6 unpleasant symptoms during pregnancy

Unofficial archives are full of exclusive information about the unusual behavior of pregnant women:

• One pregnant woman (an obstetrician) vomited while examining a patient.
• Another pregnant woman insisted on a constant terrible smell coming from her husband.
• Another pregnant administrative assistant not only fell asleep at her desk, but also began snoring so loudly that her boss heard it.

And these are just a few examples. Experts say that many pregnancy symptoms can surprise not only those around you, but also pregnant women themselves. "Women think they are prepared, but no matter how much they read or talk to their doctor about it, no one is immune to the "side" effects of pregnancy

"These weird and embarrassing behaviors can not only take you by surprise, but even scare and worry you," says Stacey Quartey, author of Real Pregnancy: A Week-by-Week Guide to Unexpected Symptoms, Hormones, and Weirdness. Quartey, also the founder of a pregnancy website, explains that she was inspired to write the book to help women understand their own "weird" pregnancy symptoms and show them they're not alone. "You'll hear a lot of stories during pregnancy, but there are some things that no one tells you that just seem weird and wrong," Quartey says. To help you know what to really expect during pregnancy, Quartey and two obstetricians researched six of the most common "yucky" pregnancy side effects.

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Gases

If you're constantly looking for an excuse to leave the room and your coworkers no longer think that plastic utensils are melting in the microwave, then you've already experienced the most unpleasant aspect of pregnancy: excessive farting, enough to power a compact car. "When it comes to pregnancy side effects, gas is the number one issue during the first trimester," says midwife Laura Riley, MD, a high-risk obstetrician at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Riley attributes this to high levels of the pregnancy hormone progesterone, which slows down stomach movement, producing more gas. The solution: Pay attention to your diet. Riley suggests cutting back on beans, broccoli, and soda and eating smaller, more frequent meals. As for medications, it's not a good idea to take any pills during pregnancy; a calcium carbonate product is a better choice.

Vomit

Stories of "morning sickness" in early pregnancy are legendary. But it doesn't just happen in the morning, and sometimes it happens at the most inconvenient times. "Nausea is pretty much a part of every pregnancy. But there are things you can control, if only to keep you from throwing up on someone," says Katherine Macaulay, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center. Change the timing of your prenatal vitamins. "Taking them at night with food can definitely help with morning sickness," she says. Additionally, try using an anti-nausea patch, which is designed to apply pressure to acupuncture points associated with nausea. It can also help with morning sickness and reduce the risk of sudden vomiting. Always carry lemon, hard candies, or try holding an ice cube in your mouth.

Incontinence

Pregnancy and incontinence are closely linked. "I remember going for a walk during my first pregnancy, accidentally sneezing, and feeling a trickle of urine running down my legs. I quickly turned around to go home, and suddenly it happened again. I felt like I was seven," says Quartey. The problem, says Macaulay, is that your uterus is growing and putting pressure on your bladder. Cutting down on the fluid can help solve the problem.

The best solution: Do special exercises that tone the muscles and help control the bladder. Also, carry tissues or pads in case a sneeze catches you by surprise.

Discharge

While it won’t be a big deal in a social sense, it can be frustrating. We’re talking vaginal and vulvar issues during pregnancy, including discharge, odor, itching, and even swelling of the vulva. Macaulay attributes this to hormones and the weight gain of the baby. Luckily, there are tips to help. Wear natural-fiber underwear and change yours often. “I don’t recommend using deodorants or other scented products for intimate hygiene. Vulvar burning and itching can lead to other problems,” says Macaulay. Also remember that pregnancy hormones heighten your sense of smell, so don’t be surprised if someone can’t smell their own, as you might think, “awful odor.” If you notice a change in the color of your genitals, you may have vulvar varicose veins, which can be the cause of wearing a tight support belt, which many pregnant women use. Talk to your doctor about this.

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Memory problems

You pick up the phone to call a client—and you can't remember who you're calling. You go to the grocery store to buy... what? You can't remember. These are just two examples of "mother-to-be memory" that typically "progresses" in the second trimester. While many blame the same pesky hormones, Macaulay doesn't forget about the worries of the expectant mother, either.

"When you're constantly thinking about your baby's health, your health, your future, and the color of your nursery, it's likely that you'll forget some trivial things," says Macaulay. If that's confusing, remember that these are all natural changes that almost every pregnant woman goes through. Being aware of that can improve your memory, she says.

Emotional problems

The hormones that are produced in the body of a pregnant woman can turn even the most timid woman into a force to be reckoned with! Riley believes that hormones can affect the state of pregnant women in different ways. Aggression or, on the contrary, increased sentimentality and tearfulness may occur. Usually, such a state does not last long and the mood quickly changes. But if you are in a depressed state most of the time, consult a doctor to prevent potential problems.

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