Pregnancy Surprises And What To Do

Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but it also brings about a number of changes and challenges to the body.

Some are expected, and some are very unexpected. We’ve called on the expertise of The Baby Show (www.thebabyshow.co.uk), the UK’s largest and best-loved pregnancy and parenting event, for some insight on overcoming some of the more surprising symptoms when you’re expecting.

Your skin may feel itchy

Rachel FitzD, baby and parenting expert and author of Your Baby Skin to Skin, says, “Itching in pregnancy is surprisingly common. Just under a quarter of pregnancies are affected, so this is something that midwives are very used to seeing, and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. Most causes of itching in pregnancy are non-alarming, and it’s down to the stretching of the skin in conjunction with the changing hormones that can make women feel unusually itchy.”

“For some women who are prone to very sensitive itchy skin, pregnancy can improve this, and for some, it can make it worse. You might find that suddenly you become very sensitive to a laundry product you’ve used for years, particularly if your clothes are a little tighter over your belly.”

“Doctors will often recommend pregnancy-safe antihistamines to reduce the itching. Creams can help, but sometimes, they can make it worse if you’re hypersensitive. Using very light, cotton clothes that are loose fitting is good. By using a non-biological washing powder and stopping the use of fabric conditioner, you can prevent any environmental causes of itching.”

Nose bleeds

Lesley Bland, Consultant Midwife, My Expert Midwife, says – “Due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume moving around your body, nose bleeds can be common in pregnancy. They can be both annoying and scary, but there’s nothing to worry about as long as you don’t lose a lot of blood, and they can often be treated at home”.

Bleeding gums

Lesley adds: “Hormonal changes during pregnancy have so much to answer for! Your gums can be more vulnerable to plaque, leading to inflammation and, therefore, bleeding. Did you know that pregnant women get free NHS dental treatment during pregnancy and for 12 months following birth, so get plenty of check-ups. Practice good oral hygiene and keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy while pregnant.”

Tummy problems

Lesley says: “Digestive changes are widespread in pregnancy, includingnausea and vomiting, heartburn, reflux, and bloating caused by hormones relaxing the digestive tract. No to mention that gorgeous growing baby and the growing uterus putting pressure on the stomach, diaphragm, and other major organs. Combined with various bathroom issues like passing urine more often, incontinence (leaking urine), constipation, or haemorrhoids (piles), it’s a wonder we even do it time and time again!”

Your hair will get thicker

Lesley says: “During pregnancy, your hair may feel thicker thanks to increased levels of the hormone oestrogen, which slows the shedding part of the hair cycle. However, thicker hair may not last, as many women experience hair loss after pregnancy when hormone levels return to normal. The good news is that this hair loss rarely requires any treatment and will likely resolve itself over time.”

All-day sickness – not just “morning sickness”

Midwife Pip Davies, Author of Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth, says, “Nausea can occur at any time during your pregnancy, and although it is often called “morning sickness, “it can happen at any time of the day or night. Know that you are not alone! Pregnancy nausea is thought to affect the majority of women, around 85%, and half of these women will also experience vomiting. It is believed that the hormonal changes and surges in early pregnancy cause it.”

“The key tip is stabilising your blood sugars. If you find your nausea kicks off first thing in the morning, try eating something small before you go to bed and before you even get out of bed, such as a plain biscuit, piece of toast or plain. Some studies have shown that ginger may be beneficial in reducing nausea symptoms, and as it has a whole heap of health benefits, it’s a win-win. Try adding ginger to smoothies, sipping on ginger tea or ginger ale, or nibbling ginger biscuits.”

Lesley, Pip and Rachel will speak on stage at The Baby Show, which returns to the ExCel London on March 7th-9th and the NEC Birmingham on May 9th-11th 2025. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.