6 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Pregnant

Jun 26

I knew I wanted babies when I was 5 years old. My husband started saying when he grew up he wanted to be a dad when he was 7. So when we were drinking tequila with his parents on a Friday night, I expected the pregnancy test I took to be just one of those reassuring moments where I could think, “Yep! My period is just late, not pregnant”

But as you can guess, that’s not what happened. So suffice it to say I was not ready, he was not ready, but Sadie was ready to join us! Here are 5 things I wish I knew before I got pregnant.

1. 1 Out of 4 Pregnancies End in Miscarriage

This statistic is both surprising and heartbreaking. The truth is that early pregnancy loss is far more common than most people realize, with 15-25% of known pregnancies ending in miscarriage. So why is this surprising? We don’t talk about it. And we should.

Why It Matters: Knowing the prevalence of miscarriage can help you manage expectations and cope with the emotional impact if it happens. It might prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster and help you seek support early on.
How to Cope: Build a support network of friends, family, and healthcare providers BEFORE you get pregnant. Tell the people who you would want to know if you had a miscarriage. Don’t hesitate to seek professional counseling if needed. Remember, you are not alone, SO many people have walked this path before you.

2. You Will Lose Your Glutes During Pregnancy, But You Can Build Them Back Up

Pregnancy causes various changes in your body, including muscle loss. Even if you know this and work on building glute strength throughout pregnancy, the way your center of gravity shifts in pregnancy just makes those muscles weaker.

Why It Matters: Glute muscle loss can affect your strength, alignment, and posture. Specifically it can lead to an unhappy knees and low back.
How to Cope: Incorporate safe, pregnancy-friendly exercises into your routine to maintain muscle tone. After pregnancy, focus on a postpartum fitness plan to rebuild your strength. Join me to rebuild your glutes!

3. Breastfeeding is Hard and Will Humble You in Unexpected Ways

Breastfeeding is often romanticized, but the reality can be one of the hardest things you’ve tried to do. A lot of the reason for this is that we are trying to do it in isolation. Many new parents struggle with latching issues, milk supply concerns, and physical discomfort.

Why It Matters: Understanding the potential challenges can help you prepare mentally and seek support early.
How to Cope: Educate yourself about breastfeeding before your baby arrives. Attend a breastfeeding class, consult a lactation consultant, and join support groups. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and there’s no shame in supplementing with formula if needed.

4. Too Much Fiber Will Make Pooping WAY HARDER 💩

While fiber is essential for digestion, too much fiber during pregnancy can lead to BULKING your stool which is really not what you need.

Why It Matters: Constipation can be uncomfortable and even painful, adding unnecessary stress to your pregnancy.
How to Cope: Balance your diet with a mix of fiber-rich foods, plenty of water, and regular physical activity. If constipation becomes a severe issue, consult your healthcare provider for safe remedies.

5. You Are Way More Likely to Get Yeast and Bacterial Infections and They Can Weaken Your Amniotic Sac

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can increase the risk of yeast and bacterial infections. These infections, if untreated, can weaken the amniotic sac, potentially leading to complications (like your water breaking early).

Why It Matters: Awareness of this increased risk can help you take preventive measures and seek prompt treatment if needed. If you are a person who doesn’t like antibiotics… this is one of those times where you should just bite the bullet and take a bunch of probiotics. I’m serious.
How to Cope: Wear breathable fabrics, stay dry, and consult your healthcare provider at the first sign of discomfort, redness, ANYTHING. Regular prenatal check-ups are crucial for monitoring and managing any health issues that arise during pregnancy, unfortunately they tend to gloss over this one.

6. There Is No Right Way, Just Your Way

Pregnancy and parenting are deeply personal experiences, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay.

Why It Matters: It’s easy to hear everything from your village and think that is the way it has to be. But that’s a greeeat way to beat your self up when it doesn’t work out how your bestie did it.
How to Cope: Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your baby and your family. Seek advice but don’t feel obligated to follow it if it doesn’t resonate with you. Remember, you are the best advocate for yourself and your child.

Pregnancy is a journey full of surprises, challenges, and sometimes even moments of joy. While it’s impossible to prepare for everything, I hope knowing these five things might help you navigate the ups and downs with a bit more confidence and peace of mind. Remember, every experience is unique, and your journey is your own. Embrace it, learn from it, and know that you are doing an amazing job.

Emily Spaeth