories" coming from the delivery room. It seems like everyone—and I mean everyone—who knows I'm pregnant feels entitled to give me the gory details about how someone else was in labor for twenty hours, or how they wouldn't dilate, or how doctors had to jump on their stomach because the baby wouldn't descend. Honestly, just chill out. I need this information about as much as I need a root canal. I try my best to ignore this kind of stuff online to avoid feeding my own paranoia, yet in real life, where I don't have an "ignore" button, I’m getting hit by heavy artillery from every direction. And I'm only just getting started. At this rate, I might actually kill someone before the due date.

I usually just tell people I'm not interested because I'm convinced I'll be done in 30 or 45 minutes max!!! I know that sounds ridiculous, but if I act a little crazy, it catches them off guard so they aren't sure if I'm being serious or just being silly, and then they feel too awkward to keep pushing 😂
. I mean, even recently my mother-in-law felt the need to tell me this story about a woman at her checkup where the doctor said everything was fine, only for the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby at the last second... totally terrifying. Why do people feel the need to scare pregnant women constantly? (Today, my MIL was telling me how when the baby arrives, I won't even have time to go to the bathroom. My mom is the complete opposite; she says she'll watch the little one whenever we want to head out for dinner... man, what would I do without my 😍)

#1. So my father-in-law decides to chime in with this comment about how Borna sounds like a girl's name to him. 🙄 Look, man, if I decide to name my son Tratinčica, that’s my business, isn't it? Not my problem.
#2. Then there’s that one friend who always has to weigh in on childbirth. It’s constant. Like, does it actually matter where you deliver? "Oh, my buddy's kid had a rough time at Mayo Clinic," or "My coworker gave birth at such-and-such time..." 🙄 Please. Why don't you tell me all those horror stories you heard through the grapevine about births that went south? Those are my absolute favorites—really inspiring stuff.
#3. And hair. My hair gets greasy at lightning speed. Which kid is talking now? Seriously, what am I supposed to wash it with so I don't have to deal with this mess every single day??

So, about yesterday

There's this girl I'm not exactly super close with—you know how it goes, we're just acquaintances or whatever—but she got so incredibly excited when she saw my belly that she actually wrapped her arms around it and started talking to it, and then she even gave it two little kisses!!! 😲
I was just staring at her like, what is actually wrong with you???
I was almost like, okay, maybe I should head home right now and tie a red string around my finger or something, just to make sure I don't catch any bad vibes or anything evil!!!