Your pregnant body - 20 things they didn’t tell you about
So, you’re pregnant. Congratulations! Now, prepare yourself for the magical journey of growing a tiny human inside you. It’s like having a houseguest who redecorates without asking and insists on cooking pungent dishes at 2 AM. Here are 20 delightful surprises they didn’t tell you about your pregnant body, and why they happen. Spoiler alert: hormones are to blame for basically everything.
1. You May Have Sore Boobs
Why: Increased hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, cause the breast tissue to grow and prepare for milk production. This can make your breasts feel sore and tender.
2. Your Nipples May Protrude and Your Areolas May Darken
Why: Hormonal changes cause increased pigmentation and changes in the nipples and areolas, preparing them for breastfeeding.
3. You May Have Extra Spit
Why: Hormonal changes can increase saliva production. It's nature’s quirky way of keeping your mouth moist, but it can be annoying.
4. You May Be Constipated
Why: Pregnancy hormones slow down the digestive system, allowing more time for nutrients to be absorbed. Unfortunately, this also means your intestines take longer to move things along.
5. You Might Get Hemorrhoids
Why: Increased pressure from your growing uterus and the strain of constipation can cause these painful swollen veins in your rectal area.
6. You May Be Congested
Why: Higher levels of estrogen increase blood flow to the mucous membranes in your nose, causing them to swell and produce more mucus.
7. You May Have Heartburn
Why: Pregnancy hormones relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to leak upwards, causing that burning sensation.
8. You Might Suffer From Leg Cramps
Why: The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed to be related to changes in circulation and the increased pressure on your legs from carrying extra weight.
9. You Might Get Restless Leg Syndrome
Why: Pregnancy can affect iron levels and circulation, contributing to this urge to move your legs, especially at night.
10. You Might Get Sweaty
Why: Increased metabolism and hormonal changes raise your body temperature, causing you to sweat more to cool down.
11. You Might Break Out in Acne
Why: Hormones stimulate oil glands in your skin, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
12. Your Feet Might Get Bigger
Why: Relaxin, a pregnancy hormone, loosens the ligaments in your body, including those in your feet, which can cause them to spread and increase in size.
13. You Might Wet Your Pants
Why: The added pressure from your growing uterus on your bladder and the relaxation of pelvic muscles can lead to accidental leaks, especially when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.
14. Your Gums May Bleed
Why: Increased blood flow and hormonal changes make your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding during brushing or flossing.
15. You Might Suffer From Itchy Skin
Why: As your skin stretches to accommodate your growing belly, it can become dry and itchy. Hormonal changes can also contribute to this irritation.
16. You Might Have a Keener Sense of Smell
Why: Elevated estrogen levels can heighten your sense of smell, making you more sensitive to odors you never noticed before.
17. You Might Have Bad Gas
Why: Progesterone relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract, slowing down digestion and causing gas to build up.
18. Your Skin Pigment May Change
Why: Hormones stimulate an increase in melanin production, leading to darker patches of skin, also known as melasma or the "mask of pregnancy."
19. Your Vaginal Discharge May Change
Why: Increased estrogen levels and blood flow to the vaginal area result in more discharge, which helps prevent infections.
20. You Might Get Skin Tags
Why: Skin tags are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased friction on the skin from weight gain.
Pregnancy is a wild ride, full of surprises that no one tells you about. But hey, at least now you’re prepared—or at least more entertained. Just remember, when in doubt, blame the hormones! Hang in there, mama! If you need extra support to just someone to complain to that get it - join the club!
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