10 Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant

As your due date draws closer, you may find yourself cleaning cupboards, washing walls, organizing closets, or rearranging furniture — activities you never would have imagined doing in your ninth month of pregnancy!

This nesting behavior is driven by hormonal changes and is completely normal during pregnancy. The desire to prepare your home can be useful — you'll have fewer to-do items after the birth.

The nesting instinct typically peaks during the third trimester, around weeks 32-36 of pregnancy, when many expecting mothers feel an overwhelming need to create a safe, organized space for their baby.

While nesting can be productive, it's important to balance preparation with rest. Overexertion during late pregnancy can lead to exhaustion and increased risk of injury.

But be careful not to overdo it. Listen to your body, take frequent breaks, and don't hesitate to ask for help from family and friends.

In the first trimester, tiredness and morning sickness can make many women feel worn out and mentally fuzzy. The combination of fatigue, nausea, and hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact cognitive function.

Even well-rested pregnant women may have trouble concentrating and experience periods of forgetfulness. You might find yourself misplacing keys, forgetting appointments, or struggling to focus on work tasks.

Pregnancy brain is caused by several factors: hormonal changes (especially increased progesterone and estrogen), sleep deprivation, increased stress, and the mental load of preparing for a baby.

Thinking about the baby plays a role, as do hormonal changes. Your brain is literally rewiring itself to prioritize maternal instincts and baby care over other concerns.

Everything — including work, bills, and doctor visits — may seem less important than the baby and the coming birth. This shift in priorities is natural and helps you prepare emotionally for motherhood.

Making lists can help you remember dates and appointments. Use phone reminders, calendars, and written notes to stay organized during pregnancy.

Pregnancy brain typically improves after delivery, though it may persist during the early postpartum period due to sleep deprivation and hormonal adjustments.

Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy are alike in many ways. Your breasts swell and become tender, your hormones go up and down, and you may feel moody. The hormonal rollercoaster of pregnancy can be intense.

If you have PMS, you're likely to have more severe mood swings during pregnancy. Women who experience premenstrual mood changes often notice similar or amplified emotional fluctuations during pregnancy.

They can make you go from being happy one minute to feeling like crying the next. These rapid emotional shifts are caused by fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain.

Mood swings are very common during pregnancy. They tend to happen more in the first trimester (due to rapid hormonal changes) and toward the end of the third trimester (due to physical discomfort and anticipation of labor).

The second trimester is often called the "honeymoon period" because many women experience fewer mood swings and more emotional stability during this time.

Many pregnant women experience depression during pregnancy. Perinatal depression affects approximately 1 in 7 women and should not be ignored.

If you have symptoms such as sleep problems, changes in eating habits, persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings for longer than 2 weeks, talk to your health care provider immediately.

Risk factors for pregnancy depression include a history of depression, lack of social support, relationship problems, financial stress, and unplanned pregnancy.

Breast growth in the first trimester is due to higher levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones stimulate the growth of milk ducts and fatty tissue in preparation for breastfeeding.

That growth in the first trimester might not be the end, either — your breasts can continue to grow throughout your pregnancy! Many women experience breast growth in stages, with another growth spurt in the third trimester.

Your bra size also can be affected by your ribcage. When you're pregnant, your lung capacity increases so you can take in extra oxygen for you and your baby, which may lead to a bigger chest size.

The ribcage expands to accommodate your growing uterus and increased lung capacity, which can add inches to your band size even if your cup size doesn't change significantly.

You may need to replace your bras several times during your pregnancy. It's common to go up one or two cup sizes and one or two band sizes throughout pregnancy.

Investing in maternity bras or bras with adjustable bands can save money and provide better support. Look for bras without underwire in the later stages of pregnancy for comfort.

Breast tenderness and sensitivity are also common, especially in the first trimester. Wearing a supportive, well-fitting bra can help alleviate discomfort.

After delivery, your breasts will continue to change as your milk comes in. Nursing bras with easy access and good support are essential for breastfeeding mothers.

Pregnant women have increased blood volume (up to 50% more) to provide extra blood flow to the uterus and other organs, especially the kidneys. The greater volume brings more blood to the vessels and increases oil gland secretion, which can create that famous "pregnancy glow."

Some women develop brownish patches on their face called melasma (also called chloasma or mask of pregnancy). This condition affects up to 70% of pregnant women and is more common in women with darker skin tones.

