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The unexpected of expecting: unusual pregnancy symptoms that often go unsaid

stressed woman
stressed woman
Credits: 
photoxpress.com

Bigger breasts, frequent trips to the bathroom and food cravings are expected during pregnancy. But there are some symptoms that are definitely unexpected, and might even cause a new mother to feel confused, scared, and even a bit freaked out. You're not alone. Here are a few examples of normal, yet not-so-common pregnancy symptoms.

  • Ripping Limb from Limb

Pubic bone pain in pregnancy is normal, but not every woman gets it. Even so, some women experience this pain as early as 13 weeks, while others not until midway through their 3rd trimester. Pubic Symphysis Diastasis, is simply a splitting of the pubic bone. During pregnancy, a chemical is released called relaxin, which fittingly, relaxes the ligaments in the abdomen. Unfortunately, this losing can cause the ligaments surrounding the pubic bone to detach, therefore, separating the bone. Although it seems drastic, this is not a serious issue, after all, your body is preparing to carry a growing baby and eventually give birth. The pain can be felt while walking, trying to sit up, putting on pants, or even taking off a shoe with the other foot. It is definitely a bone feeling. No worries though, the pain should go away soon after birth.

  • Red "freckles"

Some women claim to have developed what looks like little red freckles on their skin during pregnancy. Like the problem with varicose veins, your blood vessels are working extra hard, and therefore sometimes result in small "bursts" or spots. Again, don't worry, your skin should return to normal after pregnancy. If for some reason the little red freckles stick around, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist about what you can do.

  • And you thought you'd only be dealing with diaper rash for your baby!

Okay, so pregnant women aren't the ones wearing diapers, but as gross as it sounds, they can develop a bit of a rash on their bum, similar to a diaper rash. Because your body is expanding in all areas, your cheeks might be chafing like they never did before! These rashes can become itchy and even painful. But they are easy to treat and even prevent. Sometimes excessive sweating (due to increased hormones) can cause these rashes, but the easiest way to prevent a rash is, yep, you guessed it, pat on a bit of baby powder. If the rash is so painful that it hurts to sit or move, try using some Neosporin, as this is not only helpful, but a safe option.

  • Cellulite Galore!

Say goodbye to smooth silky thighs. Some women are lucky enough to not experience cellulite in its fullest, but for most, this is normal. Even if you never had cellulite before, get ready to have it during pregnancy. And not just on your legs, but your arms, back, and butt as well. There's really nothing you can do to completely get rid of the cellulite that develops during pregnancy, but some tips for losing it after birth are simply working out, frequent body massages to get circulation flowing, and even breastfeeding is a great way to lose the pregnancy pounds, thus, losing gross cellulite.

  • Leaky Faucets

Speaking of breastfeeding, sometimes a pregnant woman's milk comes in a bit sooner than expected. This is called colostrum, a thick yellowish milk that comes in before the mature milk. You might notice this sticky stuff seeping out during the last trimester of pregnancy. Try wearing padded bras or nursing pads to prevent embarrassing leaks.

  • Disturbing Dreams

Hormones can affect so much in a pregnant woman, physically and psychologically. Disturbing dreams are a result of those over-worked hormones, and again, are completely normal. They might not be the warmest or fuzziest dreams, but it's important to realize that that's all they are, dreams.

Where these unpleasant and sometimes uncommon symptoms of pregnancy are undesirable and icky, the never ending baby kicks definitely make up for them. Just remind yourself that all of it is worth the joy of celebrating the life of your little baby.

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Pittsburgh Attachment Parenting Examiner

Nicole Marie Zoa DiCarlo, a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, is a copy editor for Lumen Vincens -- a student collection of...

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