14 Of The Most Embarrassing Pregnancy Problems And How To Deal With Them

Pregnancy is such an incredible time in a woman’s life. The joy and excitement that is associated with anticipating the arrival of the little bun is so thrilling. Seeing the belly grow into an adorable little bump, feeling the baby move about, seeing the images of the little one on a sonogram, and hearing his or her heartbeat are nothing short of miraculous.

In addition to all of this, there are also some pretty awesome benefits that a woman experiences when they are expecting. Glowing skin, thicker, fuller hair, and more voluptuous curves, just to name a few. However, despite all of the joy and amazement that comes with pregnancy, there are definite downsides that a woman can experience.

In fact, some of those downsides can be downright embarrassing. Swollen feet, gas, frequent trips to the bathroom. How’s a woman supposed to cope with these embarrassing trials and tribulations that are associated with pregnancy? Read on to learn more about some of the embarrassing issues that some women experience when they are expecting, as well as some tips and tricks for dealing with them.

This is one of the most common problems experienced during pregnancy. Not only can swollen feet be embarrassing, but it can be downright uncomfortable. In fact, some women’s feet may get to the point where they don’t even recognize them (cankles, anyone?)

The cause of swollen feet is simple, fluid that is retained during pregnancy starts to move down toward the feet as a result of gravity. The longer a woman stands, the more her feet will swell. Swelling can get to the point where getting even one toe into those cute wedges is absolutely impossible.

Not only do moms-to-be kiss their collection of current shoes goodbye, but they may be worried that people are staring at their sausages like feet which are about to explode from their casings.

Fortunately, the swelling subsides almost as soon as the baby is delivered. To combat the issue prior to delivery day, put those feet up as much as possible, don’t stand for long periods of time and give them a good old soak in some warm water and Epsom salt (my grandmother swore by this trick, and she was right! – It works wonders!)

14 Burning And Flaming Hemorrhoids

Pregnancy can be a real pain in the a$#. And when hemorrhoids strike, this statement is as literal as it is figurative.

Hemorrhoids are a common occurrence for many pregnant women. Hemorrhoids are dilated blood vessels around the exit area of the bum. They may itch, burn or bleed, and they are just downright uncomfortable.

The reason for hemorrhoids during pregnancy? - The added pressure of the baby pressing down on the veins. Constipation, which is another problem many pregnant women suffer, aggravates this problem. To get some relief, try using the over-the-counter or doctor prescribed creams to reduce inflammation as well as trying the solutions for constipation.

Also, avoid straining when you go. You could also sit on a donut-shaped pillow to get some relief.

13 LOTS Of Thick Pregnancy Discharge

Though nobody but you, your partner (maybe,) and your doctor will see this pregnancy problem, it can be pretty embarrassing. Discharge can increase during pregnancy, and it can make you feel less than fresh.

What causes an increase in discharge?

An increase in estrogen levels. This is nothing unusual or unfamiliar to all women. Vaginal discharge is a very normal and common experience. However, when you’re pregnant, just like during PMS for some women, you can experience more discharge than normal. During pregnancy this discharge is more likely to happen during your third trimester.

Since this is a natural occurrence there is nothing you can do to prevent or reduce the discharge. The only thing you can do is to wear pads or pantiliners to absorb the leaks. You can also wear cotton underwear to help absorb and help you stay dry. The cotton underwear will also allow your body to breathe.

Never use a tampon or douche while pregnant. It can cause bacteria in the vagina and the cervix area.

12 Farting And Burping More Than A Grade Schooler

You may experience an increase in gas during pregnancy, which can lead to an increase in flatulence and belching. And when that gas has to move, escaping your body at the most awkward times and leaving you a little red in the face.

Why the increase in gas? As your baby grows, your stomach becomes tighter and space becomes limited. This crowded area also affects your intestines and digestive system, which causes the system to become more irregular and inconsistent. Another reason for excess gas is the eating healthier foods and those prenatal vitamins.

The introduction of fruit and vegetables can shakeup in your digestive system, as can the added vitamins and nutrients that prenatal vitamins offer. Some of these foods are known to produce gas. Also, certain cravings such as ice cream, chips and snacks or greasy foods many pregnant women crave can produce a lot of gas.

Talk to your doctor about medications that can ease gas. Additionally, you can take a nice 15-20 minute walk to help get your digestive system moving and get that gas out.

11 Disgustingly Swollen Appendages

The cause of swollen feet is simple: Fluid that is retained during pregnancy starts to move down toward the feet as a result of gravity. The longer you stand, the more your feet will swell. Swelling can get to the point where getting even one toe into those cute wedges is absolutely impossible.

