For first timers...Pregnancy Myths Busted!

Things you may be wondering about pregnancy.

1. It's NOT always beautiful...sure, you MAY get the beautiful glow everyone talks about, but you may also get pimples and/or acne associated with the excess oil your skin creates due to your pregnancy. Neither is linked to the gender of your baby.

2. You WILL get gassy, especially in the first and last tirmesters. It sucks...water helps, but be prepared to let one rip in front of your significant other. Like shit, farts happen.

3. In the first trimester, you will get swollen...you'll get a little pooch. It's most likely gas and water will help. It'll go down a bit and suddenly you'll worry about your baby, because, "Last week I felt so much bigger! Is something wrong with my baby?" Probably not. Your body is just adjusting. Thankfully our bodies are smarter than we are at times.

4. In the first trimester you may feel sick all the freaking time, or you may be a lucky mama-to-be and have absolutely no dreaded early pregnancy symptoms. Either way is normal, though no symptoms beats terrible morning sickness anyday. Neither are linked to your baby's gender, although many swear baby girls make mamas sick more than boys. (In my case this actually was true, but probably coincidental)

5. In the early stage of pregnancy, your boobs may grow at an exponential rate and hurt like Hell, or they may not seem to grow at all and might only feel mildly tender.

6. If you feel baby movement at 8 weeks...I hate to say it, but it's not the baby...see #2.

7. You may not get a bump until you're 7-8 months prego! Yes, it's totally fine. No, your size doesn't equate a tiny baby. You just happen to be one of the lucky mama-to-bes who have great core muscles. You're fine. You're beautiful. Unless your doctor expresses concern, continue wearing your pre-pregnancy clothes with pride.

8. You may get a bump at 14 weeks and look like you're 4 months pregnant already! Yes, it's totally fine. No, your size doesn't equate an enormous baby. You might just happen to show more quickly at first...sometimes this tapers off later on, sometimes it doesn't. you're fine, you're beautiful. Unless your doctor expresses worry, show off your bump with pride. At least people know you're pregnant and don't just think you gained weight all of a sudden.

9. Looking at the full moon will not cause your baby to be born with a defect, no matter how much your older family members might say it will. Nonetheless, you may want to go along with the superstitious traditions just for fun.

10. No matter how much we wish we could, we can't blame hormones on assault or attempted man-slaughter. Sorry!

11. Your breasts will change as your pregnancy progresses. you nipples will GROW...and I mean grow. Your aureolas may well become the size of silver dollars and you will likely have a spider web of blue veins across your breasts and chest, unless you are of darker complexion and then they may not be noticeable.

12. You may or may not get the linea nigra. This is more common with those of darker complexions. However, you may get it and be pale and pasty....it's totally fine.

13. You may or may not get the "mask of pregnancy." To avoid it or at least reduce it somewhat, wear sunscreen all the time. Light foundation will help it as well.

14. While it's fun to guess the baby's sex, the heart beat won't clue you in.

15. Not all fish is the same. Yes, some contain high levels of mercury, but MANY don't. Fish does contain Omega 3s, which are optimal for helping with brain development, so please consume fish responsibly. It's good for you and baby. Some to avoid are mackerel and shark...ask your OB/GYN for others. Good ones are tuna (not albacore), salmon, shrimp, and crab. you can safely have 2 servings a week.

16. If you drank before you knew you were pregnant, your baby is likely going to be just fine. Don't worry...but if you are worried, let your doc know so he/she can reassure you.

17. If you smoke, please for the love of god, stop. If you smoke so much that your blood pressure goes up when you try to quit cold turkey, then quit by cutting back over time. Smoking is one thing that CAN hurt your baby. It's no fair to the baby and your little one deserves better care from you than that.

18. Labor HURTS. Anyone who says otherwise probably had an epidural. However, if you go into it knowing it's going to hurt, you are better equipped to manage your pain effectively. Start on this early. Start by practicing good breathing techniques. Yoga and meditation are great for this in every day life and for sure while you're pregnant! Use it to your advantage. REad, research and educate yourself on natural childbirth. If you've never seen a natural birth, google it. Know what you're going to face. Believe in yourself and your body.

