I have a degree that required years of studying prenatal on through the entire lifespan. It doesn't matter how much I studied, no one could prepare me for the experience that pregnancy is. Sure I know terms, diagnoses, symptoms, all things parenting, and generally what to expect, but that is just not the same as living it. I am growing a little human. He loves music and doing somersaults. He gets hiccups, and must think my bladder is pretty fun to kick...
And then there are the things that no one warns you about. Even before you are "huge" everything is hard and uncomfortable. You can kiss sleep goodbye...yes that's right, before the baby is even born. Some nights a trip to the bathroom is REQUIRED every couple hours. Running is painful, and don't rule out the possibility of it making you pee your pants. Shaving will inevitably become a struggle, and prenatal vitamins may make hair (that's not on your head) grow faster too. Morning sickness can last longer than a few weeks, and if you're like me, it will be all day every day for half of your pregnancy. You know those cravings you're suppose to get? Kyle gets them for me. I have yet to experience one really *except wine, but that's not a possibility so we won't count that. Your nose may gain superhuman powers...which means a lot of things have the potential to make you nauseous. There's a little thing some women experience called meat aversion during pregnancy. I had that for the first 20 weeks or so. I could not handle the smell or taste of meat. Every store will have the cutest clothes in the world, and you can bet your beached whale self they won't be attractive on you. Sometimes you will just need a friend to call and complain to because "pregnancy is so rude".
Although putting up with all the unknowns and crazy body changes is overwhelming at times, in the end I know it will be so worth it.