Not only will you kiss your collection of current shoes goodbye, but you may be worried that people are staring at those things that look like sausages about to explode from their casings on the bottom of your legs.

Fortunately, the swelling subsides almost as soon as the baby is delivered. To combat the issue prior to delivery day, put your feet up as much as possible, don’t stand for long periods of time and give them a good old soak in some warm water and Epsom salt (my grandmother swore by this trick, and she was right! – It works wonders!)

10 Carrying Around Enough Weight For Two People

Weight gain is expected during pregnancy. In fact, gaining weight is recommended. An average pre-pregnancy woman is expected to gain between 20 and 30 pounds. This added weight includes, of course, the baby, as well as fluid retention, the placenta, an increase in blood volume, and those extra calories that are consumed to support the baby (and because of those cravings for ice cream and pickles.)

While weight gain is expected during pregnancy, for many women, it can be embarrassing. They may feel as if they trapped in someone else’s body. When that baby bump really pops and it seems like an impossibility to find a shirt that will cover it, yeah, things can get embarrassing.

There’s really not much you can do to combat weight gain until the baby arrives. Try eating healthy foods that don’t add to fluid retention (avoid super salty foods, for example,) and make sure you buy clothing that you are comfortable in. Also, keep in mind that weight gain is a necessity when you’re feeling down about it. Keep your chin up, mama!

9 Chest Melting, Paralysis Inducing Heartburn

Oh, the heartburn. This is a seriously uncomfortable problem that many women experience during pregnancy. It can literally get to the point where you feel like you have swallowed a flaming ball of lava.

Why is heartburn embarrassing? Well, when it gets really severe, you may find yourself making some pretty strange expressions, awkward sounds, and complaining a whole heck of a lot.

When heartburn strikes, take comfort in knowing that it will subside when the baby is delivered. Also, grab a bottle of over-the-counter, doctor-approved antacids (TUMS will become your best friend!) Also, lie down with your head slightly elevated.

We also recommend trying to nip heartburn in the bud by avoiding foods that are known to contribute to it. Just say no to spicy foods, and anything that is creasy, as they will surely start up that fire in your chest in no time.

8 The Bladder No Longer Holds ANYTHING!

Get used to visiting your bathroom - and everybody else’s, too. The need to pee may become so frequent, especially at the end of your pregnancy, that you may feel like a leaking faucet.

Why the sudden need to go? The problem is that certain pregnancy hormones (relaxin, in particular) cause the pelvic muscles to relax to help you deliver your baby. These hormones cause your bladder to relax too, can make you feel like you constantly have to go.

As if feeling the urge to go all the time wasn’t bad enough, you may also experience some leakage. A sneeze or a laugh could end up making you feel a little wet. Why? As the baby starts to really grow, she will start putting pressure on your bladder, and, well, a leak or two (or more) may happen.

Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your muscles and prevent leaks, or wear some panty liners to help absorb moisture and prevent embarrassing moments.

7 Feels Like Bed Bugs Minus The Bugs

You may start to feel super itchy during your pregnancy. In fact, you may feel as if you have rolled around in a bed of poison ivy. Why all the itching? Pregnancy hormones are partly to blame, as is the stretching of your skin. You may notice that itching is more centralized to your stomach, your breasts and anywhere else you may be putting on weight.

All of that itching may make people start to think you have come down with a case of chicken pox. To help ease the itch, try lanolin cream or vitamin E oil on the area. Cocoa butter works well too. Apply these lotions and oils after you bathe to prevent dry skin.

During the winter time be sure to apply on the skin often too since the winter months bring dry air which soaks the moisture out of your skin quicker. You can also wear cotton bras or shirts to reduce the itch.

6 Gut Twisting Constipation

Along with excess gas, bloating and heartburn, you may experience the discomfort of constipation. (Oh, the joys of pregnancy!) All these things are working in cahoots to undermine you, right? Wrong. They’re all a normal part of pregnancy.

In regard to constipation, hormones can slow down the digestive system so that you –your baby – can absorb as many nutrients as possible. Also, your growing baby starts making your digestive tract feel cramped and crowded, which can make it difficult to pass digested foods, and hence, lead to constipation.

To combat this common pregnancy issue, start eating high-fiber foods, like fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains that help move your bowels. Prunes and prune juice can help ease constipation, too. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter remedies or fiber supplement drinks that are safe to take. Avoid stimulant laxatives that can cause contractions.

