Body Changes You May Experience During Pregnancy

Undoubtedly, becoming a mother is a happy experience for every woman, and no moment is more beautiful than when you meet your baby for the first time. 

Besides the fact that moving forward to motherhood is a major life-changing event for you, we can't ignore that you will face many bodily changes during those nine months. We are sure you must be inquisitive to discover what all changes will occur in your body. 

So at Antenate, we're here to assist you in obtaining the support you require at each step of your pregnancy journey. Hence, continue reading this article to learn more about what changes you may experience during pregnancy. 

Weight Gaining

One of the most visual changes you will encounter is increased weight. It happens due to the increased count of blood and fluid your body generates and the expansion of the fetus. Don't be too tough on yourself if you gain a few extra pounds during pregnancy, even though it's crucial to attempt to keep a balanced diet and exercise program. Remember that you'll want to get rid of them after giving birth.

Skin Darkening

Your skin might reflect a darker complexion during pregnancy. It happens because of increased melanin production, the pigment that provides skin its shade. The face, neck, and hands are typically where this transformation is most apparent. Don't be worried; the hue will naturally disappear soon after delivering a child.

Morning Sickness

Most women experience nausea and vomiting during their initial months of pregnancy, known as morning sickness. Though its cause is unknown, it is believed to be connected to hormone boosting. Fortunately, this symptom goes away by the end of your first trimester. You just need to drink lots of fluids and eat small, regular meals.

Growing Uterus

When you are close to giving birth, your uterus will have grown to the size of a watermelon from its early size. After delivering the child, your uterus will shrink to its previous size within a few weeks.

Hair Growth

You will notice that you are growing more hair while pregnant due to the hormonal shifts in your body. While some women detect more facial hair, others discover they have more hair on their heads. Do not be afraid; the hair growth will typically become normal after delivery.

Constipation

You might encounter constipation since your developing baby in the uterus is pushing down on the intestines and hindering digestion. To get rid of this, you can eat a bunch of fruits, green vegetables, and whole grains and reduce your risk. Also, make sure to consume plenty of water as well.

Dental Issues

You are at an increased risk for dental issues during pregnancy because of hormonal shifts and increased acid production. You can assist in lowering your dental problems by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. Also, talk to your dentist to get rid of such a condition.

Heartburn

Heartburn happens because your baby pushes up against the abdomen and causes acid to float back into the esophagus. You can aid decrease your chance of heartburn by sidestepping spicy or oily foods, drinking abundant water, and eating more minor feasts throughout the day.

Back Ache

Since the weight boost and posture transformations put a lot of pressure on your spine, you may experience back pain during pregnancy. You can try practicing good posture, stretching regularly, and avoiding heavy lifting to reduce your threat of back pain.

Changes in Breasts 

You will experience multiple changes in breasts during pregnancy. Your breasts will grow immense, and you might start generating colostrum — the predecessor to breast milk. However, you can try to keep your breasts healthy by maintaining good hygiene, wearing a comfortable bra, and avoiding excessive caffeine intake. Try to dodge underwire bras since they can prove uncomfortable for you and even cause anxiety headaches.

Increase in Heart Rate 

While you are pregnant, your body functions harder to pump blood throughout your system. Hence you may feel an increase in your heart rate. It is pretty standard and does not induce any issues, but whenever you feel any other symptoms related to it that are unusual, like difficulty in breathing, talk to your health care provider immediately.

Tiredness

Pregnancy signifies a very tiring time since your body works hard during this period to sustain the growing baby. Thus, sometimes you feel completely exhausted and low energetic. So make an effort to get lots of rest and refrain from overworking yourself. Ask your doctor to take a prenatal vitamin supplement if you feel overly exhausted.

Emotional Transformations

Undergoing mood swings during pregnancy are very typical. It occurs because of hormonal shifts in your body, so you might start feeling more emotional and tearful than usual. 

It is fully expected and should depart after the first trimester. You just attempt to take time for yourself, relax, stay positive and embrace the mood swings — they are all a part of readying you for the arrival of your newborn. 

Shortness in Breathing

The uterus pulls up against the lungs as the pregnancy progresses. As a result, you may have frequent deep breaths or experience shortness of breath when climbing even a few steps. 

It is more true if you carry twins or if your uterus feels particularly huge since you are shorter. When you sit downward, hunch your shoulders, or lie down, the suffering will be worse. If you sit up straight, the discomfort will decrease.

Cervical Changes

The fetus is kept inside the uterus by the cervix until maturity. Cervical effacement and dilatation enable fetal delivery and cause the opening to shut quickly afterward. Within a few weeks, the gap slowly shrinks. Pregnancy hormones alter the cervix to remain closed throughout pregnancy and enlarge during birthing.

Transformations in Taste and Smell

Due to hormonal changes, your sensations of taste and smell change substantially throughout pregnancy. You might develop the nose of a bloodhound, detecting both pleasant and unpleasant odors. Previously delicious foods may now taste terrible to you, and you may develop cravings for previously unexplored foodstuffs.

Some Other Changes

• Your vision might get poor or blurred during pregnancy.
• Numbing or shivering feelings occur in your hands and feet.
• Your nose may become more stuffy with grown nasal secretions.
• Bleeding in the nose might occur during pregnancy.
• You urge to urinate more and could even leak pee often.
• Your gums might repeatedly bleed, and your teeth feel sensations.
• You become vulnerable to getting urinary tract and yeast infections.
• You might see you overheat quickly.
• You become dehydrated and hungered more quickly, requiring more calories and beverages during pregnancy.
• You get exhausted and also have trouble sleeping. 
• Your veins might swell and change color, chiefly around the uterus and hips, due to the boost in blood volume.
• You will notice stretch marks on your tummy, breasts, bottom, and thighs.
• Sometimes you might experience itchy skin and red spots on the abdomen and breasts. It primarily occurs due to the stretching of the skin.

Bottom Line 

Most of the time, the changes you experience during your pregnancy will be minor and harmless. While sometimes, the changes might signify more severe trouble or even a medical emergency. The good news is that most of the bodily modifications explained above are temporary and will vanish after your delivery.

Further, the Antenate family is always here to guide you at each step of your pregnancy. You can receive helpful and genuine guidance from our Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist Dr. Shesha Sinha regarding any pregnancy-related concern. So do not hesitate and comment to us beforehand.