Things I Didn’t Expect About Potty Training While Pregnant (LOL… But Seriously)

Because teaching a toddler to use the potty while growing a human is an Olympic-level sport.

Potty training is already a wild ride. Pregnancy is also a wild ride.
Put them together? You’ve got a front-row seat to one of the most ridiculous, exhausting, and oddly comical seasons of motherhood.

When I decided to start potty training my toddler while pregnant, I thought, “This will be fine. We’ll get it done before the new baby comes. Easy!”
Spoiler: it was not fine. It was funny. It was frustrating. And it was full of things I did not see coming.

Here are the top surprises—and maybe a little solidarity if you’re in the same boat.

🚽 1. You Will Pee More Than Your Toddler

Pregnancy already means a bladder the size of a walnut. Potty training means you’re constantly asking, “Do you have to go?”—and realizing the answer is you.

I swear I was using the potty twice as often as my toddler. Which is ironic when you’re the one training them. At least it made bathroom breaks a family activity?

😂 2. You’ll Both Celebrate Pee Like It’s a National Holiday

Nothing will bond you faster than clapping, cheering, and doing a little happy dance over a successful potty trip.

Pregnancy hormones + toddler pride = tears in my eyes over three drops of pee in a tiny plastic potty. No regrets.

🪑 3. Getting Off the Floor Becomes a Workout

Helping your toddler pull their pants up, wipe, and wash their hands is basically a series of deep squats and awkward lunges—while balancing your growing belly.

I’m convinced potty training counts as prenatal exercise. Where’s my medal?

🤷‍♀️ 4. Accidents Happen… and So Do Laugh Attacks

Sometimes you have to choose between getting frustrated or laughing about it.
Like when my toddler proudly told me he “went potty”… and I discovered he meant all over the floor around the potty... yeah... it's the reality of having a boy.

Pregnancy has taught me that laughter is the only way to survive certain moments. Potty training confirmed it.

🕰 5. Progress Will Be Messy—and That’s Okay

Between pregnancy fatigue, cravings, and the endless potty reminders, there were days I thought, “Why did I start this now?” But here’s the thing: progress isn’t linear, and it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Some days we nailed it. Some days we went through six pairs of underwear before lunch. But over time, it clicked.

And honestly, that’s the lesson for motherhood in general—whether it’s potty training, pregnancy, or anything else.

Final Thoughts: Give Yourself (and Your Toddler) Grace

If you’re potty training while pregnant, here’s what I want you to know:

• Take breaks when you need to.

• Celebrate every win, no matter how small.

• Keep snacks on hand (for both of you).

• Laugh whenever possible.

You’re doing two big, exhausting, and emotional things at once—and that’s no small feat.

So yes, it’s messy. Yes, it’s hilarious. And yes, you’ll survive it.
And one day, you’ll look back and laugh about the potty dance… maybe from the comfort of your own bathroom, alone, with the door locked.