Where are all my moms at?Let’s talk about pregnancy. If you’re a soon to be mom, a new mom (that’s me), been around the block a few times mom, or a grand mom I want to hear your thoughts. This post is my ode to motherhood and the wonderful nine months you have to go through to get to it. So, if you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or just want to know a little bit more about pregnancy and all it’s glory here it is. Let’s talk about twenty things I wish I would have known before (and while) I was pregnant.
Ugh, morning sickness.
I mean come on some of you all didn’t get to experience this? Talk about breaking me into motherhood right. Okay, let me just take a moment to acknowledge the poor women who barfed everyday for nine months, God bless you. Tell me again how many children you have, because sister it would have been one and done for this girl. Oh, and to the motherhood favorites, you know who you are, keep scrolling. Two things, ginger ale and saltine crackers. I’m not saying this is some type of miracle working combination, but it might help you be a little more functional throughout the day.
Holy heat.
If you’re wondering where your ankles went find the nearest air conditioned room and stay there. Is it just me or does ninety degrees when your pregnant feel like three hundred. Y’all, I had my baby in December so I’m not even trying to say I know what it feels like to be nine months pregnant in the middle of summer, I’m just saying maybe schedule your summer baby moon to Alaska.
Do. Your. Kegels.
If you take away one piece of advice from this post, seriously, choose this. Things change when you’re pregnant. Five months ago you were posting a picture of yourself in a cute bikini on your Caribbean vacation and now you’re avoiding eye contact with the cashier ringing up your adult diapers. True story. Just do them, trust me your bladder and lady bits will thank you.
Stop stressing out about everything.
Stop exhausting yourself with hundreds of baby product reviews, your halfway finished nursery and your birth plan. It’s not worth it. You don’t need all the trendy things your favorite influencer has for her baby, the nursery is just another room and majority of the birthing process is completely out of your control.
You’re going to gain some weight, obviously.
Give yourself a break you’re growing a baby. I don’t recommend eating for two, but I also won’t deny eating cereal for breakfast almost every single morning while I was pregnant, so no judgement here. Just take it easy on yourself.
Stretch marks.
Speaking of body changes. I’m not going to lie I worried myself over these blasted things my entire pregnancy and it was so silly. I mean I lathered myself in Burt’s Bees Mama Butter and Body Merry Stretch Marks and Scars every single night. I will say my stomach has probably never been so silky soft, but I mean what was I so scared of? I have had stretch marks on my hips and thighs since I was in high school and that never stopped me from throwing on a bikini when I hit the beach.
Get a body pillow.
When you’re eight months pregnant stuffing five pillows around your body every time you get up to pee throughout the night gets old real quick.
The heartburn is intense.
Just go ahead and buy stock in TUMS while you’re at it. I might have had five bottles of antacids in my house at one time and I’m not talking about the small ones. Also, can I just say six per day is not enough.
Restless legs are real.
Pregnancy restless legs are next level, so next level my husband refused to sleep in the same bed with me because I would keep him up at night shuffling my legs. If you’re struggling with this try squats and don’t tire yourself out throughout the day. There’s also an old wives tale that says you can put a bar of soap under your bed to relieve them.
Take more pictures of yourself.
You’re beautiful and one day those pictures and videos will be sweet memories to look back on.
Don’t fear the glucose test.
Everyone will tell you how puke worthy that sugary mix is, but don’t let them freak you out, it’s really not that bad. Don’t get me wrong I definitely didn’t like it, but I’ve had worse in my lifetime.
Maternity clothes are awful.
Forget the maternity clothes until you absolutely have to have them. Get a good belly band and slip it over your unbuttoned and unzipped jeans.
Exercise.
So many women are scared about exercising during pregnancy. Safe exercise is actually extremely beneficial for you and your baby. I was active, with adequate caution throughout my pregnancy and I really think it helped with my labor. So, talk to your doctor about continuing your exercise routine it could greatly benefit you in the long run.
Learn how to breathe.
Speaking of labor, watch some breathing videos and teach yourself how to properly breathe while you’re pushing. I was very naive about the pushing stage of labor and I think knowing proper breathing techniques would have helped me tremendously.
Don’t forget a baby book.
I know life is fast paced these days and it’s hard to make time for a lot of things, but this is something you need to make time for. Your baby grows so quickly and as much as you think you won’t forget the first time she says mama or his first steps it will probably be a blur in twenty years.
Schedule your newborn pictures.
Am I the only person on planet earth that didn’t know you’re supposed to schedule newborn sessions BEFORE your child is born? Yeah. So, schedule those pics, and save some money while you’re at it because they aren’t cheap. Another thing, if you’re a scrap book mom who wants a festive photo of your new addition on every holiday plan ahead.
Hemorrhoids.
Yea, I said it. All that extra weight you’re carrying around isn’t just hard on that back of yours. If your nether regions aren’t showing the signs of them yet that natural birth may just do the trick, so go ahead and break out the stool softeners because you’re gonna need it.
Don’t let the Karen’s get you down.
People lose their filters when they’re talking to a pregnant woman. Sometimes I was honestly shocked by the things people would say to me. I know, I know you think it’s funny to tell me I look like I might be pregnant with twins or by the end of nine months I will be as round as I am tall, but just so you know I’m not laughing. Also, those were two things people actually said to me while I was pregnant. Like, what?! Just don’t be alarmed when someone openly gives you their opinion about what you should do with your baby and your body, it happens a lot.
Enjoy that last month.
I rushed my last month of pregnancy. I was so excited to get my baby in my arms all I could think about was getting her here as quickly as she would come. After I got back home from the hospital I felt separated and it made me appreciate pregnancy so much more.
Spend time with your partner.
These are the last months just the two of you, so soak it up and make happy memories you can share with your little one when they’re older.
So, there you have it, twenty things. If you’re expecting your first little one I hope you found some of this helpful, and just know your life is about to get so much better in the best way possible. Some of these things may seem weird and scary but I would go through them a million times a million to have my baby girl in my arms everyday. Now, I want to know some of the things pregnancy has taught you so drop a comment below with your best pregnancy advice.
XO
-KP
Emily Wakin Photography.
