11 Weird But Totally Normal Body and Mind Changes During Pregnancy

Whilst going through this phase of motherhood, bear in mind that it usually is not all rosy and dreamy as the internet influencers and celebrity moms depicts it. There are ups and downs and you have to be prepared. Although there might be a time where you feel some abnormalities might be going down in your body…Don’t Fret, the body changes might be totally normal we are all in it together.

1. A New Mole
Chances are you do not have melanoma. During pregnancy, the body changes in so many ways especially your skin and one of which can be melasma which is a benign condition where black patches can appear on your face. It is never advisable to completely ignore skin changes though so always ask your doctor about whatever new spots and moles you see.

2. Bleeding Gums
Bloody gums are not only gross but totally normal during pregnancy. It has been blamed on the increase in the volume of blood. Although it is also recommended to inform your doctor so as to rule out more serious health conditions associated with the liver.

3. Cannot Remember a Thing
Does “pregnancy brain” ring a bell? Well, this is very common in pregnant women. Putting your keys in the refrigerator or forgetting a name you know all too well. As much as the myth of “its your baby draining all the blood from your brain” sounds believable, it isn’t. Doctors say it just happens as a result of lack of sleep and tiredness. We know all too well how difficult it is to get a good nap or sleep when pregnant so doctors have advised to not drink water just before bed time, turn off the television when it is time to sleep and cut off all caffeinated drinks from your diet.

4. Emotional Rollercoaster
Blame it all on your hormones. Pregnancy can make you cry when you see a cat meowing or because your water did not boil on time. It can make you moody, stressed, tired, angry or simply unable to focus. You are not alone on this and it is totally normal. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your mood or emotions for some help if it ever gets too much to handle.

5. Everything Smells Funny
The smell of chicken boiling chicken and toothpaste where by far the worst during my pregnancy personally. Your sense of smell increases drastically and you smell fragrances, odors and just about anything from across a room. This is totally normal and usually fades after the first trimester. Dr. Jennifer Lang, an OB-GYN in Beverly Hills, California says, “We think this provided women with the ability to be extra sensitive to potential toxins,” which makes a lot of sense!

6. Hair and More Hair
Move over Rapunzel, you ain’t got nothing on a pregnant woman’s hair. Not only does your hair become healthier and thicker, the breakage you so often see becomes a distant memory but that only lasts for the duration of pregnancy as everything goes back to normal after delivery. This excessive hair growth can just be about anywhere. Chest hair, hair around your nipple, your belly, your face. The good news is, same as the hair on your head, it all goes back to normal after delivery.

7. Heartburn
Not all pregnancy symptoms are pleasant and one of them is heartburn. Higher progesterone level which leads to muscle relaxation can also slow down digestion which leads to constipation and heartburn. Food high in fiber can ease this discomfort while there are rumors that animal foods makes it worse to. Taking prebiotics and probiotics can be of great help with heartburn during pregnancy.

8. Insane Sex Drive
Blame it on the boosted libido. Why it isn’t proven, doctors seem to believe it is as a result of a high testosterone level (especially when pregnant with a boy) and increase in progesterone level that causes a relaxation or increased blood flow to the pelvis which mimics how Viagra works in men. This is one of the most common topics between pregnant friends/new mothers and is totally normal.

9. Strange Vivid Dreams
Vivid dreams in pregnancy are still an enigma. We certainly do not know why that happens but what we know is that it definitely happens. Some women have reported having dreams that turned out to be reality when pregnant. We hope a study is conducted soon to tell why this happens.

10. Stuffy Nose
Up to 35% of pregnant women experience a congested nose during pregnancy which some find can be eased by the inhalation of steam. It’s neither a cold nor flu, its just the pregnancy. Although, it is recommended to tell your doctor is this is accompanied by headaches as it may signify a more serious issue however majority of the time, they would send you home reassuring you that it is just a part of the pregnancy.

11. Vision Changes
This can be good for some and bad for others. Some women with great eye sight may turn out having not so great eye sight after pregnancy and vice versa. Some women with vision issues prior to pregnancy have reported magically having good eye sight after pregnancy. There’s still some uncertainty as to why this body changes happens however it isn’t uncommon in expecting women.