What to REALLY Expect When You're Expecting
The Unexpected Things You May Encounter During Pregnancy: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)
Pregnancy is often described as one of the most exciting, beautiful, and transformative experiences in life. While many aspects of pregnancy are well-known, such as morning sickness, weight gain, and cravings, there are many other unexpected things you may encounter along the way. Some may come as a surprise, and others may be a bit uncomfortable, but all are part of the journey to motherhood.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the lesser-known aspects of pregnancy that might catch you off guard, offering helpful tips for how to manage them.
1. "Morning" Sickness... Anytime of the Day (or Night)
Many people associate nausea and vomiting with the morning hours, but in reality, morning sickness can strike at any time of day. You may feel fine in the morning only to be hit with nausea by mid-afternoon or even at night. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the increase in hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), are often to blame for this uncomfortable symptom.
Tip: Keep crackers or a light snack by your bed to nibble on before getting up. Staying hydrated and avoiding strong smells can also help reduce nausea.
2. Increased Sensitivity to Smells
You may suddenly develop a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy. Scents that never bothered you before—such as perfumes, foods, or even your partner’s cologne—can become overwhelming or even cause nausea.
Tip: Try to avoid strong-smelling environments if possible. Open windows to keep the air fresh, and consider using an air purifier. If certain smells make you ill, let your partner or others know so they can help reduce the scent exposure.
3. Crazy Pregnancy Dreams
It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience vivid, strange, or even bizarre dreams. Hormonal shifts and physical changes, such as interrupted sleep patterns, may contribute to this.
Tip: If pregnancy dreams are affecting your sleep quality, try to maintain a relaxing bedtime routine. Meditation or calming teas (such as chamomile) may help you sleep better and reduce the intensity of vivid dreams.
4. Changes in Skin and Hair
Pregnancy can have surprising effects on your skin and hair. Some women experience a "pregnancy glow," with dewy, radiant skin, while others deal with breakouts or darker pigmentation spots (commonly referred to as the "mask of pregnancy"). Your hair may grow faster or feel thicker due to hormonal changes, but you may also experience more hair shedding post-delivery.
Tip: Hydrate and keep your skin moisturized to manage dryness and stretch marks. If you're dealing with acne or skin pigmentation changes, talk to your doctor about safe skincare options during pregnancy.
5. Strange Food Cravings (and Aversions)
Pregnancy cravings are famous, but what’s less talked about are food aversions. You might suddenly find yourself unable to stomach foods that you once loved or develop cravings for unusual combinations, like pickles and ice cream. These cravings and aversions are often linked to hormonal changes and could also be your body’s way of signaling a nutritional need.
Tip: If your cravings are for unhealthy foods, try to balance them with healthier options. If you have strong food aversions, try not to force yourself to eat foods that make you feel sick. Listen to your body’s needs.
6. Increased Vaginal Discharge
It’s perfectly normal to experience an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. However, if the discharge has a foul odor, becomes green or yellow, or is accompanied by itching or discomfort, it could be a sign of an infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
Tip: Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid scented products that could irritate the vaginal area. Always discuss any unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider to rule out infections or other conditions.
7. Heartburn and Indigestion
As your pregnancy progresses, you may start to experience heartburn or indigestion. This can happen because the growing uterus presses against your stomach, causing acid to back up into the esophagus. Hormones, like progesterone, also relax the muscles of the digestive tract, slowing digestion and leading to discomfort.
Tip: Try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, and avoid spicy, greasy, or acidic foods. Sleeping propped up on pillows may also help reduce nighttime heartburn.
8. Swollen Feet and Ankles
Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs is a common pregnancy symptom, especially during the third trimester. The weight of your growing uterus, along with hormonal changes, can cause fluid retention. While this is usually harmless, it can be uncomfortable.
Tip: Elevate your feet whenever possible, and avoid standing for long periods. Wearing comfortable shoes and drinking plenty of water can help your body maintain a healthy fluid balance.
9. The "Pregnancy Waddle"
As your baby grows and your center of gravity shifts, you may notice that your walk starts to change. The famous "pregnancy waddle" happens as your pelvis adjusts to accommodate the growing baby. This can become more pronounced as you near your due date.
Tip: Stay active and practice good posture. While the waddle might be unavoidable, maintaining a regular exercise routine (with your doctor’s approval) can help strengthen the muscles that support your pelvis and lower back.
10. Mood Swings and Emotional Roller Coaster
Pregnancy hormones are powerful, and they can affect your emotions in ways you might not expect. From moments of unexpected tears to feeling overly sensitive, mood swings are a common experience during pregnancy. You might find yourself feeling emotional even over small things.
Tip: Talk to your partner about your feelings and be patient with yourself. If mood swings feel overwhelming or are causing distress, consider speaking with a counselor or your doctor for support.
11. Leaky Breasts
Long before your baby is born, your body begins preparing for breastfeeding. This may involve your breasts leaking small amounts of colostrum (the first milk) during pregnancy. It’s not unusual to notice a few droplets on your shirt or bra.
Tip: You may want to wear breast pads to absorb any leaks and keep your clothes dry. Don’t worry—this is a completely normal part of your pregnancy journey.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a unique and personal experience, and no two pregnancies are alike. While some of the things you encounter might be unexpected or even a little uncomfortable, they’re all part of the process of growing and nurturing a new life. Keep in mind that many of these symptoms are temporary and will subside after birth, but always check with your healthcare provider if anything feels concerning.
Medical Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your pregnancy, please consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.