Unsplash | Camylla Battani

15 Pictures Showing The Realities Of Pregnancy That We Need To Talk About

People love to romanticize pregnancy. They'll talk about the gorgeous glow a woman emits or how she's never looked happier. However, there's a far less glamorous side of pregnancy that's seldom discussed.

Below are 15 pictures showing the brutal realities of pregnancy that we need to talk about. After decades of misdirection and misconceptions — it's time we remove our rose-colored glasses.

Oh my, what hairy toes you have!

This Reddit user's wife was at the point where she couldn't see her own feet. As a joke, she thought it would be funny to take a picture of her dog's legs and make them look likethey were her own.

The bathroom will become your sanctuary for many different reasons.

Imgur | unknown

"My husband found me hiding in the bathroom, pants down, shoveling cookie dough ice cream in my mouth and hiding from our kids. This is pregnancy. (29weeks)." - Imgur (unknown)

"I texted my 36 week pregnant wife to ask how he was feeling, this was the photo I got in response." - Reddit u/s4ltydog.

I guess what they say is true — a picture really is worth a thousand words. In times like these, the image of a fat hairless cat encapsulates everything you could ever say and more.

Choose your words wisely.

A woman's size isn't necessarily indicative of the size of the baby. Keep in mind that expectant mothers have a hard enough time as it is with feeling self-conscious about their bodies. They don't need you adding to their anxiety by telling them how gigantic they are.

Pregnancy brain is a real thing.

Not long after dropping her daughter off at daycare, Redditor Stacieinhorrorland received this photo from one of the ladies who worked there. As you can see, it would appear that mom has her left and right's crossed this morning.

I'm so clucking over this.

Obviously, I would never make this comparison under any other circumstance. That said, I also think that sometimes when the shoe fits, you wear it. And at the end of the day, who doesn't love a roast chicken?

"8 months pregnant and came out of the bank to find this... (I’m the blue car.)" - Reddit u/skybluepink15

I would've gone back inside, got a pen and paper, then proceeded to write the most guilt-laden note imaginable. I'd also be sure to include my Venmo so that this inconsiderate jerk could wire me $20 for my pain and suffering — which I'd then spend on food.

They see me rollin'...

Make sure to take note of the incredibly swollen ankles this young mother-to-be has. Respect to you for even going shopping in the first place, you're clearly a warrior woman, whom we should all respect.

Your cravings are going to take you to new and sometimes terrifying places.

Not every woman gets pregnancy cravings, but for those who do — watch out. This might sound gross, but before you know it you'll be contemplating the layers and complexities of mixing tuna fish with Cheez Whiz.

Inspiration is often born out of desperation.

I feel like this is the kind of story you hear told on Shark Tank all the time. I have no idea whether or not a device like this exists in the real world, but I can say for a fact that if it doesn't — this mom needs to make an appointment with a patent clerk.

No table no problem.

Pretty soon, I'm going to be able to balance a drink on my stomach as well — but for totally unrelated reasons. I'm not saying that this is an ideal situation, but at least it frees up your hands.

If you thought that the chicken pox were bad...

"Rash life. Wanna know the kicker? I can’t take anything to prevent the itchiness. I’m surprised my partner stayed by my side after all of my complaining lol." - Buzzfeed u/nataleec2

All I see is pain.

My goodness — those poor feet! How do you even walk when your ankles are that swollen? Forgive me for pointing out the blatantly obvious but it literally hurts me to look at this picture.

Your body is going to change — drastically.

The blue pair of underwear is from before pregnancy, the green was worn the day the mother gave birth. Make no mistake that you are going to undergo some truly miraculous and incredible changes.

Is it bad that I kind of want to try it?

I have no doubt that salsa and Oreos would be disgusting, but a part of me still wants to know all the same. Maybe this weekend if I work up enough liquid courage, I might just dabble and see what's what.