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.

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the best source of nutrition for infants, but its benefits extend far beyond a baby's health, experts said as part of World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 1 to 7.

The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2026 is "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," focusing on tracking progress, evaluating impact and scaling proven approaches that improve breastfeeding outcomes.

While providing essential nutrition for babies, breastfeeding also offers significant long-term health benefits for mothers. Studies show it can help lower the risk of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer

According to the World Health Organization, scaling up breastfeeding could prevent nearly 400,000 child deaths and around 140,000 maternal deaths every year.

How Breastfeeding Protects Mothers

Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman and Chief Diabetologist at Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities, told HealthandMe that women who have had gestational diabetes and breastfeed for longer are considerably less likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

According to Dr. Asha Dalal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, breastfeeding helps the body recover after pregnancy by improving glucose metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity and gradually using the fat stores built up during pregnancy.

"These changes support better metabolic health and may lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Studies also suggest that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the health benefits, although even shorter durations can have a positive impact," she said.

Dr. Dalal added that while breastfeeding is not a guarantee against NCDs, it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

"When combined with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and routine health check-ups, it can contribute to better long-term health for mothers. Lactation is not just about nourishing the baby—it also gives the mother's body an opportunity to reset and recover metabolically after pregnancy," she said.

Benefits Extend to Mental Health

Breastfeeding also supports maternal mental well-being by stimulating the release of oxytocin, often called the "feel-good" hormone. Oxytocin promotes relaxation, strengthens the bond between mother and baby, and may help reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Dr. Smriti Uppal, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Pacific One Health, described breastfeeding as "nature's first gift of love, nourishment, and protection" for a child while also strengthening a mother's health.

"Breastfeeding also supports a mother's mental well-being by releasing hormones such as oxytocin, which encourage relaxation and bonding. Every mother's experience is unique, and while breastfeeding may sometimes require patience and support, its lifelong benefits for both mother and child are remarkable," she said.

Dr. Uppal stressed that support from families, healthcare providers and communities is essential to help more mothers breastfeed successfully and improve the health of future generations.

Supports Recovery After Childbirth

Dr. Tripti Raheja, Director - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe that breastfeeding speeds up recovery after delivery by helping the uterus return to its original size and reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

She added that breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while strengthening the emotional bond between mother and baby.

Breastfeeding May Lower Diabetes Risk

Dr. Mohan said breastfeeding is especially important for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

"Women who have had gestational diabetes and breastfeed for longer are considerably less likely to develop diabetes themselves. Test every pregnancy. Then support every mother to breastfeed. It costs almost nothing and protects two lives," he said.

He explained that high blood sugar during pregnancy exposes the baby to excess glucose, increasing the child's risk of obesity, insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Mohan also noted that many Indian babies are born with a "thin-fat" body composition—lower muscle mass but relatively higher body fat—which increases their long-term metabolic risk.

How Breastfeeding Protects Babies

Experts say breast milk provides complete nutrition along with antibodies and enzymes that help protect infants from infections, allergies and illnesses during early life.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods, supports healthy growth, reduces the risk of childhood obesity and may lower a child's future risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Uppal added that breast milk is economical, always available at the right temperature and requires no preparation, making it a convenient and sustainable feeding choice.

She said encouraging breastfeeding through families, healthcare providers and communities can improve the health of both mothers and children, making it a valuable investment in future generations.

Pain in the breast region is not uncommon during the first few weeks following childbirth; however, the presence of breast pain coupled with fever or redness might indicate something more severe.

The early weeks of motherhood involve a lot of learning, and feeding your baby through breast milk is one of them. Some degree of breast tenderness and engorgement is normal while the body adjusts to its new role; however, there are certain symptoms that extend beyond that. The following are six examples:

Mastitis

Mastitis is one of the most frequent complications associated with breasts in nursing women. The condition arises due to the accumulation of milk in the breast and causes inflammation.

The signs of mastitis include a red and warm swelling in the breast, accompanied by fever, chills, and pain all over the body. In severe cases, without proper treatment, mastitis may lead to an abscess that needs draining.

Blocked Milk Duct

Most blocked ducts can be cured with home remedies such as the use of warm compresses prior to breastfeeding, massaging the lump toward the nipple area, and frequent nursing or pumping to keep the milk flowing.

Nevertheless, if there is persistence of the lump for more than a few days, worsening pain or increasing size of the lump, fever, chills, or reddening of the skin, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Also read: Breastfeeding Can Help Prevent 400,000 Child and 140,000 Maternal Deaths Annually, Says WHO

Breast Abscess

An untreated infection can progress into a pocket of pus beneath the skin. This presents as a painful, fluctuant lump, often with fever and visible redness.

