21 Changes in the Body During Pregnancy

Every woman experiences a lot of changes in her body during pregnancy. It’s very common and natural. These changes are needed for the growing baby in the womb. They need not worry or be tense about this. Let’s learn what kinds of changes happen in the body during pregnancy.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes are the most significant changes during pregnancy. Your hormones estrogen, progesterone, and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) increase dramatically. Because of these hormonal changes, your body gets affected. These hormones excite the growth of the uterus, prepare your breasts for lactation, improve blood flow, and cause feelings of exhaustion, etc. Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and it’s common for most women.

Weight Gain

In the pregnancy journey, you will gain almost 10 to 15 kg. It’s normal because it’s needed for supporting your growing baby. But it affects your body, although weight gain is necessary for a baby.

Fatigue

In pregnancy, you feel tired, exhausted, and restless because your body supports your baby. This happens in the first and third trimesters because these periods are very sensitive for you and the baby. Take enough rest after work. Do not work at a stretch.

Skin Changes

In pregnancy, your body goes through many changes; skin changes are common. You will notice a pregnancy glow in your skin, melasma (dark spots) also appears on the skin, and you may face stretch marks on your body. You may feel itchy, irritated, and experience dryness in your skin.

Hair and Nail Changes

In pregnancy, you may face hair fall or hair growing fast, and nails become stronger. Hormonal changes affect hair and nails during pregnancy.

Increased Blood Flow

In pregnancy, your blood flow increases to supply enough oxygen and nutrients to your fetus. It’s necessary for the growth of the fetus. This change in the body during pregnancy is common; there is nothing serious. But whenever you notice something serious, immediately contact your doctor.

Breast Enlargement

In pregnancy, you will experience your breasts becoming larger day by day and softer because of increased blood flow and preparation for lactation.

Heartburn and Indigestion

Your digestive system becomes slow due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. So you may face heartburn, vomiting, nausea, etc.

Food Cravings

In pregnancy, you feel like eating some interesting foods, and you will crave different and unique foods. Sometimes, foods you disliked before pregnancy are now craved. You may also crave some strange things to eat.

Increased Oxygen Demand

In pregnancy, your body demands more oxygen because your fetus needs it. This increased demand is due to the fetus requiring more oxygen. For the growing fetus, oxygen levels increase.

Vaginal Discharge

You may experience vaginal discharge throughout the whole pregnancy, and that is natural. There is nothing to worry about. It’s good for pregnancy because it prevents infection. Vaginal discharge occurs due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow.

Appetite

You will experience more hunger during pregnancy. Most women experience this. Your body needs more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support your growing baby, so your hunger increases day by day throughout pregnancy.

Urinary System

In pregnancy, the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, so you need to urinate frequently. This continues until the end of pregnancy.

Changes in Smell and Taste

Your sense of smell and taste changes during pregnancy. You can’t tolerate smells like cooking vegetables, fish, meat, or anything else that you liked before. These smells and tastes may cause uneasiness, nausea, or vomiting.

Changes in the Pelvic Floor

You may feel changes in the pelvic floor; the muscles of the pelvic floor stretch and become weak during pregnancy. These changes occur with every pregnant woman because they are necessary for pregnancy.

Emotional and Physiological Changes

Emotional changes are common during pregnancy. Sometimes you feel happy, and sometimes you feel sad. Emotional breakdowns frequently happen. You may be anxious about simple matters, become depressed, and sometimes think of harming yourself. These occur because of hormonal changes and are common during pregnancy. Just consult your doctor.

Immune System Changes

Your immune system slows down. You feel tired without doing any hard work. This occurs most during the first and third trimesters.

Swelling

You may have swollen feet or ankles during pregnancy, which can be uncomfortable. Many women experience this, but there is nothing to worry about; it goes away with time. It happens because your veins become harder during pregnancy. When your hands and face swell, that is a matter of concern. You need to consult your doctor immediately.

Breathlessness

You may find that breathing becomes hard due to a shortage of oxygen. Breathlessness is common in pregnancy due to your body and baby requiring more oxygen.

Constipation

In pregnancy, your digestive system slows down and creates constipation. To prevent constipation, you should increase fiber-rich food and water in your diet.

This journey is really important for you and your baby. Whatever happens, these changes are necessary for the baby’s growth and development. Enjoy this beautiful journey with patience and calmness. If you notice any serious symptoms, seek medical help.