What Will Happen To My Body During Pregnancy? Mums Discuss Physical Changes
Mums Discuss 5 'Embarrassing' Physical Changes During Pregnancy
Amy Packham— The Huffington Post UK
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Women expect to experience great physical and emotional changes during pregnancy, such as unusual cravings and heightened hormones.
But there are some physical changes that aren't widely talked about.
To help bring these experiences into the open, four mums - Julia, Joanna, Yasemin and Leyla - openly discussed the "embarrassing" changes they experienced throughout pregnancy.
Did you experience any of these five changes?
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1. Vaginal discharge.
"It's the worst one," said Leyla. "It was the bane of my pregnancy life, both pregnancies actually.
"Nine months of it, you need to carry around pads in your handbag and it's just constant. Then you have the midwife saying 'yeah but it's good, it's healthy'."
Yasemin added: "Yeah I asked my mum and she never had that so I thought oh, it's an embarrassing secret."
2. Leaking nipples.
"At night times my nipples would leak," Joanna said. "Only a little bit, but it was annoying."
3. Constipation.
"It wasn't that surprising, but apparently it's so common," admitted Leyla.
"It's so uncomfortable," added Joanna. "The only thing that helped was making sure I was drinking loads and loads of water."
4. Sickness.
Julie said sickness was the biggest physical change she experienced.
"I just felt sick for about four months," she said. "I never got just but I just felt sick - all the time. It was unbelievable, the nausea."
5. Pregnancy brain.
"Is that a real condition?" asked Leyla. "Well I used it all the time, especially at work."
To find out more about how they dealt with these physical changes, watch the video above.
I'm worried about gaining all that weight(01 of10)
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You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Almay)
I don't know how to be a mum(02 of10)
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No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )
Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(03 of10)
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You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )
I won't be able to cope during labour(04 of10)
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There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )
I might have to have a c-section(05 of10)
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If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )
I won't make it to the hospital on time(06 of10)
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You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )
My baby might not be 'perfect'(07 of10)
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It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )
I'll lose the baby(08 of10)
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It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )
I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(09 of10)
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This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )
I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(10 of10)
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You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )