Before I was pregnant...

igl08

Share something you didn't know or didn't appreciate until you got pregnant.

I had a few but I can't remember them all right now, the main one is: my mother. I did appreciate her and what she does for me but not to this extent. I didn't realize how a mother worries for her child until I was a few weeks into my pregnancy and I would worry about my baby. I used to tell my mom not to worry when I would go out to a party or left town, and I would think she was being unreasonable for worrying when there's nothing to worry about. Now that I'm pregnant I see my mother through different eyes and I love her so much more.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

lewispm

My sex drive. Now that it's gone, I really miss it and realize how important it is to a long happy marriage! My poor husband....

Unknown

This content has been removed.

mwerren

I definitely took sleep for granted before getting KU

Unknown

This content has been removed.

sathena

Being able to see past my belly. It sure does make painting my toenails very difficult.

ngolimento

Let's see....

I miss being me. I don't feel like I am myself, and I really get bummed about it. Even little things that were always status quo have been changed and I'm struggling to catch up and figure out who I am again.

I want to decide when I go to the bathroom, what I eat, when I eat, when I sleep, what I wear, what my favorite foods are, how I sit, how I sleep, what I drink, and all sorts of other things. I feel like I've been crammed into another person's body. Nothing belongs to me anymore.

PuppyLove84

I'll echo all the PPs... I agree!  I had NO idea how much anxiety I would develop within days of getting that BFP.  I worry about him so much already, and I know I will for the rest of my life.  It affects how I sleep, how I eat, how I live.  Who knew??  I'm a pretty laid back person generally, and I was so excited and happy to be trying for a baby, and then to be pregnant.  I had no idea that my whole mindset would change, and so quickly.

Oh, and the alcohol too.  I'm not a big drinker, but when that anxiety goes into overdrive, I think how nice it would be to have a big 'ol glass of wine!

wishiwaspreggo

I appreciate the phrase "every pregnancy is different" now.

I thought from the moment of conception every pregnant woman on earth would suddenly feel nauseous, dizzy, tired, bitchy, and suddenly crave pickles and ice cream.  That's the way the media made it sound.  Like every article in parenting magazines, WebMD, Google search of pregnancy symptoms... they'd list them all so I expected this torrent of insanity after I got my BFP.

It was incredibly anticlimactic.  I had some mild cramps for a couple weeks, my back sort of hurt a little more, and I had to pee more often.  Otherwise, nothing.

But then I have friends who start vomiting before they even get a positive pregnancy test and then suffer HG up until late 2nd tri.  Other friends who can't keep their eyes open from 6 weeks of pregnancy on.  Then there's me with pelvic girdle pain, gestational diabetes, and I'm so fucking tired and I thought 2nd tri was supposed to be the magical happy time but 1st tri was better to me.

I got frustrated when I tried to compare phantom symptoms to the real thing and other women said "everyone is different."  It's actually true.  My pregnancy symptoms have been nothing like what I expected, which is a good thing because I thought it was going to be so much worse.

tabitha722

I miss eating!! I never thought I'd have so many aversions this late in my pregnancy. I am pretty much vegetarian, but no lettuce or broccoli or green beans.

I am not going to NASCAR this weekend because I have no idea what I would even be able to eat and I cried about it... and I was so embarrassed... but I never felt this left out because of pregnancy until now.

mandi195

pooping... 

Yes, that's weird, I know that... but when your body decides it's not going to do it anymore without taking something to make it do so... yeah. I miss being able to poop like a normal person. 

blinksmb

I miss talking about anything else. Absolutely everything revolves around baby, pregnancy and baby stuff. It's not terrible since obviously it's a pretty big deal to me as well but sometimes I just want to shoot the shit without playing 21 questions.

MalVough

I didn't realize how many rules accompanied being pregnant. Don't eat this, don't drink that, stay away from this, don't go near that. OMG! Put me in a damn bubble, OK?!

I left my OB interview with a ton of do and don't lists.