5 Melanin Goes Cah-Razy

Never heard of these conditions before? Melasma, Linea Nigra. The names may sound a bit concerning, but don’t fret, they’re not diseases, but simply a discoloration or darkening of your skin.

Linea nigra refers to a dark line that runs down the middle of the stomach, and melasma refers to darkening of the skin on the face (typically on the forehead, the nose and the cheeks, hence why it is often referred to as ‘the mask of pregnancy.') Skin darkening can occur in other areas as well, such as the areolas.

What causes this skin darkening? You guessed it! Those pregnancy hormones. The high levels of estrogen increases the body’s production of melanin, which is what gives your skin color or pigmentation, and hence the darkening. It can be pretty embarrassing, particularly when it is experienced on the face.

Though there is really no remedy for this pregnancy problem, avoiding exposure to the sun can help to ease the symptoms. Always apply sunscreen, and wear a large-brimmed hat when going out in the sun. Makeup can also do wonders to conceal those dark spots.

4 All That Pain In The Birth Canal BEFORE Baby Comes

Don’t be surprised if you feel a sudden and sharp pain in your groin while you’re pregnant, especially when you are sitting for an extended period of time or walking. That pain can be downright debilitating at times.

Though the pain can be disconcerting, and downright uncomfortable, take comfort in knowing that in most cases, there isn’t anything wrong. That pain is nothing more than your pelvic bone stretching to hold your growing baby.

Oftentimes these pains will hit after a long walk or after you've been sitting for awhile. You may also experience them more during your third trimester when your baby’s head presses down on your pelvic bone and your lady bits.

Some things you can do to reduce the pain include avoid walking, standing or sitting for long periods of time. In other words, make sure that you adjust your positions often. Place your feet up on pillows. Sit on softer cushioned seats or on a pillow. You can try wearing a stomach support band to ease the pain or doing stretches or appropriate exercises that can alleviate some of the distress.

Reach out to your doctor, who can recommend and prescribe acetaminophen. But never take aspirin or ibuprofen while pregnant, as they can be harmful to your unborn baby.

3 All The Pores Can Explode All At Once

Thought you left those pimples behind during your teenage years? – Think again! Many women experience acne when they are pregnant, and just like it was embarrassing during the teenage years, it’s embarrassing in adulthood (perhaps even more embarrassing.)

Similar to the dark spots that can plague the skin, acne can pop up during pregnancy. Again, you have those wonderful pregnancy hormones to thank. Blemishes can appear on your face, your back, your arms and your neck, and it’s downright embarrassing.

To reduce the appearance of these unsightly skin irritations, try using a mild facial cleanser or soap. A facial mask can also help. Just like when you were a teenager, avoid soda and foods that can cause an acne or skin breakout. Avoid over-the-counter medications with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy, unless your doctor approves them.

The good news is once your hormones are back to normal after delivery, the acne will more than likely disappear.

2 Even The Unconscious Parts Go Nuts

Being chased by monsters, abducted by aliens, or having encounters with the spiritual world while you’re sleeping? Waking up in cold sweats, or letting out loud moans and groans while you are sleeping because of those crazy dreams? Yeah, you’re not alone.

Uncomfortable and often scary dreams are not uncommon during pregnancy, and they are indirectly caused by hormones changes. However, they can also be due to your emotional state while pregnant. Women often feel vulnerable and nervous about their pregnancy, the future and their baby, and these feelings can produce anxiety and restless nights.

Once you do go to sleep your night is filled with weird and strange dreams. It is very common for you to have dreams and nightmares about your child already being born, horrible accidents, or giving birth to animals. Don’t worry about it. It’s simply one way your mind tries to handle and cope with the uncertainties that can plague pregnant women.

Discuss them with close family members or friends or with other pregnant women you may know or come into contact with. It’s always good to share your experiences with others who can relate.

1 The Girls Leak At The Worst Times

Another leaking issue some pregnant women may experience? – Leaking breasts.

The breasts start preparing for feeding your little one way before he or she arrives. To prepare, the body starts producing high levels of prolactin, the hormone that gets your breasts ready for their job, and it can cause them to leak, especially if they are stimulated.

So if you touch your nipples when changing clothes, or when taking a shower, or even just when your bra brushes up against them, don’t be surprised if you experience a little leakage.

There is nothing you can do to prevent leaking, save to avoid stimulation, which can be impossible, especially when it comes to your clothing brushing up against your nipples. However, you can avoid embarrassing leaks showing through your clothes by placing nursing pads in your bra, which will absorb the moisture.