Did You Know...
Morning, Noon and Nighttime Sickness
More than half of all pregnant women experience morning sickness. But don't let the name fool you — nausea can strike at any time, says Jennifer Bright Reich, of Hellertown, Pa., co-author of "The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth." All-day sickness is normal. "It's caused by the increase in estrogen, progesterone and hCG hormones, which support your pregnancy," McAllister explains. Nausea and vomiting usually occur between the sixth and 12th week of pregnancy but can begin as early as week four and linger after week 12.
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Wake Up and Smell the Coffee (Brewing at Your Neighbor's House)
"You could develop a 'super sniffer,'" says McAllister. During pregnancy, your sense of smell tends to grow more acute, as well as more sensitive, because of the extra estrogen circulating in your body, she explains. But this particular superpower might not be as welcome as you'd imagine. McAllister warns that even smells you normally like might make you feel nauseated when you're pregnant.
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The Plight of Your Pearly Whites
Take extra good care of your teeth while you're pregnant, advises New York-based Shiri Sarfati, parenting and beauty writer. The increase in hormones can lead to plaque buildup, so see your dentist early and let him know you're pregnant, she says. Maintain good brushing and flossing habits and avoid sugary or starchy foods. The vomiting of morning sickness can also take a toll on your dental health. "Keeping your teeth healthy is not only a cosmetic concern," Sarfati says, "it's also beneficial to your growing baby's health."
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The Mask of Pregnancy
You might develop a change in facial skin pigmentation, often referred to as a pregnancy mask. "Almost three out of four pregnant women get these dark blotchy areas of skin on the upper lip, cheekbones and brow," McAllister says. "I had never heard of 'pregnancy mask,' so I had no idea what it was or how long it would last." Fortunately, she says, it was easily disguised with makeup and faded away a few months after her delivery.
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Problems With Progesterone
Be prepared for the possibility of heartburn, as well as constipation, Jaque advises. "An increase in the levels of the hormone progesterone helps your uterus to relax, preventing contractions before labor," she says. The downside, however, is that all your muscles relax —including those in your throat — so stomach acid can "end up in your esophagus, causing heartburn," Jaque says. The progesterone also slows the movements of your intestines, which can lead to constipation. Incorporate plenty of fiber into your daily diet to help prevent this particular problem.
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Water Under the Bridge
"Incontinence, aka peeing on yourself — yes, this is likely to happen," Sarfati says. And if it's not your first pregnancy, it's almost a certainty — "usually when you cough, sneeze or laugh really hard." Pregnant women can take a couple of measures to minimize the concern though. Invest in some protective undergarments or pads and do regular Kegel exercises and squats to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, Sarfati recommends.
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