Babies

10 Surprising Pregnancy Facts

Being pregnant is one of the most universal experiences in the world, yet there are so many things that people do not know about it! We have compiled 10 interesting facts you may have never heard about down below.

1) The Uterus Grows . . . A Lot!

The Uterus Grows Big

Before pregnancy, the uterus is about the size of a pear and weights around 60 grams. But by the third trimester, it can grow to the size of a watermelon – weighing over 900 grams! Overall, stretching 500 times its normal size. But don’t worry, after birth the uterus returns to its original size.

2) The Most Babies Born At Once

It happened to Nadya Suleman from the United States. Suleman’s babies were conceived via In Vitro Fertilization and were 9 weeks premature. Altogether, Suleman gave birth to six boys and two girls!

3) Your Sense of Smell Can Change

Your Sense of Smell Changes During Pregnancy

Often, during the 1st trimester of pregnancy, your sense of smell can heighten! Although it is not medically proven, many believe that this is an evolutionary trait that helped pregnant women avoid unsafe food.

4) The Shortest Pregnancy Lasted 21 weeks & 4 Days!

Although dangerously premature, the baby boy survived and did not develop any serious problems due to early birth.

5) Pregnant Women Can Lactate When Hearing a Crying Baby

Yes, it’s true! In fact, this is why many working moms record their baby’s hunger cries to help them pump better at the office.

6) You Have a 20% Chance of Conceiving After 30

This means that for every 100 fertile 30-year-old women trying to get pregnant in 1 cycle, 20 will be successful and the other 80 will have to try again. By the time you reach 40, these chances decrease to 5%

However, if you are trying to get pregnant after 30, do not give up. There are many different diets, lifestyle changes, drugs as well as IVF procedures that may be able to help you. Speak to your doctor to learn more.

7) Heartburn Could Mean Your Baby Has More Hair

Heartburn baby hair

You may have heard that in an old wives’ tale, and there is some truth to it! Higher levels of estrogen and progesterone can stimulate hair growth, but they can also relax the esophagus, causing heartburn.

8) Pregnant Women Should Avoid Sushi

Raw fish sometimes contain parasites and bacteria that can potentially be unhealthy for your baby. However, in moderation, eating sushi may not cause harm. If you’re unsure, always speak to your doctor to learn more about a healthy pregnancy diet for you and your baby.

9) 9 out of 10 Pregnant Women Experience Skin Tone Changes

Skin changes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may experience your skin darkening. Either in patches or all over. Birthmarks, moles and freckles may also darken. This is all due to hormonal changes.

10) Your Partner Can Experience Pregnancy Symptoms

Men experiencing pregnancy symptomsIt’s called couvade syndrome, or sympathetic pregnancy. Many partners of pregnant women have reported similar symptoms including nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, backache, anxiety and depression. However, many say that this is purely psychological so more medical research is required into this.

If you’re interested in learning more about your body and pregnancy, read up on our other blogs!

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