And I scoffed at a friend who said I'd be envious of people drinking alcohol in front of me. I was like, "Psh. I'm growing a human. No big deal. I won't throw a fit over alcohol. I'm creating life!!"

Hahahahahaha! Oh, I was so naive. I would kill for a margarita some days.

mandi195

MalVough said:

I didn't realize how many rules accompanied being pregnant. Don't eat this, don't drink that, stay away from this, don't go near that. OMG! Put me in a damn bubble, OK?! I left my OB interview with a ton of do and don't lists. And I scoffed at a friend who said I'd be envious of people drinking alcohol in front of me. I was like, "Psh. I'm growing a human. No big deal. I won't throw a fit over alcohol. I'm creating life!!" Hahahahahaha! Oh, I was so naive. I would kill for a margarita some days.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm margaritas......

ngolimento

knitnut said:

I never knew how tough pregnant women have to be. The birth is an obviously challenging experience, but I never understood pregnancy like this.

This! It's like a conspiracy to fool people into getting pregnant. Especially the second tri myth, where you are supposed to turn into a powerhouse sex goddess who glows at everyone. Pffffffffffffft. I feel straight up lied to.

You will never ever see me turn into one of those ladies who tries to convince young women they simply HAVE to get pregnant. Hell no, chica, enjoy life first.

MalVough

krystaloowho said:

I didn't realize how valuable my personal space was to me.

SO wants to cuddle/snuggle, gaze into my eyes and All I want and need is my personal space. Having a tiny baby literally all up in my space makes me feel claustrophobic very quickly.

So when someone comes at me with arm outstretched about to touch my belly it takes all I have inside me not to scream and instead I just say "nooooo touch" very firmly and walk away.

I feel ya! My snoogle even makes me claustrophobic! Everyone and everything, get away from me!!

Family and friends get excited when I tell them the baby can be felt moving. But I quickly add that the baby is still low and I'd appreciate no one going that close to my neather regions. That stops them real quick.

ST3WD

igl08 said:

I had a few but I can't remember them all right now, the main one is: my mother. I did appreciate her and what she does for me but not to this extent. I didn't realize how a mother worries for her child until I was a few weeks into my pregnancy and I would worry about my baby. I used to tell my mom not to worry when I would go out to a party or left town, and I would think she was being unreasonable for worrying when there's nothing to worry about. Now that I'm pregnant I see my mother through different eyes and I love her so much more.

I didn't appreciate people just accepting my intentions/game plans, or at least keeping their commentary to themselves. Now that there's a LO involved it seems like no one genuinely cares why something is right/will work for me. 

CoozieInMyPurse

I miss bending over with ease.

FrecklesInside

For a lot of these I want to be that bitch that is like "welcome to motherhood! You think you're tired or don't have your own space now??? Before baby is here?" but I know that's obnoxious. I can't really play this game as a STM, and I'd share what I didn't realize until I was a parent, but honestly, I can think of more awesome things than not awesome things and I know I'll sound like the cliche life as a mom is a miracle...so...I'll just say that despite the things you miss, you gain so much and it is fucking amazing.

finallyourturn2

tabitha722 said:

I miss eating!! I never thought I'd have so many aversions this late in my pregnancy. I am pretty much vegetarian, but no lettuce or broccoli or green beans.

I am not going to NASCAR this weekend because I have no idea what I would even be able to eat and I cried about it... and I was so embarrassed... but I never felt this left out because of pregnancy until now.

Eewwe I am right there with you on the lettuce. Not sure I will ever he able to eat it again.

MalVough

FrecklesInside said:

For a lot of these I want to be that bitch that is like "welcome to motherhood! You think you're tired or don't have your own space now??? Before baby is here?" but I know that's obnoxious. I can't really play this game as a STM, and I'd share what I didn't realize until I was a parent, but honestly, I can think of more awesome things than not awesome things and I know I'll sound like the cliche life as a mom is a miracle...so...I'll just say that despite the things you miss, you gain so much and it is fucking amazing.

