Pregnancy is a wild ride, and anyone who's been through it can tell you that it's an experience like no other. As someone who has waddled through nine months of anticipation, I can confidently say that there are some universal truths about pregnancy that go beyond what you see in movies or read in books. Whether it's the intense cravings for things you never liked before or the inexplicable urge to cry at commercials, pregnancy transforms you in ways you never expected. Being pregnant in 2024, where everything from maternity wear to prenatal vitamins has been revolutionized, adds its own modern twist to the ancient journey of motherhood.
First off, let's talk about those wild cravings. I've heard of women who just had to have pickles with ice cream at 3 AM; personally, I couldn't get enough spicy Cheetos dipped in yogurt. Don't ask. It's one of those inexplicable pregnant woman phenomenons that leaves even the most logical minds baffled. And then there's the emotional rollercoaster—one minute, you're ecstatic because the baby just kicked, and the next, you're bawling because your favorite show got canceled.
What's also fascinating is the unsolicited advice. Oh, the advice. Everyone from your grocer to your great aunt seems to have something to say about what you should eat, how you should sleep, and whether or not you should be lifting that tiny potted plant. Any current trends? Oh boy, don't even get me started on the number of people who suddenly swear by that one random herbal tea that'll make everything better.
Now, the body changes. I remember looking in the mirror one day, just a few months into my pregnancy, and legit not recognizing myself. And let's not forget the back pain. I swear, no amount of yoga or massage could make it go away. And by the way, can we talk about the weird stuff? Like, did you know your feet can actually grow a full size bigger? I was flabbergasted! And as you'll find under Knowing Your Body, this is just the beginning.
And hey, if you've got a partner, they better be ready for the funniest (and maddest) ride of their life. From your midnight cravings to putting up with pregnancy brain—yes, it’s a real thing—they’re in it as much as you are.
In such a monumental year, 2024 feels like an age of enlightenment when it comes to understanding and supporting pregnant women, thanks to ever-evolving technologies and more open conversations. So, for all the expectant mothers and those who support them, buckle up for what promises to be an unforgettable journey filled with laughs, tears, and an abundance of love.
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1. Your Poo is like Coal
“Seriously, it was rock-hard coal coming out. No one tells you about that”
2. You Will Never Stop Weeing
It may feel like someone’s stuck a cork in at one end but, at the other end, it’s like a riot hose. “You literally wee all the time,” explained one woman. “Also, we wee like we’ve been drinking in the pub – just weeing for about two hours,” elaborated another.
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3. People Tell You Their Horrific Birth Stories
Once you reveal you're pregnant everyone decides to drop the real truth bombs. “Nobody’s got a good story,” observed one woman. “It’s like, ‘I was in labour for a week…I had third degree tear’ or, ‘your vagina will turn into a bucket'."
4. Morning Sickness Can Strike Any Time of the Day
"They shouldn’t call it morning sickness. Just sickness”, one woman suggested. “Any time of day it can creep up on you. Any time”, agreed another.
5. You Start Crying over a Meal Deal
Another thing that can strike any time: hormones. The trigger could be a sad song on the radio. Or it could be having to choose between a pasta salad or a hoisin duck roll. “You’re in the middle of the supermarket, picking a meal deal and it can literally feel like the end of the world,” explained one woman. Another had a similar story. “I’d be texting my best friend like, ‘I just cried over food again.’”
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6. Cravings Can Include Things like Soap and Petrol
Here are just a few we heard about: “Pickled onion and milkshake” “McDonald's fries with ice cream” “Petrol. I mean, obviously I didn’t stand at the petrol pump drinking from it, but, you know, I wanted to.” “I got really addicted to Imperial Leather soap." stated another. "I really wanted to lick it.” Do not drink petrol! Or eat soap.
7. Say Goodbye to Sleep
“You don’t sleep. And you never will again”, one haunted-looking soul told us. “You’re on your back and you just can’t feel your legs anymore”, said one woman And then there’s the fact that, as another woman put it, “You have to do a three-point turn to roll over."
8. There Are Some Unexpected Perks
“Being able to jump the queue in public toilets”, listed one woman. “I loved getting the golden ticket - the ‘baby on board’ badge – aka, ‘that seat’s mine, bch’”, chimed another. Not only do you get to bring a beautiful new life into the world, you even get a seat on the bus. Watch the full video:
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