Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but it is also incredibly stressful – something that not a lot of women really seem to speak about. It feels blasphemous to say that there is even a small part of pregnancy that you don’t enjoy, particularly in the second trimester, which is when you’re meant to be glowing and blooming. I’m through my second trimester now so thought I’d share some of the unexpected surprises pregnancy has thrown my way.
Let’s start with a little disclaimer shall we – everyone experiences pregnancy differently – no two are the same, just like no two babies are! I’ve enjoyed the second trimester but there will be women who’ve hated the whole thing. I’m not here to represent one or the other, I’m just sharing a few things I’ve found frustrating to let you know it isn’t all rainbows and sunshine and hopefully to make you smile!
- Stuffy / snotty nose. My nose is snotty and full of bogies ALL the damn time! I’m always picking at it, which is gross, but it’s pretty uncomfortable having a stuffy face whatever the weather. If I don’t blow my nose first thing in the morning and last thing at night then there’s no hope I’ll make it through the day without fishing out a few bats from the cave.
- Snoring. This kind of goes hand in hand with the stuffy nose I think. Tbh, it’s not all that frustrating for me because I’m asleep when I’m doing it, but the husbear has had to have a couple of nights respite in the spare room now and then!
- Sleeping on my left hand side. Who knew this was a thing?! Certainly not me. I had to get myself a pregnancy pillow to try and keep me still because I am a nighttime wriggler.
- Swollen legs. Hello cankles. I’ve had this checked out by the midwife and it’s just water retention, nothing more sinister, but definitely mention this if this affects you. For me, it is just putting me off wearing skirts or dresses, which is not ideal in this heat.
- Vaginal discharge. Holy moly, there’s a phrase I never thought I’d say in public… but no one prepared me for THAT party in my pants. Nuff said.
- Skin tags. I’ve only started getting a few of these recently, but boy they bum me out. They’re most likely to form in moist (ick) areas that get friction, so I’ve got a few under my armpits.
- Maternity clothes. I could (and might!) write a whole post about this: there are hardly any shops that stock their maternity range in store, so not only do you have to pay for (and wait for) delivery if you want something, but you have no idea what size will fit because your body is changing all the time. So frustrating!
- Bleeding gums. The more you brush, the better it gets, but spitting out blood twice a day isn’t exactly the incentive I need to keep on brushing.
- Falling out of love with fashion. I love browsing the shops, but hardly bother now I know that nothing I like will fit me anymore!
- Slowing down. I just can’t walk as quickly as I used to and I get tired so much more quickly. I’m making the most of it while I can, but I’ve definitely realised I can achieve a lot less in my lunch hour than I could before.
- Buying new bras. I spent £40 on two new bras for my massive preggo boobs a few months ago, but I went for underwired because they were more comfortable then. Lo and behold, now I’m hankering after a couple of non-wired ones, so that’ll be another £40 or so AND I’ll still have to buy nursing bras after that. Staying comfortable is not cheap.
- Putting shoes on. I love my bump, and I’ll miss it when it’s gone, but it would be *great* if I could put my own shoes on without contorting into strange shapes. It’ll be flip flops for me all summer.
I’m sure I’m going to publish this post and think about a couple of other hundred things that I’ve found frustrating. BUT you know what, they’re all a small price to pay for the new life that I’m growing inside me. Women’s bodies are bad ass and I am grateful to mine for not throwing worse things my way. Long may it continue!
♥ JH
Massive thanks to Chloe Witty for taking the shots for this post.
Ah wondered why i had so nany skin tags, i didnt realise they were realted to pregnancy ! Buy your next Non underwired bras as your nursing ones its easier and they are so comfy !
You’re bringing it all back! growing a baby is certainly not an easy task.
You Look fabulous Jen!
Awwww you look sooooo beautiful!!!!! Congratulations and enjoy the rest of your preggers time it GOEs by VEry fast!!!♥♥SENDIng love from sk ????