Whether you recently learned you’re pregnant, are actively trying to get pregnant, or a pro who’s done it before, congratulations on your choice to embark on the amazing journey of motherhood. Pregnancy is filled with so many joyous moments that will be etched into your memory forever. It’s also filled with many not-so-glamorous moments and unfortunately a lot of people don’t share the honest truth about growing an actual human.
Well friend, as a mom of three with one on the way, let me share six common things that can happen during pregnancy along with a few easy tips to help you deal with them.
Let’s talk about nausea
While every pregnancy is different, most moms will experience some sort of nausea, especially in the first trimester. It can range from mild queasiness to uncontrollable, spur of the moment urges to vomit. I’m talking about wanting to throw up at the smell of your favorite hand soap or not even being able to look at recipes on Pinterest because just a glimpse of a certain food will send you running to the bathroom.
With my first pregnancy, I was sent home from work every day for nearly two weeks because I kept throwing up in the trash bin under my desk. Gross, I know, but it’s the hand I was dealt. If this happens to you, it’s helpful to keep wipes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and mints close by.
Deceivingly called “morning sickness,” pregnancy nausea can actually occur at any point during the day (or night). It’s exhausting, and some days it can feel like it will never end. Here are a few ways that have helped combat morning sickness and get through the day vomit-free:
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But the baby wants it now
Pregnancy is well-known for crazy cravings and food aversions. With my current pregnancy, I wanted potatoes for a week straight, until a random order of French fries turned my craving into a strong aversion.
Trust me, you’re not crazy for wanting spaghetti at 2 o’clock in the morning. Eat it. And no, it’s not unusual to ask your significant other to drive to a very specific restaurant just because they have the best kind of ice (Read more about craving large amounts of ice and nonfood substances during pregnancy hereOpens a new window). You’re growing a human, it’s okay to be a little demanding. When it comes to cravings, it’s best to give into what you want, when you want it. The best part is, you can simply blame it on the baby.
For most moms, these cravings and aversions subside after the first trimester, and as long as you’re able to at least eat SOMETHING and take a daily prenatal vitamin, it’s not a major concern – regardless of how miserable and inconvenient it feels.
Currently, I am using the Baby & Me 2 Prenatal MultiOpens a new window and the Prenatal DHA & CholineOpens a new window from MegaFood to ensure I’m getting the nutrients I need, regardless of crazy pregnancy cravings and sickness. Bonus: These vitamins are made to nourish both mom and baby with real food and key nutrients like methylated folate and choline to support baby’s brain development.*
Swollen feet and fingers
Don’t be alarmed if your appendages start to swell. It’s normal and will eventually subside. Swelling is common in both the fingers, feet, and ankles during pregnancy.
I switched to a silicone wedding band early in pregnancy to make sure I could easily slide it on and off, and so it wouldn’t be too upsetting if I needed to cut it off (yes, that can happen!).
In the last few months of being pregnant, my feet tend to swell the most. I’m talking about the type of swelling where I can’t wear my favorite shoes because my feet are giant water balloons. I try to pace myself throughout the day, wear loose, comfy shoes and elevate my feet whenever possible. Here’s what else you can do to keep swelling to a minimum:
- Stretch your feet and rotate your ankles in circles to help alleviate some of the pain and swelling.
- Stay hydrated – drinking extra water can help bring the swelling down.
It’s possible your feet can permanently expand during pregnancy. I went up an entire shoe size after having my first baby and had to say goodbye to high heels and fancy shoes. Yes, it was bittersweet, but totally worth it.
Itchy belly
Can you imagine ants crawling all over your midsection? It’s not a nightmare, it’s all part of the process of growing a human. Another “glamorous” side effect of being pregnant is watching your body (especially your belly) stretch in ways you never thought possible. Of course, this can result in itchy skin and ultimately stretch marks.
While stretch marks aren’t completely avoidable, itchy skin is!
- Moisturize! I use cocoa butter every morning and night. It’s been an absolute godsend to help alleviate that scratchy feeling.
- Apply a cool or warm washcloth to your belly. It can also help to soothe irritated stretching skin. Oatmeal baths also work wonders.
- As hard as it may be, try your best to avoid scratching as it really just makes things worse.
Bloody noses
No one shared this fun fact with me before I was with child. Bloody noses are a really common sideOpens a new window effect of pregnancy. Your blood supply can actually increase by 50 percent, and unfortunately, that makes pregnant women more susceptible to nosebleeds.
With all four of my pregnancies, I’ve had nosebleeds every morning during the first and second trimester, and it’s usually triggered by washing my face, showering, or blowing my nose. Here are few things that have helped me control nosebleeds:
- Have soft tissues on hand (it’s worth it to buy the good ones).
- Use saline spray to keep nasal cavities moisturized.
- Run a humidifier at night to keep the air moist.
Pregnant women are also more prone to sinus infections and colds. A doctor can help treat and manage sinus issues so don’t hesitate to bring it up at your next appointment if you’re experiencing sinus problems.
Exhaustion
Expect to be tired. I’m not talking about drowsiness, I’m talking about falling asleep during the exciting season finale of your favorite show or burning dinner because you passed out on the couch and didn’t hear the timer go off. It’s a whole new level of exhaustion.
Your body is working super hard to grow an entire person, so don’t feel guilty about needing extra sleep. Here’s what can help your fatigue:
- Take a nap, go to bed early, or sleep in late. Everything else can wait. Give yourself permission to take it easy.
- Stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar in check with regular meals or snacks.
- Take your prenatal vitamins! Fatigue typically subsides in the second trimester but then comes back in full force during the last couple months of pregnancy. Sometimes this can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, so make sure you’re getting the nutrients you and baby need with a prenatal like MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Multi.
Growing a baby is hard work
I often remind friends (and myself) that pregnancy throws a lot of curveballs. One month you’re dealing with searing pain in your round ligament and then the next you’re squealing with delight as your baby starts moving around. There’s constantly something new. And trust me, it’s perfectly OK not to love every minute of your pregnancy. But we mamas power through, and before you know it, you’ll be holding your precious little one in your arms!
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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