These things will surprise you when you're ready to become a mother! (Pregnancy Surprises)

Becoming a mother is a beautiful and loving experience, isn't it? It's amazing to have another life growing inside you. But during this beautiful journey, things can happen that you never imagined, and sometimes even seem a little strange. Many of these things are very normal, but knowing them in advance can help you face this time more easily. So, let's talk about ten things that may surprise you during this pregnancy?

1. The baby's amazing desire to prepare the house (Nesting Instinct)

Have you suddenly felt a strong desire to dust your house, clean out your closet, and make your baby's room beautiful? Just like a bird builds a nest, mothers also feel the urge to tidy up their home before the baby arrives, which we call ``Nesting Instinct''. Just think, as the baby approaches, you may be tempted to wash the walls and clean every nook and cranny of the house in ways you never thought possible. This is actually a good thing, because it will reduce the amount of work you have to do after the baby is born. But remember, don't overdo it, okay? Don't overdo it, do these tasks one at a time.

2. Is it hard to concentrate? Is your memory a little impaired?

During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, you may find it difficult to concentrate and feel a bit foggy due to fatigue and morning sickness. Not only that, but even when you are well rested, you may sometimes forget things and find it difficult to focus on one thing for a long time. There are two main reasons for this. One is that your mind is constantly thinking about the baby. The other is the major hormonal changes that occur. Because of this, things like work, bills to pay, and doctor appointments may seem less important than the baby.

The best solution to this is to write down important things, dates, appointments, etc. in a small notebook. That way, you won't forget them.

3. Mood Swings

Do you remember how you felt before your period? It's the same during pregnancy. Your breasts are swollen and sore, your hormones are fluctuating, and it's hard to keep your mind in one place. If you're someone who experiences mood swings during premenstrual syndrome (PMS), you may experience mood swings during pregnancy. It's like you're smiling one minute and crying for no reason the next.

This is very common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester and towards the end of the last trimester.

Many pregnant women experience some form of stress, even depression, during this time. If you have trouble sleeping, significant changes in your appetite, or unusual mood swings for several days (more than two weeks), be sure to see your doctor and talk about it.

4. Breast enlargement

One of the first signs of pregnancy is an increase in the size of your breasts. This is because your breasts become larger during the first trimester due to the increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Surprisingly, this enlargement doesn't stop after the first trimester. Your breasts can continue to grow throughout your pregnancy!

Also, your bra size is affected by your bust size. During pregnancy, your lung capacity increases to take in the extra oxygen needed by both you and your baby. This can also cause your bust size to increase. So, you may need to buy a new bra several times during your pregnancy.

5. Skin changes: Is that so-called 'pregnancy glow' real?

Do your friends say, "Wow, you've got that 'pregnancy glow' now, your face is so radiant"? Actually, that's also a result of hormonal changes and skin stretching during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers have an increased amount of blood in their bodies. That extra blood is directed to the uterus and other vital organs like the kidneys. This extra blood causes more blood to flow to the delicate blood vessels in the skin, and the sebaceous glands in the skin produce more oil. This is why some people get that shiny look.

However, other skin changes may also be seen:

• Melasma: Some people develop brown spots on their face, cheeks, and forehead. This is also called chloasma or the 'mask of pregnancy'.
• Linea Nigra: A dark line can be seen running down from the navel to the stomach.
• Hyperpigmentation: The skin around the nipples, external genitalia, and anus may become darker. This is because pregnancy hormones cause the body to produce more pigment. Since this pigment is not distributed evenly, some areas may become darker like spots. This cannot be completely prevented, but its effects can be reduced by using sunscreen when going out in the sun and staying away from strong ultraviolet rays (UV light).
• Acne: Acne is also common during this time as the skin's oil glands produce more oil.
• Freckles and birthmarks: Birthmarks and skin spots that you have had before may become larger and darker.
• Heat Rash: Sweating and humidity can cause heat rash. In general, pregnancy is a time when the skin is very itchy. Especially when the skin on your belly is stretched, it can be itchy and peeling. Your doctor can recommend a cream that will help soothe this dry, itchy skin.

The good news is that many of these skin changes improve or disappear completely after having a baby.

6. Amazing changes in hair and nails!

Many mothers notice changes in their hair texture and growth during pregnancy. Due to the effects of hormones, your hair may grow faster than usual and shed less. However, these hair changes are not permanent. Many mothers experience a little more hair loss after giving birth, either during the postpartum period or after they stop breastfeeding.

Some people may notice hair growing in areas they feel are unwanted, such as on the face, stomach, or around the nipples. The texture of the hair may change, becoming drier or more oily than usual. Surprisingly, some people even notice that their hair color changes!

Nails are just like hair. They can also change during pregnancy. Extra hormones can make nails grow faster and stronger. However, for some people, nails break and split easily during pregnancy. Like hair changes, nail changes are not permanent. If your nails break and split easily during pregnancy, keep them trimmed and trimmed. It is best to stay away from harsh chemicals in nail polish and nail polish remover as much as possible during this time.

