Since becoming pregnant, what have you discovered that leaves you feeling baffled or intrigued? Anything new or interesting you never thought you would do or like? Learn anything new about yourself or pregnancy in general?
This seems to be a very slow Wednesday so I figured I'd throw a little poll out there to get things going.....
Re: Things I've discovered since becoming pregnant poll.....
I have learned that I have alot more patience than I ever thought. I am surprised at how even tempered I'm been because I tend to be kinda biotchy around my period.
I also thought I was going to have a ton of anxiety problems, due to my history and my tendency toward hypochondria but so far, nothing like that. I've found pregnancy alot more enjoyable than I ever would have thought.
1. For me, I have never been one to eat fast food. It just doesn't sit right with me and I usually end up feeling sick afterwards, unless of course I am hung over, then it's amazing. But since becoming pregnant, I love McDonald's chicken nuggets. Currently I dip them in buffalo sauce and ranch dressing and they are amazing. Normally this would gross me out, now I can't get enough. Had them for lunch today in fact.
2. I discoved only recently when my belly button started to flip inside out that the lower half on my belly button is a brownish shade darker than the rest of me. It just looks bizarre.
3. And lastly I have always been a frequent pee-er. But now, it's out of control how little my bladder holds. I figure I spend half the day in that damn bathroom.
Why yes, actually. I have quite a few things:
- I've discovered I am not nearly as vain as I thought I was.
- I've re-discovered my own sense of humor, particularly in laughing at myself and DH. I feel like I laugh 15x more often than before I was pregnant.
- I never thought I would like my belly touched/rubbed by others but it doesn't bother me in the least bit.
- I've become somewhat of a neat freak and I never thought that would happen. I make my bed every day and want my house to look like it's ready for visitors at any time. This leaves me wondering what will happen once the baby comes.
- I've discovered that I don't, in fact, need bud light or a glass of wine in order to survive a week.
Pregnancy wise I find myself in awe that I can feel LO's hiccups. I knew I'd feel her move, but hiccups? I didn't think it was possible fetus' had the hiccups.
Labor wise I learned that you get a catheter when you opt for an epi and about 90% of women poop the table.
Similar to a PP, I learned that I am a stronger person physically than I previously thought. If you would have told me I would have m/s-hyperemisis my entire pregnancy before, I would have been freaked out. But, now I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am amazed at how well I handled the sickness, malnutrition, weight loss and dehydration. And, I am shocked that I never fainted which was my greatest fear. I never knew how bad m/s could be for some people and had never heard of hyperemisis until this board. And, now I have a lot of respect for people who had been that sick, and even more for people who are willing to do it again! I hope I can be strong enough to consider it someday.
On a more positive note- I was surprised I could learn to live without Starbucks. But, that will be the first thing I get once this baby is out!
I've discovered that I actually **LOVE** mustard... I avoided it before pregnancy because I thought I didn't like it!
I've re-discovered how totally awesome my husband is (and discovered that he will be a great dad!- not that I had any doubts before, but I like being reassured).
Probably the biggest one, I have learned to really LET GO and stop trying to control everything in life... I have discovered that I really can do this and so many things happen different from the way I would plan.
Elliott Michael born 9/22/11
I knew a fair amount about pregnancy/labor delivery with my dad being an ob/gyn...but this was one question I asked him in terms of what percentage of women poop during delivery and his response was, "It's probably easier to give you the percentage that doesn't since most do." Greeeeeeaaaaat.
In terms of what I learned...I had no idea I'd be so stressed/conflicted about picking a name. If it were a girl I think it'd be much easier, but for this little boy, we're at a standstill and I just imagined that we'd find a name right away and be done with it. But it feels like such a big decision to make.
I've also learned in spending time on TB that some people have way too much free time on their hands and should be out doing more useful things in the world (sometimes myself included
).
Hmm, I've learned that the human body is a quirky bag of tricks that can keep you guessing on a daily basis. I don't particularly enjoy this, but I've learned that pregnancy (and postpartum, from my understanding) is an ongoing game of roulette of which body part will turn on me next and how.
