6 Things No One Tells You About Pregnancy

Don’t do this, definitely do that.

Eat this, stay away from that.

Buy this, avoid that.

When it comes to pregnancy, everyone seems to have an opinion and unsolicited advice to give.

But, at the same time, there are things that no one really talks about that you need to know ASAP, to avoid any surprises down the line.

So it’s time for some real talk.

We’ve asked the women in our community to share the insider scoop — the unfiltered, sugarcoat-free stuff that no one tells you about pregnancy.

In this article: 📝

1. Bleeding isn’t always a cause for concern (but get checked out!)

It’s true, bleeding during pregnancy can happen, to about 20-40% of moms-to-be, actually.

But don’t worry, it doesn’t always mean that there’s a problem.

It could be down to an inflamed cervix or a slight infection, or in the early days, it might be implantation.

Then in the third trimester, it could be a sign that labor is about to begin.

Basically, in the vast majority of cases, a small amount of blood will be nothing to worry about.

If you do notice bleeding during pregnancy, you should still reach out to your doc ASAP.

At the very least, it can help put your mind at ease.

2. Pregnancy nausea doesn’t always go away at 12 weeks

So, pregnancy varies from woman to woman — that doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

Pregnancy nausea (AKA morning sickness) affects around 70% of pregnant women (😫).

Despite the misleading name — “morning sickness” doesn’t just strike in the morning, nor is it necessarily restricted to the first trimester.

For some, pregnancy nausea gets better after the first 12 weeks, others barely feel it at all.

But unfortunately for some mamas-to-be, pregnancy nausea can go well into the second and even third trimester.

If that’s you, you can try drinking ginger tea and snacking on plain foods throughout the day to lessen the effects.

Dig deeper: ➡️ When Does Morning Sickness End?

3. You can still maintain a workout plan

Contrary to what you might have heard, it’s totally safe to keep exercising while pregnant.

As long as you feel comfortable, listen to your body and don’t exhaust yourself, working out is not dangerous for your growing babe.

Yoga, running, swimming… you name it — you can still do it.

Not only is it safe, it’s actually recommended!

Keeping up your normal activities and exercise can help reduce backaches, bloating, swelling, and even lower the risk of gestational diabetes.

Even better? It supposedly shortens labor, too!

4. Hemorrhoids happen

Here at Peanut, we don’t beat around the bush.

Even when things get a bit… unsexy.

Hemorrhoids (AKA piles) are the result of enlarged blood vessels inside or around you know where.

Anyone can get hemorrhoids — not just pregnant women.

But, when you’re pregnant — hemorrhoids are more likely to pop up since your pesky pregnancy hormones make the veins around your butt relax…

And, as Dr. Fatema M Dawoodbhoy says, “the increased added pressure of your growing body and fetus on your anus makes the veins bulge more”.

Nice.

But it’s good to be prepared, right?

So, if they do appear, try wipes with witch hazel to soothe or a warm bath with Epsom salts.

5. You might be turned off

Tired of hearing about other women’s second-trimester grand adventures and spicy bedroom antics when the very thought of sex is a turn-off to you?

We get it.

Despite popular belief, a woman’s libido doesn’t necessarily increase over the course of her pregnancy.

Whether you’re not in the right headspace, you’re exhausted, or your body just doesn’t feel up for it — you definitely shouldn’t worry about whether it’s normal or not.

Every woman is different.

It’s OK to feel however it is that you feel.

6. Your baby bump might take time to show

Mamas-to-be start showing at different times.

There’s no rule book when it comes to pregnancy!

For first-time mamas especially, your bump starts showing later because muscles around your belly haven’t been stretched yet by a previous pregnancy.

Most women start to see a blossoming bump between 12 and 18 weeks with their first, and 6 to 18 weeks with their second.

Want more pearls of wisdom from other mamas?

There’s a wealth of knowledge, advice, tips, and hacks from our Community of moms on Peanut.

And we think you’ll fit right in,