Your Pregnant Body – 6 Things They Don’t Tell You

You’re probably reading this because you’re pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, and you have a lot of questions. You might be wondering about all those things your friends and family members told you about pregnancy—but odds are, they left out a few things.

Don’t worry, we’re here to fill you in on the 6 things they don’t tell you about your pregnant body.

The Reality of Weight Gain

You’re probably expecting to put on a few pounds when you’re pregnant, but did you know that the average woman gains between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy? That is a great deal of weight to acquire in only nine months!

Of course, how much you gain depends on a lot of factors, including your pre-pregnancy weight and diet. But no matter what, you can expect to see a noticeable change in your body size and shape during pregnancy. Just be prepared to go up a few clothing sizes, and don’t be too surprised if your favorite jeans no longer fit by the end.

Striate and Stretch Marks

So you’re pregnant, congratulations! You’re probably starting to notice some changes in your body by now. One of the most well-known is the advancement of stretch imprints, otherwise called striate.

Stretch imprints are markings that can happen when the skin extends quickly, for example, during pregnancy, adolescence or weight gain. They often appear as red, purple or white lines on the skin. While they may not always be cosmetically appealing, they’re usually harmless and usually fade over time.

If you’re worried about developing stretch marks, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. Keeping your skin well-hydrated is key, as is using a good moisturizer. Avoiding sudden weight gain can also help. If you already have stretch marks, using a moisturizer specifically for them can help keep them from getting worse.

Read More: When You Realize Yourself as a Parent

Nausea and Morning Sickness

You might experience nausea and morning sickness, which can range from mild (nausea only in the morning) to severe (nausea all day, every day).

While the exact cause of nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy is unknown, it’s thought to be related to changes in hormone levels. Some women find that eating bland foods helps, while others find that ginger ale or ginger candies help to ease their symptoms.

Swelling and Water Retention

One thing no one ever told you about pregnancy is the sheer amount of swelling and water retention you can experience. Your hands, arms, and feet may swell as your body adjusts to the extra fluids it needs to support your baby. Some women may find the swelling goes away after a few weeks but for others it can last the entire pregnancy.

It might seem odd, but trust me—it’s totally normal! It’s caused by hormones released during pregnancy that cause your feet and ankles to retain water, and these same hormones also decrease circulation and cause inflammation.

Your doctor might suggest elevating your legs during rest as well as drinking plenty of water to help reduce swelling. You should also avoid standing or sitting in one place for too long. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and socks (or stockings) with a bit of extra room so you don’t feel constricted. And most importantly, take any breaks you need!

Frequent Urination

You might have heard that you’ll experience frequent urination when you’re pregnant, but what they don’t tell you is that the urge to pee might be pretty overwhelming. The pressure on your bladder increases as your baby grows, and it can make it feel like you need to head to the loo every five minutes.

It may be especially acute in the middle of the night, so don’t be surprised if you have to get up multiple times to go. And because your body loses more fluids during pregnancy, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day, so that your bladder isn’t constantly full. Make sure you always keep a bottle of water or glass of juice nearby!

Changes in Hair, Skin and Nails

One of the changes to your body during pregnancy that you might not expect is the changes happening to your hair, skin and nails. This can include hair growing faster and thicker, locks becoming limp and lifeless, breakout skin, and nails becoming dry and brittle.

It’s common for women to experience hormonally-induced acne throughout the pregnancy. This can be an unwelcome surprise for some women, so it’s important to be prepared. When it comes to skincare products, make sure you use hypoallergenic and gentle products if possible. It’s also a good idea to look into products specifically designed for acne-prone pregnant skin.

Your nails may grow faster too—but make sure you keep them trimmed and clean when using lotion or hand sanitizer as they can easily become brittle during pregnancy. Hair may also look fuller because of increased blood volume during pregnancy. Don’t worry—it will go back to normal after a while after giving birth!

Conclusion:

So what do you need to know? Mainly, that your pregnant body is incredible, and there’s a lot going on that you can’t see. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the changes your body is going through so that you can be prepared for them.