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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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!

Have you ever watched a pregnancy horror movie and thought, 'Is this what trying to conceive really feels like?' If you caught the recent review of Push on Shudder, you know exactly what I mean. The film dives into an eerie, artistic take on pregnancy horror but sacrifices the kind of real, believable characters and plot twists that make a story resonate. Instead, it leaves us with beautiful—but distant—scenes that might feel more like a nightmare than a real-life experience.

This got me thinking: Why do so many portrayals of pregnancy focus on fear and discomfort instead of the complex, hopeful journey so many of us live through? Especially when conception isn't straightforward, the path can be filled with anxiety, yes—but also determination, intimacy, and innovative solutions.

The Reality Behind the Screen

Unlike the chilling world of Push, many individuals and couples face their fertility journeys with a blend of hope and resilience. Challenges like low sperm motility or sensitivities such as vaginismus can make typical clinical visits daunting. Sometimes, the traditional fertility clinic's sterile, high-pressure environment doesn't feel right.

And this is where at-home insemination options come into play—quiet heroes in the story of conception. These kits provide privacy, comfort, and control, empowering people to approach fertility on their own terms.

Meet the Quiet Champions: At-Home Insemination Kits

Organizations like MakeAMom specialize in this space, offering thoughtfully designed kits like CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker. Here’s what I love about them:

• Tailored for Specific Needs: Whether it’s low-volume or frozen sperm (hello, CryoBaby!), or low motility sperm (Impregnator), or even users with sensitive conditions like vaginismus (BabyMaker), these kits cover a wide spectrum.
• Cost-Effective & Reusable: Unlike some disposable options, these kits are reusable, cutting down not only costs but also waste—because who needs more stress or expenses?
• Discreet and Private: Everything ships in plain, unmarked packaging. Perfect for anyone who wants to keep their fertility journey personal.
• Proven Success Rates: An average success rate of 67% is nothing to scoff at—offering genuine hope to those navigating their path.

Breaking the Silence on Sensitive Fertility Issues

One thing Push never touches on is the emotional and physical sensitivity involved in conception struggles. Many people cope with conditions that make traditional intimacy or medical procedures uncomfortable or intimidating. At-home kits like those from MakeAMom open a door to comfort-first fertility treatments, which is such a critical piece of this puzzle.

Imagine being able to create your own nurturing environment without feeling the pressure or judgment that sometimes comes with clinical visits. That sense of empowerment—and yes, intimacy—can be a game changer.

But What About the Emotional Rollercoaster?

The emotional side of fertility is real and raw. It’s a rollercoaster of hope, disappointment, patience, and sometimes frustration. Movies like Push miss this nuance entirely, opting for shock and spectacle over connection and realism.

That’s why communities and resources that share authentic stories and expert guidance are invaluable. They remind us that behind every candid photo, every blog post, and every product review, there’s a person or couple on their own journey—imperfect, hopeful, and courageous.

So, What's the Takeaway?

If Push left you feeling unsettled or misled about what pregnancy and fertility struggles look like, you’re not alone. The truth is far more nuanced and, honestly, more inspiring.

Whether you’re exploring sensitive health conditions that affect conception or simply looking for a comfortable, discreet way to try at-home insemination, know that options like those offered by MakeAMom exist. They bring a sense of control and hope to an often overwhelming experience.

Curious to learn more? Take a look at MakeAMom’s resources and kits for a thoughtful approach that prioritizes your comfort and success.

Before You Go...

What do you think about the way pregnancy and fertility are portrayed in media? Have you tried or considered at-home insemination? Drop your thoughts or experiences in the comments below—let’s get real about fertility together.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: you’re not alone. Empowerment starts with knowledge and community, and sometimes, the best journeys begin quietly at home.