Pregnancy: the glowing skin, the round belly, the serene smiles… right? Well, sometimes. But let’s be honest—pregnancy can also be a chaotic, hilarious, and downright uncomfortable ride. In the latest episode of Doulas Uncensored, Sammy and I dove into some of the lesser-talked-about (and occasionally bizarre) symptoms of pregnancy that rarely get the airtime they deserve. So here’s a more casual, heart-to-heart recap—because if you’re going through it, you deserve to know you’re not alone.
Let’s start with the so-called pregnancy glow. Yes, it’s real for some. Increased blood volume and a rush of hormones can leave your skin looking radiant. But for others? Not so much. Think acne flare-ups, melasma (a.k.a. the “mask of pregnancy”), and itchy skin that drives you up the wall. Around 50-70% of pregnant women experience some kind of skin change—and yes, that includes the weird ones.
The first trimester, in particular, can feel like nature’s cruel prank. That early excitement is often accompanied by nausea, food aversions, and a fatigue so deep it feels like you’ve run a marathon just from existing. Some studies show up to 80% of women experience morning sickness, though it often hits any time of day.
A few things that can help during this season: small, frequent meals to keep your blood sugar steady, staying hydrated (even tiny sips of icy water can be magic), ginger tea, and reminding yourself that rest is productive. And if none of that works? Just surviving and binge-watching something comforting absolutely counts as thriving.
And speaking of food: cravings and aversions are no joke. I still remember in my first pregnancy, I couldn’t even think about corn or peas without wanting to gag—and to this day, I have no idea why! The thought of them turned my stomach inside out. Oh, and let’s not forget the migraine that lasted a solid three months straight. Happy days! Not! Hormones can really mess with your appetite and your head, and it’s all part of the wild ride. You might find yourself daydreaming about mangoes at midnight or gagging at the smell of your once-favourite coffee.
We also touched on something called PICA—a condition where you crave non-food items like dirt, chalk, or even soap. It’s rare, but it does happen during pregnancy and can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies (especially iron). If you notice anything like that, definitely chat with your care provider.
One thing we don’t talk about enough? Eyesight changes. Yep, around 15% of pregnant women report blurred vision or dry eyes. Hormonal shifts and fluid retention can literally change how you see the world—but thankfully, it usually goes back to normal after birth.
Then there are the leg cramps. Usually showing up at 3 a.m., these sudden, sharp spasms are linked to circulation changes and mineral imbalances. I remember waking up in the middle of the night to them and not knowing what to do with myself—just writhing in pain, trying to stretch and breathe through it. About half of pregnant women get them, and they’re just as unpleasant as they sound.
Helpful tip? Try stretching your calves before bed, staying hydrated, and keeping a magnesium spray or supplement handy (always check with your care provider). Massaging the area or flexing your foot upwards during a cramp can also give some relief in the moment.
Stretch marks? They’re kind of the tiger stripes of pregnancy. I’ll be honest—before I truly respected the power and beauty of women’s bodies, I was nervous about getting stretch marks. I used to religiously rub Aromababy skin oil on my belly every day during my first pregnancy. It smelled amazing, and I genuinely believed it would prevent stretch marks. What I didn’t know then is that stretch marks are largely genetic—and more importantly, that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having them. As Sammy lovingly calls them, they’re tiger stripes—a visible reminder of the amazing work your body is doing. Genetics play the biggest role here, and while creams may help with comfort, they can’t prevent them. Anywhere from 50% to 90% of pregnant women will get them—and yes, they’re totally normal.
The emotional side of pregnancy can feel like a full-blown rollercoaster. From laughing to sobbing in a span of 10 minutes, your mental and emotional health deserves just as much attention as your physical one. Hormonal shifts, body changes, and life transitions all contribute—so give yourself grace.
Some tips that might help? Make space for regular check-ins with yourself (or with someone you trust), consider journaling or even voice-noting how you’re feeling each day, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Meditation apps, gentle movement like prenatal yoga, and even a good cry can go a long way. And if the emotional weight ever feels too heavy, reaching out to a therapist, counsellor, or perinatal mental health support service can be a game-changer. You don’t have to carry it all alone.
Let’s not forget about those less-talked-about symptoms like varicose veins… in the vagina. Yep, that’s a thing. Increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus can lead to varicosities in all sorts of uncomfortable places. While not dangerous, they can be sore and annoying, and often disappear after birth. I’ve had a few clients who’ve had debilitating vulvar varicosities—and for them, acupuncture was a total lifesaver. It’s always worth exploring supportive therapies that can bring some relief.
Then we get into the fun category: sex dreams and libido swings. Some women report feeling more turned on than ever (thank you, hormones), while others feel completely disinterested in sex. And those vivid dreams? Totally a thing. Just know that whatever your experience is—hypersexual, totally switched off, or all over the place—it’s all valid and incredibly common.
Pregnancy isn’t just cute ultrasound pics and nursery planning. It’s raw, it’s real, and sometimes it’s just plain weird. The more we talk about these very normal symptoms, the more we support each other through them.
Want more unfiltered stories and expert takes? Tune into our latest episode of Doulas Uncensored.
Remember, you’re not alone. Pregnancy isn’t always pretty, but it’s powerful—and every weird symptom, every emotional wave, and every midnight craving is part of your body doing something incredible.
And hey—whatever your pregnancy looks like, you’re doing amazing. 💛
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