4 Myths About Pregnancy Debunked

If you asked me before I became pregnant if I knew what to expect, I would have said, '"Absolutely!" I'd watched enough movies and listen to plenty of stories from my mom, in-laws, and friends about what they experienced. Everything they said generally seemed to align. Now seven months in, I've found that my experiences didn't quite fit the mold. Here are 5 myths about pregnancy that my body chose to debunk.

1. It takes a few months to get pregnant

This is true for some, of course, but it wasn't for me and my husband. We were very fortunate to get pregnant rather quickly, but I'd heard from so many that it took many months. 

This advice led many
people I know to start earlier than they were truly ready, anticipating that it would take many tries before any little swimmers won the gold medal. So, if you're not ready just yet, just wait.

2. Morning sickness happens in the morning

Whoever coined the phrase "morning sickness" owes us an apology for false advertisement. Just in the morning? Eh, I can handle that! Well let me tell you, I had ALL DAY SICKNESS. 

From week 5 through week 12, nature called from the moment I woke up in the morning, into the wee hours of the night. I do owe a few of my apartment complex neighbors and a restaurant an apology for the not-so-fresh surprise they may have had the misfortune of spotting while walking past a bush or two. Listen, ladies, you do what you have to do sometimes.

3. Everyone has crazy food cravings

This is something I was truly looking forward to and it never happened! I was ready for late-night snacks on pickles with ice cream. I'd heard stories of woman smelling phantom french fries and not being able to rest until the salty fry graced their lips. Me? Not a single fun craving story to share. Sorry to disappoint you!

4. Pregnant women are eating for two

Don't get me wrong, I've eaten plenty. In fact, when I don't eat for a while, I get what I affectionately call "nausea burps." I'm sure there's a clinical name for it, but the basic symptom is a sudden hiccup style burp that makes you feel like you're going to be sick just for a moment. Fabulous, right? 

Still, doubling food intake isn't recommended according to my doctor. In fact, americanpregnancy.org states that "Typically, you will need to consume an extra 300 calories a day." That's not much! What I've found is that eating smaller snacks throughout the day is much more helpful than eating three large meals. Besides, what's the use of carrying around our huge handbags if not to keep endless snacks on hand?

The lesson here is this: everyone's pregnancy is completely unique. Just because your mom craved mass amounts of pineapple at 3AM or your best friend never had to face constant nausea does not mean that will be the case for you. That being said, every pregnancy is beautiful and has both ups and downs. Enjoy it! I know I am.