The ring of fire is not just a place in the ocean near Japan...it will happen to your vaginal opening just as your baby's head crowns. However, if you are that far, you are sooooooo close to holding your beautiful, precious baby.

Pushing doesn't really hurt...as a matter of fact, it's almost a relief. Even without medication, your body seems to mask the pain while you push. It's strange, but very cool. Plus, you're so busy, you won't even notice the pain if it is there.

19. You may poop during delivery...it happens to most mamas. Don't worry and don't do like I did and freak out because it's happening, stop pushing and look at your nurse and say, "I can't! I'm pooping!" No one cares but you...and getting your baby out is way more important. They will whisk it away before anyone really notices anyway.

20. If you do get an epidural...PLEASE for the love of all that's good, don't think you were "less of a woman" than those who go au naturale. Everyone has different pain tolerances and when it's your first time, fear can get in the way of pain management. That's OKAY!!! maybe next time you'll go naturally...maybe you will get another epidural. It doesn't matter. it's your body; your choice.

21. Months...weeks...how far along am I? Oh my! Like Dorothy walking through the dark woods, you will be progressing through your pregnancy and at some point someone will say, how many months are you and you may or may not have an idea! The reason? It depends on what source you use. No joke. Some say the 8th month begins at 31 weeks, others 32. When you're 12 weeks are you REALLY 3 months, or still in your second? It's confusing and really it doesn't matter. A pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks, which equates approximately 10 months...(remember, not all months have 4 weeks). I say choose one you like and stick with it (I use What to Expect When You're Expecting's calendar)...or just go by weeks and let others figure out the months themselves. ;-) Hey, you're carrying the baby...they can do the math!

22. Be prepared to pee... A LOT. In the first and third trimesters, you'll get to know the porcelain throne really well.

23. At about 28 weeks, your blood volume is about maxed out (50% more than your body usually holds) and for many women this leads to a pounding heart. You can ask your doc about it if it worries you, but no matter what, don't let it cause you anxiety. It often subsides after a week or so.

24. Sleep is your friend. Don't feel guilty for taking naps or going to bed early. you deserve it.

25. Water is an even better friend. It is vital because your cells desperately need it. Drink about 64 oz a day, more if it's hot outside or you're exercising. It will help alleviate constipation, gas, sluggishness, helps with your skin, and makes you feel better in general.

26. You can exercise and while it seems counter-intuitive, it will actually make you feel more energetic than if you just sit around.

27. Indulge in your cravings, but in moderation. Trust me...I know a burger a day sounds super fab...so does an ice cream a day. (I really do understand!!) However, don't over do it. Don't worry too much about it either though.

28. You do not have to limit yourself to maxi dresses and tunics. Wear what you want. Be proud of your bump and do what makes you feel comfy. Wanna sport a bikini at the beach or pool? Go for it! Feel better in a one-piece, wear it with pride. You're beautiful, just as you are.

29. Stretch marks...they usually begin their appearance (if you're going to get them) around 7-8 months. Not everyone gets them and they really can't be prevented. It's a heredity thing. However, I think it's a good idea to rub lotion on your belly, or better yet, have your significant other do it for you. This will help with any itching due to stretching. If you do get stretch marks, remember...they will fade to a silvery sheen post birth and they are nothing to be ashamed of....they are your warrior mother marks. I recently saw a video where a mother was talking about her stretch marks and she also talked about her son who was killed during war. she viewed the stretch marks very differently after his death, because they were a sign that he was once there...she once held him in her womb for 9 months. If you get down about them, just think about that mother.

30. Enjoy your pregnancy. It's only 40 weeks...even though it may seem longer near the end. Try to focus on the changes, both good and bad. Keep a pregnancy journal you can share with your child later on. Take pictures of your budding bump. It's fun and a great keepsake. Remember, each child and each mother is amazing and all should be celebrated. Celebrate yourself and your little one.

Congratulations and best of luck!!!