What Happens to Your Body During Pregnancy

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant until the time you hold your baby in your arms, your body goes through a myriad of changes. As your baby grows day by day, your body will adapt; each new change a normal stepping stone to the time you finally give birth and meet with your bundle of joy. Read on to find out what happens to your body during pregnancy and how to manage these symptoms.

1. Spotting

In the earliest stages of pregnancy, around the 3-week mark, you may experience light vaginal bleeding or spotting. This is when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, however, many women often mistake implantation bleeding as a period. In fact, spotting is one of the first early signs of pregnancy. Just be aware that if the bleeding is fairly heavy or you experience any pain, call your doctor immediately.

2. Breast tenderness

For most women, breast tenderness is the first physical sign of pregnancy, even before morning sickness strikes. Fluctuating hormones are the cause of breast tenderness and soreness, and you may even notice your breasts becoming bigger and fuller as the increase of estrogen in the body causes milk glands to grow in preparation for lactation. To ease the pain, try to wear loose-fitting clothing, try a cold compress and wear a comfortable, supportive bra.

3. Acne

While skin retains moisture during pregnancy – which offers that lovely healthy ‘glow’ – higher levels of hormones can also cause the overproduction of sebum leading greasy skin, spots and acne. Increase in facial and body pimples tend to occur around the 6-week mark and is common during the first and second trimesters. Keeping up a good skincare regime will help manage these symptoms, and once the baby arrives these blemishes tend to disappear.

4. Headaches

Headaches are a common complaint for mothers-to-be, and generally occurs within the first half of pregnancy, around week 6. While the reason for the coming and going of headaches is unknown, most medical professionals believe hormones are the culprit. Pregnant women are advised to treat headaches by getting more sleep or rest, maintaining good posture, participating in pregnancy yoga classes and placing a warm cloth over the eyes.

5. Dizziness

Feeling dizzy is another common symptom your body experiences during pregnancy. This symptom is caused by a drop in blood pressure as rising hormones cause your blood vessels to relax and widen. Dizziness can be felt anytime, with its first symptoms happening as early as week 9. To reduce the effects of dizziness, avoid standing for long periods, eat regularly and make sure to stand up slowly when rising up from your chair or bathtub.

6. Skin pigmentation

Those pesky pregnancy hormones can also cause pigmentation, producing brown patches on the skin. This condition is also known as chloasma and it usually occurs around week 15, but eventually lightens and fades closer to the time of delivery. These spots generally appear on areas most exposed to the sun, as well as between the belly button and the pubic area. Always use sunblock and proper sun protection when outside.

7. Changes to your hair

Changes in hair growth and appearance is a common symptom your body goes through during pregnancy, with symptoms generally appearing around week 22. While some mums-to-be will experience thicker, shinier hair, others may experience hair that is duller or more lacklustre. Again, hormones are to blame for these changes, and you will find hair returning to its natural state after birth. Changes don’t always happen to just the hair on your head, though! Women may experience darker or coarser body hair during pregnancy, particularly around the belly.

8. Swollen feet

Since the body’s water increases during pregnancy, most women experience puffy or swollen ankles, feet and legs. Swelling may be experienced at any point during pregnancy, but tends to be noticed more in month 5. To help with the swelling, doctors advise women to prop their feet up higher than the heart to help the swelling subside. Compression socks can also help.

9. Sensitive gums

Higher levels of the hormone progesterone can cause gums to be softer, spongier and more sensitive during pregnancy. This symptom is often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis, with hormones increasing the blood flow to the gums making them more sensitive and susceptible to bleeding, plaque and inflammation. Pregnancy gingivitis most commonly develops between months 2 and 8. Manage sore, swollen gums by using a soft toothbrush, swishing the mouth with a warm saltwater rinse, and having at least one oral check-up with your dentist during your pregnancy.

10. Stretch marks

As your belly grows to accommodate the growing life inside you, stretch marks may begin to appear on your stomach, breasts, buttocks and thighs. Almost half of mums-to-be will experience them, usually in the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. The good news is, in most cases, they will fade away in time. However, some mums may be left with faded marks after pregnancy. Stretch marks can be managed or reduced by applying anti-stretch mark cream and massaging the affected areas. Laser treatments can help to rid of lasting marks but should be done at least a few weeks postpartum. Along with stretch marks, around 20% of women also experience itchy skin.

11. Back pain

Researchers estimate 1 in 2 pregnant women experience back pain, which typically centres in the lower back area. This common pregnancy symptom is thought to be caused by several factors including changes in posture to accommodate a growing belly, loosening and softening of ligaments, as well as changes in the muscular and vascular systems. Your expanding uterus may also put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, hips and legs. Back pain often occurs around week 31. Treating back pain during pregnancy can include rest, heat pads and gentle exercise such as swimming.

Loving your changing body

Pregnancy causes the body to go through some significant changes. These minor to drastic physical transformations help to accommodate the growing life inside you. While many of these symptoms can be unpleasant, the majority will disappear after giving birth but can be treated in the meantime with safe, holistic approaches. If you experience anything that doesn’t feel right, always see your doctor immediately. This time is a chance to experience the wonder of the female body and to rejoice in the upcoming arrival of your new baby!

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