14 Simply Amazing Facts About Pregnancy Everyone Should Know

Learn more about the growth you can't see and what you may experience in your pregnancy.

1. Doctors don't actually know what causes those wild pregnancy cravings.

Medical professionals theorize that the need for odd food combinations is a way for the body to signal the need for desired nutrients or the newfound hormones that alter a mother's sense of taste and smell.

2. That infamous "pregnancy glow" is a result of extra blood flow to the skin.

Talk about a glow-up! The increased flow caused by increased hormone production brings more volume to blood vessels to give cheeks a slightly flush and filled-out look.

3. Near the 12th week of pregnancy, a baby's hands develop faster than their feet.

Additionally, at just two inches in size, the baby weighs about half an ounce!

4. Also during that time, fingernails will start to sprout!

At the 12-week mark, external refinement will occur in the hands as well as the facial profile!

5. You can actually save the stem cell–rich umbilical cord blood!

Because there's only one opportunity to collect cord blood at birth, discussing banking options well before your due date with your doctor is crucial!

6. And those very same stem cells from the umbilical cord may be used for potential medical needs down the line!

Stem cells from the saved cord blood have been used in the treatment of certain cancers, blood disorders, immune disorders, and metabolic disorders.

7. On average, about 250,000 new neurons form every minute when the brain is developing!

The rapid production will eventually create a complex and intricate 100-billion-neuron network.

8. A fine coat of hair forms all over your baby's body during pregnancy.

Don't worry, your newborn won't come out with a luscious coat all over! Lanugo is the first hair that grows from the hair follicles and sheds in those last few crucial weeks of development during your pregnancy.

9. A baby can pass its first bowel movement in utero!

Meconium, the first stool produced by a baby, can be passed close to or even sometimes during birth!

10. Preterm birth affects about 1 in 10 babies born in the United States every year — that’s about 1,000 babies every day.

A preterm birth is a delivery that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy (more than three weeks early).

11. Preterm birth can be unexpected and may happen at any time.

But there are known risk factors like history of spontaneous (unexpected) preterm birth, pregnant with multiples (such as twins, triplets, etc.), short time between pregnancies, and high blood pressure or diabetes.

12. For a time, a growing baby's skin is pretty much transparent!

Around the 24th week, the baby's skin is wrinkly, translucent, and a slight pink to red color as a result of blood in the capillaries.

13. Hot foods may cause you to feel sick more often.

Hot and warm foods possess a stronger smell, which may induce nausea, so stick to chilled and nutritious foods and consult your doctor about what foods would benefit you and your baby!

14. Your baby is still developing in those last few weeks leading up to your due date!

Space is getting tighter and tighter, but your little baby isn't just biding time until delivery day (even though it may feel like it to you)! Crucial growth of important organs like the brain, lungs, and liver is still taking place from week 37 onward.

All images from iStock.

Pregnancy is filled with mind-blowing experiences and growth you can't see! Start planning for your family's future with Cord Blood Registry. Now's the time to consider saving your newborn's stem cell–rich cord blood!

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Sponsored by CBR, a wholly owned subsidiary of AMAG Pharmaceuticals

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