Pregnancy is a magical and momentous time in a woman’s life. But it can be a nightmare in many ways, right from the weight gain to the feet swelling and the morning sickness. However, that’s not all pregnancy is associated with.
In case you are wondering about what to expect, when you are an expectant mother, here’s help for you. Read on to learn more about unusual pregnancy changes you should know all about and fast facts on pregnancy every woman should read:
Facts
- Before pregnancy, a woman’s uterus is the size of an orange. But, by the third trimester, it is the size of a watermelon and can expand up to 500 times in size at the time of pregnancy.
- The earliest premature baby to survive was 21 weeks and four days old.
- The voice changes during pregnancy as estrogen and progesterone levels rise, causing vocal fold swelling.
- Gestational diabetes may develop in pregnant women.
- During pregnancy, your joints loosen.
- Further, at the time of pregnancy, the human body produces hormone relaxin that softens ligaments and tissues connecting the joints.
- Being pregnant can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, too.
Unusual Body Changes During Pregnancy You Should Know
1. What is that Smell?
During the first three months, pregnant women can end up noticing they are more sensitive to smells. Sometimes, the sense of smell can be so strong that it can drive you crazy, aggravating morning sickness(1). This sensitivity lessens post the first trimester. Women are sensitive to toxins and smell during pregnancy, generally. This stems from the differences in hormonal levels, and it impacts your sense of smell and olfactory senses in a big way.
[Read: How To Get Pregnant With Twins]
2. Why Am I Sniffling?
If you find your nose is runny during pregnancy, guess what, it’s normal. The higher amount of blood in the body at the time of pregnancy causes swelling in the blood vessels of the nose, causing congestion, As per BabyCenter, close to 30% of pregnant women suffer from stuffy noses, even without allergies or the common cold.
This problem aggravates as pregnancy advances easing only after childbirth. So, a runny nose could be a constant companion during your pregnancy, but not afterward.
3. Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
Pregnant women may experience swollen, tender gums that bleed when flossed or brushed. Bleeding gums affect 50% of the expectant mothers, whose hormonal changes make the mouth sensitive to bacteria in plaque.
It is essential to practice practical, good oral hygiene and not miss out on visits to dentists. Take special care of your gums because dental health is exceedingly crucial. After all, you don’t want complications to harm your chances of healthy childbirth, do you?
[ Read: Pregnancy Diet ]
4. Why Am I Feeling So Sexy?
A lot of pregnant ladies may experience a boost in the sex drive, due to crazy hormonal changes experienced. Primarily, elevated testosterone(2) and progesterone levels can trigger touch sensitivity, too. So, don’t be too surprised if you feel sexy when expecting. Some women, on the other hand, may feel debilitated by morning sickness, and it becomes essential to communicate with the partner on both counts.
Whether you’re in the mood for sex or avoiding intercourse like the plague due to your morning sickness, do let your spouse know how you feel. It is essential to share, be open and honest about your emotions at this crucial stage in your life.
[Read: Iron Rich Foods for Pregnancy]
5. Why Does My Stomach Pain?
Progesterone can impact sex life positively, but wreak havoc on digestion. The hormone relaxes the stomach valve keeping acid out of the esophagus. As the uterus expands, the stomach acid forces its way to the esophageal tube, causing GERD/acid reflux and heartburn. Alkaline foods, prebiotics, and probiotics can help in such a context.
[Also Read: Cure Circumvallate Placenta Naturally]
6. How Come I’m Getting More Moles?
During the time you are pregnant, high progesterone and estrogen levels stimulate melanin levels and cause pigmentation. So, moles become darker, more significant, and universal. Use sunscreen because the skin is now more sensitive to solar radiation, too.
7. Thinner or Thicker Hair?
That is undoubtedly a question during pregnancy. Crazy pregnancy hormones can cause women to experience hair thinning or thickening. More hair grows on different parts of the body, too.
[ Read: Stop Hair Thinning Naturally ]
8. 20/20 Vision
During pregnancy, hormonal levels change, and metabolic rates, fluid retention, and blood circulation impact the vision. This is why getting a new pair of glasses or contact lenses may not be a priority. But although vision increments are temporary in most cases, they are permanent in some.
9. Pregnancy Changes the Brain, Too
If you experience amnesia or brain fog during pregnancy, this is natural. Pregnancy can increase stress levels, and raging hormones impact brain circuits. So, don’t worry about focus, memory, or concentration issues at this time.
[ Read: Cure Pregnancy Insomnia Effectively ]
10. Technicolor Dreams
Plenty of women even experience vivid dreams at the time of pregnancy. This can be due to one of 2 possible reasons. The first is the raging hormonal levels. The second is the altered sleeping patterns. Pregnant women also experience interrupted sleep and are likely to recall dreams during the REM stage more often. Anxieties and hopes about pregnancy and motherhood can hit you in the dream world, too.
The biggest problem with pregnancy changes is that you can never really be prepared unless you know the issues that are likely to impact you. That is why knowledge is power when it comes to pregnancies. Giving birth to your child need not be a nightmare. It can be a pleasant experience, too.
Therefore, do prepare yourself for all the changes you may experience, but be ready regarding the possibility that it may not be smooth sailing after all. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and you won’t be too bothered by these unusual pregnancy changes.
