Best and worst pregnancy symptoms

Although pregnancy definitely isn’t an illness it does have a whole range of pregnancy symptoms that go with it. Some are good and some bad… and some of the bad ones can be good if you use them in just the right way to garner some sympathy and TLC from your partner, family and friends!

Here’s gurgle’s round up of the best and the worst pregnancy symptoms…

What we love…

The excuse to take it easy
It’s a strange one to have on the list of pros – but not if you think about it. OK, it’s not nice to feel exhausted and have to take yourself off to bed at a time when you used to be thinking of meeting your friends for some partying. But the key to making pregnancy tiredness a good symptom is using it wisely. The reason you’re jaded is because it’s all systems go inside you as you create and nourish your unborn baby. So milk it! Take a nap in your lunch hour, and put your feet up when you get home in the evenings. Let your partner take some of the weight, by cooking the evening meal, bringing you breakfast in bed at the weekends and taking over some more of the household chores. See your tiredness for what it is: a great excuse to rest when you most need it!

Eating more
We’re not recommending that you eat for two – in fact many pregnancy experts say that the old guideline of putting on at least 15 pounds during pregnancy is out-of-date because it doesn’t take into account the current obesity epidemic. But the fact that you simply can’t avoid gaining some weight as your baby grows – you likely will be ravenous and will need to eat more to feel satisfied – does free you up from having to worry about how you look and about fitting into your size four jeans. No more sucking in!

Better hair and nails
During pregnancy, increased hormone levels interrupt the normal hair loss cycle, meaning your hair stays in what’s called its ‘resting phase’ for longer. This means you lose much less hair during the nine months (beware though: it all returns to normal three months or so after the birth and you may appear to lose substantial amounts of hair as your body ‘catches up’. It’s also much glossier and may behave differently – for example, curly hair may grow straighter while straight hair may develop a wave. Your nails also will grow faster and stronger.

Bigger breasts
If you’ve come this far in a A-cup, prepare to catch up with your stacked sisters because pregnancy typically causes breasts to increase in size by a couple of cup sizes at least. It’s down to increased fluid in your body and the extra pounds you’re gaining. Plus, the breast tissue itself expands as your breasts prepare to produce milk. You’ll notice them leaking a little breast milk in late pregnancy but his is colostrum, a creamy first milk rich in antibodies that offer your baby immunity against illnesses you may have had. Proper breast milk comes in three or four days after the birth – and don’t be surprised to race up through another two or even three cup sizes when that happens!

Great sex
OK, this may not happen in the first three months, when you might be suffering from tiredness and morning sickness. But most women move past this stage by the end of the first trimester (weeks 0-12) and that’s when you may hit the jackpot in the bedroom. The increase in blood volume in pregnancy means there is more blood circulating in your pelvic region, which can heighten your arousal during sex. Pregnancy also increases vaginal secretions, making for better lubrication. We say go for it – after all, you won’t have to worry about getting pregnant will you?

What we hate…

Feeling sick
Most moms-to-be suffer from morning sickness and for many it’s a misnomer, because it can occur at any time and, for the unlucky few, last all day and all night. It’s caused by pregnancy hormones and actually is a good sign that your pregnancy is well established. There are things you can try to ease morning sickness, including eating something before you get out of bed, and avoiding spicy foods.

Getting fat
Some of the weight you gain during your pregnancy will inevitably be fat – your body lays it down on your breasts, thighs and butt because it’s nature’s way of ensuring you have fat stores to support breastfeeding. As we said above, many experts now think the blanket advice to gain at least 15 pounds may not suit every pregnant women and it is the case that if you already are overweight or obese when you become pregnant and then gain excessive weight during your pregnancy, you may be at higher risk of birth complications and of needing a cesarean delivery. Talk to your OB-GYN or midwife about what sort of weight gain you should aim for.

Constipation
Pregnancy hormones relax your ligaments and muscles and this can have the effect of slowing the movement of food through your GI tract. The longer it stays in there the more likely you are to become constipated. Avoid it by drinking plenty of fluids (water is best) and if it does strike, try drinking prune juice. Eat plenty of whole grains and fruit and vegetables, as these are high in fiber, which can help bulk up stools and move them through your system faster.

Heartburn
Heartburn is particularly common in late pregnancy, as your expanding uterus pushes on your stomach, forcing he contents upwards. It’s exacerbated by the fact that the relaxing effects of those pregnancy hormones affect the muscle that separates your stomach from your esophagus, enabling stomach acids to leak out. Try sleeping propped up and eating smaller, more frequent meals. Your OB-GYN or midwife may be able to recommend an antacid if necessary.

Emotional meltdowns
It’s all the fault of those pregnancy hormones again – they ensure that your pregnancy is a roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs. And on top of that you’ll be excited about your pregnancy one minute and worrying about its effects on your relationship and your finances the next. You’ll also likely worry about your baby’s health and the birth. Don’t brood – share your feelings with your partner, family or friends. And get educated about pregnancy and about the process of childbirth – a lot of your worry may simply be due to ignorance, and finding out as much as you can about pregnancy and birth can help to allay your fears.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 06/05/2009

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