 Almost half had experienced memory loss (42%)
Almost half developed bladder weakness (41%)
Nearly half of women experienced mood swings (40%)
1 in 3 suffered with constipation (34%)
1 in 3 women had pregnancy related flatulence (32%)
1 in 4 had random breast leakage (25%)
1 in 5 reported to have increased body hair (21%)
1 in 7 developed excessive sweating (14%)
1 in 7 developed acne during pregnancy (13%)
1 in 8 found they had stronger body odour than normal (12%)
1 in 10 women experienced hair loss during pregnancy (8.7%)
By talking openly about some of the less well known physical changes women may experience when expecting a baby, Tommy's "Let’s Talk Baby" campaign encourages women to get in tune with their bodies during pregnancy, in the hope that women will seek medical advice about any changes they think may be cause for concern.
Sharon Simms, one of Tommy's Midwives commented:
“Being pregnant is one of the biggest changes the body goes through, bringing with it a wealth of new, and sometimes unexpected, experiences. Whilst most are harmless, it is important that women are paying attention to these changes, as they can provide vital early warning signs if something is wrong.
Changes such as itching, bleeding or pain, should never be ignored, and you must always contact a health professional if you have any concerns. No question is ever too small or too trivial when it comes to pregnancy, it is always better to ask even if it is just to put your mind at rest.”
Another thing revealed by the survey was the widespread confusion caused by receiving conflicting information about their pregnancy.
1 in 3 women were confused by what you can and can’t eat during pregnancy (40%)
One third of women were confused about whether or not it is safe to colour your hair when pregnant (29%)
1 in 3 respondents were confused about which prescription drugs are safe to take during pregnancy (31%)
1 in 4 women did not know what exercise is considered safe when pregnant (22%)
1 in 7 are confused by how much alcohol, if any, they can drink during pregnancy (15%)
1 in 7 were confused about whether it is safe to travel by plane (15%)
1 in 14 did not know whether or not you can have sex when pregnant (7%)
1 in 20 women did not understand why they needed to take folic acid when pregnant (5%)
Sharon Simms added:
“Research is revealing new findings all the time about the best ways for women to keep their babies healthy, so it is vital that mums-to-be get the most up to date information from both their midwife and other credible sources. Whilst it is reassuring for women to speak to family and friends about their pregnancy, times have moved on. What was considered right for our parents’ generation may no longer still be the case.”
Angela Griffin, actress and mum of two, who is supporting the campaign also commented:
“Finding out you are going to be a mum is just the most fantastic feeling, but pregnancy itself can be a complete minefield. You want to do the best for your baby, and with that comes about a million questions of whether or not you’re doing the right thing, what’s normal and what isn’t."
To speak directly to a Tommy’s midwife, call 0870 777 3060, or visit www.tommys.org for more information.
September 2008 |
