The Strange Things Pregnancy Does to a Woman’s Body

Pregnancy is a wonderful thing; a special time for most women. It brings them much joy to experience the various changes as their baby grows and develops. Some of the changes aren’t so enjoyable though. The good news is that things usually go back to normal after the birth of the bundle of joy. The physical, mental, and emotional discomforts that mothers-to-be experience is inevitable. Hormonal surges brought about by pregnancy trigger the weird things that expectant mothers go through. Here are five strange things pregnancy does to women.\r \r 1. Brain Fog\r \r It was revealed in a study that about eighty percent of women experience memory lapses while pregnant. Pregnant women experience brain changes that negatively impact cognitive abilities. Pregnant women frequently lament brain fog, which includes forgetfulness and trouble concentrating. These cognitive alterations, sometimes known as "pregnancy brain," may be brought on by hormonal imbalances, lack of sleep, or stress. Memory changes during pregnancy may represent an evolutionary adaptation. Pregnancy brain, according to some studies, helps women forget about other things so they can concentrate on caring for their unborn child.\r \r 2. Hair Growth\r \r Hair may appear to be growing more quickly, getting thicker, or changing in texture. The quality and strength of hair and nails are impacted by pregnancy hormones. Some women even find that their hair changes color. However, there is a drawback to this hormonal change. Some women may also develop hair on their faces, chests, backs, and bellies. However, these hair changes are frequently temporary. In the months following childbirth or after they cease nursing, many women experience hair loss.\r \r 3. Voice Changes\r \r Expectant mothers should not be surprised if they wake up one morning to realize that their voice drops an octane. A raspy or lower voice is just one more strange pregnancy symptom. Increases in estrogen and progesterone levels as well as other changes bring about changes in lung capacity and muscle regulation. These cause the vocal cords to swell. Acid reflux and indigestion usually occur during pregnancy. This causes laryngeal irritation which can also alter the voice. Some singers have indicated that they were unable to reach the higher vocal notes when they were expecting. For women who experience this, they are comforted by knowing it is only temporary. \r \r 4. Skin Changes\r \r The body's increased hormone production during pregnancy can activate the melanin cells that give the skin its color. The areolas might darken, freckles could appear more noticeable, and that dark line down the tummy called the linea nigra will become darker. There may also be blotching and patchiness. Women with darker skin tones are more likely to experience hyperpigmentation, which often disappears or lightens after giving birth. Chloasma, sometimes known as the "mask of pregnancy," is brownish or yellowish blotches that some women get on their faces. Pregnancy causes the skin's sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which makes acne more prevalent.\r \r 5. Snoring\r \r Pregnant women often get nudged when sleeping by their partners who complain that they now snore. During pregnancy, women often feel stuffy although they don’t have a cold. The increased blood flow and hormones that occur during pregnancy can cause mucous membranes to thicken and expand, giving a stuffy, congested feeling. This restricts breathing. To compensate, the body forces mothers to breathe through their mouth while asleep, which results in snoring. Snoring usually starts in the second trimester when nasal congestion begins. Don't worry ladies, this too shall pass.   \r \r  \r \r