6 Things you didn't expect about expecting.

Congratulations, A special time in life lies ahead of you. Here’s some things they didn’t tell you. 
Books and articles on pregnancy abound. Most will tell you what a wonderful time this is and what to expect in your second trimester. Indeed, it is a wonderful and special time. But there are many things which no one tells you. Here are some unexpected things about expecting.

No Touchy-feely my bump please! Somehow, once you begin to show, certain people (friends, family and random strangers) think that it is acceptable to touch your baby bump. Let’s face it, you are not some lucky Buddha to be rubbed for good luck. Back off weirdo. The best thing to do is to rub theirs back. They might think twice before crossing that personal space barrier again.

Laugh so much you pee! Let’s face it, there is a lot of pressure on the body in the last stages of pregnancy. It should not be surprising, but laughing, coughing, sneezing can cause ‘snissing’. That’s the polite and cutesy name for peeing your pants while pregnant ladies. Don’t worry, you won’t need to buy adult nappies just yet and you have so little dignity left by the time you get to the final few weeks of pregnancy, frankly, you really won’t give a damn.

Feeling like Big Foot! Ok, I am not going to sugar coat it. Your feet might get bigger. A shoe size bigger. A wide shoe size. Alongside the Varicose Veins, Haemorrhoids, and Constipation which you have heard so much about, there is a fresh hell to consider. Water retention can mean that your favourite kitten heels will not fit. Don’t stress about it as you will be back in your favourite shoes when baby is born.

Cravings are real. Yes, it is not a myth. Cravings for hot and spicy jalapeno peppers, mushy peas, ice cream and chocolate are common. In fact, there is a scientific reason for pregnancy cravings. Yes, you guessed it.
Hormones. Most doctors advise that you allow the cravings if they are healthy and make sense, but do not recommend that you give in to the longing for a glass of white wine… which brings me to the next topic…
 

Missing alcohol. Yup. This is more common than you might think. While all the books, pamphlets and website show glowing mums-to-be floating through a meadow of wild flowers, wearing homespun cotton en route to their wholesome juice and granola burger dinner, the reality is a little different. Those clubbing days are still in your blood stream and many women admit to missing their favourite tipple. Nights out are not much fun in those flat wide shoes, snissing on the dance floor while you sip still water! Ho Hum girls. This too shall pass.

The glow is real. A pregnancy glow exists. Hormones give good things too. That amazing radiant glow skin is a gift which kicks in during the second trimester. Of course not everyone experiences it in the same way, but generally speaking that wonderful radiance is yours, for free, for the duration. No doubt, once your special wee bundle arrives in the world, this glow of pure love will continue.

Pregnancy is a real time of change. Your body, your relationships, your lifestyle. But hey, there are times when you can embrace change and welcome the new. This is one of those times. Enjoy the expected and the unexpected with a good sense of humour and the knowledge that all of this is temporary.