7. Will the shoe size also get bigger? How is that?

You might be thinking, "Okay, the clothes I wore before pregnancy don't fit me anymore. But the shoes will fit me!" Maybe... but maybe not! Don't be surprised. Many mothers-to-be experience swelling in their legs, especially their feet, due to the extra fluid in their bodies. Not only that, but we've already talked about how the joints of the body loosen up a bit during pregnancy. So, when the increased weight of the body during pregnancy presses on the joints of these loosened legs, the feet become a little flatter, longer, and wider. This is why many mothers-to-be often need a larger shoe size during pregnancy. Surprisingly, sometimes the same enlarged size can remain after pregnancy!

Nowadays, wearing a pair of slip-on shoes in a larger size is very convenient, especially on hot days, and is also good for your feet.

8. Be aware of loosening of joints in the body.

During pregnancy, your body produces a special hormone called Relaxin. Doctors believe that this hormone mainly prepares your pelvic area, which is the bones in your groin area, and your cervix for childbirth. Relaxin and other factors related to pregnancy cause your ligaments, which are the tissues that hold your joints together, to loosen. This makes your body less stable and more susceptible to minor injuries and strains. You can easily strain or sprain your body, especially your pelvic joints, lower back, and knees.

Therefore, when exercising or lifting weights, you should do so with great care and control, completely avoiding sudden, jerky movements.

9. Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and constipation: Let's talk a little about these troubles too

These are a bit difficult things, but many mothers have to face them at this time.

• Varicose Veins: These varicose veins, usually found in the legs and sometimes in the genital area, are caused by blood pooling in veins that have become enlarged and dilated due to pregnancy hormones. But don't worry, they usually go away after you give birth. Here are some things you can do to help prevent or reduce them:
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
• Wear loose, non-tight clothing.
• Use a support hose as directed by a doctor.
• If possible, keep your legs slightly elevated when sitting.
• Hemorrhoids: These are actually swollen veins in the rectum. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases and your growing uterus presses on your pelvis, causing the veins in your rectum to swell like grapes. Hemorrhoids can be very painful, bleeding, itchy, and burning, especially during and after a bowel movement.
• Constipation: This is another common problem that many people experience during pregnancy. This happens because pregnancy hormones slow down the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Towards the end of pregnancy, your uterus can push into your large intestine, making it difficult to have a bowel movement. Constipation can also make hemorrhoids worse, as the veins in your rectum become more dilated when you strain to have a bowel movement.

The best way to manage constipation and hemorrhoids is to prevent them from occurring as much as possible. Eating foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains), drinking plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters per day), and getting some light exercise (like walking) daily can help regularize bowel movements. If you are severely constipated, be sure to talk to your doctor about using stool softeners or laxatives. Also, if you have hemorrhoids, ask your doctor about a cream or ointment that can shrink them and reduce pain.

10. Things that come out of the body during childbirth: These are also surprising things!

So, with all the changes in your mind and the discomfort in your body, you might think that the big surprises are over. But the day your baby comes into this world is probably the day that brings you the biggest, most unimaginable surprises!

• What is "water breaking"? During pregnancy, your baby is surrounded by a sac of amniotic fluid called an amniotic sac. This sac breaks either during labor or during labor – this is what we commonly call "water breaking." Many mothers experience contractions during labor before their water breaks. Sometimes, even though the cervix is ​​dilated, the doctor may need to rupture the amniotic sac.
• How much fluid can you expect? A full-term baby has 2-3 cups (about 500-750 ml) of amniotic fluid. Some mothers may experience a sudden, strong urge to urinate when their water breaks, accompanied by a large amount of fluid. Others may feel like they are leaking slowly down their legs, as the baby's head acts as a stopper, preventing a lot of fluid from coming out at once. Amniotic fluid is usually sweet-smelling and light to almost colorless. It is produced by your body every 3 hours, so don't be surprised if you continue to leak about a cup per hour until your baby is born.
• Other things: Other, unexpected things can happen during labor. Some mothers experience nausea and vomiting. Others may have diarrhea before or during labor, and passing gas is common. During the pushing phase, you may lose control of your bladder or bowels. Don't be embarrassed or worried about these things. These are normal parts of the labor process.

If you can, create a birth plan. This will allow you to communicate your wishes and expectations to the medical staff in advance about these things and other aspects of labor and delivery.

During pregnancy, you have to face so many amazing and new experiences. But, above all, there is no sweeter, more beautiful surprise in this world than the joy and loving feeling of holding your newborn baby in your arms!

So, let's recap what we talked about in one breath. (Take-Home Message)

You've seen so many unexpected things happen during this beautiful journey of becoming a mother. Some of these things may seem a little strange, and some may even seem a little uncomfortable. But you should remember that most of these are normal things that happen during pregnancy .

The most important thing is to be aware of all these changes and experiences. If you have any questions or concerns, don't be shy or afraid to talk to your doctor or family health worker.

Some changes, such as mood swings or skin changes, can be a little bothersome. But remember, these will often subside and go away after the baby is born.

As your body prepares for this amazing journey, to bring a new life into this world, treat it with love and kindness. Eat a good nutritious diet, drink enough water throughout the day, and give your body the rest it needs. Above all, enjoy this beautiful, miraculous experience. Because that moment when you hold your little one in your arms is the most beautiful, precious surprise of all!

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