We can’t help it.  It is 2018 and with the internet at our fingertips 24/7 it is so easy to Google any question, symptom or concern and trust just about anyone’s answers as if they are experts.

From the moment you get your first positive pregnancy test you immediately become more in-tuned with your body and every new development and feeling.  At the same time, everyone starts sharing their stories (both good and bad) and you use their checklists to decide if you are “normal.” To help you out, here is a list of some of the truths and myths that I came to discover during my pregnancy.  Please note everyone is different!

 

Myths:

1. Morning sickness is just when you wake up.  False advertising! Morning sickness is a response to hormones in your body and the ever-changing influence of your baby growing.  Babies and hormones most certainly don’t wear a watch.  I found my nausea was constant throughout the day and I threw up mostly in the evenings when there was actual food in my stomach. Crackers, dry bread, a little soda and sucking on cherry Jolly Ranchers helped me.
2. Pregnancy hormones will make you crazy.  I don’t like the “c” word.  As hormone levels fluctuate throughout your pregnancy they can influence your emotional response to things but don’t expect them to make your head spin for 9 months.  A few more tears every now and then are OK, and if anyone calls you the “c” word, remind them of the job you are doing.  If you are feeling extra sensitive or emotional, talk to your partner or a friend or call your Dr.
3. If you are carrying your baby high it must be a boy/low  it must be a girl.  I love old world ideas but again, this is not true.  Every baby and belly is different.  Based on the size of the baby and your body, baby will cozy up where and when they want to.  I carried “high” most of my pregnancy and people always assumed I was having a boy.  Nope, my daughter just liked to snuggle up high and in a ball and has been doing that outside in the real world since she was born. If you are waiting until delivery to find out the gender of your baby, have fun with everyone’s guesses and if you already know, thank them for their input and choose whether or not to share the gender with them. 
4. If you are 40 or older or overweight, you will get gestational diabetes.  This is another generalization.  Everyone is different and though certain conditions may make you more prone to GD,there are no guarantees.  Being that I fell into both categories, I had to be tested twice in my pregnancy at 18 weeks and 28 weeks.  Guess what? I passed both times, in fact my second test result dropped over 30 points.  Wasn’t that sweet? Regardless, how you eat, handle stress and exercise during pregnancy is super important for both you and baby.  Take the best care of yourself as possible and don’t assume you will or won’t have a problem.  You have only 9 months to make a healthy baby and you want to be healthy for your child.  Follow any suggestions from your Dr. and trust your instincts.  
5. Your pregnancy will be just like your mother’s was with you.  As much as my mother and I are alike in so many ways, her pregnancies with my sister and I were very different from mine.  First off, she was 26 and 30 when she had us and I was 39/40.  Our bodies were automatically different.  She never had morning sickness and I did.  She gained 50 lbs with each of us and I gained 14 lbs. Use your mother for support and advice but don’t worry if your experiences are different.  You are different people after all! 

Truths:

1. Your relationship with food will change.  This is true though different for everyone.  While I didn’t get any weird cravings or try anything new (stayed just as picky of an eater as always!), some of my favorite foods were impossible for me to eat.  I have always loved hamburgers but clearly my growing baby didn’t as the few I had during my first trimester made me sick.  I gave them up for 6 months of my pregnancy. Ice cream, my favorite treat of all times just would not work.  I almost cried when I realized I couldn’t eat that! Luckily my ability to eat it came back around month 7.  Bland carbs were my favorite as were crumb top doughnuts from Entenmann’s. Don’t worry if you don’t grab pickles and ice cream or if you all of a sudden want to have kiddie cereal and nothing else.  Your body is in control so don’t stress!
2. The side effects of pregnancy are different for everyone.   Did you know you can get carpal tunnel while pregnant? I never heard of that but by my 4th month I fell victim to it.  First my right hand tingled a bit at night and my arm was a little sore.  Next thing I knew it, both my hands were tingling and numb fingers and I was wearing wrist braces and arthritis gloves 24 hours a day.  Typing, writing, eating, holding a book or phone was torture at times.  The Dr. said it would most likely go away at delivery and if I couldn’t bear it I could get a cortisone shot.  I got one in the hand that was the worst a week before I delivered and it helped a bit.  Once the baby was born it was gone as quickly as it came! If something doesn’t feel right or bothers you ask your Dr.  Don’t worry if your family and friends “never heard of that”… everyone is different again! 
3. Hormones are in control of more things than not.  Did you know that the rise in estrogen causes headaches? Yup.  At the end of my first trimester my head started to hurt often.  My Dr. warned me this would get worse in the second trimester and better in the third.  She was right. I drank lots of water and took Tylenol when needed and tried to rest when I could.  Pay attention to your body and don’t be afraid to call your Dr. with questions. Knowing that things were “normal” made me feel better as I knew it was not a cause for concern. 
4. You have more energy in your second trimester.  This is so true! Gone were the days of coming home from work and going to sleep at 8 pm. I was able to enjoy cozy nights on my couch with my husband and our DVR and enjoyed plenty a date night on the weekend.  Take advantage of the energy and feeling better and enjoy some of your favorite things and time with your partner.  
5. Being pregnant and having a baby is a miracle.  It sure is.  It is amazing what our bodies can do. No matter how you got pregnant, carrying a child is one of the greatest miracles in the world.  How a tiny embryo the size of a poppy-seed can produce a beautiful baby is amazing and it is all because of you! Science and prayers helped us all get here, but you get the prize Mommy! You did all the work.  Marvel at the miracle and be grateful for the journey no matter how long or hard. You go girl!