The most magical aspect of pregnancy is the birth of a new life within the womb. However, as this little one appears and grows, pregnant women experience some less pleasant changes throughout their bodies, such as thinning hair or decreased memory. A recent article in the American magazine *Parenting* points out that these changes are generally temporary, and with proper management, your body will return to normal after childbirth.
1. Hair: Hair may become curly and fall out during pregnancy, making it particularly difficult to manage. This is actually caused by hormonal changes in the pregnant woman's body, and it usually returns to normal after 6 months of childbirth.
Solution: Try curling your hair at home to create a new style. However, remember not to dye or perm your hair, as the chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the scalp and potentially affect the fetus.
2. Brain: Some pregnant women feel their brains aren't working properly during pregnancy. Indeed, a pregnant woman's brain may shrink slightly, but it usually returns to its original size within a few months after the baby is born.
Solution: Simplify your daily routine; let go of the things you can or can't manage. Remember, nurturing new life is far more important than going to the dry cleaners on time.
3. Eyes: During pregnancy, a woman's eyes swell along with the rest of her body, the cornea thins and becomes slightly curved. Some pregnant women may experience distorted images when watching television, and some may even have similar problems recognizing people. Furthermore, due to changes in corneal shape, about one-quarter of pregnant women who wear contact lenses will find their lenses uncomfortable.
Solution: If contact lenses are uncomfortable, switch to eyeglasses. You can wear contact lenses again after having a baby. If you feel that eye problems are affecting your life, see a doctor.
4. Skin: Pregnant women's skin is often particularly oily, prone to acne, and some may also develop various blemishes.
Solutions: Drink 8 glasses of water daily, use warm water when bathing, and use a mild body wash. Wash the T-zone of your face more frequently. Don't use spot-removing creams lightly if you have freckles. Generally, if your skin hasn't recovered several months after childbirth, it's not too late to see a doctor.
5. Nose: Pregnant women's noses seem particularly sensitive, especially to unpleasant odors. This is actually a human instinct for self-protection. Swelling of the nose is also common in pregnant women, often feeling stuffy and as if they have a perpetual cold. Some may even experience occasional nosebleeds.
Countermeasures: Pregnant women should avoid the seafood section in shopping malls where the smell is strong. If you experience nasal congestion, you can use saline nasal drops or take a 20-minute hot bath. Of course, it's also essential to keep a box of tissues handy.
6. Oral health: Traditionally, it was believed that because the fetus needs calcium for development, it might deprive the mother of some calcium, thus damaging the pregnant woman's teeth. In reality, the fetus obtains calcium solely from the mother's food, and the real cause of dental problems is actually gingivitis.
Solutions: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse with mouthwash daily. Continue with your regular checkups, and tell your dentist you are pregnant so they can manage your gum problems.
7. Immune System: A pregnant woman's immune system undergoes remarkable changes: on the one hand, to deliver nutrients to the fetus, the number of highly toxic immune cells in the pregnant woman's blood decreases significantly; on the other hand, pregnant women are much less likely to catch a cold than normal people. This phenomenon is difficult to explain medically, but almost all doctors acknowledge that pregnant women have a higher antiviral capacity than the average person.
Countermeasures: It's important to understand that pregnant women are not immune to illness; they simply have stronger immune systems. Therefore, pregnant women should still take precautions, such as washing their hands frequently, staying away from people with infectious diseases, and getting plenty of rest. During flu season, vaccination should still be considered.
8. Breasts: Pregnancy causes noticeable changes in the breasts as they prepare for breastfeeding. A pregnant woman's nipples become firmer, the areola enlarges, and its color darkens. Changes also occur inside the breasts; more blood flows to them, which can sometimes cause soreness and swelling, and the bra size may increase by about two sizes.
Solution: Choose a suitable bra with wide straps, a sturdy frame, and soft material to avoid irritating the nipples. It's best to have a professional help you choose the right size. If necessary, you can also wear it to sleep.
9. Heart and circulatory system: Pregnancy increases the burden on the heart, so the heartbeat will be faster and heavier than usual; the pregnant woman's body, especially the tens of thousands of blood vessels in the placenta, need more blood to function properly, so the pregnant woman's blood pressure is also prone to instability.
Solutions: Take iron-rich supplements to replenish red blood cells. Walk for 20 minutes daily to improve cardiovascular function and stabilize blood pressure. Drink plenty of water before and after exercise. If you feel dizzy, rest immediately; if you experience severe headaches, swelling in your hands and face, rest in bed.
10. Digestive Tract: Pregnancy reactions can cause stomach discomfort for pregnant women. Heartburn, indigestion, and constipation become common, all due to slower digestion. Physiologically speaking, the longer food stays in the digestive tract, the more nutrients are absorbed, which is essential for fetal growth.
Solutions: To avoid heartburn, pregnant women should avoid fatty meats and overly spicy or sour foods, and should not lie down immediately after eating. If discomfort is felt, drinking yogurt or chewing gum can provide some relief. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, perhaps breaking down three main meals into six smaller ones, and consume plenty of fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly.
11. Hands: 45% of pregnant women experience wrist pain and numbness in their fingers, which is caused by hormonal and blood flow changes. These symptoms usually disappear after delivery.
Solutions: For pregnant women who work at a computer and whose hands move a lot, it's important to change positions frequently, move your wrists often, and take more rest. Additionally, practicing yoga can help pregnant women overcome these challenges.
12. External genitalia: Hormonal changes and increased blood flow to erogenous zones in pregnant women can enhance libido.
Solution: Consult a doctor. As long as it does not harm the fetus, frequent sexual activity is not a problem for pregnant women.
13. Legs: During pregnancy, the flow of blood to the lower body, the increase in weight, and calcium deficiency can all put a strain on the legs, causing swelling and pain.
Solutions: Avoid standing or sitting for extended periods. Do leg kicks several times a day, kicking your legs at least to waist height. Taking calcium supplements can also relieve leg pain. If the swelling in your legs is severe, see a doctor.
14. Feet: Most pregnant women experience an increase in foot size, often requiring them to wear shoes a size larger than usual. This is due to weight gain and water retention. Furthermore, about half of women's feet do not shrink back to their normal size after childbirth, resulting in shoes remaining a size too large.
Solutions: Frequent cold compresses and foot massages can reduce swelling. Buy comfortable shoes half a size or a full size larger and learn to accept feet that are a little bigger.
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