Things "they" never told you about pregnancy

This has been a true learning experience alright! Everyone always hears what "they" say, and everyone always has an opinion of how things are or will be. Here is my list of things that "they" never told me about being pregnant.

1. Cramps, cramps, and more cramps - These were daily up until about week 8. Then they came once every few weeks. I was always under the impression that once you were pregnant the cramps would leave and not come back until after your period resumes post childbirth. Was I wrong! Now that I am almost 38 weeks along, I find out that the cramps are actually the contractions I am anxiously awaiting!

2. Sore boobs - That is an understatement! It is more like vice grips clamping down on them and not letting go for about 20 minutes. Or maybe standing out in subfreezing temperatures having water squirted on your chest. This occurred nightly up until week 10. It became rare during the 2nd trimester and now here towards the end, it is several times a day!

3. Heartburn - I have never been one to complain much about heartburn. Now that my stomach is in my armpit, it is almost certain that if I do not take a Zantac 150 each night (okayed by my OB and Peri) I will wake up in excruciating pain. Even if I do take one, the pain is still there.

4. Nausea and Vomitting in the final weeks - I have never, ever heard of anyone getting this nauseous and gagging with each movement in the day. Bending down, walking into a public restroom, breathing, eating, standing up, sitting down, wearing my seatbelt, brushing my teeth, getting dressed, putting on shoes and socks, etc. can all cause gagging and our nausea. I thought this was suppose to happen in the beginning, not the end!

5. Oh the muscle pain! - Most women I hear complain about backaches. The only muscle causing me trauma is the left inner thigh muscle that travels up into the groin area. It throbs, throbs, and throbs, throughout the day and night. There are times I cannot move it is so painful. The only position that keeps the throbing at bay is laying partially propped up in bed.

I know there is more to share, especially when the labor parts starts full force. I will add more when the time comes! :)