There is so much new information to absorb when you're pregnant, and it can feel like an overwhelming time. You've probably done lots of swotting about what happens in pregnancy, but every day is a surprise when you're carrying a baby for the first time. Here are some facts that may have passed you by.

You will probably need to suffer colds with no cold medication.

Decongestants, benzocaine, codeine, ibuprofen, and other over-the-counter remedies you might buy for a cold are off-limits when you are pregnant. Speak to your doctor before taking any medication (including natural remedies and supplements) in pregnancy.

Your bump won't go away after birth.

At least not for a while! Your baby bump may last several weeks after birth. Remember to pack loose clothing in your hospital bag. Your bump stays around after the baby is born because your uterus does not completely contract back to its normal size right after having a baby. You've also gained some normal, healthy weight in pregnancy. You may also experience a decrease in bowel function that causes bloating. Ask your doctor about this if you are uncomfortable, but remember to be compassionate with your body. Try not to pay too much attention to celebrities, influencers, and other women who appear to have "bounced back" straight after giving birth. Everyone's giving birth journey is unique, and comparison isn't just the thief of joy in this case; if it prompts you to diet and exercise too soon, it could be harmful to your health.

Your feet may get permanently bigger.

Pregnancy hormones make a lot of changes to your body, especially when progesterone and oestrogen peak in the third trimester. These range from loose teeth, nose bleeds, and heartburn to joint pain and stretch marks. The majority of these go away after you give birth, but research shows that feet that expand in pregnancy often don't go back to their original size. The effects of the hormones on your feet are exacerbated by pregnancy weight gain and the exertion of carrying a baby. How would Carrie Bradshaw have coped with this? It is an excuse to buy new shoes.

You can't have sushi. Or can you?

There is no international guidance for what is safe to eat in pregnancy. So, while the NHS may recommend that you do not consume raw fish, women in Japan and other countries won't think twice about doing so when they're pregnant. Choosing food in pregnancy can feel like a minefield. It is important to follow the pregnancy nutritional guidance where you are and consult your doctor or a registered dietitian with any questions.

No skincare product is proven to prevent stretch marks.

We wish we had better news here! From cocoa butter and plant oils to Bio-Oil and the many more expensive body products on the market, there is no proven topical preventative for stretch marks in pregnancy. Your genes and the amount of weight you gain both play a role in whether they hang around after birth. There is nothing wrong with keeping your skin hydrated during pregnancy, but it definitely isn't worth spending lots of money on expensive creams. Eating well and staying active in pregnancy are thought to help reduce your risk of developing stretch marks. They may respond well to cosmetic laser treatments after birth, but these procedures come with risks and should be carefully researched.

For a week-by-week guide to having a healthy pregnancy, watch Unii's Pregnancy: The Three Trimesters video course with Dr. Shree Datta.

Hear more about stretch marks, food, and weight gain in pregnancy from Dr. Shree's episode of the Unii Babies podcast.

Five Things Nobody Tells You About Pregnancy