5 Things you have to go through during pregnancy that nobody ever talks about
Article by Cherlynn Ng
Pregnancy is one of the biggest milestones in a woman’s life. And while it’s true what they say about it being a priceless experience that you wouldn’t trade for anything in the world, nobody ever talks about all the hardship and changes that you have to endure during this golden period. To help prepare you, we have compiled a list of things that you can expect to go through.
Physical symptoms start from Day 1
It goes without saying that your body will be experiencing some of the most significant changes ever and they might take some getting used to. After all, a new life is growing inside you. Morning sickness, fatigue and an expanding waistline are just tip of the iceberg. Other common ailments include light-headedness, frequent urination and leg cramps.
But fret not – knowing what to expect and being prepared is half the battle won. Start by familiarising yourself with the dos and don’ts of pregnancy as well as tips to manage these ailments. For instance, simple exercises and stretches can help to alleviate cramps while eating smaller meals at regular intervals can soothe morning sickness.
You’re going to have to make sacrifices
Gone are the days when you can paint the town red with your friends till dawn or binge-watch your favourite show on Netflix all night. Your baby is now your priority and all your time will be spent preparing for his or her arrival and ensuring a smooth delivery. While you do not need a complete upheaval of your life, it helps to make some positive changes in anticipation of your precious one.
Start by incorporating regular exercise and relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Make sleep a priority and get rid of stressors in your life. Needless to say, cigarettes and alcohol are a huge no- no. Although this might sound obvious, those who are accustomed to these habits might find it hard to kick them. But your love for your unborn child will supersede anything and everything.
You aren’t going to feel great all the time
Pregnancy can leave you feeling excited, stressed, exhausted and anxious – sometimes all at once. Preparing for your baby’s arrival into this world while still keeping up with the demands of everyday life can take quite the emotional toll on you. You will be no stranger to mood swings and might often feel irritable. Know that this is completely normal, however.
While some women may experience an improvement in their mood as time goes by, not all do. It’s important to take care of your mental health as much as your physical health. A good support system can help tremendously. Talk to your loved ones so that they understand what you are going through and remember that you are not alone. If things do not improve, consult a healthcare professional.
Wacky cravings at wacky hours
You’re eating for two now, which means you not only have to eat enough, you also have to eat right. Did you know that a proper diet decreases the odds of pregnancy complications and mitigates common ailments that pregnant women experience? A well-nourished body bounces back more easily after delivery as well. In addition, a good diet also helps to boost your baby’s brain development and reduces their risk for certain birth defects.
Random food cravings are part of the package when you are pregnant. You might find yourself yearning for bizarre food combinations or dishes you don’t normally enjoy. At the same time, the sight of your favourite chicken rice might now make you feel nauseous. While it is okay to give in to the occasional food craving, ensure that you are consuming a good variety of nutritious food and avoid over-indulging in unhealthy junk.
I know you miss that raw steak paired with a glass of wine, but you are going to have to do without them for quite a while. Trust me, it’s going to be worth it though.
People will try to tell you what to do
From well-meaning relatives to overzealous strangers, everyone will think they know better and offer you unsolicited advice. Your mother-in-law will share all sorts of secret remedies while that friend of a friend might tell you how she continued working right up to her due date. While there’s nothing wrong with listening to them, it helps to do your own research. After all, everyone goes through pregnancy differently and you know your own body best. What works for someone else might not work for you, so always trust your instincts.
Sure, pregnancy comes with a lot of sacrifices. But it also brings you boundless joy and when you finally hold your baby in your arms, you will realise that it has all been worth it.
P.S – Known as the celebrities’ choice, Confinement Angels provides parents with complete peace of mind and maximum comfort by attending to every single aspect of the confinement experience. All of our confinement nannies undergo rigorous training based on an 88-hour syllabus, before being subject to another round of stringent evaluation to determine if they are ready to be deployed for assignments. Because at Confinement Angels, we go above and beyond to bring you only the best.
Use promo code ArticleCA for a discount on our confinement nanny service package + receive a free complimentary newborn baby photo session worth $206 and a baby massage session!
T&Cs: Offer is not applicable with any other ongoing promotions, offers, vouchers or privileges unless otherwise stated.
Leave your contact info below and we will get in touch with you soon!