Pregnancy brings many changes as your body adapts to support a new life. While some shifts, like a growing belly, fuller breasts and morning sickness, are expected, there are also surprising (and sometimes strange) changes you might not anticipate.
It can be difficult to tell what’s normal and what’s not when so many changes are happening at once. With the help of Robin Giles, a certified obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioner with Banner – University Medicine, we’ll look at some of the less expected – but all normal – side effects of pregnancy and when to talk to your health care provider.
1. Skin changes
Alongside the “pregnancy glow” you may experience, you may also notice other skin changes over the next nine months.
“Some pregnant people may notice melasma (dark patches on the face) stretch marks or a linea nigra (a line down the front of your belly or abdomen that darkens with hormone shifts),” Giles said.
Stretch marks may appear pink, red, yellow or brown and most often show up on your belly, thighs, hips, butt and breasts as your skin stretches. Melasma, also known as the mask of pregnancy, usually appears on your face.
What you can do: Stretch marks can happen when your skin pulls apart quickly with rapid weight gain or weight loss. One way you can help prevent them is to focus on healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Your health care provider can guide you on how much weight to gain.
The good news is that some stretch marks and skin discoloration can fade after pregnancy. However, if you have concerns after your baby arrives, talk to your provider.
2. Mood swings
If you seem more short-tempered or emotional than usual, pregnancy hormones could be to blame. Mood swings are very common during pregnancy.
“Estrogen and progesterone are on the rise throughout pregnancy, as are less-heard-of hormones such as relaxin, hCG, hPL and prolactin,” Giles said. “Each hormone has a unique role in supporting a successful pregnancy and delivery, but these changes can make you cry when you are happy, sad or anything in between.”
What you can do: Talk about your feelings with supportive friends, family or a licensed therapist. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help manage stress.
Talk to your health care provider if your feelings and emotions begin to interfere with your life. Depression and anxiety can happen in pregnancy and it is very important to get treatment. Pregnancy is not a happy time for everyone and it’s OK to seek help.
3. Feeling flushed
Your blood volume increases by up to 50% during pregnancy, which can make you feel warmer and may give your skin a flushed appearance.
What you can do: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to keep cool. If you feel overly warm or experience swelling, let your provider know.
4. Sensitive teeth and gums
If you notice blood while brushing your teeth, don’t be surprised.
“Gums may bleed during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that increase blood flow and sensitivity in the gums,” Giles said. “This can lead to inflammation known as pregnancy gingivitis.”
What you can do: Good oral hygiene is important during pregnancy. Brush your teeth regularly, floss and continue to see a dentist for regular dental care.
5. Increased sense of smell
“Some pregnant people have a heightened sense of smell and gag reflex, especially early on in pregnancy,” Giles said.
A surge in estrogen can supercharge your sense of smell, making everyday odors more intense. You may gag or feel nauseous as a result.
What you can do: Try to avoid strong scents and focus on fresh air. Using unscented products at home may also help.
6. Swelling in unexpected places
While swollen feet are common, pregnancy can cause swelling in other surprising places, such as your hands and face, due to fluid retention.
What you can do: Elevate your feet when sitting and try to limit salt intake to help reduce swelling. Wear compression socks to improve circulation and ward off varicose veins.
Call your health care provider immediately if you experience sudden or excessive swelling, along with other symptoms. While some swelling is normal, it also can be a sign of preeclampsia.
7. Bigger feet … sometimes permanently
“Some pregnant people may notice their foot size and width increases as their body accommodates physiologically,” Giles said. In some cases, the change in size may be permanent.
What you can do: If your feet don’t return to their pre-pregnancy size after your baby’s birth, it may be a good excuse to buy yourself some new shoes!
8. Shortness of breath
“As the baby and uterus grow and take up more space, they push against your diaphragm (under your rib cage), making it more difficult to take deep breaths,” Giles said.
What you can do: You should find it easier to breathe as your baby “drops” lower into your pelvis as you near childbirth. In the meantime, practice good posture to help create more space for your lungs.
Call your provider if you feel short of breath and it seems to get worse or if it happens with pain, coughing, wheezing or heart palpitations.
9. Trouble sleeping
Many pregnant people struggle to sleep well – especially toward the end of their pregnancy. As your belly gets bigger, it can be hard to find a comfortable position. You might also deal with heartburn that wakes you up at night. You may need to get up often to use the bathroom. Or maybe strange or vivid dreams are keeping you up.
What you can do: To help with sleep, try creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Sleep on your side with pillows for extra support. If heartburn is a problem, avoid large meals before bed and try propping up your head with an extra pillow. Consider using apps like Calm or Insight Timer for guided meditation or deep breathing exercises.
If you’re still having trouble sleeping, talk to your health care provider about safe medication or supplements you can take to help you sleep.
10. Fourth trimester: Postpartum changes
Changes continue in the fourth trimester (the first few months after birth) as your body recovers. “Just as the body changed to promote the pregnancy, so does it now to return to the new normal state,” says Giles.
You may feel extremely tired as you adjust to caring for your newborn. Your breasts may also become sore as they engorge with milk. Vaginal bleeding is also normal for the first six to eight weeks postpartum.
What you can do: To cope with fatigue, try to rest whenever you can, even if it's just for short periods. Accept help from friends or family to lighten your load. For breast pain, use warm compresses before nursing and cold packs afterward to relieve discomfort. Monitor your bleeding and contact your health care provider if you experience heavy bleeding, pain or fever.
Pay attention to your moods and look out for baby blues, which is common in the first two weeks after delivery as your hormones adjust back to normal. If symptoms continue, however, talk to your provider about treatment and support for postpartum depression.
Takeaway
Pregnancy is a unique experience filled with ups and downs and a few surprises. By staying informed and maintaining open lines of communication with your health care provider, partner and support system, you can more easily navigate these changes.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and it’s perfectly okay to seek help when you need it. Embrace the ride and take it one day at a time!
