Strange happenings in pregnancy

Big foot

A bulging bump is one thing, but you may find your feet getting bigger during pregnancy too. Your body is prone to fluid retention during pregnancy and so your feet may swell up a little. 

What’s more, your body’s releasing a hormone that loosens up the joints around your pelvis in preparation for birth. But this also relaxes the ligaments in your feet making them spread out.

Your tootsies may not be as dainty as before, but hey, you have a genuine excuse for a shoe-shopping spree! 

Forget-me-not

If your mind has turned to a sieve, never fear – you’re not loopy and you’re not alone. An American study has shown that over half of pregnant women complain of forgetfulness, although there’s no evidence to prove it’s a medical condition.

The study did discover that the forgetful ladies were those most anxious about their babies. So, it may be that their worries were distracting them. Either way, you shouldn’t feel too silly next time you forget what you did with your car keys.

Gorgeous girly

Being pregnant doesn’t have to mean looking washed out and tired. In fact, especially in the third trimester, you’ll probably look better than ever. Your pregnancy hormones are likely to make your hair thicker and glossier and your nails will grow faster and stronger than normal.

Good news then – you can claim that regular haircuts and manicures aren’t a treat but a pregnancy must.

Feeling frisky

You might not think a blooming bump screams sex appeal, but many couples have their best sex ever during pregnancy. You’ll probably feel a deeper connection with your partner, knowing you’re going to become parents together.

What’s more, a more sensitive clitoris and vagina during pregnancy thanks so increased blood flow down there, means more, and better, orgasms. What more could a woman want?!

What a hotty

Pregnancy hormones and the fact that you’re carrying around extra weight can cause your body temperature to rise. Feeling hot and sweaty isn’t nice and it’s important that you drink lots of water and keep a check on your temperature.

But as autumn creeps in and everyone else is packing away their summer wardrobe away, you’ll be glad to wear your floaty skirt and flip flops that little bit longer.

Kooky Cravings

Pickled onions, ice cubes, chocolate - you name it, a pregnant lady has craved it. Some argue that pregnancy cravings are a result of the body telling you what it needs, but not all experts are convinced.

It’s likely that your tiredness and emotions are also playing a part in influencing what foods you’re hankering for. You should try to continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet but if you’ve got a burning desire for a jam and cheese sandwich (or, let’s be honest, a family-size bag of Maltesers) every now and then, you definitely have the right to indulge.

Home sweet home

In the first trimester, you may feel desperately tired, like you’ll never be able to lift a finger ever again. You’ll be amazed, then, as pregnancy progresses that you suddenly get a burst of energy and desire to organise.

This nesting instinct is a common in the third trimester. It’s thought to be biologically imprinted in you to make a nice, safe home for your baby. In reality, it’s probably also a good distraction from any anxiety about the birth.

The great thing is that your baby will arrive to a pristine nursery, and you won’t feel like it was an effort.