5 Struggles Women Face When They Are Expecting

If there’s one thing all moms can agree upon, it’s this: Pregnancy is no walk in the park. 

Some pregnancies are more difficult than others, but they all come with their own set of struggles. So if you’re pregnant and wondering what to expect, this post may give you a glimpse into the life of a pregnant woman’s struggles.

Here are five struggles women face when they are expecting.

1. Morning sickness

Morning sickness is probably the most common and almost universal struggle that comes when you’re expecting. But here’s the thing. Not everyone experiences morning sickness in the same way. And some lucky moms don’t experience it at all. 

Morning sickness can sometimes be the first clue that you’re expecting, or it can hit you a few weeks after you get that first positive pregnancy test. It can be as you’d expect where you’re only sick in the morning, or it may last all day. Some moms only get sick sometimes, while others experience debilitating nausea every day.

And although most moms get relief after the first trimester ends, some expectant mothers experience morning sickness throughout their pregnancy. This struggle is common enough that you should expect it on some level, but it’s impossible to say how much of an issue it will be for you.

2. Potential pregnancy complications

When you go to your first doctor’s appointment, he or she should discuss all the tests you’ll need along with any potential complications your pregnancy may have. This is when you learn all the things that keep you up at night, from miscarriage to spina bifida. And these remain as worries until you get your test results. But it’s important to understand that it’s possible to get bad news, and if this happens, you may have to make an unfathomable decision. The thought of discussing your abortion options is something no mom wants to consider, but it can sometimes be the more compassionate choice.  

3. Personal health issues

You may face a few common health issues as an expectant mother that you wouldn’t otherwise have. Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are two conditions that are common among pregnant women, and these both can be dangerous and need treatment. Be sure to attend all your doctor’s appointments to ensure you remain healthy during your pregnancy.

4. Discomfort issues

Some pregnancies are more uncomfortable than others. The size of the baby and mom’s health and age play a role, but you really have no way of knowing what you’ll experience until you’re pregnant. From heartburn to sciatica, expect your body to feel different and often uncomfortable during pregnancy.

5. Weight gain

When you’re pregnant, weight gain is more of a focus than it should be otherwise. You’ll have to weigh in at each doctor’s visit to ensure you’re gaining an appropriate amount of weight. This is one measure to tell how mom and baby are progressing. Gaining too much weight can put you at greater risk for health complications. And if you don’t gain enough weight, your doctor will probably be concerned about nutrition. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should be gaining at various stages of your pregnancy. It may be slightly different for each person depending on your weight when you conceived.

All this isn’t meant to scare you. Pregnancy truly is a magical time. But it’s also important that we take a realistic look at what struggles you may or may not face, so you can be prepared at every stage. 

Your body goes through dramatic changes during pregnancy, and you’re going to feel some level of discomfort. You may not experience all of these struggles, but it’s helpful to know what’s possible.