Ask any mother, and they’ll tell you the same exact thing – all the preparation in the world wouldn’t be enough to prepare you for what a 40-week pregnancy and a lifetime of motherhood have in store for you.
It’s as unique an experience as you’re going to get in life.
Even those who have experienced a pregnancy before have no real way of knowing what to expect once that baby bump starts to grow – especially since every pregnancy comes with its fair share of surprises.
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And those surprises are what make each pregnancy such a beautiful experience.
Today, we’re going to highlight some of those surprising facts about pregnancy that most expecting mothers either aren’t aware of or aren’t prepared for – let’s see how many times we can blow your mind!
Facts About Pregnancy That Might Surprise You
According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), 134.3 million babies were born worldwide in 2023 – and 3.7 million of those babies were born in the United States, alone.
Roughly two-thirds of those mothers are between the ages of 25 and 34.
But with the technology we have today, women can realistically give birth at any age, so long as they have a normal and healthy uterus. Of course, doctors often warn of complications after the age of 45.
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Here’s something you probably didn’t know – there are more than a dozen different ways to have a baby.
In fact, according to Dr. Jamie Grifo, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology at New York University Medical Center, there are a total of 18 ways to have a baby, with natural sex being the most common.
Let’s take a look at 20 other lesser-known facts about pregnancy that might take you by surprise!
20. Babies Taste Flavors Through Amniotic Fluid
Did you know your baby can start tasting the foods you eat by week 16 of pregnancy? By then, your baby already has taste pores and taste buds that are connected to the brain – allowing them to taste food.
Of course, they’re tasting that food through your amniotic fluid.
By week 21, your baby will be swallowing several ounces of amniotic fluid daily. Most of that fluid is composed of water, nutrients, hormones, and antibodies – but some of those molecules influence taste.
Believe it or not, the foods they taste in the womb can have an impact on how picky of an eater they are once born. That’s why doctors recommend eating a varied, well-balanced diet throughout pregnancy.
19. You’ll Have a Heightened Sense of Smell
Also known as hyperosmia, many pregnant women experience a heightened sense of smell as early as a few days after conception. It often peaks during the first trimester but continues throughout the pregnancy.
That’s right – the nose knows no boundaries when pregnant.
Research shows that an increase in estrogen could be to blame for this phenomenon – as well as another hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta when pregnant.
Unfortunately, this heightened sense of smell isn’t always pleasant. Some doctors warn that being more aware of the scents around you could trigger morning sickness – which is common during pregnancy.
18. Cardiac Output Increases While Pregnant
Your baby bump isn’t the only thing growing during pregnancy. In fact, your heart sees a considerable amount of growth, both literally and figuratively, as it’s asked to work overtime for you and your baby.
For example, blood volume increases 40-50% during pregnancy.
Your heart rate can increase by 10-15 beats per minute, the amount of blood pumped by the heart increases by 30-40%, and cardiac output gradually increases during the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy.
With that said, there are a few concerns you need to be aware of. For example, according to the NCBI, preexisting cardiovascular conditions can be exacerbated by the adaptations that occur during gestation.
17. Babies Let Out a ‘Silent Cry’ in the Womb
No, it’s not the type of cry that you can hear – unlike the kicking and pushing, which you can feel. But research shows that babies do, in fact, let out a type of ‘silent cry’ while in the womb – isn’t that neat?
In fact, this can happen as early as 28 weeks into the pregnancy.
Some researchers have observed fetal behaviors such as opening the mouth, depressing the tongue, and taking irregular breaths – similar to a crying pattern – which are considered practice for real-life crying.
However, since crying as we know it involves breathing air and making noise, this behavior is likely a developmental process, helping the fetus prepare for breathing and communicating outside the womb.
16. It’s Possible to Crave Non-Food Items
We all know about the random cravings pregnant women have – from pickles to chocolate, ice cream, and even fast food – but you’d be surprised by how common it is to crave non-food items while pregnant.
It’s a phenomenon called pica, and it can be harmful to you and your baby.
Pica is an eating disorder characterized by cravings for non-food items, such as dirt, clay, ice, chalk, and even laundry detergent. The exact cause is unknown, but nutritional deficiencies are likely to play a role.
If you’re having these types of abnormal, non-food cravings, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor – and never give in to the temptations, no matter how tasty something might seem in the moment.
15. Some Pregnancies Last Longer Than 40 Weeks
Most pregnancies last anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks (a little over nine months). Anything before 37 weeks is considered premature, while anything after 42 weeks is considered post-term or over-due.
With that said, some pregnancies can last much longer than that.
In fact, the longest recorded human pregnancy that resulted in a live birth was reportedly 375 days long (one year, 10 days), significantly exceeding the typical gestation period of about 280 days (40 weeks).
