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7 unexpected pregnancy side effects

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During pregnancy, some women develop health complications. Some tend to disappear gradually, while others continue throughout the pregnancy. Some of the uncommon pregnancy side effects include:

1. Loss of teeth

An increase in levels of certain hormones, like progesterone and estrogen, in your body during pregnancy can increase your risk for certain oral health problems. The foods you take during pregnancy affect your oral health. With cravings creeping in, you might lose track of the sugar levels that you consume.

2. Loss of vision

Pregnancy can change vision by making your eyes more sensitive to light, causing headaches or migraine pain. One way to help reduce headache pain is by wearing sunglasses with a mirror coating to reflect the sun’s glare.

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3. Diastasis recti

Diastasis recti are the partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis, or six-pack muscles, which meet at the midline of your belly. It is common during and after pregnancy as the uterus stretches the abdomen muscles to accommodate your growing baby.

If you are wondering why your mummy pouch doesn’t seem to go away even after intense exercises, this could be the reason.

The condition isn’t limited to pregnancy as it can affect anyone, including new-born babies and men. In some cases, it can result from lifting heavy weights wrongly or performing excessive or unsafe abdominal exercises.

4. Sciatica

Though slightly different from diastasis recti, sciatica pain is caused by irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression of a nerve in the lower back. During pregnancy, sciatic pain is caused when the growing baby and the expanding uterus insert a lot of pain on the sciatic nerve. Get a massage on your lower back to relax and avoid sciatica. Also, avoid sitting for long periods. There are also sciatic nerve pain exercises online.

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5.  Hyperemesis Gravidarum

This is a severe type of nausea throughout the pregnancy. While the nausea feeling fades in the first few months for some women, it may persist in some women. Some symptoms may include nausea and vomiting to the extent that you experience extreme weight loss.

This can trickle down to the child as they would not get enough nutrients and may be born premature with conditions such as psoriasis.

6.  Increased foot size

Pregnancy has been found to increase a woman’s foot size, a change that is sometimes reported to be permanent. According to study researcher Neil Segal, an associate professor of orthopedics and rehabilitation at the University of Lowa, The change in foot size may be due to the extra weight that women carry around during pregnancy, which puts greater stress on the feet, and, thus, may flatten the arch, the researcher said.

Besides, pregnant women produce hormones that increase the looseness of the joints and ligaments (tissue that connects bone to bone), possibly making the foot structure more malleable. Changes in the feet during pregnancy may explain why women are at increased risk for pain or arthritis in their feet, knees, hips, and spine than men, Segal said. A flattened foot can strain the ligaments in the foot’s sole, causing changes in gait that put extra strain on the knees, Segal said.

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7. Heartburn

Heartburn is a form of indigestion that is common in pregnancy. It is caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against your stomach. It is also caused by eating highly spicy foods, mint, carbonated beverages, fatty foods, processed meats, chocolate, caffeine, and citrus.

Other side effects of pregnancies include: Leg cramps, hair loss, morning sickness that develops into ulcers, severe anxiety, weakened bones, heartburn, and skin sensitivity.

Featured Image: Woman experiencing labour pains. [Source: Girls Gone Strong.]

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Cover Story

Elizabeth Nzisa: The Firstborn Who Became a Mother Overnight

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While most teenagers spend their days focused on school, friendships, and dreams for the future, Elizabeth Nzisa, fondly known as Shiku, was forced to grow up much faster than she ever imagined. At only 17 years old, she found herself taking on the role of a mother to her three younger siblings after her family was hit by tragedy not once, but twice.

Her story, shared in an emotional interview, is a powerful reflection of strength, sacrifice and the deep bond between siblings. Elizabeth recalls the moment her life changed completely. Her mother died while giving birth to their youngest sibling, a baby boy. In the middle of that painful loss, their father walked away from the family, leaving Elizabeth alone with a newborn and two other young children to care for.

Mama yetu alipass 2024, Feb. Alipass akipata haka katoto kadogo. Dad naye akatuacha akaenda

 

Becoming a Mother Too Soon

She explains that she had no choice but to step up and become the parent in the house. She raised her youngest brother from the day he was born, and to this day he calls her mum, not knowing she is actually his big sister. That detail alone shows how much responsibility she carried at such a young age. She became the provider, the protector, the caregiver, and the emotional support for her siblings while she was still trying to understand life herself. With little help from relatives, Elizabeth had to find ways to survive, balancing school when she could, doing small jobs and making sure her siblings were fed, safe and loved.

