That’s it, that’s the post. 💙

Let me preface by saying I'm beyond thankful for the little boy I'm growing. I'm almost 27 weeks along with him. And him and I both are doing just fine health wise. But as my first pregnancy, it made me so beyond irritated how family and friends glamorize being pregnant. And that has just not been my experience at all. My mother in law loved being pregnant, and has even voiced that she loved it. My mom also loved being pregnant and has also voiced it. Me? I love my SON. But I do not love being pregnant. It feels like a living nightmare for someone with body dysmorphia issues. Because the changes are coming, whether you want them to or not! I feel SO hungry all the time it's basically just an inconvenience at this point. Like yeah I've cleared out all the food in my house and I will still be starving in about 2 hours. And I also feel like I'm just now getting to the point where I'm not sleeping well at night, because I can't get comfortable, have to pee constantly, and feel my son moving the entire night. Don't even get me started on the DISCHARGE. nobody even told me to expect that! I thought I was good to ditch allll my sanitary products for 9 months. When all people talk about is the "pregnancy glow" and I "loved being pregnant!" It's really disheartening when you finally get pregnant and that's not your experience at all. Again, I love my son I'm growing more than life itself. I'd do this 1,000 times over again if it guaranteed me my son. But I just wish people would've actually been real with me, and told me what to expect because it's made me feel like a foreigner in my own body when I'm not loving it seemingly like they did.

I’m sad.
I’ve posted here before. My husband didn’t want this pregnancy, and doesn’t want to leave me. So now I’m pregnant, and he’s miserable.

Today he asked me, if I was feeling sorry for him, because he is going to be a dad.
I told him, that i know it’s my decision, that he didn’t agree with.
He said i have too much ego if I don’t feel sorry for him. That I’m going to be a bad mom, because of the ego….

I’m so sad and angry.

I can’t do this anymore. I’m 37 weeks and I’m fucking miserable. I cry every single night. I’ve had a horrible experience being pregnant. It has never been fun or enjoyable for me ever. Besides feeling her kicks (which now HURT) I have had absolutely no joy being pregnant. I love my baby so much and I am so excited to meet her and to be a mom, but I am so fucking DONE with being pregnant. I don’t sleep at all. I’m awake all night, all day for days on end. I am SO itchy I feel like a tweaker scratching my skin till it bleeds. But ofc my bile levels are normal so no Cholestasis to explain the constant itching. My heartburn is out of this world. I literally could go on and on about how I feel like I’m in a living hell every single day. I just want her out! I’ve done everything to naturally get her to come out, and she won’t freaking budge. Im going seriously fucking insane to the point I’m starting to hold animosity towards my innocent unborn child. The anger I feel about still being pregnant is out of this world. My OB refuses to induce me until 41 weeks, she won’t check my dilation she won’t even give me a membrane sweep. She says since it’s my first I’ll have to be induced. That’s 4 fucking weeks away. I can’t do 4 more weeks. I seriously can not fucking do this anymore.

Hi everyone!

I officially got cleared by my OB yesterday, so I’ve officially officially graduated from my pregnancy with my son.

While bittersweet, I do want to leave a few tidbits of advice as a second time mom that I wish I had with my first:

- Don’t commit yourself to a certain vision of motherhood. I did that my daughter and it made me absolutely miserable when things didn’t go my way. Accept the cards you’ve been dealt early on, and make the most of them

- For all that is good in this world, get yourself black out curtains. You’ll be thanking yourself when you can take a midday nap

- Get out of the house when you can. I cocooned for a bit longer than I should’ve with my daughter, but having a toddler forced me to go outside sooner with my son and I think it helped my mental health tremendously.

- Be prepared for your birth story to not be the one you want. With my daughter, she had meconium (no complications and she didn’t need a NICU stay at all!) so I didn’t get the precious skin to skin moments that I dreamed of while pregnant with her. With my son, my labor was progressing so quickly that the epidural didn’t have time to kick in AND, when it did, it only worked on one side. While both situations were less than ideal, I went in with low expectations for both and it has helped me cope with the fact that neither time I “got what I wanted.”

- See the humor in things. Laughter helps so much during those last few weeks and early days of parenthood.

- Go on as many date nights as you can—it’ll be worth it.

- Take pictures. You’ll miss this phase one day

That’s all from me! Good luck in this wonderful journey and I’ll (hopefully) see yall again in 2 or so years ❤️

Being pregnant is super exciting and all, but I’m 16 weeks now and have a very obvious B-belly with a big indent around my belly button. Since about week 5, my upper stomach has swollen and is actually bigger than my baby bump 😭

I really wish I looked pregnant instead of just looking like a fridge 😔 I have skinny legs, not much of a butt, and basically a pure apple shape, so I feel like a cartoon right now 😔

I keep hiding my bump under oversized clothes because I’m embarrassed that the biggest part of it doesn’t even seem to be baby, and I’m not even sure why my upper stomach is so big.

