Pregnancy: What it's really like

We asked visitors to AOL to tell us about their personal experiences of pregnancy.

Most people who haven't been through the experience themselves have little idea of the highs and lows involved.

Nearly a million responses later, we have a pretty good idea of what the whole process of growing a baby is really like.

Most women don't report the fabled improvement in the condition of their hair and skin, with 45 per cent saying that their skin stayed the same, and 40 per cent noticing no difference in their hair.

For most, the very worst thing about pregnancy was the jaw-dropping tiredness they experienced. And the best thing? Feeling the baby kick.

The NHS would be pleased to hear that a surprising 69 per cent of those who filled in the survey were happy with the standard of care they received. Maternity clothes didn't get a glowing recommendation, though: 50 per cent of women were unhappy with what's on offer.

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