10 Bizarre Pregnancy Facts No One Warns You About
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Many people know the strange things that happen to a woman’s body when she becomes pregnant. From morning sickness to weight gain, there are some pregnancy symptoms that everyone knows. But, there are some awkward things pregnant women experience that don’t get talked about.
1. Peeing When You Sneeze
Because of the added pressure on your bladder, pregnant women may find themselves peeing when they sneeze or cough. These sudden bursts of movement can put just a bit more pressure on your bladder that causes a bit of leakage to find it’s way out.
2. Going Up a Shoe Size
A change in foot size can actually happen for a number of reasons, including weight gain and added pressure on your feet. For most, going up a foot size is a temporary consequence of pregnancy and your flat, wide feet will return to normal soon after the baby is born. But, if the change is too drastic, your feet might remain that size.
3. Gas & Burping
As your baby continues to grow, your little one takes up more and more space in your belly, meaning the excess air needs to get out of the way. There are only two ways this air can exit your body, so try eating smaller meals more frequently or asking your doctor about an anti-gas remedy.
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4. Itchy Nipples
Your body is preparing for the birth of your baby and that means your nipples are stretching in preparation of breastfeeding. This makes them sensitive, creates a larger space to rub against bras and clothing, and may cause an itching sensation. Keep your nipples moisturized and eliminate any potentially irritating clothing.
5. Break Outs
A pregnant woman’s hormones are usually out of control, just like they were when you were a teenager. While some women experience beautiful, glowing skin, others find that their skin is breaking out just like it did when they were in junior high. Avoid standard acne treatments as it is still unsure how safely they can be used during pregnancy and instead talk to your doctor or dermatologist about healthy, alternative ways to clear up your skin.
6. Crazy Dreams
There are a number of reasons behind the dreams you may be having during pregnancy, but they usually stem from increased feelings of stress and change in hormones, especially when you are pregnant with your first child. Having dreams of car accidents or complicated births are normal, but jot the dreams down in a journal to get them off your mind.
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7. Leaking Breasts
As your body continues to adapt to care for the coming baby, you may experience milk leaking from your breasts. There is little you can do to prevent leakage from happening, but you can pack some extra tissues against your nipples to absorb any leakage that does make its way out.
8. A New Belly Button
Pregnant women anticipate a number of changes in their body when they are pregnant, but a changing belly button is rarely one they consider. The “popping” of the belly button is a last-chance effort in making a little extra room for the baby inside and doesn’t happen until the end of pregnancy. It should return after the baby is born.
9. Constipation
The hormones associated with pregnancy may cause your body to start retaining nutrients rather than passing them through. This may lead to constipation. Combat constipation by upping your fiber.
10. Emptying Bowels During Childbirth
While this isn’t something every woman will experience when giving birth to their child, it is definitely an awkward experience worth talking about. While you’re pushing the baby out, it is possible you will go #2 during birth. It may be an embarrassing experience for you, but it is important to remember the nurses have seen worse.
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