I've also learned that pregnant women have something of a carte blanche in society. While I haven't really taken advantage of many pregnancy conveniences because I'm too proud (taking someone's seat on a crowded bus, cutting in a bathroom line, etc.), it's comforting to know that there's still a sense of chivalry. On the flip side, I look back at all the pregnant women in my life and how they used their "condition" to extremes and expected to be catered to in a way that makes me sick.
Me too! I never thought the instinct to keep the house tidy would ever kick in for me, but it finally has.
I also have a whole new level of love for my husband. Our relationship continues to strengthen and grow all the time and it amazes me.
Okay so my reply was about chicken nuggets and pee and you ladies got all deep on me.....
I never knew how amazing it would be to be pregnant. At least once a day I am sitting by myself and it dawns on me there is a tiny human inside me that I am nuturing and protecting. That thought alone is enough to send shivers down my spine and leave me completely beside myself.
Not to mention his movements blow my mind and are something I never expected.
LOL!
I've learned that being pregnant really is sort of hard work. Just being awake and getting around is SO much more of a challenge than I ever imagined it would be. I heard people talk about getting all uncomfortable and everything, but I never really considered just how much it takes over every single aspect of your day-to-day life.
I've just learned a lot about inside babies that I think is completely fascinating - like how they will play with their cord and they get hiccups and everything.
But, I've also learned a little more about how nosy and judgmental people can be. Being pregnant has lowered my faith in society in that way. I'll never understand why random strangers feel the need to make rude comments or provide unsolicited advice to pregnant women, or why people think it's socially acceptable to comment on or ask about a pregnant woman's body in ways that any idiot knows are not at all acceptable otherwise.
I have discovered that it's possible for me to have bigger boobs (LOL) but yet oh so uncomfortable! I also discovered that my under arms need to be shaved what seems like twice a day! And my skin under my arms is all spotted! I'm sure that it's stupid hormones, but its starting to give me a complex
I've learned that there is a little girl that lives inside of me (not LO--LO is a boy). I've always been more of a boy at heart (not lesbian, just not super feminine) and never cried about anything, never complained, never whined, never been a b!tch but pregnancy has helped me channel my inner girl. I cry all the time and I am such a b!tch and I whine and complain about everything lol.
I also thought that I was very independent. Turns out that my independence has all just been for show my whole life. I'm very needy all of a sudden.
I don't really like it. I'm ready to have my body back and put my emotions back in check and be that super nice person that everyone liked so much. I've never been hated by so many people in my life (one or two here and there in HS but not basically everyone I work with lol)
I've learned that I'm NOT an alcoholic! Woohoo! I can actually go a day, a week, months (9 to be exact!) with out alcohol and survive. It's a miracle in itself.
I've also learned that I pretty much have to have some beers in order for me to have a good time and tolerate people. So, I'm not sure where this leaves me...
Edited to add something sappy. I've never loved anything as much as I love this lil guy in my belly right now and cannot believe how awesome pregnancy has been and how amazing my husband is!
I have learned that being pregnant subconsciously facilitates healing.
Since my mom has passed away I have harbored furious resentment and anger towards her. Since, having the opportunity to carry my own baby...I have forgiven her---just like that. I do not know how it happened, but I woke up free of **feeling** pain when I remember my childhood. I want to be healthy...strong... and competent when raising my son. I realize everyday of his gestation/life is a milestone that deserves significant attention to whom he is and who he will be. It is as though my body knew I had to let go of the past to be present in the ?here-and-now?! AMAZING!
Oh and on a much less serious note? I have learned how sooo not fat I was before! And my boobs were actually really nice! My lucky husband!
HAHAHAHA!!! That is awesome! Yes! we are not alcoholics! My wine fridge has been actually growing these past months! Cheers to all of the mommys!
There is one resturant we ate at the few days before m/s kicked in and I don't think I can ever eat there again.
I used to hate to clean and organize but I'm actually not that bad at it now.
