Everyone has advice for the pregnant woman – whether she requests it or not. But most of you can attest to the fact that it's not always good advice that passers-by and random strangers dole out to any woman with a blossoming tummy.

So we asked the people who know -- who really know -- about motherhood and having a baby and all the changes family life brings. These are real women from the PregnancyToday.com community, women who've been through it all before. We asked them what they wish someone had told them while they were pregnant, and we think their wisdom will enlighten you in your journey toward parenthood.

Actually, a maternity nurse told me when I was told this was "almost time," to take a shower, put on some nice-smelling lotion and wash my face. It sounds so dumb and trivial, but it made all the difference in the world. It made me so much more relaxed. Also, throughout your pregnancy, remember one thing: WALK!!! It truly makes a difference. I gave birth to a 9-pound boy, with no drugs and very quickly.

I wish someone had told me that life would be different but not necessarily in a bad way. Everyone always told us to expect the worst -- no sleeping, no sex, no time alone together, and in general that it would be VERY hard and demanding. We found it completely the opposite. And so I guess it would have been nice to have a few people make something other than a negative comment. That's the one thing I strive to do now whenever I meet a pregnant woman. Just so she can hear, "You know what? Sometimes it's a little hard, but not as bad as everyone makes you think..."

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