The pregnancy side-effects no one talks about

Forget morning sickness, swollen feet and heartburn –  there's a lot more that happens to a woman's body during pregnancy.

Some women have lost hair, moved up a shoe size and never returned to their 'normal' measurements, and some have even lost teeth.

Mother of two Poliswa Sejosing says her hair never recovered properly from her pregnancy in 2015.

"My hair was gorgeous during my first pregnancy. It was healthy and it had volume. People even thought I was carrying a boy because my skin and hair were amazing. But it started falling out after delivery.

"I think I cut it three months postpartum, but then I fell pregnant again a few years later and still my hair is not what it used to be before children. I have over the years had numerous haircuts and I've tried different products. Hopefully, I will get my hair back one day, I miss it," she says.

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Poppy Louw says her body was just never the same after her pregnancy. Her body underwent so much strain, she doesn't even know if should do it again in the future.

"I had a weak bladder, which means that I have to go to the bathroom the moment I feel the urge to pee. The incontinence is such that even a sneeze or cough can make me release a few drops of urine.

"After birth, I struggled terribly with postpartum depression and was constantly fighting with my partner. The lack of sleep also made it difficult, but nothing takes the cup like the memory loss that one suffers after pregnancy. Even now, I find myself pausing for a few seconds to remember what I want to do or say because my memory is like a goldfish."

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Poppy says it's a pity women are expected to be picture-perfect during pregnancy. 

"Yoh...that picture-perfect bit is so disheartening because you rarely feel perfect during that time. But all of this also explains why mother and child care are so important. Bringing a life into this world is not an easy feat." 

Thembeka Mpendukana says her eating habits have changed too. 

"Before my pregnancy in 2017, I used to drink green tea or have pears when I was constipated. Now they do nothing to me," she chuckles. 

"I have been struggling with my weight to get to my pre-pregnancy weight." She especially wants to get her shoe size back.

"I still have all my shoes and clothes hoping one day they'll fit me. At first, I didn't want to buy new clothes because I thought it was going to be quick, but I guess I've accepted the situation and started shopping again," she adds.