The weird, wild, and totally normal stuff no one puts in the baby books
Real talk for first-time moms (with snacks, honesty, and zero pressure to “glow”)
So, you’re pregnant! It’s so exciting—and full of weird cravings and even weirder moments. Like when you catch yourself Googling “is it normal to cry over toast?”
Annnnd… growing a human is pretty miraculous—but also kind of bonkers. (Your body is doing all the work. All you have to do is support the process. That’s wild.)
There’s just so much happening behind the scenes, so I put together this list of weird things that happen during pregnancy—so you know, you’re not weird. This is probably all totally normal.
This isn’t a “do this, don’t do that” list. It’s the real stuff. The symptoms you didn’t see coming. The feelings no one warns you about. And a few wellness tips that can actually make a difference. (Like snacks. Lots of snacks.)
Let’s get into the surprising, sometimes funny, sometimes “what is even happening?” parts of pregnancy that deserve way more airtime.
1. “Morning sickness” is lying to you
It’s not just for mornings—and it’s not always about throwing up. Sometimes it’s a lingering, all-day quease. Other times, it’s triggered by one random smell.
Things that help:
- Keep snacks within reach at all times (car, nightstand, purse). I loved these organic ginger chews, Pink Stork ginger lozenges, and good ol’ plain saltines.
- Sip peppermint tea or lemon ginger tea.
- Try Preggie Pops—surprisingly effective and super portable.
2. Your nose becomes a superhero (but not in a good way)
You will smell everything. Someone’s leftover fish tacos from two floors away? Yep. Your laundry detergent from the next room? Sadly, yes.
Combat scent overload with a peppermint oil roller, or use your favorite (non-toxic) gently scented lotion when public smells attack.
3. Digestion slows to a glacial pace
Blame hormones, baby pressure, and those iron-packed prenatals. Constipation, bloating, and gas 🥴 become a regular part of life.
My survival kit:
- Calm Magnesium before bed (helps with digestion and sleep)
- Fiber-rich chia seeds stirred into a protein packed smoothie
- A fiber supplement (try taking it at night—unless it gives you heartburn when you lie down, then take it whenever works)
- A trusty water bottle to stay hydrated and keep things moving
4. Sleep gets weird (and sometimes impossible)
Between vivid dreams, bathroom trips, and trying to get comfortable with a belly, sleep becomes a full-blown circus act. A pregnancy pillow is life-changing, a few drops of lavendar oil and a white noise machine might become your new best friend.
Also: naps are sacred. If you can sneak one in—do it.
5. Emotional whiplash is very real
You might cry at a dog food commercial, then get irrationally mad because your partner didn’t load the dishwasher “correctly.” It’s not you—it’s the hormones.
Create a mini mood toolkit:
- Lavender essential oil is so calming
- Prenatal yoga videos on YouTube or just a simple breathing meditation on Calm
- A cozy mug of herbal tea and a moment to just breathe
6. You’ll be ravenous and full at the same time
And cravings are weird and very real.
One minute you’re hangry. The next, your stomach feels like an overinflated balloon. The trick? Small, balanced meals every few hours.
And let’s talk cravings, sometimes it’s ice cream. Other times, it’s pickles on crackers with mustard. During one pregnancy, I wanted Funyuns. Another time, I would’ve pushed over a grandma to get to the jellybeans. And with my third prgancy, it was turnips cooked with jalapeños. So… no judgment here.
Your body is asking for comfort, nutrients, or just a sensory reset.
Allow yourself to have those things—just be mindful and intentional. If you notice that ice cream is a daily must-have, try satisfying that craving with frozen fruit bars or a rice cake with Dijon mustard (my answer to the Funyuns situation!).
Snack MVPs:
7. At some point, your back will hurt
(And you’ll have other random aches and pains too.)
Your body is changing at an incredible rate. Ligaments are loosening to prep for labor, and your growing belly makes you super front-heavy. Gentle stretching and daily movement can help, especially when soothing tired feet and joints.
When you hit the third trimester and feel like you’re carrying a bowling ball, a belly band is a lifesaver—especially if you’re on your feet a lot.
Pro tip: If your feet start swelling, make sure you’re staying hydrated and try compression socks. They seriously help with comfort and support.
8. The pressure to “be perfect” is loud—but not realistic
Everyone has opinions. But let’s be honest: perfection isn’t the goal. Consistency, nourishment, and grace? That’s where it’s at.
If you need a no-pressure, evidence-based refresher on what actually matters, check out:
👉 Pregnancy Nutrition 101: What to Eat for a Healthy Baby and a Stronger You
And don’t forget to take a solid prenatal vitamin to cover your bases.
9. Even when you’re resting, your body is doing the most
The fatigue is real—especially in those first 12 weeks. If you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck but all you’ve done is sit on the couch, just remember: you’re building a heart, lungs, a spine… all while just existing. That’s enough.
Grab a cozy blanket, rewatch your favorite comfort show, and let yourself rest—guilt-free.
Bonus Tip: Your body is miraculous—start falling in love with it in a whole new way
Yes, your body is changing. Yes, some days you’ll feel puffy, tired, or like a nesting hippo. But then there are moments—like when you feel a tiny kick or catch a glimpse of your baby belly—where you’re completely in awe.
Pregnancy shows you how strong, soft, and sacred your body really is.
This is a short season in your life. You don’t have to love every second, but try to treasure the little moments of awe and wonder at this incredible experience. You’re growing a whole new life inside your body.
With that kind of emotional nourishment, you just might start loving yourself—and your body—in a whole new way. 💛
PS: Save this post or send it to a mama-to-be you love. Because pregnancy is better with support—and a granola bar in every pocket. 😄
My Favorite Pregnancy Wellness Essentials:
