Pregnancy Tips: Things They Don't Always Tell You!

So the moment has come when you suspect you’re pregnant. You take a pregnancy test and it comes back positive. You go to the doctor and they confirm that you are pregnant! The anticipation begins. Now, you are inundated with doctor appointments making sure you and the baby's health are good. Your doctor gives you all this information about what to eat and what not to eat, positions to sleep in, recording kick counts, measurements of the baby, ultrasound information and so on. There are a few things they don’t tell you, and if you're a first time mom you have no clue about what is to come. So let’s talk about the top five things I wish someone had told me about pregnancy.

The Ferocious Hunger

The way hunger comes out of nowhere is crazy! Not only does it come out of nowhere but it comes on strong, so strong that nausea will soon follow if you don’t get fed quickly. During my first pregnancy, I had no idea this was going to happen so I was completely unprepared. There would be times where I was at events and I would’ve eaten before attending, thinking that would sustain me and it didn’t. Thankfully for me, there was always an experienced mom around me who had a snack to give me. Mommas, especially first time moms, keep a few snacks in your purse or in the car. Here are a few suggestions to keep with you that are filling and compact:

• Trail mix

• Protein bar

• Granola bar

• Banana

• Apple slices

• Pretzels

• Almonds

• Peppermint for the nausea

Aches and Pains

You would think that it should be obvious that as you grow, the aches and pains will come. As a first time mom, you don’t know what you don’t know. I remember walking through the grocery store, pregnant with my first child and sharp, intense pains began to come in my lower abdomen. Eventually they would go away, but it was unexpected. At that point I didn’t know about Braxton Hicks Contractions or the stretching of the round ligament which causes pain as well. Mommas, ask questions anytime you feel something abnormal or if you are unsure about the way you are feeling.

Excessive Tiredness

The first trimester is wild. There are so many changes happening in your body. Tiredness is expected in pregnancy, but excessive tiredness is like no other. During the first trimester, you are fighting being tired all day. The sleep during the first trimester is so enjoyable and restful, so get all the sleep you can because the restless and uncomfortable nights are coming.

Emotional Changes

As your body changes and prepares for the birth of your child, your hormones are all over the place causing your emotions to be extremely heightened. You may be happy and joyful one moment and the next moment you're in tears because you can’t find your shoes! Be aware of this and know that this too will pass.

Internal Temperature Changes

As previously stated, your hormones are going wild and are not at an equilibrium state during pregnancy. This will affect your internal thermostat. There were so many times where I thought I was going through menopause (at least from what I hear). I would get hot so quickly, I felt like I was burning up. Being hot for too long would bring on the nausea. Dress lightly, pack a personal fan and bring a sweater.

Encouragement

Being able to carry a child and birth a life is a miracle! It should be a time of joy and love. Do your best to enjoy each stage of the pregnancy journey, just make sure you're prepared as much as possible! Being a mom is a treasured gift, treat it as such and remember when the journey gets tough...YOU GOT THIS!