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.

The birth of a child is often filled with joy, hope, and dreams for the future. But for some families, that journey also begins with an unexpected diagnosis — Down syndrome.

According to health experts, while the news can initially feel overwhelming, understanding the condition and accessing the right support can help children with Down syndrome lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. Instead of the usual 46 chromosomes, individuals with Down syndrome are born with 47. This additional chromosome can affect physical growth, learning, speech, and overall development.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Neurologist Dr. Rahul Chawla from ISIC Multispeciality Hospital says families often struggle emotionally after hearing the diagnosis, but understanding that Down syndrome is a genetic condition — and not a disease — can gradually help them move toward acceptance.

He noted that children with Down syndrome may learn and develop differently, but with proper medical care, therapy, emotional support, and inclusive education, many go on to study, work, play sports, and live independently with support.

How The Condition Is Diagnosed

Dr. Sweta Singla, Consultant and Head of Movement Disorder & Neurology at Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, explained to HealthandMe that the condition can often be identified during pregnancy through screening tests such as blood tests and ultrasounds, and confirmed through diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis. After birth, genetic testing helps confirm the diagnosis.

The experts emphasized that early intervention plays a major role in improving quality of life.

"Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy started during infancy can help children develop communication and motor skills more effectively," Dr. Sweta said.

The experts warned that regular medical check-ups are important because children with Down syndrome may be more prone to conditions such as congenital heart defects, thyroid disorders, hearing difficulties, and vision problems.

Every Child Is Different

Children with Down syndrome present distinctive facial features, low muscle tone, delayed developmental milestones, short stature, and mild to moderate intellectual disability. Hearing and vision problems may also occur.

However, all children with Down syndrome have their own personalities, strengths, talents, and emotions, Prof. (Dr.) Brig. Ashok Saxena, Director of Neonatology and Paediatrics at ShardaCare–Healthcity, told HealthandMe.

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"Each child with Down syndrome is different – they all have their personalities, strengths, talents, and feelings," he said, adding that while some may take longer to learn speech, movement, or social skills, many are affectionate, emotionally expressive, and socially engaging.

Dr Ashok noted that a diagnosis of Down syndrome can be a very emotional and stressful time for parents.

"It can also be frightening, confusing, and filled with a lot of questions. It is important to keep in mind, though, that a diagnosis of Down syndrome doesn't mean a child's life ends. Children with Down syndrome can live a full and happy life with a loving family and appropriate medical treatment, emotional support, early therapies, and an inclusive environment," he said.

Breaking Stigma And Building Inclusion

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Inclusive education and social acceptance are also considered essential.

The doctors noted that supportive teachers, accessible opportunities, and community awareness can help children gain confidence and independence.

Families are also encouraged to seek counselling and support groups to cope with emotional stress, fear, guilt, or social stigma that may accompany the diagnosis.

Medical professionals say that awareness around Down syndrome has improved significantly over the years, alongside advancements in healthcare and therapies that have enhanced life expectancy and quality of life.

Pediatric hematological malignancies, specifically leukemia and lymphoma, constitute some of the most frequently observed forms of cancer in pediatrics.

Pediatric cancers make up almost 7.9% of all cancers that are diagnosed in India, according to figures released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Leukemia is responsible for almost half of all pediatric cancers in children under 14 years old.

Why Early Detection Matters: Common Symptoms

Healthcare professionals assert that early detection is essential in enhancing treatment success. Nevertheless, the symptoms are often mild and can be easily misdiagnosed as other childhood conditions.

Parents need to carefully observe any symptoms such as recurring fever, fatigue, susceptibility to infections, inexplicable bruising, and gum and nose bleeds. Pain in bones and joints, swelling in the lymph nodes, rapid weight loss, pale complexion, and protracted weakness are some other red flags that must not be overlooked.

Parents usually think these symptoms are associated with infections during the changing season or lack of nutrients in the body; however, if such symptoms do not subside within two weeks, medical attention is vital.

How Blood Cancer Affects The Body

The origins of blood cancer are found in bone marrow, causing problems with blood cell development. Symptoms can include anemia, which causes a low hemoglobin level, as well as low platelet levels and immune problems.

According to experts, a child suffering from blood cancer may also experience symptoms like fatigue and poor appetite.

Awareness Can Save Lives

Fortunately, good progress has been made in terms of survival rates for pediatric blood cancers through early diagnosis and new treatment techniques.

Research and professional opinions indicate that a significant number of kids who suffer from ALL, which is the most prevalent type of blood cancer among children, are able to enter long-lasting remission.

The importance of awareness among parents cannot be understated. Not every fever and bruise indicates cancer; however, symptoms that are seen are inexplicable and must always be taken into consideration. It is critical to consult an expert on time; this will definitely make a difference in treatment and recovery.

Many people carry the thalassemia gene without knowing it because they may not have any symptoms. A simple carrier screening test before pregnancy can help couples understand risks and make informed decisions while planning parenthood.

Importance of Genetic Screening

Parenthood planning today is not only about financial preparation or healthy lifestyle changes, but also about understanding genetic health risks that can impact the child’s future. And one such condition that tends to go unnoticed is thalassemia carrier status.

Did you know? Many individuals discover they are carriers only after facing difficulties during pregnancy or after the birth of a child with thalassemia major.

What Is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. People who are carriers usually live normal and healthy lives and may not experience major symptoms. Because of this, many remain unaware of their carrier status for years.

However, it becomes a matter of concern when both partners are carriers of the thalassemia gene. In such cases, there is a huge risk that the child may inherit thalassemia major, a severe condition that may require lifelong blood transfusions, regular hospital visits, medications, and continuous medical care.

Why Thalassemia Often Goes Undetected

These are some of the challenges faced by families: So, challenges are that the thalassemia carrier status is often detected very late. Mild tiredness or anemia may be ignored or mistaken for iron deficiency, and many will not seek help.

So, couples do not consider genetic testing before marriage or pregnancy because they feel healthy and have no family history of the disease. When a child is born with thalassemia major, families may face stress, anxiety, repeated hospital visits, financial burden, and long-term treatment responsibilities. The condition can also affect the child’s growth, immunity, and overall quality of life.

The Need For Awareness And Early Action

This is why screening is important for couples: Carrier screening is a simple blood test that helps identify whether a person carries the thalassemia gene. If one partner tests positive, the other partner is advised to get tested as well.

Early screening before pregnancy helps couples understand their risks and explore available options with proper guidance. Thalassemia carrier screening is a small step that can make a major difference in parenthood planning.

Increasing awareness and encouraging timely testing can help families make informed decisions and reduce the burden of severe thalassemia in future generations. So, it is imperative to go for timely screening as advised by the expert and improve the quality of life.