An abscess typically requires drainage along with antibiotics, making timely diagnosis essential to avoid more invasive treatment later.

Engorgement With Complications

Engorgement itself is a normal part of milk coming in, usually settling within a few days. But severe, one-sided swelling with fever or skin that appears shiny, tight, and increasingly painful may point to a secondary infection rather than simple engorgement and warrants a check-up.

Also read: World Breastfeeding Week: How The First 1,000 Days Of Breastfeeding Shapes A Child's Health For Life

Nipple Infection Or Thrush

Cracked or damaged nipples can become a gateway for bacterial or fungal infection. Persistent burning pain, deep breast pain during or after feeds, or visible discharge can indicate an infection that needs targeted treatment rather than home remedies alone.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Also read: NHS Breast Cancer Screening Misses 95% Of High-Risk Young Women In UK: Why Personalized Care Could Be Key

While uncommon in postpartum women, inflammatory breast cancer can mimic mastitis, presenting with redness, warmth, and swelling. What sets it apart is a lack of response to antibiotics within the expected timeframe. Any breast symptom that doesn't improve after a course of appropriate treatment should be re-evaluated, and imaging considered.

New mothers are often told that some discomfort is just part of the journey. While that's true to an extent, it's also easy to overlook signs that something more serious may be going on. A fever above 101°F, redness that's spreading quickly, a lump that's getting bigger, or symptoms that don't improve after 48 hours of home care shouldn't be ignored.

Getting medical attention early can help prevent complications, protect the mother's health, and make it easier to continue breastfeeding.

Adolescents living with chronic skin conditions who spend more time on screens may be at greater risk of struggling with body image, self-esteem, and overall quality of life, according to a new study.

The research, published in the journal Children, found that longer daily screen time was associated with poorer dermatology-related quality of life and more likelihood of body image issues among teenagers, especially with skin issues.

The findings underscore the growing concerns about the impact of digital media on young people's mental wellbeing, particularly those already coping with visible health conditions.

Researchers analysed adolescents with chronic skin disorders and explored how screen use related to their emotional wellbeing, body image, anxiety, and life satisfaction.

They found that teens reporting greater impairment in dermatology-related quality of life also experienced significantly lower self-esteem, a more negative perception of their bodies, higher anxiety, poorer overall quality of life, and lower life satisfaction.

Those who spent more time using screens generally reported worse outcomes across these measures.

"Longer screen time was associated with poorer dermatology-related quality of life and less favourable psychosocial outcomes," the study authors wrote, suggesting that digital media habits plays a huge role in influencing adolescents wrestling with chronic skin disease.

Why Skin Conditions Make Teens More Vulnerable?

Dermatology-related quality of life refers to how much a skin condition affects a person's everyday life beyond physical symptoms.

It includes emotional wellbeing, confidence, relationships, mindset, school or work performance, and participation in social activities.

A poor dermatology-related quality of life generally indicates that a skin disease is having a greater psychological and social impact on one's mental health.

Experts say adolescence is already a period when individuals are conscious about appearance. Their skin plays a major role in shaping their self-confidence.

Conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, or vitiligo can make young people more conscious of their appearance, and constant exposure to carefully curated or filtered images on social media may intensify those feelings.

The study suggests that excessive screen use, particularly social media, could pave the way for comparison in appearances, making it harder for teenagers with skin conditions to maintain a positive body image.

However, the researchers did emphasise that the findings show an association rather than proving that screen time directly causes poorer mental health.

Even though this is just an observation, it brings our focus on the broader impact of social media on young people's minds.

Also read: Why Monsoon Weather Triggers Acne: Expert Treatments That Actually Work

Screen Time And Mental Health

The findings are consistent with previous research linking excessive recreational screen time with poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction among adolescents.

Other studies have also shown that image-focused social media platforms may contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and unhealthy appearance comparisons.

Cosmeticorexia Could Fuel The Problem

Also read: Cosmeticorexia: The Dark Side Of Teenagers' Obsession With Flawless Skin

The findings come at a time when teenagers are obsessed with the idea of perfect skin.

Thanks to growing popularity of complex and elaborate skincare trends on social media, perfect skin has become the ultimate beauty goal for many teenagers.

Cosmeticorexia is an example of a psychodermatological disease, where psychological problems manifest through dermatological conditions. The constant pursuit of flawless skin can lead adolescents to adopt harmful skincare practices that ultimately damage their skin rather than improve it.

But experts are warning that this obsession is fueling a worrying condition known as cosmeticorexia, where young people use anti-aging and active skincare products far beyond what their skin needs, increasing the risk of irritation, allergies, and long-term damage.