Secret Side-Effects of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful time. It’s a time when you feel life begin to grow inside you and a time to get excited about the baby that is coming. It’s often, however, a time that can be very trying for a woman. Many women don’t discuss the more difficult side effects of pregnancy, and it’s important for a woman to be prepared for the possibilities. While these little-discussed pregnancy difficulties aren’t likely to all occur, some of them are certainly possible.

Sex Life

Many women actually find that their sex life is enhanced while pregnant. Esther Schmuel, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the U.C.L.A. School of Medicine says that the changing hormones in a pregnant woman’s body increase sexual pleasure. In addition, the woman has an increased blood flow to the genital area and a general feeling that things are good. Of course, many women say that they have a decreased desire for sex as the due date approaches, due to exhaustion and physical discomfort.

Forgetfulness

Pregnant women may experience a slight decrease in their memory capacity. When a pregnant woman says that she is feeling scatterbrained, it may not just be psychological. An Australian study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology found that there often is memory loss during pregnancy, and that it can last up to one year after the baby is born.

Perinatal Depression

Not everyone enjoys their pregnancy. While most people assume that the pregnancy is supposed to be a time of great joy and excitement, some woman actual experience depression during this time. The American Pregnancy Association says that 10-20% of women experience perinatal depression or depression during their pregnancy. This can be due to the physical changes in their bodies, to the psychological apprehension that they have as the due date approaches and to other factors. If you feel yourself slipping into depression during pregnancy, make sure to speak to your partner and to your doctor.

Bottoms Up

Many women experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins that are in the rectal area. They can become quite bothersome and are usually due to straining during bowel movements, to extra weight you are carrying while pregnant, or by the pressure of sitting or standing for too long. While pregnant, you should make sure to eat a balanced diet with enough fiber, to minimize your weight gain and to exercise as much as possible.

The Patches Don’t Lie

People often say that pregnant women glow. While this might be true for some women, others find themselves left with strange brown or yellow patches on their faces during pregnancy. The American Academy of Dermatology actually reports that as much as 70% of pregnant women have this condition, called melasma. These patches happen because the increased hormones in a pregnant woman’s body cause the body to produce more melanim. You can try to prevent this problem by using sunscreen and by avoiding UV light. Even if you do find yourself with this condition, don’t worry. It will usually fade within the first few months after giving birth.

These are a few of the strange pregnancy conditions that people don’t discuss while pregnant. It is important to be aware that these conditions might happen to you, but not to worry about them too much. Your pregnancy will take its own course, and will eventually end. You’ll be able to go back to your old self at that time, with a beautiful baby in your arms to show for your struggles!

Hemorrhoids can also be a sign of an STD.  Check out our womens-health forum for more inforation.