Despite our complaints, I'm pretty confident in saying all of us agree that this crap will immediately be forgotten once the LOs arrive.

I think pregnancy and all that goes with it takes a lot of women by surprise. It's not all butterflies and rainbows like the media insists on portraying. But I don't think for a minute the ladies on this BMB have lost sight of the ultimate reward.

But while we're still baking and impatiently waiting for March to get here, I don't think there's anything wrong with commiserating with each other, as long as it stays lighthearted.

FrecklesInside

MalVough said:

FrecklesInside said:

For a lot of these I want to be that bitch that is like "welcome to motherhood! You think you're tired or don't have your own space now??? Before baby is here?" but I know that's obnoxious. I can't really play this game as a STM, and I'd share what I didn't realize until I was a parent, but honestly, I can think of more awesome things than not awesome things and I know I'll sound like the cliche life as a mom is a miracle...so...I'll just say that despite the things you miss, you gain so much and it is fucking amazing.

Despite our complaints, I'm pretty confident in saying all of us agree that this crap will immediately be forgotten once the LOs arrive.

I think pregnancy and all that goes with it takes a lot of women by surprise. It's not all butterflies and rainbows like the media insists on portraying. But I don't think for a minute the ladies on this BMB have lost sight of the ultimate reward.

But while we're still baking and impatiently waiting for March to get here, I don't think there's anything wrong with commiserating with each other, as long as it stays lighthearted.

Where did you read that I have a problem with this?? I didn't say there was a problem commiserating, I'm just commenting on how different it all feels as a STM, also a valid thing for me to discuss. Calm down. I don't have a problem with the thread.

My comment wasn't directed about what you will learn once baby is here, but rather at the joy I experience being a mom. Sorry you misread my tone.

salmphil

I never knew I'd be this exhausted all the time. I knew pregnancy was work, but I can barely believe how tired I am all.the.time. Almost narcoleptic. And this is before the baby's even here!!

Also, yes to @mandi195‌ about the pooping. Aaaaamen, sister.

MalVough

FrecklesInside said:

MalVough said:

FrecklesInside said:

For a lot of these I want to be that bitch that is like "welcome to motherhood! You think you're tired or don't have your own space now??? Before baby is here?" but I know that's obnoxious. I can't really play this game as a STM, and I'd share what I didn't realize until I was a parent, but honestly, I can think of more awesome things than not awesome things and I know I'll sound like the cliche life as a mom is a miracle...so...I'll just say that despite the things you miss, you gain so much and it is fucking amazing.

Despite our complaints, I'm pretty confident in saying all of us agree that this crap will immediately be forgotten once the LOs arrive.

I think pregnancy and all that goes with it takes a lot of women by surprise. It's not all butterflies and rainbows like the media insists on portraying. But I don't think for a minute the ladies on this BMB have lost sight of the ultimate reward.

But while we're still baking and impatiently waiting for March to get here, I don't think there's anything wrong with commiserating with each other, as long as it stays lighthearted.

Where did you read that I have a problem with this?? I didn't say there was a problem commiserating, I'm just commenting on how different it all feels as a STM, also a valid thing for me to discuss. Calm down. I don't have a problem with the thread.

My comment wasn't directed about what you will learn once baby is here, but rather at the joy I experience being a mom. Sorry you misread my tone.

A bit testy today, are we?

I thought my post was well mannered. There were no expletives, capitalizations or exclamation points.

I wasn't necessarily bashing you but, perhaps, defending myself a tad. I don't want to be made to feel guilty for commiserating and having a good laugh.

I know how fucking amazing the end result and all that goes with it will be, but thanks for the extremely obvious reminder.

