Pregnancy is undeniably a strange experience. After all, it involves one human creating another inside their body—if that isn’t quirky, I don’t know what is. There are the well-known symptoms like the constant need to use the restroom and those bizarre cravings that can pop up while you’re feeling queasy. And let’s not forget the sudden influx of breast size, much to the delight of those of us who wished for a little more in seventh grade.
While many of these experiences are covered in pregnancy books and apps, there are other surprises lurking beneath the surface. Not every mom-to-be will experience all of these oddities (lucky them!), but they can certainly take you by surprise if you’re not prepared.
1. Facial Hair
I had to mention this first because it was the most astonishing for me. One day, during my seventh month of pregnancy, I was drying off after a shower when I noticed a rough patch on my chin. I thought it was just dry skin, but to my dismay, it was a patch of chin hair! I hoped it would vanish once my hormones settled, but it stuck around, and with each pregnancy (I had four), I gained a few more. The upside? Well, I guess you could rock a lumberjack look if you wanted!
2. Puffy Nose
While some expectant moms gain weight mainly in their bellies, my body decided to go for a full-body expansion. I anticipated a little extra padding in my hips, but my nose also decided to join the party, swelling up to a size that could rival a garden gnome.
3. Skin Tags
Pregnancy wasn’t gentle on my skin—hello, pimples! But I was unprepared for the unexpected appearance of skin tags. These little flaps of extra skin popped up in random spots like my neck and underarms, serving no purpose except to annoy me.
4. Visible Veins
In my younger, naïve days, I would see women with spider veins and think it was the worst fate imaginable. Fast forward to my late twenties, and I had my own set of spider veins on the backs of my knees. And let’s be real: I’ll spare you the details about the varicose veins in even less pleasant places. It’s as delightful as it sounds!
5. Larger Feet
Here’s a puzzler: my feet grew during two of my pregnancies and never shrank back! I started off with size 9 shoes, but now I’m stuck with size 10. Finding cute shoes has become a challenge, and let’s just say, I’ve had my fair share of clown-like footwear moments.
Sure, pregnancy is filled with bizarre bodily surprises, but they’re all just preparing you for the most astonishing surprise of all: bringing a new little human into the world. And trust me, managing that beard is the least of your worries!
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In summary, pregnancy can be a wild ride filled with unexpected changes, from facial hair to puffy noses. While many experiences are well-documented, the oddities that come with carrying a child can surprise even the most prepared parents. Just remember, amidst the chaos, you’re on the journey to welcoming a new life.