Don’t get us wrong, there are plenty of things your baby manual will tell you to support you in your pregnancy. It will tell you what to eat and drink. It will give you an idea of what to expect during each trimester. It will even provide you with full-color pictures or photographs to give you an idea of what your little one looks like inside of you as he/she is developing.
On the other hand, there are things we are betting your baby manual won’t tell you. The following are just a few examples.
Related: Must have pregnancy apps
5 things the baby manual won’t tell you
1. Everybody you talk to is an’ expert
They’re not, of course. Unless the only people you are talking to are doctors and midwives! People will come up to you, whether you know them or not, and offer you valuable pieces of advice. “You shouldn’t eat that,” they will say. Or “you should buy this and that for your baby,” is another common phrase.
While some of their advice could actually be useful, you will also listen to a lot of guff that isn’t even worthy of settling into your forthcoming baby’s diaper.
2. Everybody you talk to is also a psychic
Not only are they experts, but they also have ways of discovering the sex of your baby. Telling you an upset stomach means you are going to have a daughter. Or if you have dry hands it is going to be a son, are old-wives tales and are utter hogwash. The only way you will know the sex of your baby is by checking with your physician and asking for a scan.
3. Your living arrangements will have to change
Ah, your beautiful home. How nicely decorated and laid-out it is. Well sorry, but all that might have to change. Your home will suddenly become an accident waiting to happen.
So you will need to childproof your home before your little one arrives. You will also regret laying down those brand new carpets or purchasing that expensive sofa, as accidents will happen.
We are talking about the poopy peepee vomity kind! In the worst-case scenario, you may also have to move out of your home if you need more space. Your little one will make a wonderful addition to your home, but compromises will have to be made.
More: Little one on the way? It's time to consider a move
4. You will feel all kinds of pain
Okay, so you know the act of giving birth is going to be painful, and there may be a need for pain management after pregnancy. However, there will be varying degrees of pain while you are pregnant and some from unusual sources.
The baby manual will tell you about abdominal cramps, but you may also feel stabbing pains in your vag*na, backache due to your center of gravity changing, and even pains in your belly button as it grows and stretches.
While there is usually nothing to worry about with some of these aches and pains, you should still see your doctor if they persist or cause you to worry.
5. You will forsake fashion
You won’t care about how fashionable you look anymore. As no matter how hard you try, you are not going to fit into those outfits neatly displayed in your wardrobe.
Well, unless you are a dab hand in sewing and stitching. In which case you may just make them fit. Regardless of that, you will begin to care more about baby wear than what you wear.
Spending more time in baby shops than your usual fashion boutique. Your child will be the best-dressed kid on the block when they arrive while you quite possibly won’t be. And the truth is? You won’t really care, as your baby will rightfully be your priority.
Are you (or have you ever been) pregnant? Have you discovered truths about pregnancy that are unlikely to be found in any baby manual? If so, let us know, and may we all benefit from this untapped wisdom.