Ok, so the only good thing about this post is if you do NOT get any of these things. Everyone, including me, prepares for the morning sickness (even though you can never really be ready for it), and some things here I may have already mentioned. Still, this post will go into the things you don't expect, and that one day you, too, will hopefully forget.
1. Itchy skin. In a past post I went into this a little bit, and how much Lubriderm can help. Still, it may be worse for some. Especially if you are pregnant during winter when most people are more prone to dry skin. Drink plenty of water and keep lotion on hand. You will need it more than you realize.
2. Bumps on the stomach. This is more of an annoyance than anything else. They don't hurt or itch, just feel funny when you put stuff on your belly. They may decrease, but mine didn't. At least, not yet (at 32 weeks right now).
3. Headaches and Nausea. Maybe these will disappear for you after the first trimester, but not likely. When people ask how I feel, I honestly tell them good, some days better than others, because it is the truth. I had no morning sickness, but that doesn't mean some days I didn't wake up feeling drained, with a mild headache and some nausea. Most of mine was during my third trimester, but they happen at any time. Take the day if you need it. It will get you back on track and feeling better, rather than pushing yourself too hard. You need your energy to create your beautiful baby.
4. Bleeding Gums. It is not anything that hurts, or is really that bothersome. May taste a little weird, like metal, if you brush too hard and they bleed a lot, but that is the worst of it. Buy a soft toothbrush (if you don't have one already) and brush slowly and gently. I also found that mouth wash helps a lot too (Crest or any other non-alcohol one so it does not burn). I rinse after to make sure my teeth are well taken care of and to help stop the bleeding and metal taste.
5. Food Aversions. Everyone tells you about the cravings they get or had during their pregnancy, but no one tells you about the things that make you sick to your stomach to see, or sometimes even think about. I could not stand the thought of eating some of my favorite foods, including all Chinese food, Japanese food (I'm a vegetarian, so I could eat sushi if I wanted to...but, no...), Thai food and Indian food (see a trend? Lol). I also could not stand the taste of Colgate toothpaste (Crest was ok) and regular Tums (had to buy the chewy ones only!). During the third trimester, pasta got added to the list, with the occasional exception of Mac 'N Cheese. I also was turned off by alcohol and coffee, though not the worst thing since you can't have one and must limit the other during pregnancy. Early on, tea was ok but gone by the second trimester and things changed from one day to the next. Sadly, I really did not go through a strong "craving" phase. It was more frustrating trying to figure out what I could stomach each night vs. needing something specific. Decisions are hard enough without added aversions to add to the list.
6. UTI's. Pray you don't get one of these. They can get bad quick. Luckily, I caught mine early. Two days of cramping and finally it got so bad, I knew it had to be something else. What causes them? Baby. Mine was because she was against my bladder, making it hard for me to properly empty it. A week of antibiotics (yes, certain ones are safe during pregnancy, and there are plenty of reasons you may need them) and I was good as new. If left untreated, it can cause a bladder infection, which is not good for you or baby. Don't freak out or worry, just call your OBGYN if you feel something may truly be wrong.
7. Sneezing and Coughing. Ok, so clearly I am going in no particular order, because these can start almost right away. But, as you get further along in your pregnancy they can become more of a nuisance. They will probably be less often, but stronger and cause some temporary pains (usually in the stomach, lower abdomen or side) or some minor incontinence (aka pee). A light pad or change of underwear near by may not be a bad idea as the months go on.
8. Hard Stool. Let's hope that you are lucky like me (knock on wood) and do not get hemorrhoids during your pregnancy, but that does not mean that you are in the clear. Besides that you can still get them post labor, at some point during your pregnancy, you may also experience hard stool. This may be because of where the baby is, how much of your nutrients the baby is taking, or your diet (white rice=bad). It is painful and usually there will be blood (which can be scary), but the good news is it doesn't last. Witch hazel wipes and ointment can help ease the pain, but change your diet, drink a lot of water and rest. If it doesn't go away in a few days, call your doctor.
9. Blood Blisters. What no one told you about these dark and painful little bumps that can show up anywhere on your body? Including "down there"! And trust me, when you can feel one and not see it, it is even worse. Trying to get a good look with mirrors, asking someone to help look, calling your doctor and trying to explain something you can't see.....not fun. Luckily, they do not hurt for too long and they eventually go away. There is more blood, especially during the third trimester, in that area, so things like this are more likely to happen.
10. Painful feet in the morning. It is something that is easy to forget 5 minutes later, but by the second trimester, you may experience sore feet when you first wake up in the morning. It is completely normal, since all the blood to your hands and feet slows down when you lay down when pregnant. On top of it, a lot more in general is going to your stomach, so the other areas may get a little less. This can also lead to tingling in your arms in the middle of the night or when you first wake up. I only get that sometimes, but the first few steps every morning hurt. But, with the urge to pee and the pain and pressure from having to pee, it is easier to walk it off than it is to wait for it to go away (which is just sitting on the edge of the bed for a few minutes and letting the blood get back to your feet), but by the time I am done in the bathroom, I am usually fine. It will all depend on how long you have slept and how swollen your feet are (mine did not swell much) that will help decide which works better for you.
Doesn't Sound like fun? It isn't....always. But the sonograms and seeing your little one grow, the shopping for little clothes, feeling your little one move.... those are the good times (even if some of those movements feel weird or a little painful). And remember, maybe you will be lucky (like me with the morning sickness) and not experience all, or any, of these. Everyone is different.... like the women who say "I loved being pregnant" (which I personally will NEVER understand, lol).