This unusual case was documented in 1945 with a woman named Beulah Hunter from Los Angeles. She gave birth to a healthy daughter named Penny Diana, who went on to live a normal and regular life.
14. Taller Women Are More Likely to Have Twins
There’s no greater pregnancy surprise than learning you’re carrying not one, but two little ones in that baby bump of yours. And while many people think this happens at random, that’s not really the case.
For example, one 2006 study shows that taller women are more likely to have twins.
The study was published by Dr. Gary Steinman, an obstetrician at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, who found that tall women have higher levels of a certain protein called insulin-like growth factor (IGF).
IGF has been linked to increased ovarian function, which can lead to a greater likelihood of releasing multiple eggs during ovulation. With more eggs during ovulation, the chance of a twin pregnancy rises.
13. When the Belly Grows, So Do the Feet!
It’s normal for feet to swell during pregnancy, but did you know your feet could actually permanently grow a size or two – even after you’ve given birth? Believe it or not, this happens more often than you’d think.
There are two primary culprits here – weight gain and a hormone called relaxin.
Weight gain and increased fluid retention often contribute to foot swelling, which might make the feet look larger. The swelling typically subsides after birth, but the structural changes in the feet can be permanent.
Not only that, but hormonal changes, particularly an increase in the hormone relaxin, cause the ligaments and joints in the body to relax and become more pliable, which can lead to a slight spreading of the feet.
12. Heartburn Could Translate to Full Head of Hair
There’s an old wives’ tale that says heartburn during pregnancy could be a sign that your baby will be born with a full head of hair – but one study in 2006 indicates that there might be some truth to the tale.
The study was published in ‘Birth’ roughly 18 years ago.
It was a small study with just 64 participants, but the researchers proposed that the same hormones that relax the esophageal sphincter, which causes heartburn, could also influence hair growth in fetuses.
With that said, heartburn during pregnancy is more directly related to changes in hormone levels and the physical effects of the uterus pressing on the stomach, rather than how much hair the baby will have.
11. Nipple Stimulation Can Help Induce Labor
You know what they say – the baby will come out when they’re ready to come out. It’s the waiting game most expecting mothers can’t stand playing, and one they almost never have any sense of control over.
And while there’s no surefire way to guarantee labor, there is one method proven to help.
Some research shows that nipple stimulation can help increase the release of oxytocin – a hormone that’s primarily involved in breastfeeding, but can also help to initiate and regulate contractions during labor.
Nipple stimulation can be done by gently massaging or rubbing the nipples, usually for a few hours each day. This can lead to the onset of contractions, which could help soften and dilate the cervix before labor.
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10. Some Babies Are Born With Teeth
Babies can start teething as early as 3 months after birth, but most babies won’t start until they reach 4-7 months old. Teething usually begins with the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors.
But did you know some babies are born with teeth?
These are known as natal teeth, and, while they are rare, they are possible. In fact, they appear in about 1 in every 2,000 to 3,000 births, and typically appear in the lower gums – but they can appear anywhere.
Because they can be loose and pose a risk of being swallowed or inhaled by the baby, they are often removed, especially if they interfere with breastfeeding or are likely to harm either the mother or the baby.
9. Pregnant Women Are More Susceptible to Injury
Being pregnant is one of the most rewarding journeys a woman can ever experience, but did you know that being pregnant leaves you more susceptible to injury? Unfortunately, there are several reasons why.
For example, pregnant women have less balance, coordination, and more weight to carry around.
But what’s even more concerning is the increase in relaxin – which we discussed above. Pregnancy hormones such as relaxin cause the ligaments and joints to relax and loosen in preparation for childbirth.
This increased laxity can lead to a higher risk of strains, sprains, and other joint-related injuries. When combined with reduced mobility and changes to your center of gravity, mothers need to be extra careful!
8. Be Prepared to Feel Hot & Sweaty Often
Expecting mothers often use the ‘bun in the oven’ metaphor to describe pregnancy, but many mothers are surprised when they’re the ones who feel like they’re burning in the oven. Don’t worry – this is normal.
This is especially evident with hot flashes, but also to a lesser degree.
With that said, many expecting mothers will experience a sudden rise in body temperature as a result of the increased blood flow and blood volume – as well as an increased metabolism and weight gain.
To manage feeling hot and sweaty, pregnant women can try wearing loose, breathable clothing, staying hydrated, and keeping their environment cool. It’s also helpful to avoid any excessive physical exertion.
7. Babies Can Hear You Inside the Womb
You’ve likely heard of couples talking to their little ones or playing music through the belly, but you might be wondering if your baby can actually hear you – and if so, are they aware of what they’re hearing at all?
While, yes, they can hear you, they won’t be able to make sense of any of it.
In fact, babies can start to hear sounds in your body (like your heartbeat) as early as 18 weeks, and can start to hear sounds outside of the womb between 24 and 27 weeks, after the hearing system develops.
