Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an amazing process. For nine months, your body works hard to create a new life. But there are some things about pregnancy that many women don’t know until they experience it themselves.

This blog post will discuss some of the most interesting and surprising facts about pregnancy. So, if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, read on to learn more about this amazing process!

8 Pregnancy Facts You May Not Know

1. Pregnancy lasts an average of 40 weeks.

This may seem like a long time, but keep in mind that pregnancy is divided into three trimesters.

The first trimester (weeks 0-13) is when the baby’s organs are forming, and the pregnancy is often the most uncomfortable. The second trimester (weeks 14-27) is when most women feel their best, and the baby begins to move. The third trimester (weeks 28-40) is when the baby grows the most, and the pregnancy can become uncomfortable again. 

So pregnancy is actually only 40 weeks long on average, but it is divided into these three distinct stages.

Extra fun fact: Only 5% of babies are born on their due date! Most babies are born between 38 and 42 weeks.

2. The baby’s heart begins to beat about 22 days after conception.

The moment a baby’s heart begins to beat is an important milestone that marks the start of the baby’s circulatory system. From this point on, the heart will continue to pump blood throughout the pregnancy. The baby’s heart will also continue to grow and develop, becoming stronger and more efficient as pregnancy progresses.

Ultimately, the baby’s heart will be fully formed and ready to take on its vital role in the body by the time of birth.

3. Pregnancy can change the shape of your feet.

Pregnancy is a time of many changes, both physical and emotional. One change you may not expect is a change in the shape of your feet. That’s right–pregnancy can actually change the shape of your feet permanently!

During pregnancy, the ligaments in your feet loosen and stretch, which can cause your feet to spread out and become larger. This usually goes back to normal after pregnancy, but in some cases, the changes are permanent. 

4. Braxton Hicks contractions are common in the third trimester.

Braxton Hicks is often described as feeling like a tightening or hardening of the stomach. These contractions are usually not painful, but they can be uncomfortable. They are also often irregular and do not get closer together as true labor contractions do.

While Braxton Hicks contractions are considered normal, it is important to contact your healthcare provider if you’re having them more than a few times per day or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or back pain.

5. Your blood volume will increase by 40-50%.

One of the most amazing things about pregnancy is how your body adapts to accommodate the growing baby. One of the most significant changes is an increase in blood volume.

During pregnancy, your blood volume will increase by 40-50%. This increase is necessary to provide oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby and to support the increased blood flow to the uterus. This will also help your body to cope with the increased demand for blood during labor and delivery.

6. Babies can hear their mother’s voice from inside the womb.

Before they are born, newborns can hear their mother’s voice and heartbeat. However, we do not know if or how soon the baby’s brain starts to develop from being exposed to these maternal sounds. 

After birth, babies can recognize their mother’s voice and often turn their heads to the sound of her voice. So, if you’re pregnant, take some time to talk to your baby! They may not be able to understand what you’re saying, but they will certainly enjoy hearing your voice.

7. Your sense of smell can change.

Pregnancy can cause a change in your sense of smell, which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you feel about it. Some women find that they are more sensitive to smells during pregnancy, while others find that they become less sensitive.

Some women also find that certain smells make them nauseous, while others find that they develop a sudden craving for certain foods.

8. There’s a barrier that protects the baby during pregnancy.

“Mucus plug” is the barrier that protects the baby during pregnancy. It is made up of mucus, cells, and other debris.

The mucus plug forms early in pregnancy and sits at the opening of the cervix. As pregnancy progresses, the cervix begins to soften and open (dilate) in preparation for labor. This process can cause the mucus plug to dislodge and be expelled from the body. The loss of the mucus plug is often a sign that labor is imminent, but it can also occur several days or weeks before labor begins.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These are just eight of the many pregnancy facts you may not have known. We hope this blog post has been informative and entertaining.

If you’re currently pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant in the future, we encourage you to do your research and talk to your doctor about what to expect. Doing so can help you better manage any surprises along the way.