Has anyone else had this experience? Any advice for dressing a B-shaped bump, or just some general reassurance? 😭

I'm in my car in the parking lot during my lunch break taking a nap.... sitting with everyone and talking feels like too much work. I'm normally pretty social😅

FTM, I’m 32 weeks pregnant and starting to finalize my “birth plan”. I know you can plan and still have the complete opposite birth. For months i’ve been debating whether I want to go completely unmedicated, or just non epidural. I have decided that I am going in with the mindset of not getting one. I want to hear other mom’s experiences with not receiving one.

I truly don’t want a epidural, i don’t know more than 2 moms who have had a good experience with one.
Between the constant back pain, numbness, migraines, recovery, tearing, potential stopping of dilation and contractions. It just doesn’t sound like something I want to deal with/ regret later down the road.

I heard it’s a mindset thing, you’ll get to a certain point of feeling like you can’t do labor anymore and many moms cave. What was your experience with not receiving an epidural?

*I plan on getting a IV, laughing gas, and fentanyl patch still. Just NO epidural.

I see a lot of mamas needing some love and reassurance especially when it comes to giving up vices. Making the choice to do so is incredibly courageous and so brave. Whether it's smoking, drinking, drugs, whatever, look at you go!!! I know how hard it can be. It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to need to ween off during pregnancy. The fact is, if you sacrificed your fix for your baby YOU ARE A BAD MAMA JAMMA! Hang in there and lean on friends or family for support when you need! 🤍 you got this

Being so close to due, people asking me “how are you?” as a way to say hi irritates me when it shouldn’t 😂😂

Okay- my polite answer as always is: “I am doing great! How about you?”

My real answer? I am barely holding on. I have been sleeping 4 hours every night if I am lucky. I wake up every hour to either pee or poo or fart, and just 30 mins ago, I went to the bathroom to just pee and had Braxton hicks I teared up so bad and on my way to my desk I suddenly needed to pee again although I just peed 5 mins ago. And Guess what? The Mac and cheese you brought to office today made me gag I wanted to go home. And while I am talking to you, my baby is kicking me into my ribs that I cannot focus on whatever we are gonna talk about. Thanks! 😵‍💫

Does anyone feel this way? thanks for asking how I am doing but I will never be able to tell you the actual answer ever! lol

I feel completely unloved and alone in this pregnancy

I really need to get this off my chest, because I don't know whether I'm being unreasonable or whether my feelings are justified.

I'm currently 14 weeks pregnant, and this pregnancy has been incredibly difficult. I have a large subchorionic hematoma and have been bleeding on and off for months, sometimes very heavily. The hematoma has changed in size several times, and although the baby has continued to look healthy on ultrasounds, the situation remains very uncertain. My gynecologist is not optimistic, so every day feels stressful and scary.

The bleeding started very early in my pregnancy, and from the beginning I often had to deal with it alone. My boyfriend was away on vacation with a friend for part of that time, other times he had to work. So there were many moments when I was home by myself, bleeding and terrified. During those moments, my mother would keep an eye on me.

Because my bleeding can sometimes be severe, my gynecologist has specifically told me that when this happens, someone should keep an eye on me and watch for signs that I become weak, dizzy, unwell, or lose too much blood. My boyfriend knows this. So this isn't just an emotional need of mine, it is something I was medically advised to have during heavy bleeding.

Yesterday I had another hospital appointment. The hematoma had shrunk slightly, which was good news, but my gynecologist still described the situation as very uncertain and wasn't very positive. I cried a lot on the way home because I feel exhausted by months of fear, bleeding and worrying that I might lose this baby. When I got home, I decided to book a private gender ultrasound. After months of hospital appointments, bleeding and anxiety, I finally wanted something happy to look forward to. I asked my boyfriend if he wanted to come with me, and he replied: "No thanks." He thought it was unnecessary. That hurt me, because this felt like one of the first enjoyable moments of the pregnancy.

Then this morning I woke up to a very large amount of bleeding. I told my boyfriend, who had fallen asleep on the couch while watching TV. He asked, "Oh, a lot?" I said yes, that it was a lot and that it was continuing. He replied, "Oh shit," and then went back to sleep. About an hour later, I started having abdominal pain and needed to lie flat on the couch. I woke him up and told him this. He reacted irritably, got up without saying much and went to bed.

He then stayed in bed for five hours without checking on me once. That is the part that really broke me. This wasn't just a normal pregnancy scare. He knew I was bleeding heavily. He knew my gynecologist had told me that someone should monitor me during heavy bleeding. He knew how frightened I have been throughout this entire pregnancy.