The journey was not easy. She faced financial struggles, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure of trying to stay strong even when she felt overwhelmed. There were moments when she doubted herself and wondered if she was doing enough. Still, her story is not about defeat. It is about endurance. Elizabeth talks about finding strength through faith, support from the people around her, and the determination to keep her family together no matter how hard things became.

Over the years, she made sure her siblings stayed in school, had food on the table, and grew up feeling loved despite everything they had lost. What could have been a completely broken home became a family held together by her sacrifice and commitment.

Many viewers reacted emotionally, saying the story moved them to tears. Some described firstborn daughters as second mothers, while others said her life shows the kind of courage people rarely see but should never forget.

 

Click here to read our March issue 2026

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Cover Story

Elizabeth Nzisa: The Firstborn Who Became a Mother Overnight

Published

on

While most teenagers spend their days focused on school, friendships, and dreams for the future, Elizabeth Nzisa, fondly known as Shiku, was forced to grow up much faster than she ever imagined. At only 17 years old, she found herself taking on the role of a mother to her three younger siblings after her family was hit by tragedy not once, but twice.

Her story, shared in an emotional interview, is a powerful reflection of strength, sacrifice and the deep bond between siblings. Elizabeth recalls the moment her life changed completely. Her mother died while giving birth to their youngest sibling, a baby boy. In the middle of that painful loss, their father walked away from the family, leaving Elizabeth alone with a newborn and two other young children to care for.

Mama yetu alipass 2024, Feb. Alipass akipata haka katoto kadogo. Dad naye akatuacha akaenda

 

Becoming a Mother Too Soon

She explains that she had no choice but to step up and become the parent in the house. She raised her youngest brother from the day he was born, and to this day he calls her mum, not knowing she is actually his big sister. That detail alone shows how much responsibility she carried at such a young age. She became the provider, the protector, the caregiver, and the emotional support for her siblings while she was still trying to understand life herself. With little help from relatives, Elizabeth had to find ways to survive, balancing school when she could, doing small jobs and making sure her siblings were fed, safe and loved.

The journey was not easy. She faced financial struggles, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure of trying to stay strong even when she felt overwhelmed. There were moments when she doubted herself and wondered if she was doing enough. Still, her story is not about defeat. It is about endurance. Elizabeth talks about finding strength through faith, support from the people around her, and the determination to keep her family together no matter how hard things became.

Over the years, she made sure her siblings stayed in school, had food on the table, and grew up feeling loved despite everything they had lost. What could have been a completely broken home became a family held together by her sacrifice and commitment.

Many viewers reacted emotionally, saying the story moved them to tears. Some described firstborn daughters as second mothers, while others said her life shows the kind of courage people rarely see but should never forget.

 

Click here to read our March issue 2026

Continue Reading

Cover Story

Endometriosis and sex: How to make intimacy pain-free

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There is no doubt that endometriosis can affect a woman’s way of life. The condition slews a couple of conditions, painful sex being one of them. Penetration pulls and pushes any tissue growth behind the vagina and lower uterus.

Although symptoms may differ from woman to woman, here are some things you can do to lessen your pain and ensure you have some good time:

Take a dose of painkillers

Take an over the counter painkiller that sits well with your body before intercourse and incase pain persists, take another one as prescribed.

Track your cycle and try at certain times of the month

Most women with endometriosis experience excruciating pain during their period and ovulation. Keep track of your cycle so that you can know when you are ovulating. You can use apps like my calendar and flo period tracker to track your periods. This will help you know when best to engage in sexual intercourse.

READ ALSO: Crucial Facts About Endometriosis Everyone Should Know About

Use lube

Vaginal dryness is not something to be ashamed of and if you happen to have it, lube should be your best buddy. Make sure to use any silicon or water based lubricant anytime you feel like your vagina is dry. Ensure the application is of good amount to achieve a wet area.

Explore alternatives

Talk with your partner about things that turn you on and bring you pleasure. Just to mention a few; mutual masturbation, foreplay, kissing and mutual fondling. Sex does not have to mean intercourse.

Try different positions

Experimenting different positions can teach you and your partner which ones hurt and the ones that bring direct pleasure with no or less pain. Positions that are considered better vary from person to person so take the time to explore and learn yourself with your partner.

Find the right rhythm

Finding the right rhythm can help you experience less discomfort during sex. Quick thrusting or deep penetration can aggravate pain. Talk to your partner about that which you do not like and find ways that will satisfy the both of you like exchanging positions so that you can control the speed and rhythm.

Bottom line

Intimacy does not have to be boring, painful or make you hate the condition that you have. Talk openly about your feelings around sex and penetration and what would help to ease your concerns.

Our FREE  e-paper March Issue is here!
As we celebrate our women this month, we bring you the best stories and the most inspiring features to get you going.
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