Other Common Changes.

Pregnancy hormones circulating through your body may trigger changes in your hair. You may notice less hair loss than usual. After your baby is born, the hair you retained during pregnancy falls out. If it happens to you, don't worry about it-you're not going bald! The same hormones that encourage the growth of your hair also influence your nails. You may have problems keeping your nails filed to a practical length. Enjoy them!
Some women find they experience increased facial hair during pregnancy. Usually it's not a problem, but check with your doctor if it worries you. Facial hair will probably disappear or decrease after pregnancy, so wait before making any decisions about permanent hair removal.
Pregnancy hormones can elevate your body temperature slightly, which may lead to greater perspiration. If you perspire heavily, keep fluid levels up to avoid dehydration.

Breast Changes
Your breasts undergo many changes during pregnancy. After about 8 weeks, breasts normally start getting larger. You may notice they are lumpy or nodular. Tenderness, tingling and breast soreness early in pregnancy are common and normal at this time.
Your breasts may change color slightly. Before pregnancy, the areola (the area surrounding the nipple) is usually pink, but it can turn brown or red-brown and may enlarge during pregnancy and lactation.
During the 2nd trimester, a thin yellow fluid called colostrum is formed; it is the precursor to breast milk. Sometimes it leaks from the breasts or can be expressed by squeezing the nipples. Leaking is normal. Leave your breasts alone; don't express the fluid. Wear breast pads inside your bra if leaking becomes embarrassing.

Inverted Nipples
Some women have inverted nipples, which are flat or retract (invert) into the breast. Women with inverted nipples may find it more difficult to breastfeed, but breastfeeding is not impossible.
To determine if you have inverted nipples, place your thumb and index finger on the areola, the dark area surrounding the nipple. Gently compress the base of the nipple; if it flattens or retracts into the breast, you have inverted nipples.
Plastic breast shields worn under your bra during the last few weeks of pregnancy create a slight pressure at the base of the nipple that helps draw out the nipple. Ask your doctor for further information.

Lightening
A few weeks before labor begins or at the beginning of labor, the head of your baby begins to enter the birth canal, and your uterus seems to "drop" a bit. This is called lightening. Don't be concerned if it happens to you.
A benefit of lightening is it allows you more room to breathe.
However, as your baby descends into the birth canal, you may notice more pressure in your pelvis, bladder and rectum, which can be uncomfortable.