ADVERTISEMENT

Girls grow up thinking that pregnancy is going to be one of the biggest highpoints in their lives. The reality, however, can be quite different. Weird body changes. One Google search after another. Yes, bringing a baby into this world is really darn cool, but the experience is full of surprises too.

Earlier this month, Reddit user u/BonkBoi_TacoFace submitted a question to r/AskReddit: "Pregnant women of Reddit, what is something you wish you knew before you got pregnant?" And their call was heard. Women immediately started sending in their answers, and as of today, the post has over 14,700 comments, many of which provide eye-opening insights into gestation.

Bored Panda also spoke with Vicki Broadbent, a writer, director, broadcaster, and founder of the parenting blog Honest Mum, to learn more about pregnancy and the challenges that come with it.

"The pressures on pregnant women and mothers is utterly palpable so please be kind to yourself," Broadbent, who also shares parenting advice and candid family moments on her Instagram account, said.

Continue scrolling and check out the full interview in between the entries!

Image credits: Vicki Broadbent / Honest Mum

#1

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Nobody talks enough about how difficult breastfeeding is. You’re told it’s the “best” for the baby but then people assume it’s always a choice when it doesn’t work out. It’s not as if baby or mother automatically know how to latch and it can cause so much stress, which affects milk supply as well. There are physiological things with baby and mom that can make it difficult... and it can be extremely painful. I bled and my first even gnawed off a piece of my nipple. It was more traumatic than childbirth for me but I felt guilty about quitting. Advice to my younger self or new moms: breast is not best, FED is best. Don’t beat yourself up and switch to formula if breastfeeding is too difficult.

TwoIcedCoffees , fancycrave1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
irinadeneva avatar
Irina Deneva-Slav
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what propaganda does to you, even if it's for something as positive as breastfeeding. A girl in my hospital room was so stressed out because her baby didn't latch immediately, she cried for hours and by the time they got to go home she was a nervous wreck. Nothing should be done at all costs, even if it's "best for the baby". Fed is indeed best, not breastfed.

shannonodland avatar
Dippin Dot
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had made the decision to try to breastfeed in the hospital out of pressure from the staff. I couldn't produce enough and decided to supplement with formula. After 3 weeks I completely dried up. They were some of the most stressful weeks of my life and I have no respect for the women who shame for formula feeding.

edc_82 avatar
Lola
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

If you have a medical condition, than it’s completely understandable. You just can’t produce milk and that ok. You are one of the few ones and it just happens to no fault of your own. Unfortunately, there are women out there who don’t even give breastfeeding a try.

Load More Replies...
devonbunny avatar
Bunny Wood
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed, we bottle fed our daughter and the staff at tje hospital were pretty shitty about it. At one point i had to step in and fairly bluntly tell two of the nursing staff to piss off.

maddi_050203 avatar
LOttawa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, hospital staff should never be shitty about that, it's doesn't affect them in any way. When I gave birth they asked: bottle or breastfed, I said bottle, they said: here you go and gave me a bunch of bottles with different nipples to see which one she'd like best.

Load More Replies...
kalpanam avatar
Kalpana M
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Breastfeeding is good for the baby yes - but doesn't mean every mother has 100% success. It's okay if breastfeeding isn't working out. Babies have options now - packet milk, formula food etc. Already a new mother faces so much, just don't add more pressure 🤦‍♀️

edc_82 avatar
Lola
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I was told by a very prominent OBGYN who has been delivering babies for over 30 years, that it’s rare for a mother not to be successful in breastfeeding unless she has a medical issue.

Load More Replies...
james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I HATED breastfeeding. I tried for 3-5 months (can’t remember which). Anyway I was literally feeding my daughter for an hour at a time, half hour after every feed. It was exhausting and my daughter was slowly losing weight. Finally get told that I am not producing enough milk by the health nurse. Put her on formula and never looked back. When I had my son I was going to attempt to feed, especially the colostrum but I tried feeding him once and that was it. It was excruciatingly painful, so he was straight onto formula.

maddie-star-2 avatar
Maddie Star ⭐
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son staved in hospital, I was in a week and after a blood transfusion I had no milk, even though I kept telling them he wasn't feeding they gave me no bottle for him. They just kept sending random strwto squeeze my boobs.

cynthiabonville avatar
Cynthia Bonville
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What often is not discussed is that nursing your child is best for you. Your cholesterol goes sky high during pregnancy, breastfeeding lowers those fats in your bloodstream rapidly and well (does not help you loose weight tho, sorry). There is a lot of evidence that nursing your child really helps the mom biologically for the long term. Just a thought.

franziska-eller avatar
Konpat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It also helps your uterus retract itself. However, I totally get that it can be stressful and painful.

