Parenting

6 things I’d forgotten about being pregnant

April 8, 2015

It’s true what they say that every pregnancy is different – not only for different women, but for each different pregnancy. So far, my pregnancies have been fairly straightforward, in that I only get mild morning sickness and generally feel well. However, this time around I’ve experienced a whole host of unpleasant pregnancy symptoms that I’d either totally forgotten about or that I escaped altogether first time around.

6 things I’d forgotten about being pregnant

1. Spots

Definitely a new and most unwelcome addition! You know that spot you get every month when it’s your period? Well, my face been permanently in that state for about five months. Also, if I so much as try to squeeze a spot, I end with a huge crusty scab and a scar afterwards (*crying emoji*). They seem to be easing off now, but I’ve found that washing my face properly, resisting the urge to squeeze, and this moisturiser have all helped. I also bought some spot gel containing salicylic acid that I apply regularly to any big ones.

2. Bloating

Now, this is familiar territory. As soon as I get pregnant, the bloating and indigestion start. Last time, on bad days, I looked about six months pregnant when I was only about six weeks! Feeling bloated also means that my tummy is very tender so I don’t want to wear anything tight around my waist; even maternity jeans feel uncomfortable. I basically dive into my PJs at every opportunity. I’ve found gentle yoga helps, especially this pose – and I gobble indigestion tablets if I’m desperate.

3. Breathlessness

These days, if I carry George downstairs or load the dishwasher, I’m left sounding like I just ran 10k. I know this is a really common symptom, but it’s a bit embarrassing when even a brisk walk down the road leaves me panting.

4. Peeing

I know peeing all the time is the stereotypical pregnancy symptom, but it never really affected me first time around. This time, well,  I could wee any time, anywhere. I’ve even been waking in the night to go, which is unheard of for me. And let’s not talk about what happens when I sneeze…

5. Brittle nails

Yep, nails that peel and break at every opportunity, even when I cut them really short. I’m not particularly vain about my nails – I keep them quite short anyway and only paint them occasionally – but still, tatty nails are not a great look, are they? I know cuticle oil/hand cream would probably help, but despite being next to the bed, I never remember to use them.

6. Boobs

I’ve got big boobs, so I was pleasantly surprised when I dropped a cup size or two after I finished breastfeeding. Sure, they looked a little deflated, but I definitely preferred them on the smaller side. Obviously, as soon as I got pregnant, they became huge again. I think in the early stages of pregnancy, it’s your suddenly pneumatic breasts that give the game away more than anything, and that can make fitting into your normal clothes (not to mention bras) much more difficult. I tried to resist buying new bras for as long as possible because they’re expensive for us big-boobed ladies, but about 10 weeks into my pregnancy I noticed that I looked like I had four boobs stuffed into my usual bra. Not a fetching look – and thus, the search for an attractive, supportive, comfortable maternity bra in my size began again. Last time I stuck to Bravissimo, but they didn’t have a huge selection, so I’d love any recommendations.

Anyway, now that I’m well into the second trimester, most of these symptoms are, thankfully, easing and I’m getting to the golden part of pregnancy where I feel good and I have a cute bump. I’m determined to enjoy this phase before it all goes downhill again in the third trimester…

Which of the above do you suffer with when pregnant? And which weird pregnancy symptoms took you by surprise?

P.S. What it’s really like to give birth and how to survive the first three months of parenthood.

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16 Comments

  • Stephanierobinsonc@gmail.com'
    Reply Stephanie April 10, 2015 at 7:30 am

    The body is a funny thing isn’t it, and a miraculous one at that – it’s amazing what it can do and how it changes to accommodate your new baby. Wishing you a very happy and healthy rest of your pregnancy! #thelist

  • allaboutublog@gmail.com'
    Reply Rebecca U April 10, 2015 at 11:42 am

    I have really enjoyed pregnant both times, but I didn’t enjoy the having to pee all the time. I remember each time at the hospital being so relieved when I didn’t have the urge to pee every few minutes, ha! #thelist

  • hatemail@mumrevised.com'
    Reply Kristine @MumRevised April 10, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    My elephant ankles were only when I was pregnant with my daughter. Are you having a girl? I totally buy into the ‘stealing your beauty’ theory of being pregnant with my girl because I was down right hideous for 9 months! Thanks for the post. #TheList

    • Reply Rachel April 20, 2015 at 1:34 pm

      I’m actually having a boy, I just think the second pregnancy is a lot tougher on your body (and appearance!).

