- you have no idea how big you will get, so don't go buying maternity clothes that you think will last you the whole time when you're 3-4 months along. Those 'pregnancy' pillow things they have to stick up your shirt are just not helpful either. Sorry.
- beg, borrow, and steal whatever you can to build your new wardrobe. Shop 2nd hand, eBay, whatever. The clothes are too expensive, and you wear them for too short a time to go blowing too much money. Definitely get a few nice new things though, you're worth it.
- people will stare openly at you as you approach the end of your pregnancy. Try not to be offended by it, either ignore it or enjoy it.
- while I didn't run into any strangers wanting to touch my stomach, I don't think it would have bothered me as much as I thought it would have when I started this little journey. Everyone is different though, so if creepy coworkers are bothering you, just go ahead and start rubbing their bald spots or something, or (better) be honest and tell them you don't really appreciate it.
- people will do anything for you when you're knocked up. Enjoy it. The downside (and what really bothered me, making me want to do everything for myself) was that they'll do it for you because they think you're incompetent. Seen a pregnant woman on tv lately? Now you know why people think that. I was hu-freaking-mungous, and I could always bathe and dress myself, tie my shoes, whatever. I had a hard time carrying things sometimes, because of the obstacle on my stomach, but that was about it. So, deal with that as you see fit.
- take your prenatal vitamins. Start taking them now, you just never know. I'm glad I was taking a multi-vite with folic acid when we got our little surprise, but if you're not, go get some now. If your vitamins make you sick, try just taking them at night instead of the morning, before you go buy a different brand. They're not all the same, even though the ingredients are identical, so if the night thing doesn't work, do buy another kind.
- get as much rest as your huge-ass uncomfortable body will allow you to get before the big day.
- go out as much as your huge-ass uncomfortable, tired body will allow you to go. Movies, dinners, whatever. Just go. Even when the offers of babysitting come in, it may be a while before you feel physically or mentally up for a night on the town once your precious bundle arrives.
- try to remember that almost nobody delivers on their due date, and most people who don't are on the later side of on time.
- with that in mind, also be advised that nothing can induce your baby to come early other than your doctor, and that doesn't even always work. All the other things you hear / read about are myths, and while you can go ahead and try some of them (sex, pineapple, walking) you should steer clear of others (Castor oil, for one). You're just going to have to wait it out. Babies can be very stubborn.
- enjoy it as much as possible, it's really an amazing experience. There's a tiny person in there, and when you're not vomiting or bed-bound, take a moment to think about how cool that is. You'll miss it.
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