Weird & Surprising things no one tells you about Pregnancy

I feel like I spent my whole pregnancy asking my friends, mom, aunties, cousins, basically anyone who had been pregnant, "Why didn't you tell me…?"

You may expect some pretty standard things from pregnancy, even if you have never done any research, such as being tired, backache, cravings, etc. However, there are some common, not spoken of weird and surprising things, like a flaky nipple! And there I will start!

FLAKY NIPPLES

It was breakfast time, and I ate my delicious fresh croissant with a glass of orange juice. Later that afternoon, as I was changing into my gym kit, I see some of my croissants on my breast. But no, it is not the croissant, just my flaky nipple. I kid you not! After a quick google search, I found this is not uncommon. Your nipples may get dry and crack during pregnancy. I was sure to give the nips some extra care and moisture. I mixed some vitamin E oil with my shea butter, and I was good to go—no more croissant nipples.

HAIR HAIR EVERYWHERE

Yup! Lots of body hair. In places you didn't know, hair would grow and double up in the areas it was already. Face, belly, knuckles, you name it. The extra hormones have it growing like weeds. However, after the baby is born, you will return to your usual self. For me, that's still pretty hairy!

BLEEDING GUMS

Itchy gums, sensitive gums, just very odd feeling gums! Due to an increase in hormones, gums are more likely to become inflamed and bleed when brushed or flossed. Hormones can also cause a temporary form of gum disease called "pregnancy gingivitis" Some may experience it throughout pregnancy and others, just for a week or so. After you give birth, it should disappear again. 

 YOU MAY PEE A LITTLE AND OFTEN

Beware of coughing, sneezing, laughing, or moving in general. You may pee your pants just a little at any given time. Put panty liners on the shopping list!

OUT OF BREATH

No, I haven't just run up a flight of stairs, nope not at the gym. This is how I breathe now. Welcome to pregnancy! You may feel you are not big enough or far enough along to warrant the Darth Vader breathing; however, your body is busy at work doing a lot at the same time, so take your time. 

LIGHTNING CROTCH

What is says on the tin! No joke. Sharp, deep pain going to your vagina like a strike of lightning. Sporadically hitting you whenever. Walking may help, and compression wear can ease the sensation a bit.  

VIVID DREAMS

Whether it is the hormones or the fact that the sleep is broken due to bathroom stops or an uncomfortable night's sleep, so the dreams are remembered, they do feel more vivid and plentiful. Be mindful of what you watch or read the last thing at night, and hopefully, it is more sweet dreams than nightmares. 

THE GOOD NEWS

Like morning sickness, this is all temporary. Nearly all of these weird symptoms should disappear once you have your beautiful bouncy baby. As your hormones regulate to their new normal, you won't even care as much if some take a little longer to go as you will have a million other things you are dealing with, like caring for a brand new tiny human.