10 Things Women Dislike About Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience and indeed a wonderful time in a woman’s life. It’s the time to celebrate the advent of a new life that is being nurtured within the mum. However, for a woman, growing and supporting a child within her body is not an easy journey.

Riding the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy is tiring. Besides an expanding belly, there’s a lot of physical change that an expecting woman goes through in her nine-month journey. All women have a different pregnancy experience.

Morning sickness, inadequate sleep, fatigue, swollen feet, sore breasts, stretch marks, indigestion, and frequent urination are some of the things women dislike about pregnancy. Read on to know more.

Things Women Dislike About Pregnancy 

Some of the things that women dislike about pregnancy are:

1. Morning sickness: Despite what it sounds like, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day. Research shows that it is common in 70% of pregnancies. 

It can be due to low blood sugar or the rise in pregnancy hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). 

To help relieve nausea, it is advisable to avoid having an empty stomach. Eating in small amounts every one to two hours can be helpful.

2. Sensitivity to smell: A heightened sense of smell is an early pregnancy symptom. 

This is called hyperosmia that makes previously mild odours, strong and unappealing. It might decrease later in pregnancy.

3. Increased urination: Women find themselves urinating more often than usual. The amount of blood in the body increases during pregnancy. 

This in turn causes the kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in the bladder. Leaking of urine when you cough or sneeze, is also very common during pregnancy.

4. Lack of sleep and fatigue: Factors like changing hormone levels, anticipation, and anxiety can make sleep a distant possibility at times. You can take a quick snooze whenever you feel tired.

Fatigue or loss of energy can begin in the first weeks of pregnancy. This can be due to hormonal changes.

As the body is working hard to adjust to the new physical changes, it is common for women to feel exhausted during pregnancy.

5. Constipation: A daily prenatal vitamin is recommended by the doctor during pregnancy that contains iron. However, the iron in the vitamin can lead to constipation.

Moreover, the slow process of breaking down food (due to progesterone) can also cause constipation, gas, and bloating. To get relief from this, drink plenty of water, fruit juices, and include plenty of fibre in your diet.

6. Heartburn: During pregnancy, the muscles that break down food are more relaxed. 

Relaxing the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, pregnancy hormones can allow stomach acid to leak into your oesophagus. This causes heartburn.

7. Dehydration: Dehydration is common during pregnancy. This is because of the increased demand for water. 

Nausea and vomiting can make it difficult for the body to absorb the water it needs, causing dehydration. Hence, drinking plenty of water and fluids are advisable.

8. Stretch marks: Hormonal changes can soften the fibres of your skin and make it prone to stretch marks. 

Stretch marks are common during pregnancy and affect eight out of 10 pregnant women. After delivery, the stretch marks may gradually fade into pale scars.

You should try dermatologically tested products or some natural body butter to treat stretchmarks and itching caused by it. These provide 24 hours of moisturisation and provide the perfect nourishment to your skin.

9. Swollen feet: Swollen feet are common during pregnancy. The weight of the uterus and foetus puts extra pressure on the feet. This pressure can reduce circulation and increase fluid buildup. This causes swelling in the feet.

Natural foot creams can be a saviour for your swollen feet during pregnancy. It gives a soothing, cooling sensation to the swollen feet and tired ankles.

10. Sore breasts: Women have sore breasts during pregnancy because their bodies are flooded with oestrogen and progesterone. 

A universal problem amongst pregnant mums, trying a new bra or breast pads to shield your nipples can provide comfort.

You can opt for the natural nipple butter that soothes sore nipples. Clinically tested, it is enriched with Vitamin E and nourishes the area around the nipple.

While most women look forward to the experience of becoming mothers, pregnancy isn’t as easy as it looks. However, we are sure you will agree, becoming a mum is worth all the things we dislike, and go through.