8 Icky Pregnancy Side Effects (and How to Manage Them!)
01 Feb 2025
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey—but let’s be honest, it comes with some seriously unpleasant side effects. From morning sickness to weird skin changes, your body goes through a lot while growing a tiny human. If you're experiencing some unexpected (and icky) pregnancy symptoms, you're not alone! Here’s a look at eight of the most common ones and how to manage them.
1. Morning Sickness (a.k.a. All-Day Nausea)
Why It Happens: Hormonal changes, especially increased hCG and estrogen, can trigger nausea and vomiting—often in the first trimester. How to Manage It:- Eat small, frequent meals to keep your stomach from getting empty.
- Stick to bland foods like crackers, toast, and bananas.
- Sip ginger tea or suck on ginger candies for natural nausea relief.
- Try vitamin B6 supplements (but check with your doctor first!).
2. Excessive Saliva (Ptyalism)
Why It Happens: No one talks about this one, but some pregnant women produce way more saliva than usual, especially in the first trimester. It’s often linked to nausea and acid reflux. How to Manage It:- Sip on water or suck on sugar-free candies to help swallow excess saliva.
- Brush your teeth frequently to keep your mouth fresh.
- Avoid spicy and acidic foods that might make it worse.
3. Weird Skin Changes (Acne, Dark Patches, and Itching)
Why It Happens: Pregnancy hormones can cause acne, dark patches on the face (melasma), and even itchy, dry skin. How to Manage It:- Use a gentle, pregnancy-safe cleanser for acne (avoid retinoids and salicylic acid!).
- Apply sunscreen daily to prevent melasma from darkening.
- Moisturize with fragrance-free lotions to soothe dry, itchy skin.
4. Constipation and Gas (So. Much. Bloating.)
Why It Happens: Higher levels of progesterone relax your digestive muscles, slowing everything down and leading to bloating, gas, and constipation. How to Manage It:- Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
- Stay active—walking can help keep things moving.
- Try a pregnancy-safe stool softener if needed (ask your doctor first!).
5. Hemorrhoids (Ouch!)
Why It Happens: Increased blood flow, pressure from your growing uterus, and constipation can all lead to painful, swollen veins in the rectal area. How to Manage It:- Prevent constipation (see tip #4!).
- Use witch hazel pads or sitz baths to soothe discomfort.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements.
6. Frequent Urination (and Leaking)
Why It Happens: Your kidneys are working harder, and your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, making you run to the bathroom all the time. How to Manage It:- Empty your bladder fully when you go—lean forward slightly to help.
- Avoid caffeine, which can make you pee even more.
- Do Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and prevent leaks.
7. Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Why It Happens: Pregnancy hormones relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to creep up, causing that burning sensation. How to Manage It:- Eat smaller meals and avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods.
- Don’t lie down right after eating—wait at least an hour.
- Try pregnancy-safe antacids (check with your doctor first!).
8. Strange Vaginal Discharge (So Much of It!)
Why It Happens: Increased blood flow and hormone levels cause more vaginal discharge (known as leukorrhea)—a thin, milky-white fluid that helps prevent infections. How to Manage It:- Wear breathable cotton underwear.
- Avoid douching or using scented products down there.
- Call your doctor if it’s green, foul-smelling, or accompanied by itching, which could indicate an infection.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is full of surprises—some beautiful, some... not so much. But remember, these symptoms are totally normal! If any of them feel too overwhelming, talk to your doctor for relief options. In the meantime, take it one day at a time, laugh through the weirdness, and know that all of this is leading to the most incredible reward—your baby!