By the third trimester, babies respond to sounds by moving or increasing their heart rate. They often show a preference for their mother’s voice and are calmed by music or sounds they hear often inside the womb.
6. Lactation Can Be Induced By the Sound of a Baby
There’s an old wives’ tale claiming that lactation can be induced by the sound of a baby crying or other baby-related stimuli, but one study, published in 2023, is proving there might be some truth to that theory.
The study was led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
The researchers found that the sound of a newborn’s wail can trigger the release of oxytocin, a brain chemical that controls breast milk release in mothers – it was confirmed in rodents, but not humans.
“Our findings uncover how a crying infant primes its mother’s brain to ready her body for nursing,” said study co-lead author Habon Issa in Nature. “Without such preparation, there can be a delay of several minutes between suckling and milk flow, potentially leading to a frustrated baby and stressed parent.”
5. You Won’t Need to ‘Eat for Two’ While Pregnant
You’ve likely heard pregnant women talk about how they need to ‘eat for two’ now that they have another human growing inside of them, but that doesn’t mean expecting moms need to double their calorie intake.
In fact, women only need to eat between 250 and 450 extra calories when pregnant.
The additional caloric intake not only supports the growing baby, but also helps maintain the mother’s energy and overall health. Caloric needs will be higher for those carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.).
To ensure you and your baby get the nutrients you need, make sure you’re eating a healthy, regular, and well-balanced diet with added folate, iron, calcium, Vitamin D, healthy fats, iodine, protein, and DHA.
4. The Gender of Your Baby Isn’t That Random, After All
It might seem like the gender of your baby is completely random, but there is a bit of science that goes into it – and you can even choose the gender in some cases, such as with in vitro fertilization (IVF).
With that said, the gender of the baby is determined by sex chromosomes.
Humans have two sex chromosomes, X and Y – one inherited from the mother, and the other from the father. The mother never contributes anything other than an X, but the father can contribute an X or a Y.
During fertilization, the sex of the baby is determined by which sperm cell fertilizes the egg. If the sperm is carrying an X chromosome, the baby is a female. If it’s carrying a Y chromosome, the baby is a male.
3. The Female Ovum Is the Largest Cell in the Human Body
If I were to ask you what the largest cell is in the human body, what would your answer be? Well, for men, it’s the nerve cell, or neuron – which can be up to 1 meter long, but also as short as 0.1 millimeters.
For women, the largest cell in the body is the ovum.
The female ovum, or egg cell, measures about 0.1 mm in diameter. Although the ovum is quite large in comparison to other cells, like sperm cells, it still typically requires magnification to be seen clearly.
The size of the ovum is significant because it needs to house enough nutrients to support the early stages of development should fertilization occur. It also plays a role in ovulation, fertilization, and cell division.
2. Women Are Incapable of Making New Eggs
Female eggs are found in the ovaries and released during ovulation – the third phase of the menstrual cycle. During this time, the egg travels down the fallopian tube to be fertilized by incoming sperm.
We know what the egg is, but how many eggs do women have?
While women have as many as one to two million eggs at birth, that number gradually decreases with age. In fact, women have as little as 300,000 by the time puberty hits and less than 1,000 by menopause.
Unfortunately, what you see is what you get with female eggs. Unlike men, who continue to produce new sperm throughout most of their lives, women do not produce new eggs and eventually run dry of them.
1. Your Significant Other Experiences Changes, Too!
Alright, we’re all aware of the many symptoms and changes pregnant women experience. Fatigue, mood swings, morning sickness, larger breasts, frequent urination, food cravings, aversions – the list goes on.
But don’t worry – you’re not alone in this fight.
While women certainly receive the worst of it, some men experience a phenomenon known as ‘Couvade syndrome,’ where they exhibit various pregnancy-like symptoms alongside their pregnant partner.
The exact causes of Couvade syndrome are not well understood, but it’s believed to be related to various psychological and emotional factors as men empathize with their partner’s pregnancy experience.
Buckle Up – Life’s Greatest 40-Week Journey Awaits!
Are you feeling overly nervous or anxious about your pregnancy? Do you feel like you’re not prepared to overcome the many challenges that come with a pregnancy? Are you looking for a support system?
Don’t worry – you’re not alone and we’re always here to help!
At Mamas Uncut, we understand that sometimes all a mother (or expecting mother) needs is another mother (or expecting mother) who understands what they’re going through – that’s where we come in.
Our Answers by Mamas Uncut forum is your go-to online community where mothers go to support one another. Whether you need advice, recommendations, suggestions, or tips – we’ve got you covered!
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Feel free to ask whatever question you might have – remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb one! – and don’t hesitate to leave responses under questions from other mothers (I’m sure they’ll appreciate it!).