Melasma typically appears on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It's caused by increased melanin production triggered by pregnancy hormones, especially when combined with sun exposure.

Some will notice a dark line in the middle of the abdomen, known as the linea nigra (or linea negra). This vertical line runs from the pubic bone to the navel or higher and is more visible in women with darker skin.

They can also have hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) of the nipples, external genitalia, and anal region. That's because pregnancy hormones cause the body to make more melanin pigment.

This increased pigment might not be even, so the darkened skin may appear as splotches of color. It can't be prevented, but wearing sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and avoiding UV light can minimize its effects.

Acne is common during pregnancy because the skin's sebaceous glands make more oil due to hormonal changes. Some women who had clear skin before pregnancy may develop acne, while others with pre-existing acne may see it worsen or improve.

Moles or freckles that you had before pregnancy may get bigger and darker. However, if you notice any changes in moles (size, shape, color, or bleeding), consult your dermatologist.

Many pregnant women also get heat rash, caused by dampness and sweating. This is especially common in areas where skin rubs together or where clothing is tight.

In general, pregnancy can be an itchy time for a woman. Skin stretching over the abdomen may cause itchiness and flaking. Your doctor can recommend creams to soothe dry or itchy skin.

Stretch marks (striae gravidarum) affect up to 90% of pregnant women. They typically appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs as the skin stretches rapidly.

Most skin changes get better or go away after the baby is born, though some may take months to fade. Melasma often improves after delivery but may persist, especially with sun exposure.

Hormones can make your hair grow faster and fall out less. During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen prolong the growth phase of hair, resulting in thicker, fuller hair.

This happens because estrogen prevents hair from entering the resting phase (telogen), so less hair falls out daily. Many women notice their hair feels thicker and more voluminous.

But these hair changes usually aren't permanent. Many women lose some hair in the postpartum period (postpartum hair loss) or after they stop breastfeeding, as hormone levels return to normal.

Postpartum hair loss typically peaks around 3-4 months after delivery and can be alarming, but it's usually temporary. Your hair should return to its pre-pregnancy state within 6-12 months.

Some women find that they grow hair in unwanted places, such as on the face, belly, or around the nipples. This is due to increased androgen levels and is usually temporary.

Changes in hair texture can make hair drier or oilier. Some women notice their hair becomes more manageable, while others experience increased oiliness or dryness.

Some women even find their hair changing color slightly, though this is less common. Hormonal changes can affect melanin production in hair follicles.

Nails, like hair, can change during pregnancy. Extra hormones can make them grow faster and become stronger. Many women enjoy having longer, stronger nails during pregnancy.

Some women, though, find that their nails split and break more easily during pregnancy. This can be due to nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, or hormonal changes affecting nail structure.

Like the changes in hair, nail changes aren't permanent. If your nails split and tear more easily when you're pregnant, keep them trimmed and avoid the chemicals in nail polish and nail polish remover.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in biotin, protein, and vitamins can support healthy hair and nail growth during pregnancy.

Extra fluid in their pregnant bodies mean that many women have swollen feet (edema). This swelling is most common in the third trimester and can make your feet feel tight and uncomfortable in your regular shoes.

Also, joints tend to be looser during pregnancy due to the hormone relaxin, which loosens ligaments throughout the body to prepare for childbirth.

When the extra weight of pregnancy pushes down on loose joints in the feet, the feet get flatter, longer, and wider. The arch of your foot may flatten, and your foot may spread out.

This combination of swelling, weight gain, and ligament relaxation can permanently change your foot size. Studies show that pregnancy can increase foot length by up to 10mm and arch height can decrease.

Women often need to wear a larger shoe size when pregnant, and sometimes even after pregnancy. Many women find they need to go up half a size to a full size.

The changes are often more pronounced in first pregnancies and may be permanent due to the flattening of the foot arch.

Wearing slip-on shoes in a larger size can be more comfortable, especially in the summer months. Look for shoes with good arch support and room for swelling.

To reduce foot swelling, elevate your feet when sitting, avoid standing for long periods, stay hydrated, and engage in gentle exercise approved by your doctor.

During pregnancy, your body makes the hormone relaxin, which is believed to help prepare the pubic area and the cervix for the birth. Relaxin levels peak in the first trimester and again near delivery.

Relaxin and other pregnancy-related hormones loosen the ligaments in your body, making you less stable and more at risk for injury. This affects joints throughout your body, not just the pelvis.

