5 Things You Didn't Know About Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be one of the most beautiful experiences a woman can go through, but there can also be some pretty strange changes to her body. Check out our list of the top 5 Things You Didn't Know About Pregnancy!
1. It is Possible To Be Pregnant For Over A Year
We’re not trying to scare you or anything, but did you know that the world record for longest human pregnancy was 375 days! While most pregnancies last for about 9 months, it is possible to be pregnant for a whole year without any medical complications (surprisingly, the baby born after 375 days weighed only 7 pounds). Luckily, doctors are likely to induce labor if pregnancy goes on for too long but it certainly puts a whole new perspective on being a few weeks late, doesn't it?
2. You Really Will Glow During Pregnancy
We all know that women “glow” during their pregnancy, but most of us don’t really know why. While most people chalk it up to the woman's excitement about becoming a mummy, it turns out that glowing skin in pregnant women has a biological element. When you're pregnant, the amount of blood in your body will increase by approximately 50%, and this extra blood shows through the skin in many areas, particularly the cheeks. Also during pregnancy, extra hormones cause the oil glands to become more active, resulting in a softer, shinier appearance.
3. Pregnant Women Get Super Powers (Sort Of)
During pregnancy, your sense of smell increases dramatically, as does your sense of taste. Scientists have suggested that increased senses are an evolutionary mechanism, designed to help pregnant mothers avoid eating small levels of toxins that might not be dangerous to an adult, but could be deadly to a fetus. As substances that can be harmful to a growing fetus such as smoke, alcohol, meat, chemicals and coffee are all particularly noticeable to pregnant women, this theory certainly seems to make sense (pun intended).
4. Your Feet Can Grow Up To One Full Shoe Size
Without a doubt, every pregnant woman knows the frustration of “puffy feet”. You may gain a little extra baby weight, but it often seems like half of that has gone to your feet, as the excess pressure on your feet paired with relaxed ligaments in your body make everything swell. As your pregnancy wears on, your body starts to release the tightness of its ligaments to help with the birthing process. Unfortunately for your shoes, this also means your feet start to lose their arch and stretch out on the sides. But while it might be uncomfortable, don’t forget it’s also a great excuse to buy a few new pairs.
5. Your Partner Might Show Symptoms of Pregnancy
You may have thought that you’re the one who will be experiencing all the nausea, discomfort and pain, but it's surprisingly common for a father-to-be to start feeling it all too. If your partner is struck by weight gain, morning sickness and even feeling cramps in his lower abdomen, it might mean that he is suffering from a condition known as sympathetic pregnancy or Couvade Syndrome. See you’re not the only one!
So there you go! Did we miss any unusual pregnancy symptoms? Is there anything that is or has suprised you during pregnancy? Comment below and let us know!