When you’re growing another little person inside of you for nine months, your body is bound to go through some changes. Different stages of pregnancy can bring a variety of changes beyond just a growing belly. Not everyone experiences the same ones, as each pregnancy is different. These are the most important changes you should know about.
1. Hormonal changes
That is why many pregnant women have that “glow”. Pregnant women experience a dramatic increase in both progesterone and estrogen. This is also what causes that classic bad mood during pregnancy. In the process, hormones help the fetus to develop in a healthy way.
2. Weight gain and fluid retention
It is very common for pregnant women to gain weight and retain more fluids. The extra weight and gravity slow down the circulation of body fluids and blood. This water weight can also put limitations on exercise. During the second trimester, many women begin to notice swelling. To alleviate it, they can avoid standing on their feet for a long time and consume caffeine or sodium.
3. Sensory changes such as taste, sight and smell
Little do people know that pregnancy not only affects the taste of things, it also affects the sense of smell and sight. Although some report blurred vision or discomfort when wearing contact lenses, most women return to their pre-pregnancy vision after birth. Eye pressure is also a frequently reported side effect. search Pregnancy can also cause cravings for salty, sweet, and sour foods due to dysgeusia or a decreased ability to taste.
4. Changes in the breasts
As the body prepares to supply milk to the newborn, the body undergoes several changes. The areolas often darken due to pregnancy hormones, and as they grow, tenderness and tenderness are common. Stretch marks can also occur, especially if they increase in size quickly. Milk ducts are also expanded on the preparation. Small lumps may also appear due to blocked milk ducts, but if they don’t go away after several days of massages and warm compresses, it’s a good idea to notify a doctor.
5. Changes in hair and nails
Many women grow their nails and hair during pregnancy, but it can also cause hair loss or hair loss. Eating healthy foods and taking prenatal vitamins are important during pregnancy, but they can also cause brittle nails and keratoses. Hair loss after childbirth is also common, as hormone levels and hair follicles regulate themselves without the addition of pregnancy hormones.
6. Circulation and blood volume
Blood volume will increase, which can enlarge the appearance of the veins. These changes in the circulatory system and blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting during pregnancy. These episodes can also occur due to an expanding uterus putting pressure on blood vessels, as well as changes in appetite or metabolism. Bed rest, water, and loose clothing can help minimize this.
7. Digestion
Hormones cause all kinds of food cravings, food aversions, and nausea during pregnancy. The digestive system also undergoes some major changes. Constipation can occur from the added weight of a growing uterus, and heartburn is common in the third trimester when a growing baby pushes on the stomach. Smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce this, as can antacids.
8. Energy levels
It’s common for moms-to-be to feel exhausted. Tiredness often occurs during early pregnancy, as your body is working to adjust to all the changes that happen to you. Extreme fatigue is not uncommon and can be alleviated by taking short naps throughout the day. For many new mothers, energy returns at least partially during the second and third trimesters.
9. Ligaments and joints
To make more room around the pelvis to deliver a baby, the body secretes pregnancy hormones. One of these is known as relaxing and loosens up the joints and ligaments, also known as bands of connective tissue. This hormone stretches the ligaments and joints throughout the body, preparing it for childbirth. Relaxing also results in “pregnancy sag,” which is an altered gait due to a change in the curvature of the spine and a larger belly.
10. Bigger feet
Surprisingly, some women report that their feet go up a shoe size during pregnancy. This is for a variety of reasons. Some professionals attribute this to an increase in growth hormone. It could also be due to the fact that the arches of the feet flatten during pregnancy, increasing in size. Another reason for an increase in size could be that the body produces more fluids than normal and pulls on the feet.
