1) Pregnancy isn’t just 9 months

Pregnancy isn’t just nine months. While the time it takes for a baby to develop in the womb is generally about nine months, the average length of pregnancy is actually closer to 40 weeks, or 10 lunar months. That means you could be pregnant for as little as 38 weeks or up to 42 weeks, depending on when you give birth. During those extra weeks, your baby will be growing and getting ready to enter the world.
It’s important to note that not all pregnancies are the same, and your doctor will be able to provide more specific information on how far along you are and when you should expect your baby to arrive. Additionally, due dates aren’t an exact science and can vary significantly. Your doctor will be able to provide more accurate estimates once you have an ultrasound.

2) You will get bigger

When you become pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes, and one of the most noticeable ones is physical growth. It is common for expectant mothers to gain anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds throughout their pregnancy. This weight gain occurs gradually over the course of the nine months, and it is important to be mindful of it. Not only will you become larger, but it is important to pay attention to what kind of food you are eating and how much exercise you are getting.
Your growing baby is not the only cause of weight gain either. Your body is also creating more blood, extra breast tissue, and fat stores for energy. All of these changes are normal and necessary for the healthy development of your baby.

3) Birth is unpredictable

Pregnancy and birth are natural and beautiful experiences, but they can also be unpredictable. Knowing this ahead of time can help you feel prepared for whatever comes your way. Even if you plan every detail, from your birthing partner to your music playlist, it’s important to remain flexible, as unexpected events can occur. Make sure to leave plenty of space for the unexpected in your plans so that you can adjust as needed.

4) You might not feel an immediate bond with your baby

Bonding with your baby doesn’t happen automatically or right away. It’s a process that can take time, and that’s perfectly normal. Don’t feel like you’re a bad parent if you don’t feel an immediate connection. It’s something that develops over time.

5) You will be exhausted

Pregnancy and birth are incredibly taxing on the body. Expect to feel exhausted throughout, both physically and emotionally. It’s important to take time for yourself to rest, relax, and recharge. And don’t forget to get plenty of exercise while you’re pregnant- it’ll help keep your energy up! You will also have mood swings: You’ll go from feeling happy one minute and depressed the next. Some days will be really tough as you struggle with emotional ups-and-downs or physical discomfort. Remember that this is normal, though it doesn’t make them any easier. You may experience aches and pains: Your joints may swell during pregnancy (especially your hands), leading to achy joints; these should go away once delivery happens. And if not, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a healthcare professional who specializes in pregnant patients! That cute baby bump won’t last forever: As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on other organs such as the bladder and intestines which can lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom or constipation; luckily this too shall pass post-delivery!

6) You will have good days and bad days

Pregnancy and childbirth are exciting, emotional experiences. But they can also be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that you will have both good days and bad days. Try to stay positive and know that the bad days won’t last forever. With proper self-care, you will make it through.

7) Your partner might not be as involved as you want them to be

When it comes to pregnancy and birth, it’s natural to expect your partner to be as involved as you’d like them to be. After all, they’re the father of your baby and should be just as excited as you are about this new chapter in your life! However, many couples find that the reality doesn’t always meet their expectations.

8) You will make new friends

Pregnancy and childbirth bring people together. From your care provider to your doula, you will have a whole team of people who are devoted to helping you have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Many women also form strong bonds with other pregnant women and parents they meet while going through the process, making lifelong friends in the process.

9) You will be grateful for the experience

Pregnancy and birth are experiences that can be filled with both joy and uncertainty. But no matter the outcome, you’ll find that you are forever grateful for the journey. Even if the road is rocky, it can be a time of growth and discovery. You will learn more than you ever thought possible, and that knowledge will be invaluable to you.

10) You will never forget it

Pregnancy and birth are life-changing experiences. Though you may have read about it, you won’t truly understand the power of it until you experience it yourself. It’s a moment of pure joy, but also a bit of fear. It’s a time of immense love, but also a time of pain. It’s something that no one can fully understand until they’ve gone through it.

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