The usual signs of pregnancy are fairly well known:morning sickness, fatigue and weight gain have come to be expected. However, there are a number of stranger things that may also happen to the body during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can affect your sense of smell, your teeth and even the color of your skin.
Food Cravings
Though they are not all for ice cream and pickles, food cravings during pregnancy can be very strong. Pregnancy cravings are caused by hormone levels. While they are most common in early pregnancy, they may last the entire nine months. According to the Mayo Clinic, some women may even find themselves craving inedible things, like dirt or laundry soap. This condition is called pica. It is not common, but it is a serious medical disorder that requires fast attention.
Food and Smell Aversion
Hormone changes can alter the way things smell, as well as what appeals to you. This is most common during early pregnancy. You might find that your usual favorite foods suddenly taste terrible. Certain smells that never bothered you before may cause nausea or even vomiting. This often calms down by the second and third trimesters, however may last for the duration of your pregnancy.
Gas
No, it's not pleasant, but gassy pregnant women are a fact of life. You may find yourself belching or passing gas loudly and often. Chalk it up to the hormones. The good news is that most people will forgive you, especially if they have ever been pregnant.
Bleeding Gums
According to the Cleveland Clinic, hormone levels and the increased amount of blood in your body during pregnancy can cause unpleasant changes in your mouth. Many pregnant women have swollen gums that are prone to bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing. Many doctors advise pregnant women to see their dentist more often to avoid dental complications.
Leg Cramps
Many pregnant women wake up in the middle of the night with painful cramps in their legs. This is more common in later pregnancy, but may begin as early as the second trimester. According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of midnight leg cramps is unknown, but may have something to do with pressure on the nerves from the increasingly heavy uterus.
Pregnancy Brain
Caused by the increased level of hormones in your body, pregnancy brain can make you feel like you are losing your mind. You may forget things or have trouble concentrating. Unfortunately, the Mayo Clinic says there is not much you can do about it. Luckily, it is only temporary. Once you have your baby and your hormone levels return to normal, you should get your mind back.
Linea Nigra
Have a thin black line running up or down from your belly button? Chalk it up to hormones. Known as the linea nigra, this line is caused by changing skin pigmentation that is brought on by pregnancy hormones. It usually fades away shortly after your baby is born.
Mask of Pregnancy
Known as chloasma or melasma, the mask of pregnancy is also brought on my hormonal skin pigment changes. According to the Mayo Clinic, about half of all pregnant women experience this darkening on their faces. It may be in patches, though it tends to be symmetrical on the face. Chloasma usually fades shortly after delivery.
References
- Cleveland Clinic
- Harms, Roger W.; "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy"; Harper Resource, 2004.