The only other pregnant woman around me is my SIL and she's had a COMPLETELY different pregnancy than me. Hard to bond when you can't relate to each other's experiences.

wishiwaspreggo

salmphil said:

I never knew I'd be this exhausted all the time. I knew pregnancy was work, but I can barely believe how tired I am all.the.time. Almost narcoleptic. And this is before the baby's even here!! Also, yes to @mandi195‌ about the pooping. Aaaaamen, sister.

Thank goodness, I thought I was the only one!  I was starting to get scared because everyone talks about this massive energy spike you're supposed to experience in 2nd tri.  All I want to do is sleep.  My eyes get heavy at boring meetings and I literally have to dig my nails into my forearms to cause just enough pain that I won't nod off.  I cannot wake up in the morning and fall asleep after my alarm.  Thankfully C turns off the fan and turns on the light.  That's the only way I'll get up.

I thought zombie-phase was 1st tri territory.  Oh, well.

massiejs09

I miss my large (normal for me) boobs which didn't tip the scale at side-show status, like they do now.

And wine ... and gin.

crunchymamaof2

These things don't get an easier to give up in subsequent pregnancies. I miss my legs staying calm and still throughout the day. I miss the little energy I did have. I really really miss my mimosas.

PHNJenna

Peledreamsofrain said:

Let's see.... I miss being me. I don't feel like I am myself, and I really get bummed about it. Even little things that were always status quo have been changed and I'm struggling to catch up and figure out who I am again. I want to decide when I go to the bathroom, what I eat, when I eat, when I sleep, what I wear, what my favorite foods are, how I sit, how I sleep, what I drink, and all sorts of other things. I feel like I've been crammed into another person's body. Nothing belongs to me anymore.

This ! I was trying to explain this to my chiropractor and luckily she was empathetic, but I just want to be "Jenna" not, pregnant Jenna, or mommy to be Jenna, or fragile Jenna etc. Also trying to make sure that we are still just a couple at least for the next 4 months but also to try our best after baby to remember we first were individuals and then a couple and to make sure to cut out time for those things and passions. I trying to be really conscious of NOT pulling the "what about the baby", "it's for the baby" card on my H too often.

TweedleDee3

I really miss being able to manicure my hair down there, I'm finally caving and getting a wax. I also miss being able to wear my wedding rings. But I also can't wait to have my baby here so it's all relative I suppose.

mariahd43

WAMOM said:

After being pregnant: I didn't realize how awesome going to the grocery store by yourself was. Such a treat!

THIS!

ETA: Silence... I didn't appreciate how awesome silence was until AFTER pregnancy

janda426

I miss breathing normally, that's really it. My VCD has flared so much this pregnancy and in addition to the extra volume we get with each breath I feel like I'm constantly fighting for my breath.

Like a few others I'm also DEAD TIRED, like I will sleep 14 hours, wake up and take a nap an hour later. This was an issue before pregnancy though and I feel like there may be some underlying thing going on there because even when I get a regular 8 hours of sleep I still can't function. So having a newborn should be fun haha

071115

My mom I appreciate what she has done for me so much more.
Having my own space, to pee, or shower alone... What a lovely thought.
Just how messy kids are I would love to clean a room and go back 20 mins later and it still be cleaned.
How fast kids become independent, I can't help them get dressed, or get them things, I can't help brush teeth... No mommy I am big!!
How much I would enjoy Halloween, Christmas, and birthdays.
How many emotions I would have, happy, sorrow, worry.

lawsonellis

I didn't realize the depth of primal emotion that I was not feeling before pregnancy.

I'm a pretty "keep-people-at-at-arms-length" and "do-it-by-myself" kinda gal and this pregnancy has forced me to ask for help, and made me feel the feels that I have been avoiding for 30 years.

Also I'm terrified of losing my freedom and independence (of time and self), not because I want it so badly, but because I am afraid of resenting my daughter for not having it. 

I guess I didn't realize how much being a parent would equal anxiety. :P

Also: pooping.

