*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
Pregnancy is a pretty wild experience - mentally, emotionally, and physically. But that shouldn't come as a big surprise - you’ve got a little human growing inside you, after all. With that little human comes some crazy hormones that do some interesting things to your body.
There is no way to be fully ready for pregnancy. With every pregnancy being so different, there is only so much you can do to prepare, so much advice others can give you and (sadly) so much you can read on the internet.
Today, I’m getting real and talking mom to mom about the things you may experience during pregnancy, including the pros and the cons, the interesting and the unexpected.
It can get emotional.
There is so much focus on the physical changes in pregnancy that the emotional ones are sometimes overlooked. Hormone shifts during pregnancy are common and can leave you with unexpected bursts of anger, sadness or anxiety. So, if you suddenly find yourself crying over a commercial on TV, rest assured, it’s (unfortunately) 100% normal.
Beauty perks.
With the growing belly comes many other body changes that you may not be aware of, such as your skin, nails and hair. A great beauty perk is that your hair will look shiner and thicker than ever, thanks to an increase in estrogen. Just the other day I had a coworker mention how luscious my locks looked. Pretty good compliment considering I’ve been too lazy and cheap to do my hair for the past 8 months. Another perk? Nails. Nails also grow stronger and more rapidly - a great excuse to get more manicures and pedicures!
Maternity pants rock.
A stretchy waist band is nothing to laugh about. Maternity pants are key. Invest in a good pair, or several. I still joke with my husband that my maternity jeans are probably the comfiest pants I own. I whipped them out of storage the minute I found out I was pregnant with number two, because I now had an excuse to start wearing them again.
Not a morning person.
That term “morning sickness”? Ya, throw it out the window. The joyful first trimester pregnancy sickness doesn’t wear a watch, and can make an appearance at any point of the day, and in any form. From mild to severe, nausea to puking, morning to evening, everyone experiences it differently (or not at all). With Morley, there was one day I felt nauseous, and it was something I attributed to the heat on our family vacation in Italy. But with baby number 2? Whole different story. The nausea would set in around 4:30pm - I’d battle through making dinner, barely eating myself, put Morley to bed and then pass out hard on the living room floor at 8:30pm. Like I said, pregnancy sickness isn’t always reserved for the mornings.
Off balance.
Sure, having a big belly may make you feel a bit top heavy, but there are other ways that your body can be off balance during pregnancy, including your body’s pH.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that comes with some unpleasant side effects “down there”. It can cause complications during pregnancy, so if you suspect you might have it, make an appointment with your doctor. And, if you do, no sweat - there are over the counter options to treat symptoms, such as CanesBalance®, which works to regulate your pH. (This website has more information on symptoms and prevention.)
Pain in the butt.
Literally. For many, with pregnancy comes the joy of hemorrhoids. Constipation is very common in pregnancy, and for many, the joy of hemorrhoids comes along for the ride. They may not be polite dinner conversation, but they must not be left off the list. Hemorrhoids are actually varicose veins in your rectal area. They are usually not dangerous, but as I’m sure many moms will tell you, they can be annoying. Try applying cotton pads soaked in witch hazel, or soaking in a warm tub with epsom salt to soothe your symptoms.
Sweet dreams.
Nearing the end of my pregnancy, we were in full on Game of Thrones and Walking Dead binge mode. But, despite being in my third trimester (and carrying an extra 40+ pounds) and being extremely tired, I was not sleeping well at all. Thank you nightmares. You think those two shows are brutal enough? My dreams took them to a whole new level. Safe to say, we had to put them on pause until after baby was born.
Sweet dreams.
Nearing the end of my pregnancy, we were in full on Game of Thrones and Walking Dead binge mode. But, despite being in my third trimester (and carrying an extra 40+ pounds) and being extremely tired, I was not sleeping well at all. Thank you nightmares. You think those two shows are brutal enough? My dreams took them to a whole new level. Safe to say, we had to put them on pause until after baby was born.
In a fog.
You may have heard of “pregnancy brain” before. Well let me tell you, it is not a made up excuse for why you can’t find your car keys. Hormone shifts, sleep deprivation and emotions may all play a role in impairing your memory. I wish I had good news and could say it goes away, but after baby is born, it more so just turns into “mom brain”.
>> Capture your pregnancy memories: DIY Silhouette Maternity Photos
Ok, so pregnancy isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. But, the end result is a beautiful, incredible, amazing baby. One that you helped create. So enjoy that glow, rock those maternity jeans and get ready for a wild ride. It’s totally worth it!
Soon-to-be, first-time, or experienced mom? What surprised you most about pregnancy?
*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
