Pregnant? Changes That Can Happen In The Body During Pregnancy
When you’re carrying another human inside you for nine months, your body is bound to undergo some changes. Aside from a growing belly, the various stages of pregnancy can bring about a variety of changes.
Because every pregnancy is different, not everyone has the same ones. Here are the most significant changes to be aware of.
1. Hormonal changes
This is why so many pregnant women appear to “glow.” Pregnant women have a significant increase in both progesterone and estrogen. This is also what causes the typical moodiness associated with pregnancy.
Hormones aid in the development of the fetus in a healthy manner.
2. Increased weight and fluid retention
Pregnant women frequently gain weight and retain more fluids. Gravity and extra weight slow the circulation of bodily fluids and blood.
This water weight can also limit your ability to exercise. Many women experience swelling during the second trimester. They can alleviate it by avoiding prolonged standing and consuming caffeine or sodium.
3. Sensory changes such as taste, sight, and smell
People are unaware that pregnancy affects not only the sense of taste, but also the senses of smell and sight.
Although some women experience blurriness or discomfort while wearing contact lenses, most women return to their pre-pregnancy vision after giving birth.
Eye pressure is another common side effect. Due to dysgeusia, or a decrease in the ability to taste, pregnancy can also cause cravings for salty, sweet, and sour foods.
4. Changes in the breasts
Several changes occur in the body as it prepares to supply milk to the newborn. Because of pregnancy hormones, the areolas frequently darken, and as they grow, tenderness and sensitivity are common. Stretch marks can also appear, especially if they grow rapidly in size.
In preparation, milk ducts also expand. Tiny lumps can also result from blocked milk ducts, but if they don’t go away after several days of massaging and warm compresses, consult a doctor.
5. Changes in hair and nails
Many women experience nail and hair growth while pregnant, but it can also result in hair loss or shedding. During pregnancy, eating healthy foods and taking prenatal vitamins are important, but they can also cause brittle nails and keratosis.
Hair loss is common after childbirth because hormone levels and hair follicles regulate themselves without the addition of pregnancy hormones.
6. Blood volume and circulation
Blood volume will increase, causing veins to appear larger. During pregnancy, changes in the circulatory system and blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting.
These spells can also be caused by an expanding uterus, which puts pressure on blood vessels, or by changes in appetite or metabolism. Bed rest, water, and loose-fitting clothing can all help.
7. Digestion
During pregnancy, hormones cause a variety of food cravings, aversions, and nausea.
The digestive system also goes through significant changes. Constipation can occur as a result of the extra weight of a growing uterus, and heartburn is common in the third trimester as the baby pushes on the stomach. Antacids and smaller, more frequent meals can help to reduce this.
8. Levels of energy
It’s common for expectant mothers to feel exhausted. Being tired is common during early pregnancy because your body is attempting to adjust to all of the changes that are taking place.
Excessive fatigue is common, and it can be alleviated by taking short naps throughout the day. During the second and third trimesters, many new mothers’ energy returns, at least partially.
9. Joints and ligaments
The body secretes pregnancy hormones to make more space around the pelvis in order to deliver a baby. One of them is known as relaxing and helps to loosen up joints and ligaments, also known as connective tissue bands.
This hormone prepares the body for labor by stretching ligaments and joints. Relaxing also causes the “pregnancy waddle,” which is an altered walk caused by a change in spine curvature and a larger belly.
10. Larger feet
Surprisingly, some women report that their feet grow a full shoe size during pregnancy. This is due to a number of factors. Some experts attribute this to an increase in growth hormone.
It could also be because the arches in the feet flatten out during pregnancy, increasing size. Another reason for the increase in size could be that the body is producing more fluids than usual, which is causing pulsing in the feet.
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Pregnant? Changes That Can Happen In The Body During Pregnancy