Load More Replies...
adinadrumea88 avatar
Flopsy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is that women are expected to be able to breastfeed without being given the proper support. Oftentimes hospitals offer bottles, pacifiers, breastfeeding schedules, but very little guidance on how to help the baby latch, recognize and respond to sign of hunger, safe bed sharing, getting (and recognizing when you need) psychological support etc.

phantasteek avatar
ChickyChicky
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if you live in the USA you might not get enough leave from work to spend the time to breastfeed.

Load More Replies...
synsepalum avatar
Synsepalum
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Man, I had the hardest time with breastfeeding. Tears, frustration, tubes with secret formula taped to my breast so as not to confuse my son. I did get it eventually. I nursed him till he was two years old, and after a time it became very easy. It was work though. Well worth it.

ngaerew avatar
NWB
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it isn't easy, it doesn't come naturally to everyone

cindycollins_1 avatar
CincyReds
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally agree! So much pressure to breast feed, it doesn't always work, people should not make new mothers feel guilty because they are not breastfeeding

samrice avatar
Sam rice
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried so hard because I wanted to give it an honest try but baby girl couldn't latch on. She was "tongue tied" and had her frenulum clipped. Went to formula after that.

wynwilliams avatar
Wyn Williams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We pumped and I got up at nights to feed the baby by bottle so his mum could rest, the first six months the mum produces antibodies that protects the baby so breast milk is best for that period but you can pump it instead of breast feeding directly

kathrinschildkumagoroubeam avatar
KumagorouBeam
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

breastfeeding didn't work for me and my daughter. when we tried she always ended up too tired and slept again so i changed to formula. shes 4 years now and perfectly healthy.

veni_vidi_vicky avatar
phantasteek avatar
freya_600 avatar
Freya Fluharty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd try feeding my daughter for hours, but all that happened is she lost weight. I had little milk. They subsequently thought it was due to pre-eclampsia, epidural etc etc. Even now, I feel guilty (and angry) when I read all these breast or nothing articles!

jasonhuang_1 avatar
Jason Huang
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We're not giving enough credit to the women for all the difficult things men doesn't have to do.

quillingmama avatar
Pamela Scott
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beware the HICCUPS!!!! You also realize your baby is able to learn things much more early than you ever though possible as well. I remember Amber wasn't even old enough to hold her head up when I had to start watching to move her away as soon as she was full. If I didn't as soon as she was full she would bite me and just giggle and giggle!

quillingmama avatar
Pamela Scott
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still worth it but I started telling her don't do it when she got that look on her face and pretty soon she would giggle so hard iwe were both ready for her to finish.

Load More Replies...
clanmorello avatar
Lynn Morello
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first baby, A nurse told me that Not to worry, Not all mothers can breast feed, have a bottle and bottle feed. Child # 5, an old nurse said that first nurse should have had a slap up the back of the head, ALL mothers can breast feed, they just need to be shown how. I breastfed #'s 5 and 6 until they each were 18 months old.

anngam1043 avatar
Annamay
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm an old lady. I breastfed 6 kids and know exactly what you mean! It takes some info which you don't get. Babies are not experts either. There are lots of tips, but they are hard to find these days. My granddaughter is a Lactation Specialist. I hope it has something to do with my help. Look for one!

vt_shinomi avatar
Shinomi Chan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This literally makes my mom a trooper, according to her stories, I was a biter. (If she tried to stop feeding me that is) Then again aren't all moms like that? Amazing and absolute units?

sindustrydesign avatar
Penny Kemper
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom was 19 when I was born and she just didn't produce enough milk to breastfeed me. I knew because of her talking about it.