KT416

I miss sleeping through the night without any pee breaks.

drudolph11

I never realized how great of a guy i had. Yes he can be clueless/annoying/obnoxious/immature etc. But when i see the absolute joy on his face when he talks about having a child that all goes away and I know that he is gonna be a great father

I also miss pooping!

chelc32188

I'm with you @lawsonellis - it's not that we aren't SO excited to be parents - but for the longest time we didn't think we wanted kids because we love to just decide to go do something and not require any extra planning/prep. We both felt like we were "missing something" and can't wait to add parent to our titles, but I know I am personally a little nervous about just what life is going to be like once he gets here. I am SURE that will all go away once we have a sweet baby to hold though. 

ngolimento

FrecklesInside said:

For a lot of these I want to be that bitch that is like "welcome to motherhood! You think you're tired or don't have your own space now??? Before baby is here?" but I know that's obnoxious. I can't really play this game as a STM, and I'd share what I didn't realize until I was a parent, but honestly, I can think of more awesome things than not awesome things and I know I'll sound like the cliche life as a mom is a miracle...so...I'll just say that despite the things you miss, you gain so much and it is fucking amazing.

I think what a lot of people are bummed about is the loss of identity, not that things are hard. For me personally, the basic foundations of what I know about myself have suddenly changed, and it's hard to adjust to. Give me back my strong predictable body and I will handle whatever hardship you want. But now? What are my limits? What can I rely on myself to do? I don't know, and that's not a position I am comfortable with. I want my body back so I can tackle life like I used to. It isn't about looks either. I just need to be able to rely on what my needs/limits are, not be physically useless for 24 hours because I smelled a turkey cooking.

FrecklesInside

MalVough said:

FrecklesInside said:

MalVough said:

FrecklesInside said:

For a lot of these I want to be that bitch that is like "welcome to motherhood! You think you're tired or don't have your own space now??? Before baby is here?" but I know that's obnoxious. I can't really play this game as a STM, and I'd share what I didn't realize until I was a parent, but honestly, I can think of more awesome things than not awesome things and I know I'll sound like the cliche life as a mom is a miracle...so...I'll just say that despite the things you miss, you gain so much and it is fucking amazing.

Despite our complaints, I'm pretty confident in saying all of us agree that this crap will immediately be forgotten once the LOs arrive.

I think pregnancy and all that goes with it takes a lot of women by surprise. It's not all butterflies and rainbows like the media insists on portraying. But I don't think for a minute the ladies on this BMB have lost sight of the ultimate reward.

But while we're still baking and impatiently waiting for March to get here, I don't think there's anything wrong with commiserating with each other, as long as it stays lighthearted.

Where did you read that I have a problem with this?? I didn't say there was a problem commiserating, I'm just commenting on how different it all feels as a STM, also a valid thing for me to discuss. Calm down. I don't have a problem with the thread.

My comment wasn't directed about what you will learn once baby is here, but rather at the joy I experience being a mom. Sorry you misread my tone.

A bit testy today, are we?

I thought my post was well mannered. There were no expletives, capitalizations or exclamation points.

I wasn't necessarily bashing you but, perhaps, defending myself a tad. I don't want to be made to feel guilty for commiserating and having a good laugh.

I know how fucking amazing the end result and all that goes with it will be, but thanks for the extremely obvious reminder.

The only other pregnant woman around me is my SIL and she's had a COMPLETELY different pregnancy than me. Hard to bond when you can't relate to each other's experiences.

Uh, nope, not testy, but thanks for checking on me. There was nothing to defend yourself over, that was my point. I didn't use caps, expletives or exclamation points either. What are you getting at? Such a weird reaction...I'll say it again, calm down.

MalVough

FrecklesInside said:

MalVough said:

FrecklesInside said:

MalVough said:

FrecklesInside said:

For a lot of these I want to be that bitch that is like "welcome to motherhood! You think you're tired or don't have your own space now??? Before baby is here?" but I know that's obnoxious. I can't really play this game as a STM, and I'd share what I didn't realize until I was a parent, but honestly, I can think of more awesome things than not awesome things and I know I'll sound like the cliche life as a mom is a miracle...so...I'll just say that despite the things you miss, you gain so much and it is fucking amazing.

