Ever felt like no one really prepared you for the real rollercoaster ride that is pregnancy and childbirth? I stumbled upon this eye-opening BuzzFeed article titled 36 Extremely Important But Not Often Discussed Things They Should Really, REALLY Tell You About Pregnancy And Childbirth Before You Go Through With It, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s full of brutally honest confessions from real people who lived through it, revealing the messy, raw, and sometimes downright shocking truths behind the glowing Instagram pregnancy pics we all see. One line that stuck with me was: “It felt like my organs were going to fall out of me every time I stood up for the first couple of days while things were settling back into place.” Can you imagine? No one warned them about that kind of intense struggle after birth!

So why does this matter to anyone on a fertility journey? Because pregnancy isn’t just about a positive test—it’s a transformative experience that impacts your mind, body, and soul in ways most people shy away from discussing. And when you’re working towards making a baby, being emotionally and mentally prepared is just as crucial as the medical side of things.

Let’s unpack some of the lesser-known realities, shall we?

1. Pregnancy can be downright terrifying. Beyond the excitement, there’s a flood of anxiety about whether the baby is healthy, if your body can handle the changes, or how labor will go.

2. Postpartum recovery is a battle. That organ-falling-out feeling mentioned? It’s real. And so are the other physical and emotional upheavals like bleeding, exhaustion, and hormonal chaos.

3. Mental health takes center stage. Depression and anxiety after birth are more common than you think, but stigma often keeps women from seeking help.

4. Traditional medical care doesn’t always address these hardships. Sometimes, support feels clinical and detached from the lived experience.

5. Having control over your fertility journey is empowering. Whether that means educating yourself or choosing alternatives that fit your needs.

This brings me to a silver lining I want to highlight: advances and options in fertility support are expanding beyond the clinic walls. Take at-home insemination kits, for example, like those offered by MakeAMom. These kits give individuals and couples a chance to approach conception in the comfort and privacy of their own space, designed thoughtfully for different needs such as low sperm motility or sensitivities like vaginismus.

Why does this matter? Because fertility struggles and pregnancy aren’t one-size-fits-all experiences. Having accessible, cost-effective, and discreet tools means more people can take charge of their journey without the added stress of clinical environments. Plus, with a reported success rate of 67%, it’s a game-changer for many.

But before jumping in, it’s important to remember the emotional side. Creating a family this way still comes with highs and lows, unexpected challenges, and the need for strong support systems, including mental health care.

So, what can you do to prepare yourself emotionally for this wild ride? Here are some quick tips:

• Educate yourself about all stages—fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. Knowledge is power.
• Reach out to community groups or forums where people share honest stories and support each other.
• Consider counseling or therapy as part of your journey, not just a last resort.
• Explore all your fertility options so you feel confident in your choices.

Pregnancy and childbirth are life-altering, and the more openly we talk about every facet, the stronger and more prepared we become. If you’re navigating fertility challenges or just curious about different approaches, I encourage you to check out resources that blend science, empathy, and practical support—like those from MakeAMom.

So, what’s your experience? Have you felt blindsided by the realities of pregnancy or fertility treatments? Drop your thoughts and stories below—let’s keep this honest conversation going! Because the more we share, the more no one will ever feel unprepared again.

For the full unfiltered truths, you can read the original BuzzFeed article here.