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When you think of pregnancy, what comes to mind? Glowing skin, joyful baby kicks, and the excitement of a tiny life growing inside you? While these are certainly parts of the experience, let’s be honest—they’re not the whole story. Behind the baby bump are plenty of unexpected, frustrating, and downright strange things that no one warns you about.
Tina, a certified perinatal nurse and mum of four, knows this all too well. After years of helping other mums navigate pregnancy and going through it herself four times, she’s here to share the unfiltered truths.
Let’s kick things off with a shocker: your nipples are about to become the stars of the show. Tina doesn’t mince words here. ‘They’re definitely going to get bigger and darker. We’re talking pepperoni nipples, areola grande, baloney blasts,’ she jokes.
There’s a scientific explanation for this—your nipples darken so your baby can find them more easily during breastfeeding. But Tina keeps it real: ‘Let’s be honest, you could probably see them from space.’ It’s a surreal part of pregnancy that many mums don’t expect, and it’s perfectly normal.
Changes to your breasts are just one of many ways your body adapts to pregnancy, and while they might feel strange, they’re a sign of the incredible work your body is doing. As one mum put it, ‘I’m convinced people who say pregnancy is beautiful have never been pregnant, and that’s okay.’ You don’t have to love every change to appreciate the process.
@mama_nurse_tina Here’s the 5 things about being pregnant you might not know (but should!) The LAST one is the best one you NEED to know if you’re expecting a baby 💕 #pregnancylife #pregnancysymptoms #pregnancytips #pregnanttiktok #expectingmom ♬ original sound - ✨Mama Nurse Tina✨
When you think of morning sickness, you probably picture the first trimester. It’s that classic image of a newly pregnant woman clutching her stomach. But what no one tells you is that morning sickness can make a grand comeback in the third trimester.
Tina highlights this as one of the pregnancy quirks that catch you off guard. For some mums, it’s nausea; for others, it’s a rollercoaster of digestive woes. @Anna commented, ‘The alternating constipation and diarrhoea is a fun combo I’ve been dealing with in addition to never-ending morning sickness.’
While third-trimester morning sickness is less common, it’s not unheard of. It’s one of those reminders that every pregnancy is unique—and sometimes, frustratingly unpredictable. If this happens to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for advice. Small dietary tweaks or medications can make a big difference.
Ah, pregnancy fatigue. It’s one of the few struggles that most mums-to-be are warned about, but there’s a twist no one mentions: the naps don’t always help. Tina explains it best: ‘You’ll take a nap and wake up feeling like you’re trying to recover from general anaesthetic.’
For many mums, the exhaustion feels like a cruel joke. You’re so tired you can’t keep your eyes open, but when you finally sleep, you wake up feeling even worse. @bay shared her strategy for dealing with this paradox: ‘I’ve made the decision to skip naps because waking up from them sucks. But then I’m just exhausted ALL DAY. And then night-time hits, and I’m the energiser bunny.’
If this sounds familiar, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Some mums find that shorter naps or gentle movement (like a quick walk) can help combat that post-nap fog. But let’s be real—sometimes, you just have to embrace the chaos and do your best to get through the day.
If the words “lightning crotch” sound alarming, it’s because they are. Tina describes it as ‘a sharp, sudden pain—that feels like someone’s hitting you with a taser right in your cervix from the inside.’
The worst part? It strikes when you least expect it—whether you’re grocery shopping, sitting in church, or trying to sleep. It’s caused by the baby pressing on nerves in your pelvis, and while it’s harmless, it’s definitely not pleasant.
There’s no guaranteed way to stop lightning crotch, but some mums find relief by changing positions or gently stretching. It’s one of those pregnancy symptoms that’s best approached with a sense of humour and a lot of patience.
Pregnancy increases your blood volume by up to 50%, which is amazing for your growing baby—but not so great for your veins. Tina explains that varicose veins can show up in your legs, your breasts, and even in your labia.
For mums like @Rose, who commented, ‘Is there any way to minimise varicose veins? My sister is at 38 weeks, and hers are rough,’ this can be a particularly tough symptom to deal with. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the discomfort. Compression stockings, elevating your legs, and avoiding long periods of standing can all help.
The veins might not look great now, but the majority improve or disappear after delivery. It’s just one more reminder of how much your body is working to support your baby.
Let’s talk about pregnancy rage. If you’ve felt inexplicably furious at everything and everyone, you’re not alone. Hormones can wreak havoc on your emotions, turning even the calmest mum into a ball of anger.
@Gabs shared her experience: ‘I am so angry about this pregnancy—at everyone, for everything. I feel so bad, but I can’t control it.’ It’s important to remember that these emotions are a normal part of pregnancy, and they’re not a reflection of who you are.
If you’re struggling, talking to someone—whether it’s a partner, friend, family or therapist—can make a world of difference. And don’t forget to give yourself grace. Pregnancy is hard, and you’re doing your best.
The most profound change of all isn’t physical—it’s emotional. Tina wraps up her list with a powerful observation: ‘You’re going to meet a whole new person. And no, I don’t mean your baby. I mean you.’
Pregnancy is a journey of transformation, not just for your body but for your identity. It challenges you, stretches you, and ultimately reshapes you into someone stronger and more resilient.
For many mums, this is the silver lining that makes all the discomfort worth it. As hard as pregnancy can be, it’s also a time of immense growth—not just for your baby but for you.
Pregnancy isn’t all glowing skin and baby kicks, and that’s okay. By sharing the messy, frustrating, and hilarious sides of pregnancy, Tina creates a space where mums can feel seen and supported. As @Abbey put it, ‘The only enjoyable thing about pregnancy is feeling the baby move. That’s it.’
Honest conversations about pregnancy help break the stigma around the struggles and remind mums that they’re not alone. Whether you’re dealing with lightning crotch, pregnancy rage, or the paradox of naps that leave you more tired, there’s comfort in knowing others have been there too.
© Mindsmaking 2024