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not to mention that they say that breastfeeding is best for baby and mother, but how dare you actually do it where people can see it.

hrr311 avatar
Helena R
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I breastfed all my babies but I had some terrible side effects, the worst were the night sweats- so bad I couldn't sleep and my GP just got all huffy and said "and what do you want me to do about it" ... umm you're the doctor you should at least try to help? I gave up with each child at 4-7 months. So even if you don't struggle to bf your baby it doesn't mean it's fun or enjoyable

mintyminameow avatar
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can’t understand how this isn’t hell. Nipples are such a sensitive area for most people, aren’t they? Like to have them SUCKED at all is such a strong sensation that not everyone even likes it in any context. I can’t IMAGINE being forced to do it. It just seems to utterly utterly painful, even when it’s not swollen and there’s no biting and everything is perfect. It hurts already, to me. I hate that feeling and it would just be torture. For that reason alone I couldn’t be a mom. I’d rather give birth than have my nipples touched even by a machine.

liddlecatpaws avatar
Jo Johannsen
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother told me she tried breastfeeding me but as an infant, I started developing breasts - she apparently had an extreme overabundance of hormones and the doctor told her to switch to formula. I'm now (relatively) normal.

chimesstreet avatar
Tabitha L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sibling and twin studies have shown that the benefits of breastfeeding are overstated. It is just another way to control women's bodies and make women feel horrible. If breastfeeding works for a woman - great. If it doesn't - that is fine too. The breastfeeding shaming culture is out of control.

nataliamorgadonardi avatar
NMN
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You must be talking about a single study then, cos I just went over a couple of dozen studies trying to find what you said (you know, basics like jstor, wiley, springer, ncbi) and could not find a single one backing up what you say

Load More Replies...
kittenkatt avatar
Kitten Katt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fed is great but test and study after study proves breast milk is best... you could pump and not give to the baby direct.

chimesstreet avatar
Tabitha L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have cited three studies above that show that there are no long term cognitive or non-cognitive benefits to breastfeeding. Many "breast is best" studies do not factor in maternal health, race, socioeconomic status, home environment, education, etc. Once these other factors are removed, the difference is negligible to non-existent.

Load More Replies...
nataliamorgadonardi avatar
NMN
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am so sorry for all of you and your babies. That's the importance of learning how to do a proper latch, it is not easy, but if done properly, should be no pain. You had pain? Then it was wrong. I don't come here talking as just a mother, i come after having that throughout university and after much academic research. Not all professionals are good either btw. I feel sorry for all those babies and their mothers that did not get the proper care and actually believe that breastfeeding hurting is a normal thing and that it should be a choice, that formula is as good as... I'm so sorry for all of you =/

florapolvado avatar
Catlady6000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree with most of your statement, however the choice to breastfeed is, indeed, a choice. While it is best for both mom and baby, it is not always possible, or even advisable. Everyone's circumstances are different, regardless of quality of professional help available. A less stressed mom and a fed baby are better, regardless of how it is done. I do think every mom should try at least a couple of times, just to be sure, but never be pressured into it.

Load More Replies...
edc_82 avatar
Lola
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Ah, if you only knew what’s inside the formula milk. Yes, breastfeeding is hard and often times painful, but it’s nowhere near as bad as feeding your child formula.

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Comments like yours do not help women who can’t breastfeed for numerous reasons. We already feel guilty enough and sometimes it can be part of the cause for postnatal depression. Most of us know the benefits of breastmilk but formula is not as bad as you make out to be. Maybe in some countries but in most western countries our formula is of high standards and quality. Nice of you to add more stress onto new mothers with that attitude.

Load More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"I'd personally hoped for the best but planned for the worst with my pregnancies, as I needed an emergency section with my first baby which was a world apart from the water birth I'd dreamed of," the author of The Working Mom: Your Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Work and at Home told Bored Panda.

"Now that I practice meditation, I know I would have leaned on that throughout my pregnancies and beyond to help center and soothe me. Free apps such as Insight Timer are perfect as they have over 80,000 free meditation exercises available, some only a few minutes long."

ADVERTISEMENT
#2

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) That no matter how much you planned and wanted your baby, postpartum depression can happen to you and it is very, very real.
It is not something you can control. Hormones are liars. Partners of new moms, please pay close attention. Get help. Do not try to tough it out.

Drumwife91 , Megadeth's Girl Report

Add photo comments
POST
keyq_chan avatar
로희
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always wonder if women with mental health issue are more likely to experience postpartum depression (and whether it can get more intense). I have bipolar type 2 disorder but would love to have a child someday.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

A quick Google search would reveal there's plenty of information on pregnancy. Maybe too much. Not to some media 'filters', set in place to make this content appealing to a wider audience. Navigating such mazes can become really tricky. "I think parents and parents-to-be are discussing pregnancy more candidly than ever now thanks to social media but there are still barriers to information and education depending on where you live in the world and how much access you have to medical professionals," Broadbent said.