I have had to learn to SLOW DOWN, both literally and figuratively. I used to always be on the go and now I have had to learn to take it a little more easy. I also had to really slow down my pace when I walk. I feel like I am way more mellow now and worry less.
I have learned to really lean and depend on DH and trust that we are making the right decisions for our family.
I have learned to be very comfortable in the Dr.'s office.
I'm on my third pregnancy and am STILL amazed that our bodies actually grow EVERYTHING our babies need...finger nails, hair, body parts, intestines, pancreas, and on and on...
It also amazes me the things other people think pregnant women can't do...I can't think of one thing that I can't do pregnant (other than have a drink) that I didn't do before I was pregnant. Like picking up something heavy...I have a 45 lb 4 year old that still likes to be picked up on occassion, I have helped my husband move furniture (yes, always taking the light end), carried my own grocery bags to the car, etc. I still wear high heels and take the stairs. I realize some people don't handle pregnancy as well as others, but don't assume that I can't do it just because my belly is gigantic (as noted by my doctor who says I'm measuring 4 weeks ahead!)
Love this and you for posting it! I am right there with you.....not that that should surprise you....
- that I am more vain than I thought I was
-that I had a great body, still do and will...and that I need to shut up the negative self talk and enjoy it while it is here
-that being pregnant has ups and downs- and is not all earth mother-y fantastic
-my bb is a bit brown inside too and I can finally give it a good wash(the brown doesn't wash out)!
- that I have an amazing, loving, accepting and patient husband who I just adore
-that I really admire crafty woman (thank you fellow bumpies!)
I can relate to this! It is so much harder to get through certain social gatherings.
On a serious note, I never understood why people called their inside babies by name or talked about them like they had personalities. I just didn't get it since they weren't even 'real people' yet. I did not realize what a presence LOs are. Stella has already become such a part of our lives and she isn't even here yet. It's bizarre how much I love this little person I haven't met yet.
Also, I knew my DH was fantastic, but he has just continued to become more and more amazing. He is so kind, considerate and loving. He is going to be a great dad. Just today he offered to go to the barn with me and helped me brush my horse, something he has never done before. I think he realizes that Stella is going to have ponies and she?ll want her Daddy?s help, so he needs to get to know horses
This is going to sound so stupid, but pre-pregnancy, I seriously did not consider all the side effects and symptoms of pregnancy. I honestly at one point even considered how nice it must be to be pregnant because then you don't get your period for 9 months. WHAT?!
I learned that hormones are not to be taken lightly. They're as powerful a force as the seasons are, for real.
I've discovered that even in pregnancy, I do not like pickles. I will probably never like pickles.
I've discovered that even in pregnancy, I do not like soda. I will probably never like soda.
This was me!!! I really couldn't figure what the big deal was. When my friend was pregnant two summers ago, I was like, why the heck are you pee'ing all the time? It can't be that bad. Welll much to my dismay, it IS that bad.
LOL! This is such a solid piece of honestly I really hits home.
being my second time around, Ive enjoyed the differences between the two from the very beginning!
Loved having more sex drive than last time in the beginning.
Liked having less morning sickness even though I had more heartburn at night instead. I take the bad with the good.
Glad that I STILL have yet to get any stretch marks on my belly! YAY! Worried this time my belly button has popped for good though. lol.
Glad I have felt like its gone quickly since my DD keeps me busy and on my toes all the time.
Best part is sharing this baby with my FIRST baby (3yrs old now) I tell her all the time, I love you so much, you will always be my first baby. xoxo. its amazing knowing what we are about to have in our family.
Thrilled that DH has learned all the lessons of the first child, and he can now feel more confident raising and helping with the second one. (he'd never held an infant before his own daughter)
Praying that going from one to two kids isnt really as hard or bad as everyone says it is. Otherwise Im in trouble. lol ;P
I've learned that I'm not as vain as I thought I was.
I've also gained a whole new respect for my body and it's ability to produce another human. I realize that there are a ton of women that struggle to or can't get pregnant and I'm so thankful everyday that I have been able to carry a baby.