If you ask almost anyone, they’ll tell you pregnancy is beautiful. From the radiant skin to the baby bump and, of course, the moment you feel your child move inside you for the first time—it’s something many people say they wish they could experience. But pregnancy is beautiful and a lot more; it is magical, messy, and yes, a little gross, too.
Your body will change in ways you could not have imagined before conception. From weird symptoms to unexpected leaks and strange body changes, it’s essential to know what lies ahead so you can be prepared.
It might be true what they say about expecting the unexpected, but in the spirit of honesty and full transparency, here are 10 gross pregnancy secrets that nobody talks about.
10 Gross Pregnancy Secrets No One Talks About
1. Leaking Nipples
The first gross thing about pregnancy that you are likely to encounter will be leaking nipples. From the second trimester and for the rest of your pregnancy, you’ll notice your nipples leaking a clear, sticky substance.
It happens because your breasts are making colostrum in preparation for breastfeeding. While colostrum is a fantastic, nourishing substance that will help feed your newborn, the leaking can be both uncomfortable and messy for you.
You’ll likely want to use breast pads inside your bra to stop leakage when you’re out and about.
Key Tip:
Keep a few breast pads in your bag at all times and never be embarrassed if you have to deal with leakage. It’s completely normal.
Related: 5 Symptoms of Not Eating Enough While Breastfeeding
2. Crazy Hormonal Acne
One thing that hormones will do during pregnancy is drive you crazy. From mood swings to anxiety and changes in appetite, your hormones will affect much more than just how you feel. In particular, expect acne to start appearing on your face when you least expect it.
Increased hormone levels during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can encourage oil production in the skin and clog pores, leading to breakouts, blackheads, and an overall oily complexion.
In particular, hormonal acne in pregnancy can lead to oily skin around the chin and jawline. While some people experience the “glow” they were promised, it’s far from the norm.
Key Tip:
Resist the urge to use aggressive acne treatments. Instead, ask your doctor to recommend skin care products that are safe to use during pregnancy to manage breakouts.
3. Excessive Gas and Bloating
You might feel like you’ve swallowed a balloon by the end of your pregnancy, thanks to gas and bloating. Between the progesterone hormone relaxing your digestive system and the ever-growing uterus pushing against your stomach, this pregnancy symptom makes sense.
It will mean you’re passing gas more than you’re used to or feeling very bloated after meals. While it’s gross, it’s also one of those charming pregnancy symptoms that is entirely normal.
Key Tip:
Eat smaller meals more often and try to avoid gassy foods such as beans, broccoli, and carbonated drinks.
Related: 7 Tips to Lose Weight During Pregnancy
4. Swollen Feet and Ankles (And Hands!)
In your second and third trimesters, you may also notice that your feet and ankles have swollen up like balloons. It’s called edema and happens when your body is retaining more fluid and your circulation slows down. It’s more likely in the summer months and after long periods of standing or sitting.
It’s not just your feet and ankles that can be affected; your fingers may also swell up so much that you can no longer fit your wedding ring or other jewelry.
Key Tip:
Elevate your feet when you can, stay hydrated, and avoid standing for long periods. Compression socks can help with swelling.
5. Mucus Galore: Increased Vaginal Discharge
Another secret nobody warns you about is that your vaginal discharge increases when you’re pregnant. Your body produces more mucus during pregnancy to prepare for childbirth, which can lead to excess vaginal discharge. While some women experience a clear, watery discharge, others may find it thick or milky.
Increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy is perfectly normal, but it can feel uncomfortable, and you might find you have to change your underwear more frequently.
Key Tip:
Wear cotton underwear to let your skin breathe and panty liners if you have heavy discharge. If you experience discharge with a strange odor or that’s green or yellow, see your doctor to rule out infection.
Related: Lactation Massage: 7 Proven Benefits
6. Leaky Bladder (And Sneezing)
Another thing that your growing baby will do is put pressure on your bladder, leading to leaks when you laugh, cough, or sneeze. Stress incontinence is common in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, and can leave you feeling embarrassed if you leak in public.
The baby can also make you feel like you need to pee all the time, even if there’s very little in your bladder. While this pregnancy symptom is completely normal, it can be frustrating.
Key Tip:
Kegel exercises can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and reduce incontinence. You can also use the bathroom regularly and wear absorbent pads if necessary.
7. Stretch Marks Everywhere
Stretch marks can be beautiful for some people, but the reality is that tiger stripes can appear in some unexpected places. They can crop up on your belly, hips, thighs, and even breasts as your skin stretches to accommodate the baby.
Genetics play a part in whether you get stretch marks, but hormones and rapid weight gain also contribute to the development of stretch marks. Some people go through their pregnancies with no stretch marks at all, while others find them everywhere.
Key Tip:
You may be able to keep your skin moisturized and reduce itching by using moisturizing oils or creams. There’s no guaranteed way to avoid getting stretch marks, though, and it’s mostly genetic.
Related: How To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
8. Pregnancy Nosebleeds
Increased blood volume and hormonal changes in your body can cause swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages, which can lead to nosebleeds. Some women suffer from frequent nosebleeds throughout their pregnancies, while others just have a dry nose or occasional bleeding.
This symptom can be alarming at first, but it’s not dangerous and will go away post-delivery.
Key Tip:
Consider using a humidifier at home, and apply a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moist. If you are suffering from frequent nosebleeds, talk to your doctor.
9. Constipation (And the Struggle to Go)
Hormone changes during pregnancy are to blame for constipation being a common pregnancy symptom. The hormone progesterone relaxes your muscles, which can slow digestion, leading to hard stools and difficulty going to the bathroom.
The process can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and leave you feeling bloated and sluggish.
Key Tip:
Eat plenty of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, drink lots of fluids, and take a gentle stool softener (after consulting with your doctor) to ease constipation.
10. Pregnancy Glow…or Sweat?
Sure, the “pregnancy glow” is real, but let’s be honest. Sometimes, it’s more like a sweaty, shiny sheen. Increased blood flow during pregnancy can lead to sweating more than you would usually expect, even when you’re doing nothing at all.
It’s not exactly the kind of glow that you were promised, but at least you know it’s a common and temporary side effect of pregnancy.
If you get pregnant in the warmer months, the summer heat and humidity will also contribute, leaving you feeling hot and sticky all the time.
Key Tip:
Drink plenty of water and wear loose, breathable clothes. You can also use a fan or air conditioner to keep cool on hot days.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing full of exciting milestones, but let’s face it, it can also be a little gross at times.
The leaks, smells, and strange body changes are things that most people don’t seem to want to warn you about, but it’s important to know what to expect before they happen. Most of the symptoms above may be unpleasant and uncomfortable, but don’t stress too much about them.
They’re all a natural part of the process of bringing a new human into the world. Of course, always check with your doctor if any of the symptoms mentioned in the article are particularly bothersome or persist.
It might not be pretty all the time, but pregnancy is a beautiful experience. Each of these gross pregnancy symptoms is a step closer to you cradling your beautiful baby in your arms. Stay strong, you can do it!
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