Pregnancy side effects women weren’t warned about from feet growth to infamous ‘lightning crotch’

Pregnancy side effects women didn’t know about include excessive saliva, mysterious skin tags – and blurry vision.

A poll of 2,000 women who have given birth uncovered the unwelcome bodily changes they faced during and after pregnancy that no one warned them about.

Other shocking symptoms included suddenly developing massive feet and the infamous ‘lightning crotch’ – a sharp, surprise zap in the pelvis that sounds fun but definitely isn’t.

While 21 per cent were shocked by a strange metallic taste in their mouths.

Seven in ten who struggled with the issue were baffled by the joys of pregnancy rhinitis, which left them feeling like they had a permanent head cold for nine months.

Presenter and broadcaster Ashley James, who has teamed with AnuSol Natural Cream, which commissioned the study, said: “Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but let’s be real, it also comes with a few, shall we say, ‘less glamorous’ surprises.

“From films and TV shows, you might think the most serious pregnancy symptoms would include a healthy glow and perhaps a struggle to get off the sofa.

“But the reality is usually far different and can include lots of things people may not have even thought about.”;

The study went on to find more than half (52 per cent) ended up on the loo much more often than usual, and 28 per cent developed a heightened – and unexpected – sense of smell.

Around a quarter (24 per cent) found themselves belching away merrily, while 21 per cent enjoyed the delights of piles, otherwise known as haemorrhoids.

Of these, 48 per cent suffered with them in the third trimester, with 59 per cent describing the pain as moderate or severe.

But just under half (48 per cent) admitted they were surprised to find how common the issue was, affecting around one in three pregnancies.

In general, 67 per cent of women polled enjoyed being pregnant, either a lot or a moderate amount.

While more than four in ten (44 per cent) found the physical changes they experienced had the power to significantly affect their emotional health.

Fifty-seven per cent reckon they entered into it poorly informed about some of the lesser-known side effects of pregnancy, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

As a result, three quarters believe more needs to be done to raise awareness of all the possible symptoms that can go along with a pregnancy.

Ashley James added: “Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but post-natal recovery can also bring some surprising physical changes that many people don’t expect.

“These unexpected shifts can be both fascinating and challenging, affecting not just the body but also a person’s confidence and emotional well-being.

“Understanding that these changes are normal and often temporary can help alleviate concerns and reassure those going through them.”;