=The changes in the skin= consist chiefly of the increased discoloration over various parts of the body, which was mentioned among the possible signs of pregnancy. The degree of this discoloration varies with the complexion of the individual, as blonds may be tinted but slightly more than usual, while the discolored areas on a brunette may become almost black. As the skin glands become more active, there is also an increase in perspiration and sometimes the hair becomes much more luxuriant during pregnancy. =Changes in the digestive tract= are the morning sickness already described, and constipation. The latter is suffered by at least one half of all pregnant women and is due chiefly to pressure made upon the intestines by the enlarged uterus, though weakening of the stretched abdominal muscles may be one cause. Constipation is most troublesome during the latter part of pregnancy. There may be, also, heartburn, acid stomach and intestinal indigestion giving rise to gas, diarrhea and cramps. The so-called “cravings” of pregnancy are not so common in real life as they are in rumor, but the expectant mother may show unexpected likes and dislikes for certain dishes, possibly because of her tendency to be nauseated. Her appetite may be very capricious during the early weeks and become almost ravenous later on. =The bones and teeth= may grow softer during pregnancy, if the expectant mother does not eat proper food, and as a result we hear of the old beliefs that each baby costs the mother a tooth and that broken bones heal slowly during pregnancy. Both of these occurrences are entirely unnecessary, and may be prevented by eating suitable food, as will be explained in the chapter on nutrition. =The carriage=, or mode of walking, is somewhat affected by pregnancy because of the increased size and weight of the abdomen. In an effort, to hold herself erect, the expectant mother throws back her head and shoulders and finally assumes a gait that may be described as a waddle, being particularly noticeable in short women. You hear a good deal about the =thyroid gland= these days, so you may as well know that it is very often enlarged during pregnancy and thus may form a swelling on the front part of the neck. If you notice it you might tell your doctor but it need not worry you for it will almost certainly return to its normal size after the baby comes.