Bringing a child into the world is one of life’s greatest miracles, but let’s be real—pregnancy and childbirth are no walk in the park. Itunexpected changes, mind-blowing science, and even some downright shocking realities.

While parenting can be a beautiful experience, it’s important to go in with open eyes and a fully prepared mindset. That’s wAbigail Porter, knoThe List, has s200 reasons why people may reconsider having kids.

1. Your Uterus Undergoes an Extreme Transformation—Forget “Bouncing Back”

Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, a well-known OB-GYN on TikTok, went viral after demonstrating just how much the uterus expands during pregnancy. In a video that racked up over 14,000 likes, she showed the stark difference between a pre-pregnancy uterus and one right after childbirth.

“Once again, I am asking new parents to know that your body is beautiful and amazing!” Dr. Lincoln captioned her video.

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She emphasized that postpartum recovery takes time, and that the “bounce-back culture” is incredibly toxic. Your uterus is not meant to shrink back overnight—after all, it just spent nine months growing an entire human!

2. You Can Become Allergic to Your Own Skin During Pregnancy

Yes, you read that right. Pemphigoid gestationis is a rare autoimmune condition that can develop during pregnancy, causing the body’s immune system to attack its own skin.

This results in painful, blistering rashes that can make pregnancy even more uncomfortable than it already is. While rare, it’s yet another reminder that pregnancy is filled with unexpected bodily changes.

3. Labor Can Last Not Just Hours—But Days (or Even Months!)

When people think of childbirth, they often assume labor lasts anywhere from a few hours to a full day. But did you know that some labors can stretch on for weeks or even months?

The longest recorded labor in history lasted a mind-blowing 75 days. A woman from Poland, Joanna Krzysztonek, was forced to lie nearly upside down for over two months in an attempt to save her premature babies.

Thanks to her unbelievable endurance, she safely delivered two surviving infants. Talk about next-level determination!

4. You Can Push So Hard During Labor That Your Retinas Detach

It turns out that childbirth doesn’t just affect your lower body—it can have a huge impact on your eyes too.

Pushing during labor can create so much pressure that it can actually lead to a detached retina. While this complication is rare, it serves as a reminder that your body is working overtime during labor, and sometimes, unexpected injuries can happen.

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5. Your Eyeball Can Pop Out While Pushing

If the idea of retinal detachment wasn’t wild enough, one woman, Bethany Collins, went viral on TikTok after revealing that her entire eyeball popped out while she was pushing.

“My eye popped out while I was pushing,” she casually shared in her video, which quickly racked up over a million views.

Thankfully, after six weeks, her eye returned to normal. But still—talk about an eye-opening experience!

6. You Can Get Pregnant While Already Pregnant

Yes, it’s possible. Superfetation is an extremely rare phenomenon where a woman can conceive a second baby while already carrying one.

Typically, hormonal changes prevent another pregnancy once you’re already expecting. However, in very rare cases, a second fertilized egg somehow bypasses those natural barriers, resulting in two babies conceived at different times.

It’s essentially your body deciding to get pregnant again while already pregnant. Now that’s a plot twist!

7. Your Baby’s Kicks Can Leave Bruises on Your Internal Organs

Feeling your baby kick for the first time is a magical moment, but those little jabs can get more intense as the pregnancy progresses.

In some cases, baby kicks can actually bruise internal organs, particularly the ribcage. If the baby keeps kicking in the same spot, some mothers may even experience internal swelling or long-lasting discomfort.

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The good news? Changing positions can sometimes encourage the baby to move. But still, those tiny feet pack a serious punch!

8. You Can Become Allergic to Your Own Pet While Pregnant

Pregnancy can trigger weird new allergies—including a sudden intolerance to your beloved pet.

Some women who never had pet allergies before suddenly find themselves sneezing, itching, and struggling to breathe around their furry friends.

The upside? Studies suggest that exposing babies to pet dander early on can reduce their chances of developing allergies later in life. So while you might suffer for a bit, your little one may end up with a stronger immune system because of it.

9. Your Sweat Can Turn Blue

A woman once went viral after noticing that her sweat had turned blue during pregnancy—prompting fears that she had developed “Smurf Syndrome.”

After consulting her doctor, she was diagnosed with chromhidrosis, a rare condition that causes sweat to appear in unusual colors, including blue, yellow, and brown.

Though harmless, it’s just another strange but fascinating way pregnancy can transform your body.

10. You Can Be Hit with an Astronomical Hospital Bill After Giving Birth

Giving birth isn’t just physically demanding—it can also be financially devastating.

One woman, Shannon Mayor, went viral after revealing that her hospital charged her over $50,000 for childbirth, even though she thought she had great insurance.

Unfortunately, childbirth in the U.S. is among the most expensive in the world, and many new parents find themselves drowning in medical debt before even leaving the hospital.

Final Thoughts: Be Informed, Be Prepared, and Embrace the Journey

Pregnancy and childbirth are undeniably miraculous, but they also come with incredible challenges and unexpected surprises.

From your body completely transforming to mind-blowing medical bills, it’s essential to go into parenthood fully prepared and informed.

Whether these facts make you laugh, gasp, or rethink your plans, one thing is certain—pregnancy is an adventure like no other.

If you’re considering having kids, take the time to educate yourself, embrace the journey, and surround yourself with a strong support system. Because once the adventure begins, there’s no turning back!