Pregnancy is undoubtedly strange. The process of nurturing a new human being inside your body is a marvel, but it’s also accompanied by some unexpected—and often bizarre—symptoms. While common issues like frequent urination and wild cravings get plenty of attention in pregnancy literature, there are other surprises that may catch you off guard. Here are five unusual experiences that can occur during pregnancy.
1. Facial Hair Growth
This was the most surprising aspect of my first pregnancy. One day, while drying off after a shower in my third trimester, I felt something coarse on my chin. After a quick glance in the mirror, I discovered I was sprouting a patch of hair that resembled a Brillo pad. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a fleeting hormonal change; I ended up with more chin hairs with each pregnancy. If you’re lucky enough to want a rugged look, consider this a bonus!
2. Swollen Nose
While some women only gain weight in their bellies, I was not so fortunate. My nose decided to join the party, swelling to a size that could rival a garden gnome. I had anticipated changes in my hips and arms, but the growing schnoz took me by surprise.
3. Skin Tags
Alongside the usual acne issues, I found myself developing skin tags—those annoying little flaps of skin that pop up in random spots like my neck and armpits. They serve no real purpose and only added to the list of unexpected changes my body was undergoing.
4. Visible Veins
In my youth, I looked at women with prominent veins and thought I’d never be that person. Fast forward to my late twenties, and I was sporting spider veins on my legs and a lovely varicose vein in an unmentionable area. It’s a stark reminder of how pregnancy can change your body in ways you never imagined.
5. Larger Feet
This one defies logic. My feet grew and have stayed larger even after two pregnancies. If you’re already starting with larger feet, like a size 9, you might find yourself squeezing into what could only be described as clown-size shoes, which can be incredibly frustrating when shopping for new heels.
Pregnancy brings a host of strange bodily surprises, but they serve as a preparation for the ultimate surprise: bringing a new life into the world. And there’s that reminder that, through it all, managing a little extra hair isn’t the worst thing.
If you’re interested in exploring your options for home insemination, check out our blog on the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit. For more information on sperm extraction techniques, visit the experts at sperm extraction techniques. Also, for comprehensive resources on pregnancy and fertility, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent reference.
Summary
Pregnancy can bring unexpected surprises such as facial hair growth, a swollen nose, skin tags, visible veins, and larger feet. While these changes may seem bizarre, they prepare you for the ultimate surprise of welcoming a new person into your life.