The Things No One Tells You About Pregnancy

Thursday, February 4, 2016
Kim Kardashian recently said that she hated being pregnant. Pregnancy is a beautiful gift, right? You should enjoy the whole experience because the result is well worth it. But was she really so far off the mark? Many women love being pregnant, but even they can recognize that there are some unpleasant moments you have to deal with.
323286273_0181f4b061_z.jpg

A lot of things happen to your body as it plays home to a baby. It's important to acknowledge all the changes that occur and to resist the urge to fight them but rather embrace them. After all, they are temporary. Before you know it, the baby will be here, and you'll be presented with a whole new set of issues and concerns.

Ten things about pregnancy no one tells you:



Your Hair Growth Might Be Out of Whack
You might have heard that pregnancy can make your hair thicker. All those hormones give it a boost, and you could be enjoying a new set of luscious locks. Until it starts to fall out after giving birth, anyway. But what you might not have heard is that the hair on your head isn't the only hair that can grow. Your surplus of hormones can make your facial and body hair go crazy too. You're not likely to start growing a full beard, but your hair can begin to get thicker and darker.

And So Will Your Digestive System
Before your pregnancy, you might have been a little shy about the inner workings of your digestive tract. You probably won't have that problem once you're pregnant. Of all the issues that pregnant women experience, changes to the digestive system are probably the most common issues for most women. I had never had heartburn until my first pregnancy. Certain foods sent my digestive system into a tailspin. I was never without antacids. Find out how to keep your tummy healthy during pregnancy at www.mayoclinic.org.


You Might Start Drooling
Another weird thing your body can do is start producing more saliva, which could result in drooling. No one's really sure why this happens. But suffice to say you should be prepared to become Drooly McDroolerson. Waking up with a damp pillow can become a regular occurrence, and not just from all the hormonal tears. Unfortunately, it doesn't just happen at night either. Be ready to produce a bit more spittle during the day too.


You Can Get Hot Flashes
It turns out the hot flashes aren't just for menopause. If you thought you had another couple of decades at least before you had to experience them, think again. If you read the guide at www.mum.info, you can find out why they occur, what they feel like, and what you can do about them. You might be used to dealing with them, as some women do get them during their period. Even if you're not, you should have some preferred coping methods for keeping cool. I was lucky to never have had hot flashes during my pregnancy.


You Won't Be Able to See Anything Down Below
Yes, ladies, pregnancy can change your whole body. You might not have heard it before, but it can cause all sorts of swelling on your lower extremities. It can be painful and uncomfortable, but there are some ways to alleviate the swelling. Lying down may be helpful, but then you have to be prepared to get up again. Another problem is that won't able to see beyond your protruding belly, making shaving your legs and bikini area next to impossible. This might be a blessing in some ways, but it also means you can't keep things neat and tidy down there.


Morning Sickness Isn't Just for Mornings
Everyone knows about morning sickness. Feeling nauseated in the mornings but fine by lunchtime? Pregnant, obviously. But not everyone is so happy to let you know that it doesn't just happen in the morning. Not only that, but it doesn't always end with the first trimester either. Some women experience it throughout their pregnancy. A few even have to suffer with hyperemesis gravidarum, the condition that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge is well known for. You can read more about the condition at www.healthline.com.


You'll Get Kicked in Unpleasant Places
Aw, the baby is moving about. It's super cute - until they kick, punch or roll into you in the wrong place. There are some valuable organs in there, and they all have to move around to make room for the baby. They also have to be ready to take a pulverizing. Prepare to take a hand, foot, or elbow to your bladder, cervix, and various other body parts.


You Have to Watch Your Shoe Size
Never mind getting back to your pre-pregnancy clothes size. What about your shoe size? Everything swells up during pregnancy, and your feet are no exception. But aside from the swelling, your feet also spread. The swelling will go away when you've had your little one, but the spreading will stick around. Some women may have to bid a fond farewell to a fabulous shoe collection.


You'll Want to Nap - And Then You Won't, And Then You Will
Growing a human is a lot of hard work, and you're going to want to sleep. The first trimester can be especially taxing, and you'll struggle to stay awake. But by the second trimester, many women find they've got energy to spare. You might find yourself trying to get a lot done before bed. By the time you hit the third trimester, your body is doing a lot of work carrying a significant weight and still growing a baby. Your mind might feel motivated, but your body will be exhausted. My first pregnancy was a piece of cake. I wasn't tired and had energy to give away. However, my second pregnancy was a completely different story. I slept half of it away.


You Won't Be Prepared for the Aftermath
It's not all that common to hear about what your body does post-pregnancy. You might have heard plenty about the sleepless nights and caring for your new bundle of joy. But few people tell you about the four to six weeks of postpartum healing and recovery. It occurs whether you had a vaginal birth or Cesarean, and is a necessary physical process for your body. It won't always be pleasant, but remembering that it's temporary will help get you through it.

No comments