Less-Than-Pleasant Side Effects Of Being Pregnant

Years down the road, you’ll remember your pregnancy as a rewarding experience. Your memories will be even more pronounced when you observe your little one sleeping, playing, or simply sitting near you. But that’s in the future. If you’re pregnant today, you may already be experiencing a few not-so-pleasant side effects. Unless you’re already in your third trimester, more are likely to come. Few moms-to-be escape them. We’ll provide a brief – and perhaps sobering – tour of the most common symptoms below.

Being Constipated

When you become pregnant, your body produces a higher level of progesterone. This hormone plays havoc with your digestive system. It reduces the rate at which food travels through your gastrointestinal tract, which leads to constipation. The problem worsens as your baby grows inside you because your uterus places increasing pressure upon your intestines. Moreover, iron supplements – commonly taken by pregnant women – often make it worse.

Itchiness Or Skin Irritations

As your body grows to accommodate your baby, your skin must stretch to accommodate your body. This may cause it to itch. If you experience this (not all women do) the itchiness will be most noticeable around your stomach and breasts, where stretching is most prominent.

You might also notice your palms become red and slightly irritated. This is thought to be the result of estrogen, which, like progesterone, is produced in greater volume when you become pregnant.

Excess Saliva

Some moms-to-be find their salivary glands work overtime during their pregnancy. They usually need to spit in order to get rid of the extra saliva in their mouths. While the cause is unknown, it usually occurs when morning sickness – and the accompanying nausea – is particularly severe.

Bladder Leaks

This side effect is common among pregnant women. As increasing pressure is placed upon their bladders, they need to urinate more frequently. However, if they suddenly cough or sneeze, urine may leak from their bladders.

A lot of obstetricians recommend Kegel exercises in order to strengthen the muscles of the bladder. It’s worth mentioning that while Kegels will help prevent leaks, they are unlikely to “cure” the issue. During the last few months of your pregnancy, leaks may be inevitable, especially when you sneeze.

Swelling Hands And Feet

Like bladder leaks, swelling is common when you’re pregnant – doctors estimate nearly half of moms-to-be cope with a degree of swelling in their extremities. When it occurs, it is due to your body retaining more water. Thus, your obstetrician may suggest reducing your sodium consumption.

If you notice swelling in your hands or feet, don’t assume it is normal. Tell your doctor. Even though swelling is common, it may signal a complication.

Flatulence

Gas may represent one of the least flattering side effects of being pregnant because it’s usually obvious to others. Everyone produces a small amount of gas within their bodies each day. Because there’s less room in your body (due to your growing baby), this small amount has few places to go. It must leave.

Also, keep in mind that you’ll likely be eating a healthier diet during your pregnancy. Your meals will probably contain more vegetables and dairy products than you normally consume. Many people (not only women) lack the proper enzymes to digest the natural sugars contained in these food products. The result? More gas.

Following your baby’s birth, your memory of the unpleasant side effects described above will fade. The discomfort you might currently be feeling, and the embarrassing symptoms you may be experiencing, will remain in the past. In their place will be your baby’s smile and laugh. And you’ll look back upon your pregnancy as a deeply gratifying experience.

Maternity Months