Seven Unexpected Changes During Pregnancy

6. You go through some wacky skin changes. Many pregnant women have truly gorgeous, glowing skin—the happy result of a 30 to 50 percent boost in blood volume to help nourish your growing baby. “The greater volume brings more blood to the vessels and increases oil gland secretion, thus causing the pregnancy skin glow,” explains Katz.

But not every mamma-to-be enjoys perfect skin and a healthy, rosy hue. Some are struck with bouts of acne that rival breakouts from their teenage years, thanks to hormonal changes. However, this time around, having acne is all the more frustrating since certain pimple-taming products, such as salicylic acid as well as vitamin-A-containing treatments such as prescription tretinoin (aka Retin-A), aren’t recommended during pregnancy. But wait—there’s more: “Melasma, also known as the mask of pregnancy, is a skin condition characterized by dark, irregular patches on the face that is very common during pregnancy,” explains Katz. “This is caused by a combination of hormones in the skin and sun exposure. Skin tags [benign skin lesions] are also very common. Additionally, changes in moles occur in which they tend to get larger and darker.”

MORE: Pregnancy Skincare: What to Use & Avoid

7. You feel more beautiful than ever. Even though you may have the belly of a bloated sumo wrestler or are struggling with a hormone-related beauty issue or two, you may be surprised by how incredibly beautiful—and even sexy—you feel while pregnant. I wasn’t one to show off my stomach pre-pregnancy, and I wondered—okay, feared—how I’d feel about my body as my bust and belly grew to comically exaggerated proportions. But with pregnancy came an unexpected boost in self-confidence and appreciation of what my body can do. (It also helps that I have a wonderful husband who tells me I’m a knockout every day.) I now think of my growing, basketball-like belly as my most amazing feature, so why would I keep it under wraps or hide under unflattering tent-like dresses? I’m proud of my body and feel like it has such an important purpose—growing healthy, beautiful babies—that any feelings of self-consciousness or misguided “fat talk” are happily left in the dust.