Pregnancy is one of the most enchanting experiences in life—and it’s full of surprises, especially if you’re going through it for the first time. You may have heard about the cons like morning sickness, cravings, and mood swings, but there’s so much more going on below the surface that nobody really forewarns you about. From spontaneous overnight bodily alterations that seem to happen out of the blue to the unexpected mood swings, pregnancy is indeed a rollercoaster ride.
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Now coming back to the topic at hand: whether you’re just embarking on the pregnancy journey or already several months in, here are 10 unexpected things that will surprise you—but are all part of the amazing process towards parenthood.
1. Your Sense of Smell Might Get Super Strong
During pregnancy, hormone levels in the body change a lot. These changes can affect your sense of smell. In fact, many women notice that their sense of smell becomes much stronger, especially in the first few months of pregnancy. This is called hyperosmia.
If you’re more sensitive to smells, you might also feel more nauseous. For example, the smell of certain foods, perfumes, or cleaning products might suddenly feel too strong or make you feel sick.
The good news is that this strong sense of smell usually goes away after the baby is born, once your hormones go back to normal.
2. You May Start to Hate Certain Foods
Food aversions are when a pregnant woman feels strongly turned off by certain foods and avoids eating them. This is one of the most common changes women experience during pregnancy. Some smells or tastes that were fine before pregnancy may suddenly feel unpleasant or even make a woman feel sick.
The most common foods that pregnant women avoid include coffee or tea (with caffeine), meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. In some areas, foods like cereals and enset (a local food) are also commonly avoided.
It’s important for pregnant women to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy and help their baby grow well. If certain foods are hard to eat, it’s a good idea to find healthy alternatives and talk to a healthcare provider or nutritionist for help.
3. You Might Feel Tired All the Time
Feeling very tired is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. It usually happens because your body is making more of a hormone called progesterone, which not just supports your pregnancy—but also makes you feel sleepy and low on energy.
This tiredness is most common in the first trimester (the first 12 weeks). For many women, the feeling of constant tiredness gets better in the second trimester (after week 13). But comes right back in the third trimester, as your body gets ready for birth and carries extra weight.
It’s important to rest when you need to, eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of water to help with fatigue during pregnancy.
4. Pregnancy Brain Is Real
Pregnancy doesn’t just change your body—but your mind as well. Many women feel more spaced out or forgetful, something colloquially referred to as “pregnancy brain” or “baby brain.” Effects like these are due to shifting hormone levels. They become most visible in the third trimester.
During pregnancy, parts of the brain that manage memory, mood, and decision-making can actually shrink a bit. This is believed to allow mothers to focus more on getting to know their baby. These changes are likely to reverse after delivery.
5. You Could Experience Strange Dreams
Pregnant women also tend to complain of having more vivid, detailed dreams and more intense feelings in their dreams. Some report nightmares or anxious dreams, particularly if they are stressed or worried about the baby. Another change that is common is the ability to remember dreams more clearly, perhaps because pregnancy tends to awaken women more frequently at night. These changes are brought about mainly due to hormones, mood swings, and lighter sleep during pregnancy. The good news is that this is completely normal and you’ll feel more like yourself once the baby arrives.
6. Your Skin Might Change
During pregnancy, your skin can change in different ways. Stretch marks often appear as your belly grows, but they usually fade after birth. You might also notice a dark line on your belly (linea nigra) and dark patches on your face (melasma), which go away after pregnancy. Your skin may have a “pregnancy glow” due to extra blood flow and oil production.
Some women get acne or oily skin from hormone changes, and varicose veins or spider veins might appear on the legs or face. Dry, itchy skin is also common as your skin stretches, but moisturizing can help. You may also develop skin tags or notice darkening of freckles and moles. Most of these changes are temporary and will go away after you have your baby.
7. Your Body Will Start Producing More Fluids
During pregnancy, the body experiences an increase in various fluids, including amniotic fluid, blood, and vaginal discharge. Amniotic fluid, in particular, increases as the baby grows, surrounding and protecting the fetus. This clear or light yellow fluid cushions the baby, preventing injury and allowing it to move freely, which is essential for developing muscles and bones. It also helps regulate the baby’s temperature and supports the development of the digestive and respiratory systems.
However, if there is an increase in amniotic fluid, known as polyhydramnios, it can signal potential issues such as problems with the baby’s swallowing or conditions like diabetes in the mother. Too much fluid may cause discomfort or complications, leading your healthcare provider to monitor your pregnancy more closely. On the other hand, while an increase in fluid is normal, maintaining balanced levels is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Regular check-ups and ultrasounds help ensure that the fluid levels are within a safe range for both the mother and the baby.
8. Your Emotions May Be All Over the Place
Emotional changes are a common part of pregnancy, and many women experience mood swings or heightened emotions. This can be frustrating, especially for those who aren’t typically very emotional. It’s important to remember that these emotional shifts are normal and are influenced by both internal and external factors, and are not a sign of being “moody” or “crazy.”
One of the main reasons for these emotional changes is the increase in pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone and estrogen. These hormones can affect your emotions and how your brain processes them. While this is completely normal, if you feel intense emotional instability, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.
9. You Might Notice Bigger Feet
Swelling in the feet is a common issue during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages when the growing uterus puts extra pressure on the legs and feet. This pressure can reduce circulation and cause fluid buildup, leading to swelling. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that may help reduce swelling. Elevating the feet on pillows while sleeping, avoiding standing for long periods, and staying hydrated can all help improve circulation and reduce fluid retention.
While mild swelling is normal, it’s important to watch for signs of more serious conditions, such as sudden swelling, severe pain, or swelling in just one leg. These could be signs of conditions like preeclampsia or deep vein thrombosis, and you should contact a doctor if you experience them. Regular check-ups and paying attention to your body’s signals can help ensure that both you and your baby stay healthy throughout your pregnancy.
10. You’ll Start Planning in Ways You Never Expected
From baby names to birth plans and long-term health decisions like stem cell banking, pregnancy often brings out the planner in you. Many parents now choose to bank their baby’s stem cells as a way to protect their child’s health in the future. It’s a thoughtful step during this exciting time. If you are a parent-to-be considering stem cell banking options for your little one, visit www.lifecell.in to know more.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, pregnancy brings many surprises, like mood swings, swollen feet, and skin changes. These mood swings are normal due to hormone changes, but taking care of yourself—by staying hydrated, resting, and managing stress—can help. While some discomfort is common, talking to your doctor for that added dose of assurance.