Mood swings, swollen ankles, and unusual food cravings are common associations to pregnancy. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s dive into what being pregnant carries.
Regardless of how challenging it sounds, it’s totally worth it!
Lack of Focus
During pregnancy, your body, as well as your mind, undergo many changes which are in a cause-and-effect relationship. You may feel physically tired, unable to concentrate, and forgetful.
However, there’s nothing to be concerned about because even when you are rested, you may wonder what you came for when you enter a room. This condition is also called a pregnancy brain.
The reason it happens is the shifted focus. Your baby is your number one priority and everything you can think about. That’s normal, and there’s no need to stress over it. Instead, get a nice notebook to write down your day-to-day tasks, such as doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or paying the bills.
The Possibility of Experiencing Constipation, Hemorrhoids, and Varicose Veins
Many women struggle with constipation during pregnancy. You can experience it at any stage, but it’s most common in the third trimester as the uterus puts pressure on the large intestine, making it harder to have a bowel movement.
You can prevent constipation with adequate physical activity and nutrition that comprises whole grains, fruits, vegetables (essentially fiber-rich produce), and increased liquid intake, primarily water. Building and maintaining healthy habits during pregnancy can also protect you from severe conditions such as HELLP syndrome.
Another undesired but unfortunately common situation pregnant women deal with is hemorrhoids – swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. The pain caused by hemorrhoids is followed by bleeding and itching during and/or after BM (bowel movement). Prevention is the key when it comes to hemorrhoids – exercise, adequate diet, and hydration.
Seek advice from your healthcare provider regarding the extra steps to reduce the discomfort.
Varicose veins are also common in pregnancy. They usually disappear after you give birth. Still, be proactive and try to prevent them by raising your legs while sitting, using compression socks, opting for comfortable clothes, and balancing sitting and standing periods.
Changes: Skin, Hair, and Nails
Aside from the pregnancy brain, there’s also the mask of pregnancy – yellowish or brownish patches that appear on the skin, usually the face. Formal terms for these skin changes are chloasma or melasma. Acne is common, as well.
The body produces more pigment during pregnancy, which can result in hyperpigmentation of particular body parts, such as nipples. The existing freckles and moles can become bigger and darker. A dark line, called linea nigra, can appear in the middle of the abdomen.
As every pregnancy is unique, so are the changes that occur during those nine months. Your hair may grow faster and fall out less during pregnancy. Also, you can notice a change in color.
Nails undergo similar changes. While pregnancy hormones can make your nails stronger and speed up their growth, they can also be more prone to splitting and breaking. Whatever the case, it’s not permanent.
Bra Size Varies
The two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are responsible for your breast growing bigger in the first trimester of pregnancy. And that’s not the end. Your breasts will change in size several times before you give birth.
Interestingly, during some periods, your breasts could get smaller. And again, bigger. These changes in size will occur in the postpartum period, as well.
Breasts are not the only reason you’ll have to change bra size. Your chest size will also change during pregnancy due to the increase in your lung capacity that comes from your body’s need to get more oxygen necessary for you and the baby.
The Awakening of the Nesting Instinct
With the due date around the corner, the urge to clean every corner of your household may arise. You want to make everything perfect, nice, and tidy. However, bear in mind your condition, and don’t pressure yourself.
Instead, ask your loved ones, friends, and family to help you assemble the crib or paint the walls in the baby’s room. Purchase some decorations and bring in fresh flowers. There will be time for DIY projects.
Pregnancy is a life-changing event for every woman. It’s complex and overwhelming, but it can be the most fulfilling with an adequate support system and healthy self-care and self-love.
Pregnancy Brain: One Of The Major Impacts Of Pregnancy
Are you pregnant, and do you keep forgetting essential things? It’s pregnancy brain that is making you suffer big time. A particular reason behind this brain condition has not been identified yet. However, your sleeping pattern and entire lifestyle change during your pregnancy.
If we try to figure out the following factors can be the reason behind pregnancy brain.
- Not being able to sleep at night
- Changes in the body
- Anxiety
- Lack of family and social support
- Exhaustion
If anyone suffers from a pregnancy brain, she needs proper care as her forgetful nature can have a major impact on her day-to-day life. She may feel frustrated at times, not being able to manage the way she wants.
However, as a pregnant woman, you are going to enter into a different phase of your life. So, try to cope with your overwhelming feelings.
You Develop A Bigger Heart
Figuratively and in reality! With the growing nesting feeling, you become more loving and caring as a person. Further, physiologically, your heart becomes bigger so that it can pump more oxygen for the baby in your womb.
To maintain the extra flow of oxygen in your body, the blood flow in your body also increases. Your bigger heart can handle this increased volume of blood in your body at this stage, and it ensures that all parts of your body receive enough blood flow and oxygen supply.
If the heart did not become bigger after you being pregnant, you would have felt faster and harder heartbeats. The feeling would have been the same as exercising. Faster heartbeats for a prolonged span can affect the functionality and well-being of your other organs.
In addition, it will not be a nice experience to feel like exercising throughout your pregnancy journey. You will feel exhausted after a point of time.
You Notice A Change In Your Sense Of Smell
A change in the sense of smell is one of the first things that indicate a woman being pregnant. Suppose you have a favorite perfume and you have been using it for the longest time. You may start hating that smell and even feel pukish at the onset of your pregnancy.
Similarly, you might have hated some fish or the smell of some objects earlier. You may start loving it. These incidents are very common during your pregnancy journey, and they happen very rapidly.
Doctors and researchers believe that the change in the sense of smell is a natural mechanism of our bodies to stay away from harmful food and objects that may cause damage to the fetus.
So, blessings in disguise, indeed!
Final Words
Being pregnant brings massive changes in your mind and body. These changes are weird and extensive, as you can see from many Google searches. Further, the changes you notice in your body and mind may not be similar to other mommies-to-be.
So, embrace the journey, and if the changes cause you any form of discomfort, you must consult your doctor immediately.
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