The 13 Worst Things About Being Pregnant

Baby = awesome. Disturbing sex dreams? Not so much.

Just remember: At the end of the day (or one very, very long night), a billion annoyances lead to one cute baby. Totally worth it.

Elizabeth Natoli


FIRST TRIMESTER

The "What Do I Drink at Happy Hour?" Problem
It's before you can take a test but after the sperm might have met the egg. Do you go for the pinot or keep it safe and order a soda? Wait, are you even allowed to have caffeine?

Two Words: "Morning Sickness"
Which should be called "all-day sickness." Or "hell." You wake up, you throw up. You go to lunch, you throw up. You go to bed...and get up to throw up.

The Only Food Odor That Doesn't Make You Wanna Hurl Is That of a Tuna Sandwich
Or of sushi. Or of a turkey sub. Or all those things that the baby books say you aren’t supposed to be eating.

Sex Dreams About Judge Judy
They are disturbing, and they happen. Pregnancy hormones cause all sorts of weird, extremely vivid dreams that are impossible to forget—even though you definitely want to.

Myths About Pregnancy

Could everything you know about pregnancy be wrong? Get your facts straight

Think you've got the whole birds-and-bees thing figured out? Turns out, much of what we know about baby-making is based on old wives' tales instead of scientific research, according to the just-released book, Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong — and What You Really Need to Know. Prepare to have your mind blown.

Myth: Pregnancy Lasts Nine Months

Truth: In reality, the length of your pregnancy can vary by as much as five weeks, according to a 2013 study published in the journal Human Reproduction. When you deliver ultimately depends on your age, your weight, how much you weighed at birth, and a slew of other factors.



Myth: Sex while you're pregnant can hurt the baby.

Truth: In almost all cases, sex shouldn't affect your little one, says Shari Brasner, M.D. assistant clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and a member of the Women's Health expert advisory board. There are some exceptions, though: If your placenta is positioned between your cervix and vagina or if you're at a high risk for a preterm birth, ask your doctor before doing the deed.