Pregnancy is a journey – an exciting one. But it also comes with plenty of surprises. You expect some things. A growing bump. Morning sickness. The occasional craving. And then your body goes through other changes that aren’t talked about nearly as much. Some seem strange at first, and you’re left wondering whether they’re normal.
The truth is, every pregnancy is different. Some women experience changes that others never notice. That’s perfectly okay. Learning about some of the lesser-known side effects help you feel a bit more prepared… and a little less worried if they happen to you.
Keep reading to learn more.
Your Sense of Taste and Smell May Change
If you’ve suddenly gone off your favorite meal or can’t stand the smell of your morning coffee, you’re not imagining it. Pregnancy hormones have a surprising effect on both your sense of taste and smell – particularly during the first few months.
Foods you once enjoyed taste different. Maybe they taste metallic. Maybe they taste bitter. Or maybe they just don’t seem as appealing as they used to. At the same time, everyday smells appear much stronger than normal. Cooking aromas. Perfumes. Cleaning products. Heck, even your partner’s aftershave could become overwhelming.
For most women, these changes are temporary. They improve as hormone levels settle. Until then, it helps to eat foods you enjoy, avoid strong smells where possible, and remember that your appetite will return to normal after pregnancy.
You Experience Stress Urinary Incontinence
Do you leak a little urine? Mainly when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or exercise? That is something many pregnant women experience. Yet, it’s rarely discussed openly. It feels embarrassing, right? It shouldn’t. In fact, it’s very common.
You may have wondered, can stress cause urinary incontinence?, but in this case, “stress” doesn’t feel anxious or overwhelmed. It refers to physical pressure on your bladder. As your baby grows, that extra weight puts more strain on your pelvic floor muscles. This makes small leaks much more likely.
Pelvic floor exercises are a must. They are one of the best ways to strengthen these muscles before and after birth. If symptoms don’t improve after your baby arrives, though, don’t just suffer in silence. Speak to your doctor. They’ll offer advice and treatment. As a result, you’ll regain confidence.
Your Feet Could Stay a Different Size
Swollen feet are a well-known part of pregnancy. But permanent changes to your feet are actually something women don’t expect.
During pregnancy, your body produces hormones. These hormones relax your ligaments in preparation for labor. While this is critical for childbirth, it also affects the ligaments in your feet. Because of this, your arches may flatten slightly. This causes your feet to become a little longer or wider.
Some women find their shoes no longer fit after having a baby. Choose supportive footwear during pregnancy to help. This keeps your feet comfortable.
To conclude, your body works incredibly hard throughout pregnancy. It adapts in ways that support you and your growing baby. Some of these changes might be unexpected, as outlined above, but they’re all completely normal and – in many cases – temporary.
