The weird things that happen to your body during pregnancy

When first-timers get pregnant they usually have romantic visions of pregnancy…the cute little bump…the beautiful glow…the constant air of serene happiness.

In reality, pregnancy is just like everything else in life. Messy. Uncomfortable. Real. It’s not all daisies and tulips or visions of chubby feet and thighs, yummy baby breath and sleeping angels.

Here are some of the strange things that can happen to you during pregnancy. Don’t worry mommies, they usually don’t happen to the same preggy lady all at the same time….well, hopefully!

 

BREASTS

One of the perks of being pregnant is your breasts getting an additional cup size (or 2). The less fun aspects that no one really talks about? Dark, bumpy nipples and areolae the size of small plates.

During the first trimester of pregnancy you can expect the following breast changes in preparation for breastfeeding:

- DARKER NIPPLES

- BIGGER AEROLAE

- PRONOUNCED BUMPS (which are called Montgomery’s tubercles, a type of oil-producing gland)

- LEAKY BREASTS (in the third trimester): Colostrum production begins in your breasts by the third month of pregnancy and some women do experience leaks in the latter stages of pregnancy.

SOURCE: Baby Center.com

 

FACE

That glow that everyone associates with pregnancy? Well, the good news is that it is real but an unwanted side effect that usually comes along too? Pimples! And the exaggerated sense of smell? Not pleasant in this world of indecipherable odors.

ACNE

What causes acne during pregnancy:

Two things conspire to cause breakouts: hormone surges, of course (in this case, progesterone, which causes your glands to increase acne-causing secretions) and an increase in the amount of fluids your body retains (these fluids contain toxins, which lead to zits). SOURCE: What to Expect When Expecting

THE GLOW

It’s definitely true that you will literally “glow” during pregnancy it is due to your body doubling the amount of blood circulating. Oil glands also become more active which results in a shinier appearance (and those dreaded zits)

SOURCE: Oddee

 

SENSE OF SMELL

While you are “with child” you will likely develop the nose of a bloodhound. You’ll be able to smell the most innocuous odor 100 feet away. This superhero power isn’t as harmless as it seems, especially when coupled with first-trimester nausea.

SOURCE: Oddee

 

STOMACH

GAS

Most preggies become gas machines during their 10 months of gestation. Not exactly conducive to social situations but natural nonetheless.

Why do you make more gas during pregnancy?

The primary reason is that you have much higher levels of progesterone, a hormone that relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation slows down your digestion, which can lead to gas, bloating, burping, and flatulence and generally create miserable sensations in your gut, especially after a big meal. - SOURCE: BABY CENTER

 

BOTTOM

CONSTIPATION

Yet another fun item on your pregnancy agenda may be constipation. Again the culprit seems to be progesterone in the first trimester which is said to slow down your intestinal activity and then in the latter stages of pregnancy, the pressure from your uterus tends to make it harder for your body to do its normal thing. Iron supplements can also contribute a constipating effect on mums-to-be.

-SOURCE: Welcome Baby Home

HEMORRHOIDS

What causes hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

Hemorrhoids are related to constipation. Constipation combined with the increased pressure on the rectum and perineum is the primary reason that women experience hemorrhoids. Prolonged standing may also be a factor contributing to hemorrhoids. SOURCE: American Pregnancy Association

 

 

LEGS

LEG CRAMPS

What causes leg cramps during pregnancy?

Leg cramps are painful involuntary muscle contractions that typically affect the calf, foot or both. Leg cramps during pregnancy are common, often striking at night during the second and third trimester. The exact cause of leg cramps during pregnancy isn’t clear. However, some research suggests a connection between leg cramps and the buildup of lactic and pyruvic acids — byproducts of the metabolism of sugar and starch — which occurs as a result of impaired blood flow in the legs.- SOURCE: Roger W. Harms, M.D. from The Mayo Clinic

 

 

FEET

BIG FOOT

It may seem like a myth, but for a lot of preggies, your feet will grow during pregnancy. Apparently your feet start to lose their arch as more and more pressure is put on them with your weight gain. The relaxin hormone is also working its magic in preparation for childbirth to help facilitate labor, which it does by “relaxing” ligaments and joints in your body.

Not to fear, the majority of women do bounce back to their original shoe size. If not, think of all the fun you can have buying a new shoe closet!

 

And there you have it…the inconvenient truth! But believe us when we say…it is ALL worth it in the end!!