Pregnancy changes your life — and your body. You knew that your belly would expand, you’d feel more tired than usual, and you might throw up a few times as your pregnancy progressed. But you may not have expected some of the other physical changes.

 

Many things happen to a woman’s body when she becomes pregnant, and most are shocking: hair growth on your belly, belching and constipation, increased vaginal discharge, and haemorrhoids, to name a few. These aren’t things that a woman usually talks about. So it’s no wonder there’s a bit of embarrassment.

 

 

 

1. Excess Gas

 

Virtually every pregnant woman gets gassy. That’s because pregnancy brings a hormonal surge that can slow down your gastrointestinal tract. You might not be able to keep it to yourself because you don’t have the same control over your muscles during pregnancy.

 

When you’re not pregnant, most of the time you know it’s coming and can keep it at bay until the coast is clear. But when you are pregnant, you’ll think: Oh my gosh, did I really just fart in front of my in-laws? How can I show my face again?’

 

Though you can’t erase the problem, you can reduce your tendency toward gassiness with exercise and changes to your diet. Exercise helps increase the motility of the GI tract, allowing food to move through faster. The less time it has to sit around and ferment, the less gas is produced. Some foods are more likely to produce gas, so the best bet is to avoid them completely: carbonated drinks, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and dried fruit.

 

Dairy products can also cause GI distress during pregnancy, leading to flatulence. Many women start drinking milk every day during pregnancy and think it’s good for them but they can’t tolerate milk as an adult. Try lactose-free milk or other calcium-rich foods if you’re lactose intolerant.

 

 

 

2. Incontinence

 

You may have heard stories about pregnant women sneezing and accidentally emptying their bladders while standing among friends or co-workers. Most pregnant women who experience stress incontinence — involuntarily leaking urine because of a jarring cough, sneeze, or laugh — only lose a few drops. But it can still feel embarrassing.

 

Many doctors recommend that women wear panty liners to catch leaks during the last few months of pregnancy when stress incontinence is more likely. Regular trips to the bathroom can also help. As the baby grows and the uterus enlarges, the baby ends up sitting right on top of the bladder. Making a conscious effort to empty your bladder every two hours, even if you feel like you don’t have to go, will make it less likely to leak.

 

 

 

3. Facial Hair

 

During pregnancy, hormones are responsible for hair growing in unwanted places. Most pregnant women are ecstatic to learn that they’ll soon be sporting a beautiful mane of hair. But when we start talking about the breasts, abdomen, and face, the excitement soon turns to horror.

 

Waxing or tweezing is the safest methods for hair removal during pregnancy. Any time it’s a cosmetic outpatient procedure not medically indicated, most dermatologists and plastic surgeons will push it off until after pregnancy. During pregnancy, laser treatments on the face can affect skin pigment, and it may cause scarring.

 

 

 

4. Odours

 

Some women develop a stronger sense of smell during pregnancy. Many develop an aversion to strong food odours, such as poultry or seafood. A smaller percentage of women begin picking up on their own scent, which can be embarrassing.

 

Sometimes you can smell yourself vaginally, especially toward the end of pregnancy. It could be because you have more mucus then. Some people get worried about the odour and bring wet wipes wherever they go. But no one else can tell. Your scent hasn’t gotten stronger; your sense of smell has improved.

 

Tell your doctor about any new noticeable vaginal odours to rule out a yeast infection, which can be safely treated with anti-fungals during pregnancy.

 

 

 

5. Haemorrhoids

 

Ask any new mum about haemorrhoids, and she’ll probably have an uncomfortable story to share, if she chooses to tell you about it. Haemorrhoids are a sure bet when a woman becomes pregnant. They often occur with constipation and the straining that ensues in an attempt to have a bowel movement. And we all know that constipation is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy.

 

Reduce your risk of developing haemorrhoids by avoiding constipation. Stay well-hydrated, eat more fibre, and use over-the-counter stool softeners.

 

Consult your doctor about supplementary fibre as well. If haemorrhoids develop, witch hazel pads and anti-inflammatory creams can help, and they’re safe during pregnancy.

 

 

 

6. Acne

 

Pimples and unsightly outbreaks are common — especially during the first trimester — because of the additional hormones coursing through your system. Certain acne medications, such as Retin-A, are off limits during pregnancy, but other treatments are allowed.

 

Most acne washes are safe since the product does not sit on your skin for long periods of time. But ask your doctor before using any acne product. Use topical acne medication sparingly, only on affected areas. Products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid are safe to use in small amounts.

 

 

 

7. Intimacy Issues

 

Weight gain and other physical changes can make you feel unattractive around your spouse. Don’t let that lead to communication and intimacy problems. Some people get embarrassed about being physically intimate.

 

The discharge will change. There’s a potential for vulvar swelling. They feel very uncomfortable and don’t feel they look attractive. If you’re having trouble broaching this topic with your spouse, consider inviting him to an ob-gyn visit, particularly if you’ve discussed your intimacy issues with your doctor at a previous appointment. Having a doctor say that these are all normal things can help.