Body Changes During Pregnancy

Although somewhat disconcerting to many women, it’s quite natural for her to experience dramatic changes in her body during pregnancy.  Many women fortunately have pregnancies that are largely uncomplicated, despite these changes.   As a result, they find little need to change their daily routines until the last several weeks before they deliver.  Others, unfortunately, experience more difficult pregnancies.  As a result, right from the beginning, their daily lives are significantly disrupted.

It’s quite common –and to be expected–for the pregnant woman to undergo regular mood swings and shifts in her emotions.  She will often feel anxiety, doubt and fear about childbirth, and indeed, the entire pregnancy.  On the other side of the coin, it’s also common for her to feel excitement, anticipation and happiness.  Some women find it helpful to keep a journal to track their months.  Once the pregnancy is finished, they find that this journal becomes a cherished keepsake of her pregnancy months.

Immediately when you suspect you might be pregnant, it’s important to visit a doctor or pregnancy clinic to take a pregnancy test.  If you find out that you are, indeed, pregnant, you’ll want to learn about what you can expect during the next several months as well as how to take care of both yourself and your new baby.  If you drink or smoke, stop now–immediately.  There are also some medications that could put your child at risk, so you’ll want to learn about these.

A typical pregnancy lasts just over 9 months–normally about 40 weeks.  Doctors divide this period into three sections known as trimesters (literally three-month periods).  Different things happen inside your body and to the unborn child during each trimester.  Let’s examine some of the changes you can expect during each trimester.

THE FIRST TRIMESTER (Up through week 12).  Your period will become light or stop altogether.  You might feel some queasiness and nausea–even vomiting in some cases.  Your breasts will begin changing, with some tenderness and swelling.  The nipples will get broader and darker.  You’ll probably find that you must urinate more frequently.  You’ll feel tired more often and perhaps experience some headaches and constipation.  And yes, you’ll likely experience some mood swings.

THE SECOND TRIMESTER (Weeks 13 to 26).  At this time, you’ll really be putting on the pounds.  You should also start feeling the baby moving around inside of you.  Your stomach skin might stretch and get dry–and your breasts will continue to get bigger.  You might find some fluid (“colostrum”) being excreted from the nipples.  Many women experience some swelling in the feet, ankles, hands and face.

THE THIRD TRIMESTER (Weeks 27 through 40).  You’ll likely be able to see the fetus moving from the outside, and your navel will push out.  Many women will start getting  backaches more frequently. They’ll also start walking in a different manner because of the baby’s extra weight.  And almost always, there is some shortness of breath–and finally, delivery.

If you don’t experience changes exactly like this, don’t panic. Every woman is different–as is every pregnancy.

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