Information about pregnancy is all around. Your doctor will likely give you a lot of information about pregnancy at your first prenatal appointment.
Here are 10 surprising things that pregnancy can do.
- The Nesting Instinct
Many pregnant mothers feel the nesting instinct. This is a strong urge to decorate and clean their home in preparation for the baby’s arrival.
You may find yourself doing things that you never imagined in your ninth month of gestation, such as cleaning out cupboards and washing walls. You’ll likely have less things to do after the birth, so it can be useful to get your house ready. Be careful not to do too much.
- Problems with Concentration
Many women can feel tired and irritable in the first trimester due to morning sickness and fatigue. Even well-rested pregnant women can experience forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.
The hormonal changes and thinking about the baby play a part. All things, including bills and doctor appointments, may seem less important than the baby or the coming birth. You can make lists to help you remember dates or appointments.
- Mood Swings
Premenstrual syndrome is similar to pregnancy in many ways. You may feel moody and your breasts can swell. You are more likely to experience mood swings in pregnancy if you have PMS. These mood swings can cause you to feel happy and then cry the next.
Mood swings can be very common in pregnancy. These mood swings are more common in the first and third trimesters.
Depression is common in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms like sleep problems, changes in eating habits, mood swings, or other signs that last more than two weeks.
- Bra Size
A pregnancy sign is a larger breast size. The higher hormones estrogen, progesterone and estrogen are responsible for breast growth in the first trimester. The growth you see in the first trimester may not be permanent. Your breasts will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy.
Your ribcage can also affect your bra size. Your lung capacity is increased during pregnancy, which can lead to a larger chest. During pregnancy, your bras may need to be replaced several times.
- Skin Changes
Are your friends saying you look pregnant? It is one of many side effects of hormonal changes and skin stretching.
Women who are pregnant have a higher blood volume to increase blood flow to their uterus and other organs, including the kidneys. A greater blood volume increases blood flow to the vessels, and oil gland secretion is increased.
Some women may develop yellowish or brownish spots called chloasma (or the “masks of pregnancy”) on their faces. Some women will also notice a dark line at the bottom of their abdomens, called the linea Negra (or linea Nigra). Hyperpigmentation can occur in the anal, external genitalia and nipples. This is because the body makes more pigment due to pregnancy hormones.
The high levels of pigment may not be uniform, and the darker skin may appear as splotches. Chloasma cannot be prevented. However, sunscreen can help to minimize the effects of UV light and avoid it.
Acne can be common in pregnancy due to the increased oil production by the skin’s glands. Moles and freckles may become darker or larger than they were before you became pregnant. These skin changes should disappear most of the time after giving birth.
Heat rash is a common condition in pregnant women. It can be caused by sweating and dampness. Pregnancy can be a very itchy time. Itching and flaking may occur when skin is stretched across the abdomen. Creams can be prescribed by your doctor to soothe itchy or dry skin.
- Hair and Nails
Many women experience changes in their hair texture and growth as a result of pregnancy. Hormones can cause hair to grow faster or fall out more quickly. These hair changes aren’t usually permanent. Many women lose hair after giving birth or when they stop breastfeeding.
Some women discover that their hair grows in places they don’t want, like the belly, face, or around the nipples. Hair texture changes can lead to hair becoming drier and oilier. Some women find that their hair color changes.
Nails, like hair, can change during pregnancy. Additional hormones can help them grow faster and make them stronger. Some women notice that their nails break and split more often during pregnancy. Nail changes, like hair changes, aren’t always permanent. Pregnancy can cause nails to split or tear more easily so make sure you keep them trimmed.
- Shoe Size
You still have your shoes, even though you don’t fit in any of the clothes you wore before you got pregnant. You might be able to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes, but it’s possible. Many women with enlarged feet due to pregnancy have more fluid. Slip-on shoes that are larger in size can make it more comfortable, especially during the summer.
- Joint Mobility
Your body produces relaxin during pregnancy. This hormone is thought to prepare the pubic region and cervix for birth. Relaxin causes your ligaments to become looser, which can make you more vulnerable and less stable. It is easy to strain or overstretch yourself, particularly the knees, pelvis, and lower back. Avoid jerking movements when lifting or exercising.
- Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are usually found in the legs or genital area. They occur when blood pools in veins that have been enlarged by pregnancy hormones. Many varicose veins disappear after pregnancy. These are some ways to prevent them.
- Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- wear support hose
- Lift your feet when you are
Varicose veins in your rectum, also known as hemorhoids, are common during pregnancy. Your blood volume has increased, and your uterus places pressure on your pelvis. Your rectum might become grape-shaped clusters of veins. Hemorrhoids are very painful and can cause bleeding, itching, or stinging, especially after a bowel movement (BM ).).
Another common problem in pregnancy is constipation. Because pregnancy hormones slow down the passage of food through your gastrointestinal tract, constipation is another common problem. Your uterus can push against your large intestine during the last stages of pregnancy. This may make it difficult to have a BM. Constipation can also contribute to hemorhoids as straining to move may increase the size of the veins in the rectum.
Preventing constipation or hemorhoids is the best way to manage them. Regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in fiber, and regular drinking of fluids can all help to keep BMs regular. You may also find stool softeners, but not laxatives, helpful. Talk to your doctor if you have hemorhoids. A cream or an ointment may be able to shrink them.
- What Comes Out of Your Body during Labor
You think you are done with the mood swings, the hemorhoids and that your surprises are over. The day you give birth is likely to be the most surprising.
Fluid surrounds your baby during pregnancy in the amniotic Sac. This sac “ruptures” (or breaks) at the beginning of labor, or during labor. It is also known as your water breaking moment. Most women go into labor before their water breaks. Sometimes, the doctor will need to open the amniotic sac if the cervix has already been dilated ).
What amount of water can you reasonably expect? A full-term baby will need approximately 2 to 3 cups amniotic fluid. Women may feel an urge to pee, which can lead to a sudden surge of fluid when the water stops. Some babies may feel fluid trickling down their legs, while others may feel it as a drip. The baby’s head acts as a stopper and prevents most of the fluid leaking out.
The amniotic fluid is usually sweet-smelling, pale, or colorless. Your body replaces it every 3 hours so don’t worry if you still leak fluid about an hour before delivery.
During labor, you might experience other unexpected events. Some women experience nausea and vomiting. Some women experience nausea and vomiting before or during labor. Passing gas is also common. You may lose control over your bladder and bowels during the pushing phase.
A Birth Plan will help you communicate your wishes with your healthcare providers about how to manage these aspects.
There are many surprises when you become pregnant, but none more so than the joy you will feel once your baby is here.
