Pregnancy is a life-transforming journey and while there is so much changes that happens during this time, you cannot always be prepared for everything. Here are 10 surprising facts that you did not know were true during pregnancy.

The Nesting Instinct

If you have seen animals look for paper scraps, or take fur out of their own body or collect small twigs and stem to build a nest for their upcoming babies, even if the animals are domesticated, humans do the name. Humans do not take fur or hair out of their body, but we too experience a powerful urge to prepare our home for the baby. We clean it, decorate it and thanks to modern homes, we can now baby proof it do!

Mommy Brain

This happens in the first trimester, when tiredness, morning sickness and other symptoms can make the mother feel worn out and mentally fuzzy, often called the mommy brain. The National Institutes of Health also notes that cognitive function decline in the third trimester of pregnancy, leading to memory problems.

Mood Swings

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy share several symptoms, such as breast swelling and tenderness, hormonal fluctuations, and mood swings. If you’ve experienced severe mood swings due to PMS, you may notice an intensification of these emotions during pregnancy. It's common to feel joyful one moment and tearful the next as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.

Breast Growth

An increase in breast size is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy apart from your missed period. It happens in the first trimester due to the higher levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The growth continues throughout pregnancy.

Skin Changes

Have you heard about pregnancy glow? This happens because pregnancy women have an increased blood volume, this happens to provide extra blood flow to the uterus and other organs, especially the kidneys. This greater volume brings more blood to the vessels and increases oil gland secretion.

Hair and Nails

During pregnancy, many women notice changes in their hair texture and growth. Hormonal shifts can make hair grow faster and reduce hair loss. However, these changes are typically temporary, and many women experience some hair loss during the postpartum period or after they stop breastfeeding. In some cases, hair growth may also occur in unexpected areas like the face, belly, or around the nipples. Additionally, hair texture can shift, becoming drier or oilier, and some women even notice a change in hair color.

Nails can also undergo changes during pregnancy. Increased hormone levels may cause nails to grow faster and become stronger, but for some women, nails may become more brittle, splitting and breaking more easily. Like hair changes, these nail changes are usually temporary. If your nails are more prone to splitting or tearing, it’s helpful to keep them trimmed and avoid exposure to chemicals in nail polish and nail polish remover.

Your Feet Grow

If you have heard about it, then you already know that it is not just the clothes that do not fit you, it is your shoes too. Extra fluid in the pregnant body also leads to swollen feet. The joints also tend to be looser during pregnancy.

Joint Mobility

Your body also releases hormones like relaxin that prepares your body, especially the cervix for the birth. This loosens the ligament in your body, which may make you less stable .

Varicose veins, constipation, and hemorrhoids

Varicose veins, common in the legs and genital area during pregnancy, result from blood pooling in veins enlarged by pregnancy hormones. They often disappear after delivery. To prevent them, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, wear loose clothing and support hose, and elevate your feet when seated.

Hemorrhoids, which are varicose veins in the rectum, may develop due to increased blood volume and uterine pressure. They can cause pain, itching, bleeding, or stinging, especially during bowel movements. Constipation, caused by hormonal changes and uterine pressure on the large intestine, can worsen hemorrhoids by straining during bowel movements.

Prevent constipation and hemorrhoids by eating a fiber-rich diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. If needed, consult your doctor about stool softeners, laxatives, or creams for relief.

Labor and what goes out of your body

When you are in labor, your amniotic sac, that has fluid that surrounds the baby, breaks or ruptures, which is what is also known as water breaking. For most women contractions start before their water breaks, if not, then the doctor may have to rupture the amniotic sac, in case the cervix is already dilated. Some women may feel the urge to pee, while for some it may feel a trickling their leg.

Early detection of autism in the first 1,000 days of life—covering pregnancy and the first three years—is crucial as the brain develops rapidly in this crucial window, according to Dr Shefali Gulati, Professor, Department of Pediatric Neurology at AIIMS.

During a recent media interaction, Dr Gulati noted that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly identified in children worldwide. She stressed that early detection and timely intervention can significantly improve developmental outcomes.

