Body Changes

The good, the bad and the ugly: 15 things they don’t tell you about pregnancy

The good news is that you are pregnant! The bad news is that your body will experience a topsy-turvy mix of both weird and wonderful changes. But don’t despair as the next few months should herald a happier, glowing new you! Nicky Manson hangs pregnancy’s dirty laundry on the line to air.

THE GOOD

01 Look, it’s not all bad.

There are some great body changes that occur during pregnancy. The first of which is the ‘pregnancy glow’. Apparently, it’s a surefire way to spot a pregnant woman. The rosy, radiant shine is mostly caused by a rush of blood to the blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. This effect is enhanced by increased secretions of the oil glands, which create an added lustre, as if you’ve just had a workout at the gym. Being on Cloud Nine also helps!

02 Thanks to the secretion of pregnancy hormones, you will also notice that your hair grows faster and falls out less.

This is fabulous news for all those not blessed with the locks of Beyoncé. Thick, glossy hair is a definite perk. The same goes for nail growth and strength. Even ardent nail-biters will experience a spurt in nail growth, which their teeth will struggle to keep up with!

THE BAD

03 Sore, tender and bigger breasts are usually one of the first signs that you are pregnant.

This is usually accompanied by shrieks of “Don’t even think about touching them!” to your unsuspecting partner. You’ll spend weekends trawling the stores for bras that even your granny would be proud of. You may also experience small bumps (and discolouration) on your nipples, which is caused by the leaking of a thick, yellowish substance known as colostrum. Happiness!