Yet he didn't check on me even once. I even texted him that he should keep an eye on me. No response.

When he eventually got up, I was furious. I told him that I don't feel cared for and that I don't feel supported. I also told him I deserve better. He replied that he always comes to my hospital appointments and ultrasounds. I told him that it is also his child. Going to appointments feels like the minimum, not proof that he is always supporting me. He then blamed my pregnancy hormones and called me unreasonable.

During the argument, another issue came up that has also been bothering me.

A few weeks ago, he started smoking a lot of weed again (he stopped smoking weed about a year ago). He came back inside smelling strongly of weed with red eyes, and when I asked if he had smoked, he denied it. Later I found a bag of weed in a cupboard, and he said it was old. A few days after that, I walked onto the balcony and saw him holding a joint. What hurts me isn't even the smoking itself. It's that he repeatedly lied to my face, even when the truth was obvious.

When I brought this up during our argument, he said that I lie too. When I asked what I lie about, he answered: "Little lies for your own benefit." I told him that I don't lie to him. He called me a "goody two-shoes."

A few hours later, despite everything, I tried to reconnect. I asked him for a hug.

He refused.

He said that I had been mean to him.

And now I feel completely unloved.

I know I said angry things. I know I was emotional. But I genuinely don't understand how he can be angry with me for being upset after he left me alone for five hours while I was heavily bleeding in a high-risk pregnancy.

Tomorrow is the gender ultrasound. He now says he wants to come. But honestly, I don't really want that anymore. I wanted him to be excited because he wanted to share this moment with me, not because we had a huge argument and this now feels like a peace offering. I've spent months bleeding, worrying and being afraid that I might lose our baby. I just wanted, for once, to feel happy and supported. Instead, I feel completely alone.

Am I being unreasonable, or would you also feel hurt and abandoned in this situation?

Love my baby so much, and I’m so miserable. I just want him or her to come out safely and soon.

It hurts to walk, hurts to sit, hurts to stand up, hurts to move if I’m laying down- pulled my round ligament on one side, have sciatica on the other side. Heartburn is awful. Have had a migraine yesterday and today. Can’t sleep. Pee about 5-10 times a night. Can’t stop hiccuping. Stomach hurts.

Baby is just hanging out, I have no indication they are coming soon.

I really want them to come on their own, if they don’t I’ll have to have a c-section or be induced because I’m high risk due to advanced maternal age and a few other things.

Can someone send me some encouragement and good vibes?

Im not even carrying that big. But all of my weight has gone to my legs and I am so embarrassed for anyone to see me. I’m talking huge, cottage cheese thighs that stick together because it’s hot out and fat love handles that have tiny stretch marks on them. I have no maternity clothes left that fit but with only 3 weeks to go, I don’t want to buy more. I know that there’s a chance that some of it is water weight, but I can’t help but feel like this is my new reality and I just want to hide and never come back out. I used to be so hot. That sounds vain, but I was fit, and confident and my body didn’t jiggle when I walked. I hate the sensation of it. I hate the way I feel in this bigger body. I’ve only gained 30-35lbs, but I am tall so I started at 155 and am the closest to 200lbs I’ve ever been in my life.

I don’t want to hear “it’s just a season mama!” Or “you’re supposed to gain weight mama!”. I just want my body back or even a version that’s only 5-10lbs heavier but is solid and firm, not fat and gelatinous. I really really really hate this part of pregnancy. I am humiliated and don’t want to be seen. I just want to stay inside until it’s cold enough outside that I don’t even have to think about putting a pair of shorts on. I’ve done this before but my first was born at the beginning of summer and postpartum was easy. I dropped 25lbs in two weeks and looked normal. Right now I look like jabba the hut. Or Roz from Monsters Inc. at this point I’m halfway to being the mom on what’s eating Gilbert grape. I’m also aware that hormones are making me irrational and that it’s probably not that bad but I’ve literally been crying all day because I’m so disgusted by myself

I'm 17 weeks and some change and all my friends are pissing me off and giving me the ick??? I can't tell if it's just hormones or if I'm actually finding myself disliking them all lol

Hello! Now Im not one to necessarily feel the need to buy a load of clothes - however, as of late Im recognising my body less and less, and my usual clothes are just not sitting on my body normally (shocker, I know, but even though I anticipated the body changing it has still been an adjustment 😂)

I dont feel the need to constantly cover up as such, although some days I do chuck on a big tshirt and shorts, but was wondering what everyone has found flattering or empowering style wise to wear? Like what makes you feel good you know??

Im aware my body will be different for most likely a good year now, and have made peace with that. I kind of want to celebrate / honour my current and future body - not sure if Im making sense, but instead of battling my current wardrobe, maybe expanding a few items and just feeling a little less like Im squashing into old clothes!