#3

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) You do not have to enjoy EVERY minute of parenthood. It's ok to have bad days and days when you think your kids are jerks. You're not f**king this up - it's just THAT hard.

Drumwife91 , neildodhia Report

#4

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Do. Not. Join. An. On-line. Mom. Group.

No.

Impius_Operandi , Nenad Stojkovic Report

Add photo comments
POST
james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am on two Facebook mum groups and they are actually very supportive. Rude and nasty comments are deleted and the person banned. They are quite regulated.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

The Honest Mum, for example, had suffered from a pregnancy liver condition called ICP in 2010 which some studies have shown can result in stillbirth, and struggled to find enough information about it at the time. "Research was limited and I received opposing information from health professionals. Very few were openly discussing PND and birth trauma a decade ago, (I suffered from the latter) either in parenting groups or online (for fear of failure as a parent and perhaps fear their baby might be taken from them)."

#5

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Miscarriage is ridiculously common.

I say this as someone currently carrying a dead baby waiting for the NHS to give me a surgical removal.

rexrat , Free-Photos Report

#6

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Having a baby CAN destroy your body for many women. Forget the “women have been doing this for generations” bulls**t, which I think can dismiss the very real toll that pregnancy/childbirth can have on a body. Many women suffer long term incontinence after birth, much of the time this can be improved with therapy but maybe never fully healed—and some women it never heals for. Your stomach will never look the same. I had a small waist and flat stomach before kids and now I have an unbelievable fat sack on my stomach and so many deep red stretch marks that haven’t faded. I gained a lot of weight despite not eating much due to bad food aversions. I’m leaking poop after giving birth due to a third degree tear and pelvic floor issues, and I’m told that there’s a high chance that future pregnancies and births will only exacerbate my issue, especially if it doesn’t improve soon. And I’m a first time mom and only 27!! WTF!! I don’t hate my new baby, but I certainly don’t know if I would say it’s “worth it,” considering my body feels ravaged and will never be the same. I basically lost 9 months of my life due to being very sick most of my pregnancy, and now will lose many more months due to a difficult recovery.

Miserable_Painting12 , Vasile Cotovanu Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Broadbent is happy that when blogging and social media really exploded, many writers such as herself found the courage to share their own experiences. "My piece on birth trauma has helped many women and many other similar pieces online are helping parents to feel less alone, and vitally able to reach the help they need to heal," she said.

#7

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Miscarriages are not spoken about enough. No-one tells you how much it's going to hurt nor how long your hormones will take ages to go back to 'normal' and how much it affects your mental health.

traceyjanie21 , 1388843 Report

#8

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) How difficult it is to raise a teenager.

mference123 , marcino Report

Add photo comments
POST
maddie-star-2 avatar
Maddie Star ⭐
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So not looking forward to this, I remember me as a teen. My parents are saints, honestly it's a miracle I'm still here.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

One study confirmed that pregnant women and those with young children place a high value on the information and support they receive from using online sources and apps. "They are accustomed to ready and immediate access to information using digital technologies and want better access to that offered by professionals," professor Deborah Lupton, the author of the research, concluded, adding that recognizing and finding ways to meet these needs should be included in planning healthcare provision and support for soon-to-be-parents.

#9

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) You stop being able to sleep way before the baby gets here.
Everyone loves to tell me to 'sleep now while I can' but pregnancy leads to unexplained insomnia and I’m a total wreck already.

tibbymoon , Eli Duke Report

Add photo comments
POST
franziska-eller avatar
Konpat
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had difficulties sleeping due to my huge belly. On the side it was just uncomfortable, on the back impossible - I would have suffocated!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) No one ever told me about the 'third delivery,' aka your first poop.
The first delivery is the baby, second is the placenta, and the third is the poop. I was struggling for so long to poop.

omOfRPM31 , aarsvoln Report

Add photo comments
POST
bbmdirector avatar
Tara Brooks
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anything to do with post birth is “suspiciously” never talked about because it’s the third circle of hell

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

But this topic is relevant nowadays too. "Being pregnant during this crisis, however, has meant women are experiencing scans, losses, labor, and early parenthood in scenarios they would never have imagined. It has been an isolating, difficult time for most," Broadbent said.

So what to do? Broadbent suggests that parents trust their gut. According to her, no one knows a mother's body or her baby as well as she does, so if you have any concerns, act on those. "I've never been wrong about any cause for concern with my own kids, now aged 8 and 11. I feel I have a special connection/maternal superpower when it comes to my children and many other mums say the same," she explained.