  • info@mummyfever.co.uk'
    Reply Mummy Fever April 10, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    With you on this – my nails still haven’t recovered after having my 4th baby 7 months ago #TheList

  • katycoxcello@gmail.com'
    Reply Carry On Katy April 10, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    Great list. It’s all come screaming back to me now! For me it was constipation. Pretty sure that the massive belly I had was only 30% baby if you get my drift?! But so worth it in the end when it all comes out. The baby I mean! #thelist

  • oddsocksandlollipops@gmail.com'
    Reply Jenni - Odd Socks and Lollipops April 10, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    Oh so many symptoms, (apart from the HG) I would have to go with bloating, peeing, spots and a hairy belly! Never mind that my stomach is now big enough to rest a plate on it is also hairy? How is that fair?

  • egcallaghan@gmail.com'
    Reply Wander Mum April 10, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    Eurgh! Remember them all only too well. The bloating is horrible and I had very bad indigestion but the worst was my hormones turning me into a right moody lady -especially in my first trimester. I got tired and irritable very easily. Hmmm I was a right laugh to be around. It’s all worth it though… #thelist

  • mummamcdblogs@gmail.com'
    Reply Mumma McD April 11, 2015 at 4:06 am

    Oh yes I remember these! I became a big hairy monster too – the hair on my head practically doubled in volume & I sprouted weird patches of hormonal hair on my face. So attractive! ! #TheList

  • lifewithbabykicks@gmail.com'
    Reply Laura @ Life with Baby Kicks April 12, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    Yuk, I remember…..and then I forget when I’m not pregnant and just remember the blooming side.

    Not the extra hairy legs. The constant nausea. The exhaustion!!!

    #TheList

    • Reply Rachel April 20, 2015 at 1:31 pm

      Definitely, I forget all the time when I have a good day and think I will have loads of babies 😉

  • Hannah@mumsdays.com'
    Reply Hannah Mums' Days April 16, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Awww! Sorry to hear it’s not all fun and games 🙁 But at least you can take comfort that you and your big boobs look bloody lovely in that dress! I am LOVING the stripes!

    Thanks for linking up to #Thelist xx

  • seacotton@yahoo.co.uk'
    Reply Sarah April 25, 2015 at 9:38 pm

    Hi Rachel,

    I fully enjoyed your post. Having just had my 2nd child its weird how you quickly forget what you went through with your other kids. I completely forgot about how breathless I would become, and how I could not keep my eyes open. As I have a older child at school, it seemed my body would just shut down as soon as i dropped him and would recharge when it was time to pick him up. Of course I would get nothing done, and then in the evening when I should be tired I’m full of energy.

    What was new to me the 2nd time round was being go bloated, it was so uncomfortable. As I have been trying to start living a more simple less chemical life, I thank my friend for sharing recipe that she found, that help get rid of my bloatness. It was a life saver because its was becoming unbearable. I hope it can help others: http://discoverabetterlife.com/esiw . Actually as soon as I read your post I had to email it to my friend, she also loves posts like this, that are written by real women sharing real life issues.

    Thank for sharing, and I’m off to check your social places

    Sarahxx

    • Reply Rachel April 27, 2015 at 7:33 am

      Thanks for your lovely comment Sarah. Yes, all the pregnancy symptoms seem magnified second time around!

      Will check out your blog x

  • ciaraodon@googlemail.com'
    Reply Ciara June 10, 2015 at 11:10 am

    I heard that salicylic acid is a no no in pregnancy – i’m sure a small amount is fine but i wouldn’t go overboard on the spot application!
    http://www.babycenter.com/0_safe-skin-care-during-pregnancy_1490031.bc
    I’m in the first trimester on my first so loving all these articles – thanks!

    • Reply Rachel June 10, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      I’m not too concerned about a bit of salicylic being applied to my skin every so often, but thanks for the tip, it was very thoughtful!

    Leave a Reply to Laura @ Life with Baby Kicks Cancel Reply