Pregnancy Facts: The Joys and Ugly Truths for Expecting Mothers

1. think you may be pregnant; or

2. are pregnant and want to know what to expect.

Well, here it is. This isn't going to be sugar-coated, and I will warn you that though pregnancy is a joy, there are some parts of it that just plain suck. We'll start with how to know you are pregnant. This is usually pretty obvious, but we'll go over it anyways.

1. No Period - Now if you have irregular periods this might prove to be a difficult indicator but if your period is normal like mine was than this is a good indication. And if you aren't on birth control and had sex without a condom (though you can get pregnant while on birth control - rare but it does happen) then you should know the possibility is there.

2. Morning sickness - Ah, yes this one happens to the best of us. However, don't let the name fool you "morning" sickness can come at any time of day, not just in the morning. With my first son I didn't have morning sickness at all (to which I was very grateful) but with my second I had morning, noon and night sickness for my first trimester and about half of my second.

3. Pregnancy Test "+" - Ok, I know it sounds silly but if you take a pregnancy test and it comes up positive there's a really good chance that it's right. There are instances of false positives but after four tests with the same result chances are...you're pregnant.

4. Different "smell" - This one is a little nitty gritty but I read this and if anything got a laugh out of it. Apparently one woman's husband knew that she was pregnant before she did because during oral sex he said she smelled "different". EEK! But hey, if your significant other can tell the difference there you go.

Now, if you are pregnant and are wondering what to expect here are a few of my experiences. Not everyone has the same experience but you're reading this to get an idea, right?

1. "Oh My God I'm Fat!" - We all want that cute little "basketball" stomach that we see in all the advertisements. Guess what? To begin with you pretty much just look like you drink/eat too much and have a podge. With my first son I didn't even show until I was six months along. And then man did I gain weight. Just because you are "eating for two" don't take that too much to heart. You pretty much need an extra 500 calories a day. And don't think that entitles you to that extra milkshake! You want to eat good calories...though a little indulgence never hurt!

2. Cravings - Almost evey mom I know had some sort of cravings during pregnancy. For my first it was bagels with cream cheese (this could be why I gained 50lbs) and for my second I wanted peaches. I must say that the peaches were a much healthier craving and subsequently I only gained 30lbs with my second.

3. HeartBurn - Not everyone gets this but a lot do. Tums will be your best friend and a good diet of non-acidic food helps. If it gets really bad though talk to you OB. I know I did and was told I could take Prilosec. Make sure you talk to the doctor first though because they know your medical history and can recommend the best course of action.

4. Swelling - At some point I think every woman will get "cankles". With the pressure that the baby puts on nerves and arteries it's going to cause swelling. Put your feet up and drink lots of water. If however the swelling gets really bad you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. It could be a sign of Pre-Ecclampsia or even Toxemia and can be deadly to you and your baby. These things raise your blood pressure and you don't want a heart attack!

5. Increase Sex Drive - With the hormones in an uproar and all that extra blood you are producing a lot of women experience a hightened sex drive. So guess what? Enjoy! Sex won't harm your baby and your partner will love it!

6. Hip Pain - Yeah you'll get that a lot. Your body will be stretching and contorting in all kinds of fun ways. Not always comfortable but it happens.

7. Increase in Discharge - Your fluids increase everywhere and this is no exception. Don't be alarmed unless there is a funny smell or a discoloration. In which case see your OB as you might have an infection.

8. Braxton Hicks Contractions - These are little practice contractions that your body gives you. They were nothing like the real thing for me as these weren't painful at all in my case and just made my tummy get tight.

9. Mucous Plug - Icky gooey "plug" that sometimes has some blood in it and usually comes out towards the end of your pregnancy. It covers your cervix to keep bacteria and what not out. It is by no means an indication that you are going to go into labor that day but it means your body is getting ready.

10. Emotions - Don't be surprised if you start crying over a kitten commercial or the fact that you burned your toast. Your hormones are changing and the smallest things might set you off. My husband would run when I started doing my crying/laughing thing. He thought that my head was going to start spinning and green goo come flying out my mouth. This stays with you even after you have the baby but it does go away eventually when your hormones reassert themselves.

So, I hope you find this information useful. There are tons of other things associated with pregnancy but remember every woman is different. Just remember to stay healthy and take advantage of having everyone want to help you out! Enjoy this time because it passes a lot quicker than you think.