"I've been known to wake from a deep sleep with the urge to check on my sleeping child in the other room, only to discover he is unwell or has a fever. Learn to trust yourself."

#11

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Lochia, it’s basically the biggest “period” ever as your body expels the leftovers from carrying a baby, and it can go on for weeks. I will never forget being told that I might pass clots as big as a tennis ball and that was normal. So gross.

Also, babies in the womb can have hiccups. Hiccups are weird enough when they’re your own, it’s bizarre to feel someone else’s.

Obi-rice-a-roni , Cparks Report

Add photo comments
POST
james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least you got told about the clots. I didn’t and when I produced a golf ball sized one, I freaked out and immediately called the hospital.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) For some people, labor doesn't start with water breaking and 30 minutes later there's a baby. My water broke and 29 hours later the baby decided to show up.

ksozay , Matthew Paul Argall Report

Add photo comments
POST
maddie-star-2 avatar
Maddie Star ⭐
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was me too, my labour started at 9.30 am, waters broke at around 10pm, my baby eventually cut out at 11:30 pm the next day. Sounds horrible but I would do again it twice over for my baby.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) That everyone has an opinion on what you do whilst pregnant and how you want to raise your child.

black_lilies , Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
franziska-eller avatar
Konpat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This!!! Why is seemingly everyone suddenly so entitled when it comes to kids? It's horrible!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) You can mess with them in utero.

When I was close to the end of both of my pregnancies one of my favorite things to do was, when he would push up against my rib cage I would pound back a glass of ice water or eat a bowl of ice cream and as soon as that coldness hit my stomach he would back down. Also, my first liked to push his butt up against the front wall of my stomach pretty hard, so that there was a tiny little bump that you couldn't see but I could feel, so I could sort of grab it and shake it around a little bit.

uh-oh_oh-no , futurestreet Report

Add photo comments
POST
heathervance avatar
AzKhaleesi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

haha my son would push so hard I could see his toes, so I'd tickle them.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Baby kicks don’t feel like butterflies. They feel like something crawled across your skin quickly but from the inside.

chrisP__bacon , Greyerbaby Report

#16

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) How hard it can be to get and stay pregnant. Everyone imagines it will happen easily and quickly and, unfortunately, it's not the case for so many women.
And for women who've dealt with infertility or loss, how much anxiety you'll have throughout the pregnancy.

travelcbn , Nate Grigg Report

Add photo comments
POST
armsoftheocean avatar
Franc Esca
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And it's always assumed the issue lies with the woman's body, not the man's sperm

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) From my mom: I paralyzed her from the waist down for a few hours because I decided to take a nap on her spinal cord in the third trimester. The doctor's response was "yeah you'll be able to move again once they wake up." Pregnancy is pure body horror.

AbsolXGuardian , Masahiko OHKUBO Report

Add photo comments
POST
astridtvandam avatar
OpalTheRainwing
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oof I can’t imagine being paralyzed and knowing it’s was because of my baby I would will for it to wake up Asap

View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) That not all gynecologists are competent. And if you have a feeling yours isn't, find a new one.

Mine was very personable, did my d&c for my miscarriage before my first born, didn't really give me any red flags until after I was pregnant again.

Long story short, he forgot (I guess?) to have me tested for gestational diabetes, and I had it. There were OBVIOUS signs that he didn't catch, that I didn't even know were signs until my new doctor told me. My son ended up having to be in NICU for 3 days after he was born because he couldn't regulate his own blood sugar.

Every doctor and nurse I talked to along the way was appalled I hadn't gotten tested. He also didn't catch that I was anemic the whole pregnancy either.

Thank God we're all healthy and happy now but looking back I should've changed doctors

Ghostseverywhere , orzalaga Report

Add photo comments
POST
qahtanrama avatar
River Webb
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that guy should've been fired, if he's that incompetent who knows what will happen next time

View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Your body does not magically go back to normal once the baby is out. You have weeks of healing.
You either had your vagina rip or your stomach cut open, your boobs are still on baby mode, and you have a whole new set of problems now. Pooping will be terrifying and depression risks are higher.

Davis1511 , Crystal_1979 Report

#20

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) If you lose 10% or more of your body weight due to nausea and vomiting, it is a BIG deal and could put you and the baby's life in danger. If your OB acts like it isn't, find another doctor!

written by a two time Hyperemesis Gravidarium survivor. Lost 42 lbs during one pregnancy and 35 with the other. And that was WITH constant zofran and IV's and a PIC line and hospital bed rest.