“Early detection is crucial because the brain develops rapidly in the first 1000 days, including pregnancy and the first three years of life. Maximum neuronal connections are formed during this period. If autism is diagnosed early, intervention is more effective. Global data support that early intervention leads to better outcomes,” the pediatric neurologist said.

What Is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which social interaction and communication are affected, and it can be seen in the early developmental period.

Dr Gulati said that the disorder can now “be identified even in the first year of life. Tools have been developed for children aged 1 to 18 months. At 12 months, sensitivity is about 90 per cent, and at 18 months, it is about 98.7 per cent,” Dr Gulati said.

Further, the expert explained that autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that not everyone has all the symptoms.

Every symptom or sign will not be present in every individual, she said, adding that the severity also differs from person to person. So, two children can be completely different. The symptoms seen in autism, such as difficulties in social interaction, can also be present in neurotypical individuals.

“Earlier, terms like 'normal' and ‘abnormal' were used, which were later replaced with ‘neurotypical’ and ‘special needs’. Now, the concept is neurodiversity. Just like our five fingers are different, individuals also fall along a spectrum. This means we accept that variation as part of normalcy,” the neurologist said.

Autism: What Are The Red flags

The expert clarified that autism is diagnosed clinically through developmental history and behavioral observation, and does not require complex laboratory tests.

Parents, she said, play a key role in identifying early developmental delays. Red flags include:

• lack of response to name,
• absence of meaningful words by 15–16 months,
• failure to form two-word phrases by 24 months

The expert noted that children with autism may prefer to play alone rather than with others. It also “involves restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests, such as moving hands repeatedly, flapping hands, or toe walking”.

“What happens is that these children may be preoccupied or super-focused on a particular part of a toy,” she said.

Dr Gulati pointed to a combination of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors associated with autism, including air pollution, pesticide exposure, parental age, and early screen exposure.

Autism: Why Prevalence Is Rising

Highlighting global data, Dr Gulati said autism prevalence has risen sharply, with CDC estimates suggesting about 1 in 31 children affected in recent reports, while WHO estimates indicate about 1 in 100 globally.

She noted that while improved screening and awareness contribute significantly to rising diagnoses, there is also evidence of a genuine increase in cases. Autism prevalence is higher in boys, though rates in girls are increasing.

The neurologist cautioned that autism is a multifactorial condition with no single identifiable cause. Causes include genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.

• Genetic factors show high concordance in identical twins (60–90 per cent). Recurrence risk varies depending on family history.
• Environmental factors are significant, including air pollution, pesticide exposure, and parental age. Advanced paternal and maternal age may affect genetic expression.
• Epigenetics—how genes are expressed based on environment—may play a key role.
• Screen time is another factor. Studies show that higher and earlier screen exposure is associated with increased autism risk.

“The goal is not the label, but helping the child reach their full potential through timely and appropriate care,” she said.

With advancements, early detection tools are improving, including video-based assessments and AI-supported tools.

Prevention strategies include primary, secondary, tertiary, and primordial levels. Currently, there is no clear primary prevention, so early diagnosis (secondary prevention) is key, the expert said.

Caesarean section or C-section is a major surgery, where the healing process can be tough and often exposes women to various risks.

From surgical wounds to potential infections, blood clots, and complications, the road to recovery is never easy. But with the right care and understanding, women can navigate these challenges and heal faster, reducing the risks and regaining strength after surgery.

"Caesarean section is a major surgery, but with the right care, recovery can be smoother than you expect," Dr. Preeti Prabhakar, Senior Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru, told HealthandMe.

Dr Prabhakar also shared nine practical tips to help women recover quickly and effectively. These are:

Start Moving Early

Movement improves overall circulation and helps reduce complications like blood clots. Even short walks can accelerate your recovery.

Hydrate Yourself Well

Proper hydration helps prevent constipation and conditions like spinal headaches, contributing to a quicker recovery.

Do Not Skip Pain Medications

Effective pain control is essential. When you're comfortable, you'll be able to move better and recover faster.

Support Your Abdomen

When coughing, laughing, or getting up, support your abdomen. This will reduce pain and strain on your wound.

Also read:US Woman In Active Labor Forced to Face Court Over Refusal Of C-Section

Prevent Constipation

Prevent constipation by increasing your fluid intake, adding more fiber to your diet, and walking around early.