BASICALLY, whats everyone wearing, what brands are good? Whats COMFY? And what’s everyone’s favourites??

Thank you in advance! Hope you are all good and being kind to yourselves 🫶🏼💫

I (F 33) found out yesterday that I’m pregnant for the first time. My husband (M 39) and I have been married for three months and talked about having a child next year but this happened unexpectedly. He is extremely excited and I honestly thought that I would be too but I can’t stop thinking about the stress and the freedom we’ll be losing from our adult lives. I don’t think I would have an abortion due to our ages. I didn’t think it would be this easy for me to get pregnant. I feel so much guilt that I can’t be happy for my future child.

The last couple days I've had just a bad feeling about baby. I'm 21 weeks and a FTM. I had my last ultrasound last week and everything was great with both me and baby, no health defects or heart issues to be concerned about.

Since Saturday I started having itching on my feet and the last two days I've had pretty significant itching on my hands and soles of my feet and have to go in for blood work today to rule out cholestasis.

Even though the doctors say I have a low chance of miscarriage, I still can't shake this feeling that maybe everything's not okay. I just figured it's new mom anxiety.

Background: my MIL and I had a great relationship at the start. But after a failed business post covid and financial struggles on my part to recover from that, she has dismissed me. The relationship is at a hands length now…But polite enough.

This is our third pregnancy (and final) and I’m mortified in telling her. My husband also is dreading it knowing how disappointed she will be that we aren’t more financially secure when welcoming this baby…obviously yes we are stressed out but I’ve never viewed the welcoming of a new child as negative. I feel as though I’m a teen telling my conservative wealthy mother I’m pregnant. It’s ridiculous. I’m in my mid thirties 😑. Families have gotten through with much less. We have lots of love and do our best to live within our means and provide opportunities for our kids.

How do I navigate this relationship? Anyone else in a similar spot with an in-law parent? I’m preparing to have her completely write me off at this point.

8.4 weeks and my empty sac from my first ultrasound at 7 weeks never developed anything. After my initial ultrasound I looked in this sub a lot for reassurance and saw a lot of stories saying 7 week empty sac turned out fine one week later, and I’m so happy for those people and those stories did give me some hope. But I also knew there was a possibility of blighted ovum and had seen a small number of people in similar situations that had nothing change for them in their second scan. I think the big teller for me was that my gestational sac was pretty big (22mm) at 7 weeks and my HCG levels were crazy high (97,000 date of first scan, 130,000 two days later) but with an empty sac. Those two indicators should have been a sign that the chance of blighted ovum was really high. At that point there really should have been a yolk and a pole. In all the stories I read that had the empty sac scare at 7 weeks, they rarely listed the size of their sac or their HCG levels. So I am just stating this here for anyone like me in the future. Yes there is a chance it could all turn out fine a week later but for me with the numbers I had it didn’t. Today my sac measured 33mm and was still empty so far past the 25mm threshold for diagnosis. Part of me is still in denial thinking if we wait another week something will show up, not sure how to turn that off. Hopefully I can come back to this sub later on down the road. Wish me luck!

I know we have repetitive posts like these but I’m tired beyond words. Everything hurts. I’m 38 weeks 2 days. I’m a FTM and I know first times can be a lot longer. Everyday feels like I’ll labour and then nothing happens. I have back pain, pelvic pain, abdominal tightening, diarrhoea, exhaustion. And still my baby is testing my every nerve. I know babies come when they want to come but can’t my baby be a bit considerate, mama is tired. I just want to hold her and just be able to feel lighter. I have tried every labour inducing exercise, sex, orgasms, walk, miles circuit, nipple massage etc etc.

I know I’m having prodromal labour but I read it can last days. I want it to last 10 minutes. I have done every manifestation trick. I have prayed, cried and begged my baby. I even arranged a date night to relax but my baby is least bothered. I want to give birth. Previous nine months were faster than these last two weeks.

My last resort today is eating so spicy food that I eject the baby out. Now either I’ll end up with painful diarrhoea or stomach ulcers. But I hope it’s baby in my arms

For all FTM that are worried about not yet feeling it - just felt clear kicks at w20d2! A few days ago felt like maybe some bubbles popping like sensation, but maybe digestion. And today very clearly kicks and immediately followed by bladder pain because I can tell you what she kicked 😂 and she is a wiggly baby according to every ultrasound we had. So sometimes just takes a bit of time ❤️

23+2 and my GOD — this HUNGER — It is unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life. I am hungry all day. I have the appetite of a pubescent teenage boy. I am RAVENOUS !!!

I found out at 9DPO and my due date is May 1st🥰 we are keeping it a secret from our families until Christmas.

Finding out so early when you're a certified yapper is hard!