9 Common Strange Side Effects of Pregnancy
Getting pregnant is a great experience, but as the first euphoria of "I'm having a baby!" fades, your ankles swell, morning sickness sets in, and it's a rough ride from there. Continue reading to learn more about the impacts of pregnancy on the body that you may not be aware of.
1. Hair loss
During pregnancy, around half of all women will experience significant hair loss. While this will usually go away after pregnancy, paying attention to your nutrition can help you avoid it. Pregnancy depletes the body of key nutrients that promote hair development. Salmon, eggs, and foods high in healthy fats like avocados and almonds can all help protect your hair from fallout during this time.
2. Restless leg syndrome and plantar fasciitis
Another pregnancy side effect is restless leg syndrome (RLS). RLS causes you to want to move your legs due to itchy, burning, pulling, or overall uncomfortable feelings. A lack of folic acid or iron or an increase in estrogen are the main triggers of RLS during pregnancy.
Pregnancy often can cause plantar fasciitis as well. This is the result of increased body mass that puts pressure on plantar fascia leading to inflammation. Pregnancy and leg problems come hand in hand.
3. Weak bladder
As a fetus grows in size and weight, it can put pressure on the bladder, requiring more frequent trips to the bathroom. Stress incontinence can also occur when sneezing, laughing, or exercising. Early pelvic floor exercises can help prevent this, and some women choose to wear sanitary pads for added protection.
4. Body and facial hair
Hair growth cycles are thrown into overdrive by pregnancy hormones, so not only does more hair push through, but it also falls out less, giving the appearance of thicker hair. This is fantastic news for people who have thin hair, but it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, such as the stomach and face, where you might not want to see thicker hair.
If you're desperate to get rid of the excess hair, consider waxing or threading. Because skin might be sensitive, bleaching isn't the ideal option, and shaving can encourage even faster thicker growth, so try waxing or threading instead.
5. Acne breakouts
During pregnancy, more than half of all women are likely to suffer from acne. Acne outbreaks are caused by an increase in the skin's natural oil production, or sebum, as a result of hormonal changes in the first and second trimesters.
6. Food cravings
Food cravings are a common pregnancy side effect, but some women may also crave non-food substances such as brick dust or charcoal. Pica is the medical term for this condition, which can suggest a deficiency in vitamins and minerals. Cravings can be reduced by eating a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet, but if they persist or become strong, see a doctor.
7. Yeast infection
When you're pregnant, your intimate feminine areas are more vulnerable to yeast infections because high estrogen levels disrupt the beneficial bacteria that keep you healthy down there, making it easier for yeast to thrive. Wearing cotton underwear, avoiding fragrant soaps, and wearing loose-fitting clothing are all ideal first lines of defense, while an ice pack or a cool bath can help relieve any discomfort.
8. Extra sweating
Hormones confuse the portion of the brain that regulates body temperature, causing you to feel hotter and sweatier than usual from the first trimester through postpartum. Around the time ovulation resumes following birth, this will ease down. Wear layers that can be added or removed to help with this, stay hydrated, and avoid hot drinks and spicy foods.
9. Swollen ankles
Water retention is one of the most frequent pregnancy side effects, and it can make your feet feel sore and heavy. Ordinary elasticated socks that are restricting and cut into the lower leg and ankle become painful after a while, particularly if worn all day. However, you can obtain ones that are carefully created to fit the shape of your leg, offering much-needed relief and comfort.
