15 Things No One Tells You About Pregnancy

If you’ve shared your pregnancy news, most likely you’ve been told congratulations more than you can count quickly followed by either some pregnancy and birth horror stories or advice. 

People love giving advice and we all learn this oh so quickly during pregnancy, birth and parenting.

​Hang tight! 

​I’d love to say it will soon stop but this is only the beginning. The hope is that you’ll get used to it or learn some slightly snarky responses ;) 

We don’t want to add to the mounds and mounds of advice so we thought we would share some more helpful information…

15 pregnancy symptoms that no one told you:

1. Charlie horses: No one likes these. If you experience this horrific pain in your calves, try standing on the leg that is causing problems. If standing isn’t an option, try pointing (or forcing) your toes toward your knee. 
   
2. Swelling: Extreme swelling can be a red flag so we advise our labor doula clients to have a conversation with their provider if they notice swelling in the hands, feet and face especially. Some degree of swelling is normal with pregnancy. This comes as a result of increased fluid retention in the body and increased blood volume. 
   
3. Varicose veins: During pregnancy the woman’s blood volume will increase dramatically, resulting in more pressure on the veins. This can cause varicose veins. To find relief from this try changing positions, avoid crossing legs while sitting, and elevate the legs when possible. 
   
4. Hair retention & nail growth: Pregnancy hair. It is thick and luscious. During pregnancy, the hair life cycle pauses and typically there is significantly less hair loss. Sometimes women don’t notice a change and that’s okay. Nail growth will also speed up. Both these things are due to hormonal changes in the body and hopefully are a good thing… until it all falls out around 4 months postpartum. We will talk about that another time.  
   
5. Itchy skin: As your skin stretches it may itch. Itching may also be caused by the hormonal changes in your body. Try to avoid hot baths or showers as this will dry out your skin, making the itching worse. If you notice severe itching, especially on your palms, tell your care provider. Oatmeal baths and remoisturizing with lotion may help. 
   
6. Fuzzy hair all over the belly: This is linked to the hormonal changes that cause greater hair retention resulting in thicker locks. The “fuzz” on the belly should go away shortly after the baby is born. 
   
7. Linea Nigra from navel down to pubic area: This dark line extending from the belly button to the pubic bone may appear during pregnancy as two major hormones in pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone will also affect skin pigmentation. This could also impact the coloration in the areolas, nipples, birthmarks, freckles etc.  
   
8. Your abdominal muscles may separate: This may seem obvious as the baby is doing everything possible to fit in a small space, but catches many expecting women off guard. It does not happen to every pregnant person and the degree of separation varies. If you notice a dip in the center of your lower abdomen after the baby is born, extending from your belly button, ask your provider to check for this. We have some awesome physical therapists in Bellingham who can help with this common postpartum issue. 
   
9. Constant trips to the bathroom: It may feel like you go pee every 5 minutes or just always feel the need to pee. Many women experience this most noticeably during the first and third trimesters. During the first trimester it is mainly due to hormonal changes. During the third trimester, the weight of the baby is directly pressing on your bladder, limiting its capacity and stimulating the stretch receptors that tell your brain that you need to empty your bladder. 
   
10. Your ribs or other areas may feel bruised: This will be most prominent during late pregnancy when the baby is pressed for space as they grow to their birth size. Many babies will settle into one favorite position and continually press on the same parts of the maternal body, causing bruises or sore spots that are hard to find relief for. 
    
11. Areola and nipple changes: The areolas (the area surrounding the nipple) and the nipples will change during pregnancy, especially as the third trimester approaches. The nipples and areolas will become darker in color and often larger as your hormone production signals your body to prepare for breastfeeding.  
    
12. Light spotting after sex: Your cervix is very sensitive and may bleed when disrupted by things such as sex. Make sure to talk to your provider if you notice this and take note of the amount of blood. 
    
13. Pregnant “glow” may resemble acne: There is actual evidence that the pregnant “glow” is actually a biological thing! Hormones once again are the culprit here as they lead to an increase in oil production and blood volume. The acne should decrease after the first trimester as this is when these hormones are working their hardest. 
    
14. You have a built in furnace: This is partially due to the increase blood volume. Your body is working hard to grow another human! Your blood vessels become slightly larger and move closer to the skin, resulting in feeling warm. Hang in there!  
    
15. Nosebleeds: As your blood volume increases there is more pressure on your blood vessels and they are more likely to break, resulting in a nosebleed. Minor nosebleeds are usually nothing to worry about but if you experience them frequently or if they will not stop, make sure to seek medical attention. 
    

If you’re pregnant and have not experienced some or all of these things, you’ve been warned now! 

In our birth class we cover these pregnancy symptoms and ways to ease the discomfort associated with them. 

Skagit Valley! We have been listening and are now teaching our birth class in Mount Vernon! Check out our services page for our upcoming class schedule. 

The hope is that you don’t deal with all of these issues, but if you do and have a way that you have worked around it, let us know your trick in the comments! We’re always looking for new ways to help our clients deal with the struggles and discomforts of pregnancy.