Pregnancy is a beautiful time for women. The anticipation of your baby and the next step of your life can be very exciting. That being said, pregnancy isn’t easy, and it doesn’t come without its fair share of problems, and needless to say, some of them can be a bit… awkward. It’s important to be informed so that when you experience something a bit unusual, it doesn’t come as a shock.
This article will outline six common pregnancy problems and a bit about how to help them. Despite this, if you experience any chronic issue you should contact your healthcare professional.
A woman’s body goes through many physiological changes during pregnancy which can lead to some strange symptoms. Although they may seem a little awkward, there’s no need to be alarmed. Here are six awkward pregnancy symptoms many women go through.
Leaky Breasts
It’s pretty well known that women’s breasts become sore during pregnancy, after all, they are constantly developing to be able to feed your baby when it’s born. But did you know that breasts can get leaky in as little as 14 weeks? The liquid that leaks is called colostrum and is a highly nutritious form of early milk. If you start to find yourself with small leakages, you can try putting a tissue or a nursing pad in your bra to help absorb it.
Metallic Tastes
You’ve probably heard that pregnancy tends to change the bodies hormones. Hormones can do all sorts of strange things to a body, including giving you some strange cravings, as well as making things taste weird. One of these sensations is something called dysgeusia, a result of an increase in the hormone estrogen, usually experienced in early pregnancy. The feeling is likened to sucking on a coin or a piece of aluminium foil.
Acidic foods can help to balance this. See how yo go with some pickles, a bit of vinegar or citrus fruits. Otherwise, the sensation will likely go away in its own time.
Painful Orgasms
During orgasm a women’s uterus contracts, however, while pregnant it behaves a little differently. Increased blood flow to the area can make it more sensitive and the contractions can become prolonged. Some women may find this uncomfortable or even painful, while other women actually find their orgasms improve.
Pain From Gas
Digestive stress occurs early on in pregnancy. The hormone progesterone relaxes the intestinal muscles and therefore slows down the digestive process. The result of this is that pregnant women can often experience a lot of trapped wind. Gas can be experienced all throughout pregnancy and at times it can cause women pain, as pressure builds up in their abdomen.
To combat this, drink plenty of water and smaller more frequent meals to aid with digestion. Foods like cruciferous vegetables and beans are more difficult to digest and will cause more gas. Carbonated beverages are also likely to contribute to trapped wind.
Hair Changes
There’s nothing worse than a bad hair day, everyone knows that. But during pregnancy, you might find yourself having a few more than usual. During pregnancy higher levels of estrogen causes your hair to stay in its ‘growing phase’ for longer than usual. This means that is doesn’t fall out as readily. Also, you might notice that your nails grow more quickly.
Some women also find that their hair can turn from curly to straight or vice versa, and although this might be what you’ve always wanted, it usually changes back after giving birth. Depending on your preference, this may or may not be an awkward issue at all, but if it is, it might just require some extra trips to the hairdresser.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur for more than half of pregnant women and are usually found on the buttocks, abdomen, hips and breasts. These marks are actually small rips in the supporting layers of skin that can’t keep up with your growing baby.
There are many gels and creams and other touted miracle cures for stretch marks, but none are proven to work. Moisturising is your best bet, as it can reduce the discomfort and stop the areas from getting dry.
If you have any questions about pregnancy problems or would like to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Dr Bevan Brown is one of the most trusted obstetricians in Sydney and will be thrilled to give you complete and compassionate care in every way possible.