10 Things About Pregnancy That May Surprise You

Pregnancy information is ubiquitous. At your first prenatal appointment, your doctor will likely provide you with armfuls of pamphlets covering each test and trimester.

Despite all of this information, here are ten common pregnancy surprises.

1. The instinct to nest

Numerous pregnant women experience the nesting instinct, a strong urge to clean and decorate their homes in preparation for the baby.

As your due date approaches, you may find yourself cleaning cabinets or washing walls — activities you never imagined doing in the ninth month of your pregnancy! This desire to prepare the home is beneficial, as you will have fewer tasks to complete after the birth. However, take care not to overdo it.

2. Difficulties Concentrating

In the first trimester, fatigue and morning sickness can leave many women feeling mentally and physically exhausted. However, even well-rested pregnant women may experience concentration difficulties and forgetfulness.

Thinking about the baby and hormonal changes play a role. Everything, including work, bills, and doctor's appointments, may appear less important than the upcoming birth and the baby. Making a list can aid in remembering important dates and appointments.

3. Mood Swings

Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy share numerous similarities. Your breasts swell and become tender, your hormones fluctuate, and you may experience irritability. If you suffer from PMS, you are more likely to experience extreme mood swings during pregnancy. They can cause you to go from feeling happy to feeling like crying in a single minute.

Mood swings are extremely prevalent during pregnancy. They occur more frequently in the first trimester and near the end of the third.

Numerous pregnant women suffer from depression. Consult a health care provider if you experience sleep problems, changes in eating habits, and mood swings for longer than two weeks.

4. Bra Size

Breast enlargement is one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. Higher levels of estrogen and progesterone contribute to breast growth during the first trimester. This growth in the first trimester may not be the end, as your breasts may continue to grow throughout your pregnancy!

Your ribcage can also influence your bra size. Your lung capacity expands during pregnancy, allowing you to take in more oxygen, which may result in a larger chest size. Several bra replacements may be necessary during your pregnancy.

5. Skin Changes

Do your friends comment on your pregnancy glow? It is one of the many side effects of hormonal changes and skin stretching.

Blood volume is increased in pregnant women to increase blood flow to the uterus and other organs, particularly the kidneys. The greater volume increases oil gland secretion by delivering more blood to the vessels.

Some women develop brownish or yellowish patches on their faces known as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." And some will observe a dark line on the lower abdomen's midline, known as the linea nigra (or linea negra). They may also experience hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) of the genitalia and anal region. Pregnancy hormones cause the body to produce additional pigment.

This increased pigmentation may not be uniform, so the darkened skin may appear blotchy. Chloasma cannot be prevented, but its effects can be mitigated by using sunscreen and avoiding UV light.

Acne is prevalent during pregnancy because sebaceous glands produce more oil. And moles or freckles that were present prior to pregnancy may grow and darken. The majority of these skin changes should disappear after childbirth.

Many pregnant women suffer from heat rash, which is caused by sweating and dampness. In general, a woman may experience itchiness during pregnancy. Stretching of the skin over the abdomen may result in itching and flaking. Your doctor can recommend moisturizing creams for dry or itchy skin.

6. Hair and Fingernails

Many pregnant women experience changes in hair texture and growth. Hormones can accelerate hair growth and reduce hair loss. However, these hair changes are typically not permanent. Many women experience hair loss during the postpartum period or after breastfeeding ends.

Some women experience unwanted hair growth in areas such as the face, abdomen, and genitalia. Alterations in hair texture can result in drier or oilier hair. Some women experience hair color changes.

Similar to hair, nails can alter during pregnancy. Extra hormones can enhance their growth and strength. However, some pregnant women find that their nails split and break more frequently. Similar to hair changes, nail changes are not permanent. If your nails are more prone to splitting and tearing during pregnancy, keep them trimmed and avoid using nail polish and nail polish remover.

7. Shoe Size

Even though none of your pre-pregnancy clothing fits, you still have your shoes, correct? Maybe — but maybe not. Many pregnant women have swollen feet and must wear larger shoe sizes due to the excess fluid in their bodies. During the summer, wearing slip-on shoes in a larger size can be more comfortable.

8. Joint Flexibility

During pregnancy, the body produces the hormone relaxin, which is thought to prepare the pubic region and cervix for birth. Relaxin loosens your body's ligaments, making you less stable and more susceptible to injury. The joints in your pelvis, lower back, and knees are particularly susceptible to overstretching and straining. When engaging in physical activity or lifting objects, move slowly and avoid sudden, jerky movements.

9. Constipation, Hemorrhoids, and Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, typically found in the legs and genital region, are caused by the pooling of blood in veins that have been enlarged by pregnancy hormones. Varicose veins typically disappear after pregnancy. For their prevention:

avoid standing or sitting for long periods
Wear loose-fitting clothing and compression hose.
Raise your feet while seated.

Hemorrhoids, or varicose veins in the rectum, are also prevalent during pregnancy. Your blood volume has increased, and your uterus is exerting pressure on your pelvic region. Therefore, the veins in your rectum may swell into clusters resembling grapes. Hemorrhoids can be extremely painful, bleed, itch, and sting, particularly during or after a bowel movement (BM).

Constipation is a common pregnancy complication. This occurs because pregnancy hormones slow the movement of food through the digestive tract. In the later stages of pregnancy, the uterus may press against the large intestine, making it difficult to pass a bowel movement. And constipation can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids, as straining to defecate can enlarge the veins of the rectum.

The most effective treatment for constipation and hemorrhoids is prevention. Eating a diet high in fiber, drinking plenty of fluids daily, and exercising regularly can help maintain regular bowel movements. Not laxatives, but stool softeners may also be helpful. If you have hemorrhoids, consult your doctor about a cream or ointment that can reduce their size.

10. Items Expelled by Your Body During Labor

Now that you've endured mood swings and hemorrhoids, you believe that your surprises are over. However, the day you give birth will likely hold the greatest surprises.

In the amniotic sac, fluid surrounds your baby during pregnancy. This sac ruptures (or "ruptures") at the beginning or during labor; this is commonly referred to as the water breaking. Most women in labor experience contractions before their waters break. Occasionally, the doctor must rupture the amniotic sac (if the cervix is already dilated).

How much water do you anticipate? Two to three cups of amniotic fluid are present for a full-term baby. Some women may experience a strong urge to urinate that results in a torrent of fluid when their water breaks. Others may only feel a trickle of fluid dripping down their leg, as the baby's head acts as a plug to prevent the majority of the fluid from escaping.

Typically, amniotic fluid is odorless and pale or colorless. Your body replaces it every three hours, so don't be surprised if you continue to leak approximately one cup of fluid per hour until delivery.

Other, unexpected items may be expelled from the body during labor. Some females experience nausea and vomiting. Others experience diarrhea prior to or during labor, and flatulence is also common. During the pushing phase of labor, you may experience loss of bladder or bowel control.

A birth plan can help you communicate your preferences to your health care providers regarding these and other labor and delivery-related matters.

There are many pleasant surprises in store for you during your pregnancy, but none sweeter than the moment you hold your newborn in your arms.