#PregnancyProblems
Nausea, fatigue and unexplained cravings for dill pickles and ice cream may be the classic telltale signs of pregnancy. But some pregnancy symptoms are so unique, they almost sound like a curse right out of Greek mythology. Here at KC Baby & Maternity, we’ve got the 411 on pregnancy problems, sorting out fact from fiction.
Allergies
This lesser-known symptom is actually one of the most common. More than a quarter of all pregnant women complain of developing an allergy throughout the course of their pregnancy—some of which may stick around even after your little bambino is born! Although seasonal allergies and food sensitivities are inconvenient, one allergy can hit particularly close to home: allergies to pets. If your feline friend or canine companion cause you to have itchy eyes and shortness of breath, you may need to reach out to a friend or family member to temporarily relocate your beloved pet.
Darker Skin
No, this isn’t that pregnancy glow you always hear about. Considered the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma is a condition known to produce dark patches on the forehead, cheek bones, upper lip and nose. Melanin, the substance that produces your natural skin pigmentation, can find itself in increased production because of hormone changes throughout pregnancy. But don’t worry! Typically a first trimester symptom, melasma should be a thing of the past once Baby arrives. In the meantime, grab a wide-brimmed hat and wear sunscreen to avoid prolonged sun exposure, a factor known to aggravate the condition.
Drooling
If you thought drooling was a condition reserved for your newborn, think again. Ptyalism, also known as hypersalivation, is a bizarre pregnancy condition that can be chalked up to increased hormone production. Women with ptyalism can expect to produce anywhere from 3 to 4 quarts of saliva a day. Kansas City mom Machelle Kuftack knew this problem all too well throughout her pregnancy. “I couldn’t have conversations with people without needing to spit every few seconds. It was just pooling in my mouth! And I couldn’t swallow it because it would make my nausea worse,” Kuftack says. “It went away as soon as I delivered, thankfully!”
Excessive Gas
Potty humor may make you giggle, but breaking wind when you least expect it is no laughing matter. Bloating, cramping and passing gas are all unpleasant side effects associated with pregnancy. You can thank progesterone working its way through your system and slowing down your digestion for this one. Unlike some other unusual pregnancy symptoms that are here today, gone tomorrow, this side effect can hang around for all three trimesters. So just how can you avoid this unfortunate situation? Aim to graze throughout the day while avoiding large meals. Also, you might pass on cruciferous foods, such as cauliflower and broccoli, high fiber foods like beans, and carbonated beverages like soda.
Hair Changes
More hair, less hair and texture changes are all par for the course when you’re with child. Some women find their hair to be at its best when they’re pregnant—shiny, thicker, stronger. Others find their lovely locks falling lackluster and evening clumping at the shower drain at an unprecedented rate. Still more may experience an incredible anomaly: straight hair transforming into corkscrew curls or fine hair turning coarse.
Heartburn
Many a pregnant mama complains about heartburn, but did you know your preexisting condition may actually reverse when you’re pregnant? That’s right! If you were prone to having heartburn before pregnancy, you might find you lose that terrible acidic feeling when a bun is in the oven. That was the case for KC mom Yolanda Navarrete, who took prescription heartburn medication prior to pregnancy. “The heartburn miraculously went away. Those were the best 9 months of relief I've ever had from it!”
Hot Flashes
Quick! What pregnancy symptom is something you and your menopausal mother can bond over? If you said hot flashes, you’re correct. Pregnancy gives your body a crash course in what’s to come down the line, all thanks to the combination of extra progesterone and increased blood flow due to metabolic overdrive. If you find yourself sweating like crazy, know it’s with good cause: Your body is working feverishly to produce new life. Interestingly, some women experience hot flashes with one pregnancy but not another. If you find yourself in the uncomfortable position of being a “hot mama,” it might be time to invest in a few extra fans.
Leaky Breasts
Sore breasts are one of the first maladies that pregnant women complain of. But don’t be surprised if you find them leaking, too. As early as 14 weeks into pregnancy, your breasts may produce colostrum, a highly nutritious milk your body is preparing for your little one’s arrival. There’s no need to be alarmed if you find that your breasts have sprung a leak. Just keep a supply of nursing pads on hand to prevent leaking through your bra.
Metallic Taste
Waking up to the taste of copper pennies or tin foil on your tongue might sound like a remnant of a nightmare, but for many moms, it’s a first-trimester reality with a name to match: dysgeusia. This metal mouth conundrum, thought to be the result of estrogen surges, is known to dissipate by the second trimester. To combat it, moms can reach for acidic foods, such as crackers and citrus juices, or nosh on spicy foods followed by icy beverages. Still others find relief with vinegar-brined veggies (three cheers for dill pickles!).
Swelling
Pregnancy apps that compare your baby’s monthly size to a piece of fruit are a hot ticket item. I mean, how can you not squeal with delight when you find out your baby is finally the same size as a kumquat? But swollen fingers and ankles? No one wants to know what piece of produce matches those bloated extremities! Because of increased blood production, some women find themselves swollen from stem to stern. Thankfully, swelling often goes down after delivery, but you may see one permanent change to your lower extremities: expanded foot size. Feet take a beating during pregnancy, and it’s not uncommon to go up a half size or more permanently, thanks to weight gain and added pressure.
Lauren Greenlee is a local freelance writer and mom of three who found broccoli cheese soup grotesquely unappetizing throughout her pregnancies. Other than a sensitive palate, she couldn’t complain about having too many #pregnancyproblems!
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.