It's easy to overstretch or strain yourself, especially the joints in your pelvis, lower back, and knees. The increased flexibility can make you feel more limber, but it also makes joints less stable.

Common issues include round ligament pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD), and increased risk of sprains and strains.

When exercising or lifting objects, go slowly and avoid sudden, jerking movements. Focus on controlled, gentle movements and proper form.

Avoid activities that require quick direction changes, jumping, or high-impact movements that could stress loose joints.

The effects of relaxin can persist for several months after delivery, especially if you're breastfeeding, so continue to be cautious with physical activity postpartum.

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and gentle stretching can help maintain strength and stability during pregnancy.

Varicose veins, usually found in the legs and genital area, happen when blood pools in veins enlarged by pregnancy hormones. The increased blood volume and pressure from your growing uterus can cause veins to become enlarged and visible.

Varicose veins often appear as blue or purple bulging veins, most commonly on the legs. They may cause aching, heaviness, or discomfort, especially after standing for long periods.

Varicose veins often go away after pregnancy, though they may persist or worsen with subsequent pregnancies. Some women may develop spider veins (smaller, web-like veins) as well.

To help prevent them: avoid standing or sitting for long periods, wear loose-fitting clothing, wear support hose or compression stockings, and raise your feet when you sit.

Hemorrhoids — varicose veins in the rectum — are common during pregnancy as well. Your blood volume has increased and your uterus puts pressure on your pelvis, affecting blood flow.

So the veins in your rectum may enlarge into grape-like clusters. Hemorrhoids can be very painful, and can bleed, itch, or sting, especially during or after a bowel movement (BM).

Constipation is another common pregnancy woe, affecting up to 40% of pregnant women. It happens because pregnancy hormones (especially progesterone) slow the passing of food through the gastrointestinal tract.

During the later stages of pregnancy, your uterus may push against your large intestine, making it hard for you to have a BM. This physical pressure, combined with slower digestion, creates the perfect conditions for constipation.

And constipation can contribute to hemorrhoids because straining to go may enlarge the veins of the rectum. The cycle of constipation and hemorrhoids can be frustrating but is manageable.

The best way to deal with constipation and hemorrhoids is to prevent them. Eating a fiber-rich diet (25-30 grams daily), drinking plenty of liquids daily (8-10 glasses of water), and exercising regularly can help keep BMs regular.

If you are constipated, talk to your doctor about using stool softeners or laxatives. Never use over-the-counter medications without consulting your healthcare provider first.

If you have hemorrhoids, ask about a cream or ointment that can shrink them. Sitz baths (sitting in warm water) can also provide relief from hemorrhoid discomfort.

During pregnancy, fluid surrounds your baby in the amniotic sac. This sac breaks (or "ruptures") at the start of or during labor — a moment usually referred to as your water breaking.

Only about 10-15% of women experience their water breaking before labor begins. For most women, it happens during active labor.

For most women in labor, contractions start before their water breaks. Sometimes the doctor has to rupture the amniotic sac (artificial rupture of membranes) if the cervix is already dilated and labor needs to be advanced.

For a full-term baby, there are about 2 to 3 cups (500-750ml) of amniotic fluid. The amount can vary, and you may not feel all of it at once.

Some women may feel an intense urge to pee that leads to a gush of fluid when their water breaks. Others may only feel a trickling down their leg because the baby's head acts like a stopper to prevent most of the fluid from leaking out.

Amniotic fluid is generally sweet-smelling and pale or colorless. It should not have a foul odor, which could indicate infection. If you're unsure whether your water has broken, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

It's replaced by your body every 3 hours, so don't be surprised if you continue to leak fluid, about a cup an hour, until delivery. This continuous leakage is normal.

Other, unexpected things may come out of your body during labor. Some women have nausea and vomiting, especially during the transition phase of labor.

Others have diarrhea before or during labor, and passing gas is also common. These symptoms are caused by the same hormones (prostaglandins) that trigger labor contractions.

During the pushing phase of labor, you may lose control of your bladder or bowels. This is completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about — your healthcare team has seen it all and is prepared.

The pressure of the baby's head on your rectum can make you feel like you need to have a bowel movement, which is actually a sign that you're ready to push.

A birth plan can help communicate your wishes to your health care providers about how to handle these and other aspects of labor and delivery. However, remain flexible as labor can be unpredictable.

Remember that your healthcare team is there to support you and has experience with all aspects of childbirth. Don't hesitate to ask questions or express concerns.