Pregnancy is a remarkable time in a woman’s life, marked by many changes in her body. While some changes are predictable, others can be quite unusual and unexpected. From swollen noses to changes in skin color, pregnant women can experience a wide range of physical transformations that can be temporary or long-lasting. In this article, we’ll explore some of the more unusual changes that women may experience during pregnancy.
One of the most peculiar changes that some women may notice during pregnancy is the swelling and changing shape of their nose. Dubbed as “pregnancy nose,” this phenomenon is caused by an increase in hormone levels, particularly estrogen, which relaxes blood vessels in the body’s tissues. This allows more blood into the nose’s tissues, causing it to expand and change shape, appearing larger and puffier. While this change may not be noticeable for all women, it can be more apparent for some. However, it is nothing to worry about and typically resolves about six weeks after giving birth.
Another significant change that occurs during pregnancy is the growth of the heart. The heart undergoes several changes to accommodate the baby’s growth, pushing it higher up in the chest and developing thicker muscles. As a result, the heart works harder during pregnancy, pumping up to eight times more blood per minute to circulate oxygen to the baby and support its development. In some cases, the amount of blood circulating through a woman’s body doubles during pregnancy.
Changes in skin color are also common during pregnancy, with some women experiencing a condition called melasma. Melasma causes darkening of the skin around the eyes, nose, chin, and upper lip and affects about 75% of pregnant women, especially those with darker complexions. While the exact cause of melasma is unknown, it is thought to be associated with increases in estrogen and progesterone. Similarly, the skin surrounding the nipple, called the areola, can also darken during pregnancy. This change could be to help newborns identify the nipple for feeding, as they can distinguish light and dark much better than colors.
Hair growth and loss are other peculiar changes that some women experience during pregnancy. The increase in estrogen in the body causes hair follicles to remain in growth mode, leading to healthier-looking hair during pregnancy. However, this increase in hormone affects all hair follicles, leading to unwanted hair growth in places such as the upper lip, upper thighs, abdomen, and back. Conversely, some women experience hair loss during pregnancy, caused by the shock of pregnancy on the body, leading to the hairs going into “resting” phase and then shedding. Hair loss can also happen after giving birth due to the drop in estrogen levels.
Finally, pregnancy can cause changes in oral health, making gums more susceptible to bleeding, infection, and damage. Approximately 70% of pregnant women experience gingivitis during pregnancy, and teeth are at an increased risk of damage and cavities, especially if a woman experiences morning sickness. Teeth may also feel wobbly during pregnancy, as the hormone relaxin causes all ligaments in the body to become more flexible to aid in childbirth. In rare cases, tooth loss can happen during pregnancy.
In conclusion, pregnancy is a time of many physical changes, some expected, and some not so much. While some of these changes may be uncomfortable or unwanted, most are temporary and will disappear after giving birth. If you have concerns about any unusual changes during your pregnancy, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
