Pregnancy

6 months into my pregnancy and asking this question daily.

This is probably not your typical "omg, where are my abs?" post... Because let's be real, I've been looking for my abs for the last 25 years.

This is more of a "WHY DID NOBODY TELL ME" type of post.

So... If nobody's told you before, let me be the one... Pregnancy is ROUGH.

Mind, body and soul included. But for today, I'm focussing (maybe venting) on 'body.'

Pregnancy is truthfully a miracle. No matter how/when/why a baby is conceived, the journey of 'embryo' to 'little-bratty-toddler', is miraculous. But... I really don't think it's all that 'beautiful.'

Oops.

I may have offended you... So let me put out a disclaimer and say that this is my personal opinion and solely based on my pregnancy experience.

But if you don't agree with me, I think you're lying.

Just kidding ;-)

It started before I even took a test. I just knew that my body was NOT at full capacity and NOT coping. Morning (more like, ALL DAY) sickness, flu-like symptoms, headaches, fever, diarrhoea... You name it, I had it. I hated what was happening before I even knew what was happening.

And girl, it didn't stop there. The further I got into this pregnancy, the more sick, the more aches, the more pains.

So... What is actually happening to your body during this crazy time? Let me break some of it down:

1. Your blood volume increases... Almost doubles. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your body increases the amount of blood & plasma from 30 to 50% - Your heart is working harder and beating faster, which results in more blood being ejected with each heartbeat. It's like a factory churning out... life, for your little life.

2. Your hips won't lie... As your body is preparing for childbirth, your pelvic bone actually separates in the middle. OUCH. The relaxation of your uterine muscle, separation of your pubic bone, and softening of your cervix are all thanks to a little hormone named Relaxin. As painful as it sounds, this is perfectly normal and needed for your little babe to enter the world. But still... Ouch.

3. Your 'hoo-ha' experiences... 'oooh-aaahs'... Your koeks/vagine/secret garden MAY make some changes. Including a change in tinge. You suddenly may be purple or blue down there, this is commonly known as 'Chadwick's Sign' and is discovered early into conception. Totally normal, don't worry. You may also experience an increase in discharge as your body begins pumping out extra estrogen and progesterone, so get those liners ready & always keep it fresh down there gals.

4. You will grow hair, EVERYWHERE... "Sometimes women grow hair in areas where they don't normally have hair, such as the face, chest, abdomen, and arms." - Dr. Cutler. Then, at about 6 months post birth, you may notice that the hair on your head begins to thin out - but don't fret... Your body is just trying to get back to normal.

5. Your gums may bleed... No, you're not slacking in the hygiene department, this is just a pregnancy thing. "Even though gingivitis in pregnancy is considered unrelated to the amount of plaque on your teeth, pregnancy does predispose women for developing gum and teeth problems," says Dr. Cutler. So remember to massage those gums, gargle some Himalayan salt and treat them gently.

6. Your boobies... are filling up with milk, hence the sensitivity. As they are filling, your milk ducts are stretching and growing, and so are your nipples. High levels of estrogen make for larger and darker areola's which may take place over night - but remember that all of this is happening, so that you can nourish your little babe once they're here.

These are just a few of the "weird and wonderful" happenings in your body while you're baking your bun.

And yes, even though my skin looks prepubescent and I am constantly moaning & groaning; I am amazed at all that is actually happening within my body.

Again and I say again... It truly is miraculous. X