Despite our complaints, I'm pretty confident in saying all of us agree that this crap will immediately be forgotten once the LOs arrive.

I think pregnancy and all that goes with it takes a lot of women by surprise. It's not all butterflies and rainbows like the media insists on portraying. But I don't think for a minute the ladies on this BMB have lost sight of the ultimate reward.

But while we're still baking and impatiently waiting for March to get here, I don't think there's anything wrong with commiserating with each other, as long as it stays lighthearted.

Where did you read that I have a problem with this?? I didn't say there was a problem commiserating, I'm just commenting on how different it all feels as a STM, also a valid thing for me to discuss. Calm down. I don't have a problem with the thread.

My comment wasn't directed about what you will learn once baby is here, but rather at the joy I experience being a mom. Sorry you misread my tone.

A bit testy today, are we?

I thought my post was well mannered. There were no expletives, capitalizations or exclamation points.

I wasn't necessarily bashing you but, perhaps, defending myself a tad. I don't want to be made to feel guilty for commiserating and having a good laugh.

I know how fucking amazing the end result and all that goes with it will be, but thanks for the extremely obvious reminder.

The only other pregnant woman around me is my SIL and she's had a COMPLETELY different pregnancy than me. Hard to bond when you can't relate to each other's experiences.

Uh, nope, not testy, but thanks for checking on me. There was nothing to defend yourself over, that was my point. I didn't use caps, expletives or exclamation points either. What are you getting at? Such a weird reaction...I'll say it again, calm down.

Moving on... *yawn*... I'm bored with you.

FrecklesInside

MalVough said:

FrecklesInside said:

MalVough said:

FrecklesInside said:

MalVough said:

FrecklesInside said:

For a lot of these I want to be that bitch that is like "welcome to motherhood! You think you're tired or don't have your own space now??? Before baby is here?" but I know that's obnoxious. I can't really play this game as a STM, and I'd share what I didn't realize until I was a parent, but honestly, I can think of more awesome things than not awesome things and I know I'll sound like the cliche life as a mom is a miracle...so...I'll just say that despite the things you miss, you gain so much and it is fucking amazing.

Despite our complaints, I'm pretty confident in saying all of us agree that this crap will immediately be forgotten once the LOs arrive.

I think pregnancy and all that goes with it takes a lot of women by surprise. It's not all butterflies and rainbows like the media insists on portraying. But I don't think for a minute the ladies on this BMB have lost sight of the ultimate reward.

But while we're still baking and impatiently waiting for March to get here, I don't think there's anything wrong with commiserating with each other, as long as it stays lighthearted.

Where did you read that I have a problem with this?? I didn't say there was a problem commiserating, I'm just commenting on how different it all feels as a STM, also a valid thing for me to discuss. Calm down. I don't have a problem with the thread.

My comment wasn't directed about what you will learn once baby is here, but rather at the joy I experience being a mom. Sorry you misread my tone.

A bit testy today, are we?

I thought my post was well mannered. There were no expletives, capitalizations or exclamation points.

I wasn't necessarily bashing you but, perhaps, defending myself a tad. I don't want to be made to feel guilty for commiserating and having a good laugh.

I know how fucking amazing the end result and all that goes with it will be, but thanks for the extremely obvious reminder.

The only other pregnant woman around me is my SIL and she's had a COMPLETELY different pregnancy than me. Hard to bond when you can't relate to each other's experiences.

Uh, nope, not testy, but thanks for checking on me. There was nothing to defend yourself over, that was my point. I didn't use caps, expletives or exclamation points either. What are you getting at? Such a weird reaction...I'll say it again, calm down.

Moving on... *yawn*... I'm bored with you.

Oh. Cute. Feeling is mutual, sweetheart.