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When my husband and I decided this past spring to get pregnant I had no idea the surprises I was in for. There are a lot of things that no one tells you about pregnancy. I have compiled just a short list here for your amusement and reading pleasure.

1. Heightened sense of smell: During the first trimester I could smell everything from dinner on my husband's breath to a dog fart three rooms away. No wonder nausea is such a problem, everything smells horrible!

2. Abandonment of body: Also during the first trimester, I became painfully aware that my body no longer belonged to me. As a physically fit and active person, I am used to pushing the boundaries of my physical limitations and my body responds quickly and with enthusiasm. I work very hard until nearly exhausted, then my second wind carries me through for more. After becoming pregnant, there is no second wind. Actually, there is no wind at all. When I put in a request to my body, the response, if any, was sluggish and without enthusiasm.

3. Dietary changes: Once becoming pregnant, I noticed that my entire diet needed to undergo some serious changes. I ate pretty healthy before I got pregnant, so there was really no plan to change my diet. However, my dear sweet unborn child apparently does not like the same food that I do. Steak, one of my favorite foods now creates so much acid in my system that vomiting is unavoidable. Grapefruit is not normally a food of choice, and now it has become a main staple in my diet. I don't know who's kid this is, but he can't possibly be mine.

4. Gas: Oh yes, gas it's such a lady like trait. It's not like I never passed gas before I was pregnant, but usually I could pin it on a specific food. Now it just seems that the mere act of breathing is enough to cause uncontrollable flatulence.

5. Increase of mucus: Next time I decide to get pregnant, I will buy stock in Kleenex first. Apparently while you are pregnant it is normal for your body to create more mucus and any pre-exisiting allergies can become worse. I spend almost as much time blowing my nose as I do peeing and eating.

6. Bladder Incontinence: As if the huge weight gain and swelling of all your extremities isn't enough, now there's a chance to lose control of your bladder. I haven't peed my pants in a very long time. However, now I must cross my legs every time I cough or laugh for fear that I will spring a leak. Unfortunately, I have been told that this problem gets worse after delivery. I can't wait.

7. Decreased sleep:

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