Lets-B-Lets-B-Jolly , Holly Lay Report

Add photo comments
POST
james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was in hospital there was a woman in my room that was vomiting (mostly dry) ALL bloody day/night. She could barely walk coz she was so weak, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t keep any food or fluids down and in constant pain. You could hear it. Couldn’t imagine having to deal with that.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) You’re going to need to pee ALL the time. And only a drop will come out. Then you need to pee again 15 mins later. The most annoying time is during the night when you should be sleeping, but instead you’re just getting up to pee every few hours.

prettydarnfunny , Rusty Clark Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#22

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) That cravings aren't just food. I craved dirt, particularly beach sand. The smell of the beach was excruciating, I just wanted to shovel handfuls into my mouth. I never ate dirt or sand and the craving went away when baby was born.

A friend of a friend told me she craved freshly poured asphalt so in a way I'm glad my craving was just dirt.

DoxieBalls , Clément Chéné Report

#23

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Currently pregnant and due to have my first kid in about a month. Wish I’d known I would end up doing everything by myself. And I wish I’d known how difficult the 3rd trimester would be without a partner to help me. Or that the baby’s father would show up at the ninth hour with a new girlfriend demanding shared custody. I’ve always been a believer of “everything happens for a reason” but it’s getting very difficult to see the good in all of this.

kfl2021 , Frank de Kleine Report

Add photo comments
POST
maddie-star-2 avatar
Maddie Star ⭐
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, sounds like you got rid of bad rubbish. And yes you can do it. Just don't be a die hard mum, ask for help and take everything offered. There are people there to help you xxx No one will think worse of you, quite the opposite, they will think you are strong and being the best mum you can be.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Seeing a pregnant woman makes strangers:

Want to touch her and touch her belly. Which they often do without even asking.

Makes them tell their worst pregnancy and delivery stories. If they had a hard delivery, they'll tell instead the story of their friend who was even worse. It makes childbirth into a one-upmanship contest of horror stories, which is probably about the last thing any pregnant woman wants to hear, let alone hear it every time she's out in public.

countingin Report

Add photo comments
POST
erickahuth avatar
EHops
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I slapped a woman's hand once and she looked so confused! Like she wasn't about to touch a stranger without saying a damn word let alone ask permission. Being pregnant is wild

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Stuff stays with your body afterwards. I developed allergies after I had my second child, and my feet definitely got bigger. Hormones are no joke.

Shakenbake1811 , cenczi Report

Add photo comments
POST
maddie-star-2 avatar
Maddie Star ⭐
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Randomly my big toe on my right foot is always cold and numb. It's been 8 years now.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Everyone talks about pregnancy cravings.... no one tells you that the opposite can happen. During this pregnancy, my 2nd, I had aversions to most food until about 22/23 weeks. I’m 27.5 weeks now and finally starting to feel better about eating, but certainly don’t have cravings.

mrsctb , homejobsbymom Report

Add photo comments
POST
jlkooiker avatar
lenka
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's wierd isnt it. I went totally off chocolate during my first pregnancy - in fact it was my first pregnancy symptom. I went to a chocolate tasting event with a girlfriend and litterally could not stand to eat anything there. Bought pg test on the way home.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Pregnancy brain is REAL. It's not a joke. It's not exaggerated.
When you start forgetting, misplacing, and outright losing things, you can start feeling like you're also losing your mind.

TheWritingNeverEnds , Miia Sample Report

#28

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) How I'd get loads of random skin changes.

Skin tags, so many skin tags!

Moles growing into skin tags then dropping off, like WTF body

Sandpaper dry skin, which I still get from time to time, just this one patch on the back of my right hand

My facial skin changing from t-zone oily to t-zone flaky and never going back

My psoriasis on my scalp going away, this did come back but not as bad

Hair - so you stop shedding hair whilst pregnant and you get really thick lovely hair. A few weeks after birth you start to lose all that extra hair. Literally handfuls will come out in the shower and it's really freaky

DuckyMcQuackatron , Matthew Bellemare Report

#30

Women Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew Before They Got Pregnant (30 Comments) Each pregnancy is different, even with the same person.
I have three kids. The first pregnancy was very typical and followed the normal timeline. The second pregnancy was awful. I was miserable and sick the entire time. The third pregnancy was easy peasy and I finally understood why some women liked being pregnant.

Tallerc , Tony Alter Report

Note: this post originally had 75 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.