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Parents' Guide to

I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Unique pregnancy stories are informative but sensational.

TV Discovery Health Channel , TLC Reality TV 2008
I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 2 parent reviews

mommyof6
mommyof6 Parent of 5, 7, 10, 12, 13 and 14-year-old
December 28, 2010
age 2+

adults only

i liked it but i dont think kids should be watching it because it was disturbing ot me even as a 34 year old
love2
love2 Parent of 17-year-old
October 4, 2009
age 12+

watch it!

when i saw this show i loved it!!!!!! but then i thought how can someone not know there pregnant? watch the show to find out!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

I DIDN'T KNOW I WAS PREGNANT tells the stories of women who had no idea that they were expecting until they actually delivered their babies. Each episode uses reenactments, recorded 911 calls, and interviews with witnesses and the mothers themselves to explain what happened before and during the blessed -- albeit unexpected -- event. Medical professionals offer a bit of explanation about the possible ways that the women got pregnant and why they showed few (if any) typical pregnancy symptoms. The series also features pregnancy-related quizzes to help viewers understand medical facts associated with contraception, medical testing, pregnancy-related side effects, and childbirth.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (11 ):

The series is medically informative, but it's also quite sensational. The reenactments are intended to highlight the harrowing moments when each woman realizes that not only is she pregnant, but she's actually in the final stages of delivery. The fact that many of the births take place in public bathrooms and other non-hospital settings adds to the drama.

When it comes down to it, the show is as much about entertaining viewers with unique childbirth stories as it is about educating them about birth control and pregnancy. Medical professionals offer some context and explanation for each of the featured stories; they're quick to point out that every pregnancy is different, and not everyone experiences the typical symptoms associated with having a baby. They also subtly suggest that many of the featured women were uninformed -- and, as a result, didn't recognize the signs that their body was giving them. In the end, despite the sensationalism, the series does help demystify pregnancy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether reality shows that focus on medical phenomena are intended to educate viewers -- or are they simply trying to create entertainment out of unique medical circumstances?

  • Also, how has the way that the media portrays pregnancy changed over the years? Did you know that the word "pregnancy" couldn't be uttered on television in the 1950s and early '60s? How (and why) have things changed?

  • Is there a right age for parents and kids to talk about sex and pregnancy? Where else do kids get ideas about what is and isn't OK when it comes to sex?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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