Becoming pregnant can be one of the most special times in someone’s life. There are, however, a lot of changes in your body during pregnancy that you should be aware of. Pregnancy care information will be readily available from your obstetrician and you should abide by the recommendations provided to ensure you have a comfortable pregnancy resulting in a healthy baby.
Changes in your body during pregnancy will occur during the different trimesters. The first and the last trimester are typically when women feel the most discomfort. The second trimester is usually a bit of a reprieve with many women getting over some of the changes, being more comfortable, and enjoying this portion of the pregnancy. Let’s discuss some of the changes you may experience.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness or for that matter a feeling of nausea any time during the day is a very common result of pregnancy and happens most frequently in the first trimester. There also may be an increased sensitivity to certain smells which may lead to nausea. Avoid foods that may trigger your nausea to help alleviate the symptoms.
Breast Changes
Breasts may begin to enlarge very early in the pregnancy and will continue to throughout the pregnancy. You may also notice tenderness during this time and increased sensitivity. This is the time to invest in a few well-fitting bras. Of course, as your breasts grow the size may change somewhat but it will be more comfortable for you if you have a bra that fits well and offers plenty of support.
Urinary Frequency
Urinary frequency and thirst in prenatal care is another common side effect of pregnancy. Women tend to be more thirsty and need more nourishment including drinking plenty of water. Drinking more fluids coupled with the uterus growing and pressing on your bladder will cause most women to have to urinate a lot more frequently than they used to. This is common throughout the pregnancy but is most pronounced during the first and last trimesters. During the second trimester, this usually subsides a bit but most women will still have a sense of having to urinate more frequently than when not pregnant.
Abdominal symptoms
Stomach problems are another concern including upset stomach, indigestion, constipation, and heartburn. There are changes in your uterus that slow the metabolism. Foods that may not normally trigger these problems may start to bother you. Eating foods that are high in fiber will help alleviate that and stay away from spicy foods or foods you find that trigger adverse reactions. If you exercise, wait for approximately two hours before partaking in any activity to allow the food to digest.
Sleeping Problems
If you are having trouble sleeping while you are pregnant, try lying on your side and using pillows under your stomach and between your legs. This added cushion will often increase the comfort, allowing you to have a more restful sleep. Doing relaxation exercises, taking a warm bath, and going to bed only when you are tired will also help with feelings of restlessness. If you are having trouble sleeping, it may be best to simply get up for a while and go back to bed awhile later.
Skin, Nails, and Hair Changes
Skin, nails, and hair are also affected when pregnant. You may find your skin excessively oily or dry and your hair may lose its luster or thin a bit. These changes will go back to normal after you give birth. The increased hormone levels will affect this significantly. It is usually recommended that you do not do anything drastic to your hair such as coloring it or getting a permanent. Your hair may not react the same to various chemicals so now is not the time to drastically change your hairstyle.
Swelling
The swelling of the feet and limbs can be more pronounced. You may also get some varicose veins. Lying on a bed and propping your feet up will help with swelling. Staying off your feet and relaxing for a while will also help. If you experience leg cramps, do some leg stretches to loosen up your muscles.
Thankfully, most of the changes that you experience during pregnancy are temporary and prove to be well worth it for the bundle of joy you hope to receive after giving birth. Having pregnancy care information from your obstetrician will help you to cope with these changes in your body. Until next time, stay safe and healthy.
