I never expected pregnancy to be this full of surprises. When my partner and I first started trying to conceive, I thought I was prepared. I had read the books, scrolled through forums, and even kept a checklist of dos and don’ts. But nothing could have prepped me for the wild ride ahead.
Recently, I came across a BuzzFeed article titled People Are Sharing Things They Wish They Knew About Pregnancy, And I, For One, Am Stunned. It’s a collection of real, heartfelt admissions from people who’ve been through pregnancy. The stories ranged from the bizarre to the downright challenging — and honestly, some of them made me laugh, others made me cry, and all made me think.
Here are 7 shocking things I wish I knew about pregnancy, inspired by those stories and my own journey:
Pregnancy Symptoms Can Be Super Unpredictable You hear about morning sickness and cravings, but did you know some people get nosebleeds every few days during the first and second trimesters? One woman in the article shared exactly that, which completely blew my mind. It’s a reminder that every pregnancy is so unique.
Emotions Can Go from Zero to Sixty in Seconds One minute, you’re laughing, the next you’re sobbing over a commercial. Hormones are wild, and mental fog is real. I hadn’t anticipated just how much a hormonal rollercoaster could affect my daily life.
Some Symptoms Are TMI But Totally Normal Leaking breasts, discharge changes, weird cravings — for a long time, I thought these things were taboo or embarrassing to talk about. But knowing they’re normal helped me feel less alone and more prepared to handle them.
Planning Pregnancy Doesn’t Mean Instant Results For many, conception isn’t as straightforward as it seems in the movies. The BuzzFeed article reminded me—and lots of others—how much patience and self-love are needed. Having tools that empower you to try on your own terms can be a game changer.
Comfort & Sensitivity Matter More Than You Think If you have sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus, traditional fertility methods can be daunting. Finding methods and products that respect your body and comfort is essential. This is why I’m a huge advocate for at-home insemination kits like those from MakeAMom, which offer specialized solutions for different needs in a discreet, cost-effective way.
Support Systems Can Make or Break the Experience Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or an online community, having someone to relate to every weird symptom or panic moment makes a world of difference.
Knowledge Is Power, But So Is Compassion for Yourself Knowing what could happen is important, but don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Pregnancy isn’t about perfection; it’s about listening to your body, adapting, and embracing the unpredictable path.
If you’re on your own journey to parenthood, whether you’re just starting or have faced challenges, I encourage you to dive into honest conversations and resources that don’t sugarcoat the experience. One place I've found incredibly supportive and empowering is MakeAMom. Their at-home insemination kits like the CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker help people with diverse fertility needs create a comfortable, private way to conceive — without the stress and expense of clinical settings.
Pregnancy can be overwhelming, but it’s also remarkable. Your story matters, every quirk and challenge included. So, what’s something you wish someone had told you before pregnancy? Let’s create a community where we share, learn, and support one another.
Ready to explore simpler, more comfortable ways to take control of your fertility? Check out the resources and kits that help make conception a little bit easier and a lot more personal at MakeAMom.
What surprises have you faced or heard about pregnancy? Drop your stories in the comments — you never know who you might help today!