Most go into pregnancy with certain expectations that are a total misrepresentation of the entire development. You might associate pregnancy with morning sickness, cravings, irritability, and weight gain. Now I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t some truth to these expectations, but it does extend further than these assertions. There's a lot that might catch you off guard. Even as someone who works in the field, I find myself taken aback at times.
1.Morning Sickness Isn't Limited to Mornings: Brace yourself, ladies, because morning sickness can strike at any time of the day. It might even stick around for the entire duration of your pregnancy in the form of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and you can have this with or without metabolic disturbance or loss of appetite. While there are remedies to alleviate HG, the key is to stay hydrated and well-rested.
2.Stay Healthy
Easier said than done. I know. But it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle during your pregnancy. Yes, you are eating for two, but it’s still important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and fight those cravings. Your appetite may increase, but you don’t want to use pregnancy as an outlet to eat whatever you want. Remember, what you eat affects your baby by way of the placenta. Choosing nutritious foods is essential. Not only does this benefit your health, but it also reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, which can impact your baby's birth weight and the amniotic fluid.
3.Your Gums May Bleed Unexpectedly. During pregnancy your gums are more sensitive and susceptible to plaque build up which can lead to pregnancy gingivitis; inflammation of your gums that can cause soreness and bleeding. This is due to your body’s hormonal changes which makes your gums more vulnerable to plaque. Crazy right?
4.Changes to Your Skin
Some women may develop acne during their pregnancy. Because of the hormone changes your body is going through, during pregnancy your body has an increase in oil production which can unfortunately result in acne. Others may experience pigment changes on not only their face, but their body too. Pregnancy causes an increase in melanin which can often result in dark spots on the face or the rest of the body. Others might not experience any of this. Lucky ducks!
Now, let's talk about the comical (or not-so-comical) aspects of pregnancy that nobody warns you about:
5.The Belly Admirers.
Strangers as Belly Admirers: While it's an exciting time, personal space still matters. Expect the occasional stranger who can't resist touching your belly, which can be a bit too close for comfort.
6.The Unsolicited Advice, Comments, and Questions
Prepare for a plethora of questions and unsolicited advice. “Are you sure there’s only one in there? I heard my mom’s friend’s daughter’s second cousin was told she was having a boy and found out it was a girl right before she was due. Oh, you have heartburn? Your baby is going to have a head full of hair.” While I wish I had a way to stop others from offering their unsolicited advice and cretinous comments, I apologize in advance, I don’t.
Pregnancy is an upheaval of surprises, and it's all part of the incredible journey. Embrace the unexpected, laugh at the quirks, and remember that every pregnancy is unique and remarkable in its own way.
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