How bad was your pregnancy, labor, and recovery? How long did it take to recovery from giving birth (I know to get fully recovered from everything takes way longer). I think I’ve heard and read about every potential symptom and complication and it’s freaking me out.

The recovery is a lot easier than the lack of sleep. I found pregnancy, except the nausea and the last two weeks enjoyable. I was in a really good mood and looking forward to meeting the baby

I think this will vary for everyone as each person is unique and every baby is so different. My pregnancy seemed fairly smooth - other than high blood pressure near the last week and car sickness developed in 2nd trimester. I had a vaginal delivery but within the first few months after giving birth had two surgeries that were related to my pregnancy (emergency surgeries). But that is abnormal and I suggest not reading anymore about symptoms or complications unless you are experiencing something. And even then consult your OB or after hour nurse line. They are there to help! I had to call New Year's Day! And thankfully my baby was very easy going and the hospitals and doctors were considerate for my surgeries allowing me to have my baby with me for most things.
I agree with BDO 1 that the lack of sleep after birth is an adjustment for sure. Establishing a plan early on (before birth) and having your partner and village available for support is key. I did not ask for help early and regretted it but made it through. My worst part was the stitches but mine were also redone a week after giving birth due to one of the surgeries mentioned (again abnormal!). My biggest piece of advice is listen to your body and your mama instinct!!! And the first month or so your hormones go crazy so don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Postpartum depression, rage and sadness/crying (etc.) is not talked about enough for new moms.
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I'll add the c- section insight. I think I had it worse than most. I struggled getting up, out of bed especially, for about 2 weeks. After that I could move around better and would take very short walks down the street and back. By 6 weeks I was pretty good, just had to rebuild my strength and endurance.

Doctor's orders were to not lift anything heavier than baby for the first 6 weeks. Her example was if I need to load baby and the carseat carrier, I could do one but not both. Load carseat, then load baby.

I had twins and worked up until my water broke. 12 hours of labor, no c-section and I went back to work 8 weeks later (this was 30 years ago when there was not much maternity leave - I saved my vacation to use for time off). Gained 55 pounds and lost it all in a month. Second pregnancy was a single birth and everything was about the same. Labor was tiring and get ready to never sleep through the night again - you will worry about your children for the rest of your lift. Enjoy every moment and never put work before family.

honestly, mine whole experience was so smooth and easy - so it is possible! I had no sickness or real pregnancy symptoms (other than a growing belly) and feeling tired towards the end. I got induced and an epidural and that whole experience was so smooth. I was nervous about it and honestly it was not bad at all. The worst part for me was the waiting and what feels like period cramps during active labor, but that only made me more motivated and only lasted about 45 minutes. I had no tearing (did perineal oil/ massage the last couple weeks leading up to birth not sure if that is why or not) so recovery was not as bad as I thought it would be at all either. A little sore and tired, but by the time we left the hospital about 36 hours after birth I felt much better. I also had a great baby, slept well (through the night by 8 weeks!) and ate well. I say this to hopefully encourage you and because it made me frustrated when i was pregnant and a new mom and people kept telling me things like "oh you have an easy pregnancy, just wait until birth" or "oh easy birth, just wait until you get them home" and it is possible to have a super smooth experience all around! good luck mama you got this!

Pregnancy wasn’t bad, just fat and tired. I gained 85 pounds in my first pregnancy and lost it all in 5 months. I gained half that with my second but couldn’t shed the last 10. I was ok within 24 hours of giving birth, just needed A LOT of pads. With my second, we went out to eat dinner with my in laws after we left the hospital. I was fine, and so was the baby. There is a lot of adjustment with the baby and very little sleep. That is the toughest part. I did not have a cesarean, so I can’t speak to that experience. Physically, I was fine right away except for the weight. I continued to look pregnant for months after giving birth. I have seen others bounce back a lot quicker than I did.

I had a cesarean and then had significant complications related to preeclampsia. I was in the hospital for a total of ten nights and once I got home my blood pressure was so out of whack that I couldn't be left alone to take care of my baby. It took about three weeks to get over that but even longer (about eight weeks) to be feeling like I could do normal activities.

If you’re a healthy individual… you will be fine. Remember the pain is temporary.. breath and focus. Most People LOVE to tell their horror stories… makes them feel like more of a female I guess.. you know your body and keep that in mind… Positivity is the key. Woman have been doing it for centuries.. you will be fine.