The thought of a new life growing inside you can be wonderful and overwhelming at the same time. You look forward to welcoming your baby into the world, and watching her develop her own personality. There is also a tinge of uncertainty about the future, including the months leading up to labor and childbirth.
While most women find the experience of being pregnant deeply rewarding, it is often accompanied by one or more startling side effects. This article will describe six of them. It's worth noting that most of the changes you'll observe in your body are the result of elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone as well as increased blood flow. As such, they are common.
1 - Flatulence
Though the results are embarrassing, excess gas within the intestinal tract is normal when you are pregnant. One of the reasons this occurs is due to progesterone, which causes the muscles and tissues to relax. This allows food to move more slowly through the tract, leading to a buildup of gases. Eventually, this gas must be expelled from the body.
2 - Persistent Constipation
Muscle relaxation due to an increased progesterone level also causes constipation. This happens when the muscles in the small and large intestines become less active. Food slows down while the body extracts more water through the intestinal walls. By the time waste products arrive in the rectum, they are more difficult to pass. This problem usually dissipates - and even vanishes - following childbirth as the level of progesterone in the body declines.
3 - Fluid Accumulation In The Ankles And Feet
This usually occurs during the third trimester, but can occasionally begin sooner. Fluid starts to collect within the tissues of your feet, ankles, and even legs. There are a couple of reasons this happens. First, as your baby grows, your expanding uterus places increasing pressure upon the blood vessels in your pelvic area. This impairs venous return to your heart, causing blood to flow more slowly from your lower extremities. Second, your body produces more blood during pregnancy. The extra fluid leads to swelling.
Even though fluid accumulation is normal and common, keep your obstetrician informed. Severe swelling may indicate a problem.
4 - Tender Gums
Increased production of blood and progesterone can cause your gums to bleed when you brush your teeth. They become more susceptible to inflammation caused by bacteria. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis; nearly half of pregnant women experience it.
Even though the condition is common, it is important to remain wary about it since gingivitis can easily lead to periodontitis, which is irreversible. Also, let your obstetrician know if you have it. There is evidence that suggests moms-to-be with periodontal disease are several times more likely to experience preterm labor.
5 - Frequent Yeast Infections
Yeast is usually present in the vaginal area; it is characterized by a lightly-colored discharge. An infection occurs when the level of yeast rises to the point that it causes an imbalance. This happens more frequently during pregnancy due to chemical changes occurring in the vaginal region.
While yeast infections rarely cause negative outcomes for pregnancies, they are usually uncomfortable. Also, because the discharge can be caused by other conditions that are potentially dangerous, inform your obstetrician. He or she can confirm the suspicion and prescribe safe medications to reduce the symptoms.
6 - Persistent Itching
In order to accommodate your growing baby, your skin must stretch. As this occurs, you may experience itching around your stomach and breasts. If you already suffer from dry skin or other conditions that cause itching, your symptoms will be more pronounced. Avoid any stimuli that dries your skin, such as harsh soaps and hot baths. If you notice severe itching, see your doctor to make sure it is not due to complications that may affect your pregnancy.
While being pregnant is a uniquely gratifying experience for most women, there are a number of common side effects. Most are harmless. But always keep your obstetrician informed so serious problems can be addressed as quickly as possible.
