'The oddly specific things about pregnancy that no one warned me about.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Alcohol Think Again

There's nothing that could have prepared me for trying for a baby and pregnancy. Some experiences are so oddly specific and rarely discussed that you'll only really understand them when you're in the thick of it. From the bizarre symptoms to endless late-night Google rabbit holes, here's a look at what you might not see coming — but definitely need to hear about.

My pregnancy journey began three months before we started trying for a baby, when I decided to stop drinking. Around the same time, I went off the pill and switched to taking prenatals. But it quickly became clear to me that turning down a drink looked really suspicious. I was in that tricky phase — trying to conceive but not ready to announce anything.

"Oh, I'm just on a break from drinking," I'd say, hoping my voice sounded casual. The truth? I was already deep into the world of alcohol-free alternatives, hunting for something that actually tasted good and didn't make me feel like I was missing out.

Finding a decent non-alcoholic drink became a bit of a mission. I tried everything from home-made iced tea to sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice and dehydrated fruit as a garnish. But beyond the quest for a tasty alternative, there was a bigger reason for my choice — one backed by science and health experts: that "there is no safe amount or time to drink alcohol during pregnancy" — a message supported by the Alcohol Think Again program.

Research shows that alcohol can impact fertility for both men and women, increasing the time it takes to fall pregnant and raising the risk of complications. For women, alcohol can interfere with ovulation and hormone balance. For men, it can reduce sperm count, motility and overall sperm health — meaning even if you're not the one carrying the baby, your drinking habits matter too.

But it's not just about conception. Once pregnant, alcohol can interfere with placenta development, increase the risk of miscarriage and affect the baby's development — potentially leading to lifelong conditions like Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Every decision to abstain is a step towards a healthier pregnancy and baby.

One of the most unexpectedly beautiful parts of trying for a baby was realising how much being on the same page with my husband mattered. Whether it was both of us agreeing to skip the drinks at a party or finding creative ways to celebrate milestones without alcohol, it was comforting to know we were in it together.

Being aligned as a couple supports not just a healthy pregnancy but the wellbeing of your baby from the very beginning. It's made such a difference to have so much support — even when the journey gets tough or the symptoms feel overwhelming.

Navigating social settings without alcohol — especially before announcing a pregnancy — can be tricky but it's not impossible. Here are some practical strategies that worked for me:

• "I'm driving tonight." Simple, effective and no one questions it.

• "I'm on a break from drinking." It's vague enough to avoid suspicion but honest enough to feel good about.

• Order a lookalike drink. Sparkling water with a twist of lime or apple juice in a stylish glass — these little tricks can help you blend in and still feel part of the celebration.

And here's the surprising part: going alcohol-free came with unexpected benefits.

My mood improved, my sleep was better and I noticed a boost in productivity. Plus, there was a little extra in the bank at the end of the month — those cocktails and glasses of wine add up. And even now, over a year on from having my last drink, I really don't miss it.

While the big pregnancy symptoms get plenty of airtime — morning sickness, fatigue, cravings — there are so many weird and wonderful things that slip under the radar.

Here are some of the oddly specific experiences you might not see coming:

Smell aversions that make no sense.

Suddenly, the smell of things I previously had no issue with became unbearable. My husband had to stop cooking meat for dinner when I was around because I couldn't handle the smell in the house.

Thanks to hormonal changes, many pregnant people notice a shift in their sense of smell or taste and for some, that heightened sensitivity is one of the first signs something's up. It's not just about morning sickness — your nose becomes a superpower (or a super-nuisance) and there's no predicting what will set it off.

The endless, slightly unhinged Googling.

Every twinge, every weird symptom, every "is this normal?" moment would send me down a Google rabbit hole.

"Why has the skin on my stomach changed colour?"

"Why do I have to go to the toilet so much?"

"Can I eat that?"

The internet becomes both your best friend and your worst enemy and it's easy to spiral into needless worry. While it's often unnecessary let's be honest — we all do it.

The physical changes you never saw coming.

Beyond the classic symptoms, pregnancy can bring a whole host of surprises: skin tags, excess saliva, vivid dreams and, as my dentist warned me about, bleeding gums. These were all definitely symptoms I would never have linked to pregnancy unless someone had told me. And even then, I probably wouldn't have believed them.

There have also been upsides I didn't expect. The biggest has been long, glossy, shiny hair. My hair has grown so much over the duration of my pregnancy, and I'm constantly getting compliments on how good it looks. It even felt less oily and easier to style. It's just been doing exactly what I want — those are the perks.

Whether you're navigating social situations, dealing with weird symptoms or just trying to make sense of this wild journey, know that you're not alone. And if you ever need a reminder of why it's worth it, just think of the little life you're growing and how worthwhile it will all be once they arrive.

For more information and support, visit Alcohol Think Again.

For anyone concerned about their own or another person's alcohol or drug use, including during pregnancy, the Alcohol and Drug Support Line is a free, confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service. Contact them 24 hours a day on 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 (country callers).

For FASD information and support, phone the NOFASD Helpline on 1800 860 613 or visit nofasd.org.au.

Featured Image: Supplied.

Any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can interrupt the organ and brain development of an unborn baby resulting in a range of lifelong physical, mental, and behavioural disabilities, known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Brain development begins just 3 weeks after conception and continues for the entire pregnancy. This means that the brain of an unborn baby can be impacted by alcohol during all three trimesters, with the earlier stages of pregnancy being particularly sensitive.
To reduce the risk of harm to an unborn baby, it's recommended women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should not drink alcohol.