Common Pregnancy Symptoms No One Talks About

You already know about pregnancy cravings, morning sickness, and even about getting stretch marks – but pregnancy involves so much more than what people normally talk about, and there can be some unpleasant symptoms during each trimester. Once the first trimester symptoms begin, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll experience the rest of the pregnancy.

No two pregnancies are exactly the same but if you’re a mom-to-be, you should be aware of some of the unpleasant pregnancy symptoms that no one talks about.

Pregnancy Symptoms No One Talks About:

1. More Flatulence

Starting strong, the first unpleasant pregnancy symptom you won’t hear about is your body’s increasing ability to create gas. You have more progesterone in your body, which loosens gastrointestinal muscles. This causes your digestion to slow down, resulting in more gas. You’ll notice more gas in the afternoons and evenings while pregnant.

2. Snoring

Up to 30% of women experience snoring while they’re pregnant, and increased weight may partially be to blame. Your upper airways can become restricted while you sleep, leading to increased snoring. When you gain weight, fat is stored around the neck, which causes the upper airways to narrow. This new obstruction may cause snoring.

3. Your Breasts Can Leak

Some women experience thick, yellowish liquid leaking from their breasts during pregnancy. It’s called colostrum, and it helps protect your baby from infection and is the most nutrient-dense part of your breast milk. Just be aware that your breasts may leak at any time, including during sex.

4. Diarrhea

As far as unpleasant symptoms go, diarrhea while pregnant, is rarely talked about. You may experience some new food sensitivities when you’re pregnant, causing diarrhea. If you find yourself dealing with this, try eating bland foods to calm your stomach. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

5. Urine Leaks

Many women experience more relaxed bladders during pregnancy. While this means you may feel the urge to go to the bathroom more frequently, it also leads to some impromptu urine leakage. This typically happens during laughing, coughing, or sneezing. To help, you can do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles.

6. Smelly Sweat

Your pregnant body will produce more sweat and heighten your sense of smell, which isn’t a great combination for you. The “pregnancy glow” you always hear about is your body increasing its sweat production. Your increasing hormones raise your metabolism and blood flow, which can cause you to sweat more than normal. Because of this, you may notice your smell more often now than you ever would have.

7. Constipation

Constipation while pregnant can make you feel very uncomfortable . It’s one of the common first trimester symptoms, as your pregnancy hormones increase. Progesterone causes the gastrointestinal muscles to relax, so food isn’t moving as quickly through your system.

To overcome constant constipation, a mom-to-be can increase fiber intake. Avoid refined grains (like breads and pastas) if you can, as they tend to make constipation worse. Eat smaller meals throughout the day, and exercise regularly to activate your bowel muscles. If you are struggling with constipation let your provider know.

8. More Dandruff than Normal

Your body experiences many changes during pregnancy. Many women can attest that their hair and scalp change, whether it becomes oilier or drier. Any difference in hormones can cause your scalp to become flakier than what you’re used to. Even if you didn’t used to have dry skin or dry scalp, you may experience it due to changing hormones. Don’t panic – dandruff during pregnancy is normal!

9. You May Get Hemorrhoids

About 50% of women experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy. This is due to the veins around the rectum becoming red and swollen, sometimes due to strain from being constipated. You’re at greater risk for pregnancy hemorrhoids during the third trimester. To avoid these, eat lots of fiber and drink water to prevent constipation. You can also improve circulation by exercising. Just make sure your doctor is okay with it first.

10. Changing Vaginal Discharge

It’s normal to experience milky white-colored vaginal discharge during pregnancy. You may notice more discharge than usual as your cervix secretes more mucus. If you notice foul-smelling discharge or the color is greenish or yellowish, that may be a sign of infection. Please inform your provider if you are concerned.

11. Extra Saliva and Mucus

Many women experience an increase in saliva and nasal congestion when they get pregnant. Excess salivation is a common symptom of morning sickness and is thought to be one of the triggers for nausea. Increased progesterone also increases swelling of the nasal mucus, so it’s normal to start feeling stuffy around week 16.

Many positive things happen when you get pregnant: the excitement of carrying a child, and the anticipation for them to come. Just be aware you’ll experience some unpleasant pregnancy symptoms as well. As long as you know what to expect, you can have a comfortable and fulfilling pregnancy.

Are you looking for an OB/Gyn you can trust? If you live in the Tucson area, book an appointment today.

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