“One of the great things I found out about pregnancy, once I was over the horrid first few weeks of morning sickness, was that I had much more intense orgasms. They are always good, but the ones while pregnant were next level! I Googled it and discovered it was due to the extra blood flow to the pelvic region, which meant I got extra turned on, so the climax was super intense. Hubby and I were not complaining at all!” – Amber*, Forster, NSW*

“I had a habit of losing my parked car while pregnant. Once, I walked the streets for two hours looking for it after having already walked an hour for exercise. The car was 10 metres further than where I kept turning around, thinking it couldn’t be this far down the road.” – Sarah, Byron Hinterland, NSW

“I never had motion sickness before, but during pregnancy, I experienced it in cars, on buses and sometimes even while walking. Very inconvenient!” – Heather, Fairlight, NSW

“While pregnant, I was not fond of the smell of the baby’s father. He would come near me wearing the t-shirt he’d had on all day, and I’d have to run to the bathroom and vomit.” – Jade*, Tweed Coast, NSW

“I had a weird, obsessive craving while pregnant. I only wanted to eat unripe white nectarines. Not ripe ones. Not yellow ones. I’d have a stash by the bed and wake up in the middle of the night to scoff a couple of them in quick succession.” – Caroline, Northern Beaches Sydney, NSW

“While six months pregnant with child number two, I developed a twisted nerve in the tummy. It hurt and spasmed whenever I sneezed or laughed, similar to how an intense leg cramp feels. The doctor didn’t seem alarmed but said it mightn’t completely disappear. I still get it when I lie on my right side, but it’s not as bad as when I was pregnant.” – Rita, Manly, NSW

“I’m aware some people might evil-eye me for saying this, but I lost weight during my two pregnancies. The only weight I gained was the baby’s kilograms. My growing boys zapped everything out of me. Once I gave birth, I reverted to a little below my normal weight.” – Mel*, Coolangatta, Qld

“I all of a sudden developed heartburn when I fell pregnant. So badly, sometimes I had to sleep sitting up. I joke that it was due to my son’s massive mop of hair. It was so impressive that the doctor called nurses into the birthing room to check it out.” – Hailey, Banora Point, NSW

“All of my fantasies of nurturing my growing, unborn child with organic kale and superfoods were thrown out the window. Towards the end of my pregnancy, all I could stomach was takeaway plain cheese pizza. I ate it at least once a week. I even joked I should name my baby after the local pizzeria.

The moment he was born, everything went back to normal – niggles, aches, pains and cravings. The first night home after giving birth, the well-intentioned baby daddy suggested he get me cheese pizza. I screwed up my nose and said, ‘Revolting! How bland is that? Now, order me some spicy garlicky Thai!’ I haven’t eaten a slice since.” – Louisa*, Collaroy, NSW

“It took me a while to fall pregnant with my first child, but once I did, I felt extremely capable; I could take on anything. Like Superwoman! For example, four weeks before my due date, I accepted a project to fly to the Tiwi Islands and work 12 hours a day doing time-critical work. Being a horse lover, I chuckled to myself that I was a ‘good broodmare’; I felt like I was good at pregnancy. Perhaps don’t ask me about number two, though!” Kate, Darwin, NT

“I was surprised by the pregnancy night sweats! I’d wake in the middle of the night, and since the bed sheets were so soaked and cold, I’d grab a towel to lie back down on.” – Kathy*, Manly, NSW

“During all three pregnancies, I had a heightened sense of smell for spotting koalas on our property, like an intense waft of gum leaves. Whenever we were out walking, and I’d mention it to my husband or a friend, low and behold, we’d see a koala.” – Rosie, Northern Rivers, NSW

“I became hypersensitive to the smell of mustiness and mould while pregnant. On either side of pregnancy, I was never an allergy-prone person and didn’t suffer from sensitivities. But during that period, I’d have to take extreme measures, like walking on the opposite side of the road of op shops. Sure, I knew there’d be some resulting restrictions from carrying a child – no sushi, soft cheese or, after the second trimester, surfing. But having to give up on my beloved Vinnies rummaging, I did not see that coming!” – Carolyn, Currumbin, QLD

“I was always regarded as having pretty good taste. Ask me for a movie, book or podcast recommendation, and you’d be in safe hands for an intelligent, entertaining and even life-altering experience. That was until I got pregnant with my second child. Already high on hormones from the love of my first child, add another little girl growing inside of me, and my sappy, soppy detector was off. Having raved to my friends about a TV series I was obsessed with, they watched it, and the thread of texts ensued:

‘Are you off your head?’
‘Did the intern write this script?’
‘I’ll start caring about this storyline when?’
‘I’m more invested in this bag of popcorn than these characters.’
‘When will I get a refund for the minutes I’ve spent watching this?’
‘Who are you, and what have you done with our friend?’

I’m still unsure if I’ve redeemed myself, but heed this warning if you’re investing in viewing time at the recommendation of a pregnant friend.” – Franziska, Pottsville, NSW

*Names and locations changed upon request.

Disclaimer: These are our contributors’ personal anecdotes only. Discuss any pregnancy health concerns or questions with your obstetrician. Aci-Jel should be used with caution during pregnancy. Please contact your healthcare professional for medical advice before using Aci-Jel products if pregnant.