Take Care of Your Wound

Keep your wound clean and dry. Watch for signs of infection like discharge, fever, or redness.

Avoid Heavy Lifting

Refrain from lifting anything heavier than your baby for at least 4 to 6 weeks to avoid straining your body.

Focus on Breastfeeding Positions

Use positions that avoid putting pressure on your abdomen or wound.

Rest Without Guilt

Your body needs time to heal. Sleep when your baby sleeps, accept help, and ask for support from your family when needed.

“Remember, recovery after a C-section improves every day. Listen to your body, follow medical advice, and don't hesitate to ask for help. You’ve brought a new life into this world, so give yourself the care you deserve,” Dr. Prabhakar said.

What Happens In A C-section?

Also read: Major FDA Study Confirms Baby Formula In US Safe, Testing to Continue

It is a surgical procedure that is used to deliver a baby through an incision made in the abdomen and uterus.

The method is preferred, especially in cases with complications during labor or breech presentation, or multiple births.

Unlike the popular conception, it hurts. In a vaginal delivery, the pain is experienced during labor and pushing, especially if done without an epidural.

Whereas, in a C-section, a surgery is performed that numbs the body from the chest down. However, the recovery could be painful and prolonged. It is also because in a C-section, it involves healing from a major abdominal surgery, while vaginal birth recovery may be quicker, more complicated, or traumatic.

Risks Of A C-section Birth?

• Excessive blood loss
• Infection
• Blood clots in the legs, lungs, or pelvis
• Damage to nearby organs
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

Does A C-sec Affect The Baby?

Usually, it does not harm the baby, but there could be potential risks to the baby, including:

Surgical injury, which is very rare; however, the baby may be accidentally nicked during the incision.

Respiratory issues: Babies born via C-section may have a higher risk of breathing, since they miss the natural compression during the vaginal birth that helps expel the amniotic fluid from their lungs

Delayed bonding: Immediate skin-to-skin contact may take longer due to the surgical process.

Feeding challenges: Some newborns may initially struggle with breastfeeding.

The concept of giving birth in water has evolved from a marginal practice to gain more traction across India.

Fundamentally, water birth is defined as having the mother immersed in warm water for at least a part of labor and sometimes during the actual birthing process using a special tub.

In terms of a clinical approach, the basic objective of this technique is to make sure that the entire process of labor becomes less stressful through the application of the inherent principles of hydrotherapy.

What Are The Benefits Of Water Birth

The most obvious benefits offered by the process of water birthing include the ability to relieve oneself from the pain, thanks to the floating capacity of the water. When entering a hot tub, a woman experiences reduced gravity due to the buoyancy of the water. The process of reducing weight decreases the strain on a laboring woman's muscles and makes moving around easier.

Due to that effect, the body of a woman in labor produces fewer levels of adrenaline and more endorphins, which are responsible for alleviating the pain experienced by a person. As a result, it becomes unnecessary for a woman to apply epidural anesthesia and artificial oxytocin. In addition, the hot water helps to soften the perineum, making tears less likely.

Besides the benefits the woman's body enjoys during the process, it is believed that the process is smoother for the baby as well. The baby experiences a gradual change in his surroundings from the uterus to the pool with water of the same temperature. For the mother, the privacy offered by the use of a tub and the creation of a physical barrier gives a feeling of a protected place where she can fully concentrate on her delivery.

Water Birth: What Are The Risks?

On the other hand, water delivery is a specialized process that thrives on high standards of clinical care. Through adherence to safety practices, the risks of infections, aspirations, or other possible complications during delivery are effectively addressed. This points to the significance of selecting a medically supervised environment where water is at an optimal level while hygienic.

While it is essential to prepare for any possible complications regardless of the setting, it is more convenient to deliver at a medical facility since the medical team is better positioned to move the mother out of the tub when necessary.

The decision to undergo water birth should always be made together with a medical doctor. This is because water birth is normally suggested by doctors only when there is evidence that the pregnancy poses minimal risk to the mother; that is, complications are absent such as hypertension, premature labor, or multiples.

The successful process depends on proper screening, continuous monitoring of the fetal heartbeat, and the ability to get out of the water if need arises.