Sheila, a 30-year-old mother of two daughters, is living the divinity and sacred calling of motherhood. To her, No métier analogises service to humanity like that of a mother, hence, her journey to fulfill this calling begins a new as she expects her third child.  

However, according to her, the journey through pregnancy has a way of surprising even the most seasoned mothers.

Take her recent experience at a friend’s gathering. The aroma of onions from the kitchen hit her like a wall. Her stomach churned, turned, and unravelled, forcing her to step outside for fresh air. Well, she had tried to keep her pregnancy under wraps, but trying to ‘play it cool’ backfired as her friends noticed her discomfort and got concerned.

Soon, Sheila would dash to the bathroom, and got busy, in a hunched position. Her friends smiled knowingly as she emerged.

Pregnancy, as Sheila knows well, comes with some awkward moments.

For most women, pregnancy is both surprising and challenging, filled with symptoms that can be as embarrassing as they are unexpected. Yet, these changes are all part of the journey to motherhood.

Celine Atieno, a mother in her mid-20s, recently welcomed her second child, a boy. Having already experienced pregnancy before, Celine thought she knew what to expect. She was wrong.

One sunny afternoon, her husband took her out for lunch. Celine felt excited, looking forward to a relaxing day, as her pregnancy cravings kicked in. After enjoying her favourite meal, she felt a bit uncomfortable. Later, when friends invited them over for snacks, Celine joined them, not wanting to be impolite. But she didn’t expect how full she’d feel.

“It was so embarrassing,” she recalls amid a chortle, adding, “I felt the gas building up and knew I needed a rest room fast.” After a few minutes of relief, she rejoined the rest, who were rolling in a collective mirth. “I learned to embrace the process and not feel embarrassed. After all, I was creating a human being!” Celine’s story reminds her to keep a sense of humour, realising that pregnancy’s surprises are easier to handle with a light heart.

Beth Kemunto, a first-time mother riding on excitement while harbouring anxiety, is nearing the end of her third trimester. One morning, she headed to work as usual; unaware it would be a lesson in embracing the unexpected. During a busy moment, she suddenly felt the need to use the rest room urgently. However, just as she stood up, a sudden sneeze caught her off guard, and she felt a small but unmistakable leak. “Oh no,” she says. She excused herself. “I started carrying extra underwear and a pair of trousers just in case,” Beth says, now able to laugh about it. “I even began limiting fluids when heading out to avoid accidents.”

After a quick rest room trip and a moment to collect herself, Beth returned to her desk and later shared her experience with supportive friends. “They helped me laugh it off,” she reflects. Beth’s experience became a moment of connection, showing her that she is not alone in facing the unique and sometimes awkward moments of pregnancy.

Dr Simon Mucara Kigondu, a consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist at Excella Healthcare, explains why these “embarrassing” symptoms occur and shares tips on managing them with confidence.

 It dripped! Incontinence linked to sneezing, coughing. With pregnancy comes extra pressure on the bladder. Many women, even experienced moms like Sheila, encounter stress incontinence, where sneezing or coughing can cause unexpected leaks.

Dr Kigondu notes that this isn’t unusual. “As the baby grows, it adds pressure to the bladder, sometimes causing leaks when a woman sneezes, laughs or coughs,” he says. Practicing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor can help reduce leakage. Some women also wear panty liners or pads for extra confidence, and using the restroom before situations that might trigger laughter or sneezing can reduce awkward moments.

Oops! I broke the wind...

Pregnancy hormones often slow digestion, leading to gas and bloating. This is reality that both Celine and Beth faced. Managing gas often means coping with unexpected burps and farts, some which may not be so silent. While it can be embarrassing, it’s a common part of the journey.

Dr Kigondu explains that hormonal shifts, particularly increased progesterone, are to blame. Eating smaller, frequent meals can ease digestion, and avoiding gas-inducing foods helps reduce bloating. A bit of light exercise can also aid digestion. Eating slowly can prevent trapped air, hence reducing bloating and that uncomfortable, gassy feeling.

Hairy angel

While some women enjoy thicker and shinier hair during pregnancy, hormones can also lead to hair growth in surprising areas like the chin, belly and back. Sheila shares how much more often she needs to wax. “It’s annoying, but manageable,” she admits.

Dr Kigondu reassures that this is temporary. “Hormones cause this extra hair growth, but it usually fades after birth,” he says. A regular shaving or waxing routine is safe and effective for managing it. Although the growth may be frustrating, some moms integrate it into their beauty regimen during pregnancy.

When it smells, it is rancid

For some women, a heightened sense of smell means even mild scents becoming overwhelming. Dr Kigondu says this heightened sensitivity is a common side effect of pregnancy hormones.

“Many women report aversions to certain smells, especially in the first trimester,” he explains. Avoiding strong-smelling foods and environments can help, and carrying a calming scent, like a lemon slice or essential oil, may neutralise unpleasant odours. Ventilating a room or asking for extra help with cooking also minimises discomfort.

Haemorrhoids: A pain before the labour pains

Haemorrhoids, or swollen veins in the rectum, are a common and painful pregnancy symptom. Dr Kigondu adds, “Haemorrhoids are common in later pregnancy due to increased pressure on pelvic veins.”

Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps, as does taking breaks from prolonged sitting or standing. In severe cases, stool softeners and doctor-approved creams can provide relief.

Enduring the ‘pregnancy glow’ in skin breakouts

Although many picture a ‘pregnancy glow,’ hormonal shifts may bring acne. “I had terrible breakouts during my first pregnancy,” says Celine. “But drinking lots of water and sticking to a skincare routine helped.”

Dr Kigondu advises using gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare products. Avoiding harsh chemicals, such as salicylic acid or retinoids, is wise, and drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers can maintain skin balance during these hormonal changes.

Tiger stripes? Stretch marks and hyperpigmentation

Stretch marks and hyperpigmentation can surprise first-time moms. Sheila, who experienced both, views it as ‘character development’ in self-acceptance. “It’s all part of the journey,” she says. “These marks are just reminders of this amazing process.” Dr Kigondu explains that genetics largely influence stretch marks. Applying a vitamin E or cocoa butter moisturiser can keep skin elastic. Wearing sunscreen on darkened areas, like the face and neck, also helps. These marks may feel daunting, but many moms embrace them as unique markers of their journey.

Drenched in sweat

For some women, pregnancy means excessive sweating, even in cooler weather.

Dr Kigondu suggests wearing breathable, light clothing and staying hydrated. Dressing in layers allows easy adjustments, and choosing natural fabrics is helpful. A gentle antiperspirant and keeping water nearby can also help with cooling down.

Self-consciousness and body image

The physical changes during pregnancy, including weight gain, stretch marks and acne, can affect one’s self-esteem.

Dr Kigondu emphasises the importance of open communication.