So you've survived the mood swings and the hemorrhoids, and you think your surprises are over. But the day you give birth will probably hold the biggest surprises of all. During pregnancy, fluid surrounds your baby in the amniotic sac. This sac breaks or "ruptures" at the start of or during labor — a moment usually referred to as your water breaking.
For most women in labor, contractions start before their water breaks. Sometimes the doctor has to rupture the amniotic sac if the cervix is already dilated. How much water can you expect? For a full-term baby, there are about 2 to 3 cups of amniotic fluid. Some women may feel an intense urge to pee that leads to a gush of fluid when their water breaks.
Others may only feel a trickling down their leg because the baby's head acts like a stopper to prevent most of the fluid from leaking out. Amniotic fluid is generally sweet-smelling and pale or colorless. It's replaced by your body every 3 hours, so don't be surprised if you continue to leak fluid, about a cup an hour, until delivery.
Other, unexpected things may come out of your body during labor. Some women have nausea and vomiting. Others have diarrhea before or during labor, and passing gas is also common.
During the pushing phase of labor, you may lose control of your bladder or bowels. A birth plan can help communicate your wishes to your health care providers about how to handle these and other aspects of labor and delivery.
Lots of surprises are in store for you when you're pregnant — but none sweeter than the way you'll feel once your newborn is in your arms! Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Search KidsHealth library. What's in this article? The Nesting Instinct 2. Problems With Concentration 3.
Mood Swings 4. Bra Size 5. Skin Changes 6. Hair and Nails 7. Shoe Size 8. Joint Mobility 9. Varicose Veins, Hemorrhoids, and Constipation Despite all this information, here are 10 common surprises that pregnancy can bring. The Nesting Instinct Many pregnant women feel the nesting instinct, a powerful urge to prepare their home for the baby by cleaning and decorating. Problems With Concentration In the first trimester , tiredness and morning sickness can make many women feel worn out and mentally fuzzy.
Mood Swings Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy are alike in many ways. Bra Size An increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Skin Changes Do your friends say you have that pregnancy glow?
Hair and Nails Many women have changes in hair texture and growth during pregnancy. Shoe Size Even though you can't fit into any of your pre-pregnancy clothes, you still have your shoes, right?
Joint Mobility During pregnancy, your body makes the hormone relaxin, which is believed to help prepare the pubic area and the cervix for the birth. Add to that the exhaustion and nausea prevalent in the first trimester, plus a massive surge of hormones, and your moods can swing faster than an Olympic gymnast on the high bar. You can be tearful one minute and happy the next. Then it was over, and I'd happily go on with my day. While the crying jags can be set off by legitimate worries— can I afford this baby?
Will I ever be able to sleep late again? Moms report bursting into tears over TV commercials, pictures of babies in clothing ads, an old song on the radio: outbursts that can make you question your own sanity. Hartstein, Ph. This will get you upset all over again. Just remember that it's normal, and try to laugh it off and move on. The early stages of pregnancy also bring another puzzling symptom, known to moms simply as "baby brain.
Puryear explains, but it can also cause fogginess and forgetfulness. After you're through the difficult first trimester, you cruise into the best part: "You can finally tell other people you're pregnant! Morning sickness dissipates, you start to show, which means that even strangers treat you like a celebrity, and you begin to feel the baby move.
The abstract idea of "baby? At this point, you are likely to find yourself beaming from ear to ear, laughing out loud in the middle of a dull meeting, and ravishing your husband in the bedroom more blood flowing through your body can make you feel more sexual, Dr.
Puryear says. Once you get closer to your due date , your euphoria can morph into crabbiness as you grow larger, making sleep an impossible task. You may start to worry about the actual mechanics of childbirth "This has to come out of there?
At this point you might snap at everyone, especially your partner, who is probably clueless about how to help. I am not too proud of the time I insisted my husband go out at 11 p. The other major manifestation of the loonies at this stage is the powerful urge to clean and organize. This is due both to an increase of oxytocin, the nesting hormone that prepares your uterus for labor and your breasts for nursing, and a sort of emotional last stand.
Depression is most prevalent in women during childbearing years but can occur at any age. If your mood swings become more frequent and intense, it is crucial that you speak with your health care provider about options for dealing with severe mood swings, anxiety or depression. Mood Swings During Pregnancy. Questions such as: Will I be a good parent? How am I going to manage financially? Will my baby be healthy? Am I doing the right things to prepare for my baby?
What causes pregnancy mood swings? The following list includes ways to manage your stress level: Get plenty of sleep Take a break during the day to relax Get regular physical activity Eat well Spend time with your partner Take a nap.
Some symptoms of depression include: Recurrent anxiety and increased irritability Sleep disturbances Change in eating habits Inability to concentrate on anything for very long Short-term memory loss If your mood swings become more frequent and intense, it is crucial that you speak with your health care provider about options for dealing with severe mood swings, anxiety or depression. Want to Know More? Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:.
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