7 ugly truths about getting knocked up

Pregnancy is not easy, especially with hormones going awry and emotions running high. Active! speaks to the experts to find out what to expect, when you're expecting

Singer Pink recently startled shoppers when she lost her temper at a fellow shopper, who kept honking at her while she was parking. "I wanted to kill him," she reportedly said, "and the poor bag boy looked like he wanted to be invisible."



Anger management classes, you say? Well it all falls into perspective when you realise that Pink is battling pregnancy-related mood swings. Unlike in the movies, pregnancy is not all about food cravings and pampering. Swollen feet, rashes, constipation. The list is pretty long. Here's the lowdown on things that they don't tell you about getting pregnant.

Truth 1 : There will be mood swings
Imagine PMS and then multiply it hundred fold. That's the kind of mood swings we're talking about. And no, its not the world, but the high levels of estrogen, which the body produces to maintain pregnancy, are at blame. Dr Sonal Kumta, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at The Fortis Hospitals, says, "Pregnancy is a phase of intense hormonal changes in a woman's body. This can make her emotionally instable, she may be irritable, irrational, weep a lot and be excessively happy too."

What to do: There's nothing like a hot cup of TLC. Handle yourself with care, pamper yourself with good food and all that you like and just sit back and let the world gush over you.

Truth 2 : Your breasts will change
Don't be surprised if you're bra size changes during pregnancy. Also, be prepared for increased tenderness and darker nipples. "During pregnancy, the breasts are preparing to lactate, hence the changes. At that time, breasts can be painful to touch or press. Many a times one can secrete milk as early as four months," says Dr. Sudeshna Ray, gynaecologist, Jaslok Hospital.

What to do: Make sure you wear the right cup size, to preventsagging breasts later on.

Truth 3 : You're going to get stretch marks
Bring out your moisturizers and massage oils. This is one every expectant mother's nightmare. "Stretch marks in pregnancy are inevitable. The skin stretches rapidly in a short period of time, causing bluish lines, which eventually turn white. They are more prominent around the stomach, upper chest and hips," says Dr.

Satish Wadhwa, dermatologist, Breach Candy Hospital. "Some women also suffer from pigmentation, especially on the face and private parts. This is especially common in first time mothers. Some women may also develop severe rashes, but that goes away as soon as the baby is born," he adds.

What to do: "Stretch marks are something you just have to put up with," says Dr. Wadhwa. "You can apply oil or creams before they appear, but they will remain nonetheless." Pigmentation will eventually wear off after pregnancy. "Stay out of the sun and use a sunscreen," advises Dr Wadhwa.

Truth 4 : You will throw up
"The term morning sickness is a misnomer. It can occur at any time of the day and is also called simple vomiting of pregnancy," says Dr Kumta. " This happens as a result of increased levels of hormones of pregnancy and usually subsides by the 4th month. Heightened sense of smell is a part of morning sickness." "Vomitting 3-4 times a day is considered normal, but watch out for drastic weight loss, excessive salivation and thirst," warns Dr. Ray.

What to do: "Eat a high protein diet, plenty of fluids, prenatal vitamin supplements, avoid sight, smell, taste of foods that make you queasy, eat often and don't force yourself to eat what you don't feel like," advises Dr. Kumta.

Truth 5 : You will retain water
"Water retention is normal during pregnancy, as is the swelling of the feet, fingers and face. Usually, the swelling disappears during a nights rest, only to be back the next morning. The edema usually occurs due to hormonal changes, the weight of the womb which can stop blood supply to the calf and water retention," says Dr. Ray. "Edema is considered normal as long as there is no change in blood pressure."

What to do: "A hot water bath and massage usually do the trick. Lack of calcium can cause cramps, so take calcium supplements. Sometimes, Vitamin E and omega fatty acid supplements are also prescribed," says Dr Ray.

Truth 6 : Your libido will change
"Pregnancy is a time for change. Women with low sex drive may have an increase and others may find that they completely lack it," says Dr. Kumta. "The diminished sex drive is because of the high levels of progesterone, like the time when women P.M.S. There is also an inhibition and a fear attached to sex when pregnant. Women aren't comfortable with their bodies, but all these fears are irrational," says Dr Ray.

What to do: "Sex during pregnancy is not a problem, unless advised against by your doctor. Different positions that take the weight off the belly are safe. Sometimes, sex is also advised towards the latter stages of pregnancy to initiate labour," says Dr Ray. "Feelings are erratic during pregnancy," says Dr Kumta, "but there's nothing that mutual understanding cannot solve."

Truth 7 : Your bladder will act up
"Progesterone makes digestion slow, which leads to constipation and piles," says Dr Ray. "Also the pressure of the womb on the bladder means you will be running to the bathroom more often. There are times when you might pass a bit of urine when sneezing or laughing. This problem is not serious, and is seen in women who suffer from it regardless of pregnancy as well," she adds.

What to do:  " A soft diet with lots of greens and fibre and plenty of fluids is the best way to prevent constipation. Go for a brisk walk and use a mild laxative, only after consulting a doctor. In terms of urination, reassurance helps. It will all be okay after delivery," says Dr. Kumta.

What pregnancy means for the dad
Pregnancy means fathers-to-be are running around, pampering their wives and fulfilling their every whim. Dr Dilip Raja, andrologist, insists that while there are no physical implications of fatherhood, it brings with it huge responsibility and lifestyle changes.

"There is a sense of excitement and anxiousness, especially for first-time fathers. Stress levels are high. Many a times, men get isolated during and after the pregnancy. It is crucial that both partners understand and support each other." And then again, pregnancy also affects the couple's sex life. "For a long time, intimacy is less. Women lose their desire, or are uncomfortable with their bodies.

One can try different positions, but in the long run, this is where maturity comes in. Also, you are now more home bound. It all comes down to the equation and understanding between the couple," he says.

And now for the good news...Women around the globe have voted giving birth as the most beautiful experience in their lives. Dr Ray echoes the sentiment. "Being able to conceive and give birth is an immensely satisfying feeling. The most important thing is that you're creating and maintaining a new life.

Besides, being pregnant, giving birth and breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer." High levels of estrogen during pregnancy add a radiant glow to the skin. "It's a beginning of a new life," says Dr Kumta. "The glow is not only thanks to the estrogen, but also reflects the positive state of being of the mother-to-be."