The moment has arrived: You’re finally expecting. Congratulations! Pregnancy can be a rewarding state of being. After all, you’re growing a human of your very own! But there’s a ton that “they” don’t tell women about pregnancy that you should be prepared for. Test your pregnancy knowledge here.
True. The average woman gains over twenty-five pounds when she’s pregnant. Only about seven pounds of that is the baby. Statistically speaking, she only loses a third of that weight after the birth.
2 of 10
You might see a brown line form on your belly.
True. It’s called the linea nigra. It’s a dark line that forms from your belly button to your vagina. Doctors don’t really know why it forms, but it’s considered a hallmark sign of pregnancy.
3 of 10
Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy.
True. As the fetus expands, it puts pressure on your uterus and bowels. Pressure and constipation are the perfect recipe for hemorrhoids. Invest in some Preparation H while you can!
4 of 10
Pregnancy lasts ten months, not nine.
True. This is probably a holdover from when men used to dominate the sciences and catalog the human experience from only their perspective. To them, you’re pregnant for nine months because they start counting from the point they can tell, not from when you can tell. The actual conception happened a month prior. Your due date is found by adding 280 days to the first day of your last period. That makes 40 weeks or ten months.
5 of 10
You’re not really eating for two.
True. You’re experiencing cravings. That does not mean your baby needs that extra helping of pasta. That means you’re just craving. The weight gain rules and risk of diabetes don’t change just because you have a baby coming. Remember: it’s only the size of a grapefruit. There’s no way your baby needs a fifth slice of pizza, a second breakfast, or double dessert.
6 of 10
You’ll enjoy every moment of pregnancy.
False. Pregnancy is wonderful and fulfilling, but keep in mind that it’s also dangerous and restricting. Pregnancy is rough on the body, mind, relationships, finances, you name it. Take all the reports of “glowing” and “pure feelings of happiness” with an extra-large grain of salt.
7 of 10
Sometimes morning sickness can’t tell time.
True. Morning sickness occurs most often in the morning, but it can happen anytime throughout the day. It’s usually over by the end of the first trimester, though, that can vary from woman to woman.
8 of 10
You grow extra skin while pregnant.
True. Skin tags popping up in all sorts of odd places is extremely common due to the hormonal changes in your body.
9 of 10
Not all birth is painful.
True. Every woman is different. You’ve likely heard the stories of twelve-hour labors and seen movies of women (and their men) screaming in horror as the fetus crowns. If you look hard enough, you’ll also find plenty of “three pushes and it was out” stories. Labor is hard work, sure, but it’s not always the nightmare Hollywood and pop culture portray it as.
10 of 10
You might not bond with your baby in the womb.
True. This does not mean you’re cold or heartless. Your body and emotions are going through extreme changes. Even when you can feel the baby, it’s still an abstract concept. It’s hard to love something that’s not fully real to you yet. Even after the birth, you might have trouble bonding with your baby right away, and that’s completely normal.
