What Body Changes to Expect During Pregnancy
Every pregnancy has its unique physical manifestations. Even when carried by the same woman, every pregnancy presents slightly differently. However, every pregnant woman will share the experience of noticing a few universal bodily shifts.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes to support the developing fetus better and prepare her for labor and delivery. It is the reason why prenatal care is very important.
1. Pregnancy Glow
During pregnancy, your levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone will rapidly and dramatically rise. It has many positive effects on the body but improving the skin’s appearance is the best.
Yes, the much-talked-about “pregnancy glow” is more than just a platitude or a nice thing to say about expecting mothers. It is an actual occurrence brought on by your body’s hormonal shifts.
2. The Thought of Eating Will Make You Sick to Your Stomach
Nausea and vomiting in the morning or “morning sickness” are typical pregnancy symptoms. Morning sickness, despite its name, is a condition that can cause discomfort at any time of day.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by relentless vomiting that can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance. It is characterized by the most severe form of nausea and vomiting, which is mild and lasts only until the baby is born.
3. A Relaxed State Will Overtake You.
Your muscles and joints, especially in the pelvic region, may feel strange or uncomfortable during the second trimester. It occurs because of relaxing, a hormone that aids in the placenta’s development by relaxing the pelvis’s smooth muscles.
Even though this may make prenatal yoga less taxing on the body, it has been linked to increased ligament soreness and even injury for pregnant women.
4. Hormone Fluctuations
During pregnancy, a woman’s levels of the major hormones, progesterone, and estrogen, rise dramatically and rapidly. As a result, the uterus and placenta are better able to increase their vascularization and supply nutrients to the developing baby.
The pregnancy ‘glow’ is caused by these hormones, which also moderate physical exertion’s beneficial effects. The increased likelihood of ligament sprains and strains in the body’s muscles is a direct result of their use. In addition to altering a woman’s sense of balance, hormonal changes can cause breast enlargement and a difference in the natural curvature of her back.
5. Gaining Weight and Retaining Fluids.
When extra pounds are carried around, the body has to work harder to accomplish any given task. Both blood and fluid circulation are slowed, most noticeably in the lower extremities. As a result, pregnant women often experience bloating and swelling due to fluid retention. It is especially true of the face. Heavy pregnant women should avoid prolonged standing, beverages with caffeine or sodium that cause fluid retention, foods low in potassium, and any physical stress.
6. Sensational Shifts
Visual, olfactory, and gustatory alterations are just some of how a pregnant woman’s perception of the world can change. Some women experience temporary changes in their vision, such as the development of nearsightedness, during pregnancy. Contact lens discomfort and occasional blurred vision are common complaints from women.
A diluted sense of taste, known as dysgeusia, causes a woman’s tolerance for sour, salty, and sweet flavors to skyrocket during pregnancy. A metallic aftertaste in the mouth exacerbates nausea. Many expectant mothers also claim an increased awareness and sensitivity to certain odors.
7. More Energy Will be Expended.
Pregnant women need to eat more calories because their basal metabolic rate (BMR), which measures how much energy they use at rest, increases. That’s because you and your developing baby require a lot of energy, and your body works hard to supply it.
By the third trimester, your basal metabolic rate will have increased by about 30 percent from its pre-pregnancy level. It will remain high for several weeks after giving birth and for breastfeeding.
8. You’ll Be Able to Take Deeper Breaths.
While carrying a child, your respiratory rate increases by as much as 50 percent! You’ll take deep, oxygen-rich breaths and simply breathe more frequently. It may be challenging to get all that extra air, however, because your diaphragm, which aids your lungs in breathing, can get pretty squished inside your body.
That’s why it’s common for pregnant women to feel short of breath, especially when they try to work up a sweat.
9. Your Body Temperature Will Increase
An increased basal body temperature is one of the earliest and most consistent indicators of pregnancy. Because of this, you may be more susceptible to dehydration and need to increase your water intake during pregnancy. That’s why it’s crucial to drink plenty of water while pregnant, especially if you’re working out or spending a lot of time in the sun.
10. Your Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Will Increase
Early pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in blood volume, between 40 and 50% in plasma and 20 to 30% in red blood cells, which may contribute to headaches for some women.
The increased blood volume calls for a more efficient heart that pumps at a rate 30-50% faster than usual. There may also be a rise in heart rate by up to 20%. Your resting heart rate in the third trimester may exceed 100 beats per minute.
11. You’re Going to Have Some Back Trouble
Many pregnant women complain of back pain due to their ligaments relaxing and their altered posture.
After all, your body has to adjust to suddenly bearing a lot of extra weight up front, what with the baby and the breasts. Since your center of gravity has shifted forward due to losing weight, you may feel unsteady.
12. Heartburn
Progesterone relaxes the sphincter at the base of the esophagus, allowing stomach acid and food to reflux and cause heartburn. Antacids may become your best friend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pregnancy unfolds as a remarkable journey filled with bodily transformations, each change a testament to the awe-inspiring process of nurturing new life. From the radiant “pregnancy glow” to the discomfort of morning sickness and the strain on muscles and joints, expectant mothers navigate a spectrum of sensations as they adapt to the demands of motherhood.
Amidst these shifts, hormonal fluctuations orchestrate both marvels and challenges, underscoring the intricate dance of creation within. Yet, alongside the wonders of pregnancy, discomforts like back pain, heartburn, and shortness of breath serve as poignant reminders of the profound journey underway.
Embracing these changes and seeking proper care and support are integral steps on the path to motherhood. That’s why we invite you to contact OB2me to discover how our tailored prenatal care can help you navigate this journey with confidence and support. Together, let’s ensure that every aspect of your pregnancy journey is nurtured and cherished, laying the foundation for a lifetime of love and connection between mother and child.
FAQs
What are some common body changes during pregnancy?
Pregnancy often brings about a variety of physical changes including weight gain, breast enlargement and tenderness, changes in skin pigmentation, hormonal fluctuations leading to mood swings, and an increase in blood volume and circulation.
Is morning sickness a common body change during pregnancy?
Yes, morning sickness, characterized by nausea and vomiting, is a common early symptom of pregnancy affecting many expectant mothers. It typically occurs during the first trimester but can vary in severity and duration from woman to woman.
How does pregnancy affect the abdomen?
As the baby grows, the uterus expands, causing the abdomen to gradually enlarge. This can result in stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin, leading to the appearance of stretch marks. Additionally, the growing uterus may exert pressure on the bladder, increasing the frequency of urination.
Are there any changes in the breasts during pregnancy?
Yes, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the breasts to become larger, more tender, and sometimes sore. The areolas (the area around the nipples) may also darken in color, and the veins in the breasts may become more visible.
Do women experience changes in their hair and nails during pregnancy?
Yes, some women may notice changes in the texture and thickness of their hair, as well as increased hair growth in certain areas. Nails may also grow faster and become stronger due to hormonal changes. However, these changes can vary greatly among individuals.