Body Changes During Pregnancy

Knowing some of the normal body changes that occur in pregnancy may help ease some of the worries that can go along with these changes. We list them here for you to read, but encourage you always to call us with any concerns.

Skin and Hair:
Melanin is the pigment that gives color to skin and hair. Changes in your skin can occur due to the increased melanin produced in pregnancy. Some women experience an increase in acne during pregnancy. Dark pigmentation around the nipples is common. Stretch marks are also common and unfortunately there is no proven cure.

Headache:
Headaches are not uncommon during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones, hunger, and caffeine withdrawal can be causes. Call us for a list of medications that are safe in pregnancy, or if your headache seems unusual.

Eyes:
Your glasses or contact lenses may not work as well as they did before your pregnancy. Increased blood volume and corneal thickness can change your vision, but this should normalize after delivery.

Congestion and Nose Bleeds:
You may experience a stuffy, runny, or even a bloody nose from time to time. Try saline drops, increase your fluid intake, or petroleum jelly. It may also help to use a humidifier, especially in winter months.

Mouth:
Pregnancy hormones can make your gums swell and bleed. Switching to a softer toothbrush may be less irritating to your gums. Routine dental care does not need to be postponed during pregnancy. Let you dentist know you are pregnant.

Breast Changes:
Your breasts change during pregnancy as your body gets ready for breast-feeding. Swelling and tenderness may occur early in pregnancy. A maternity bra that fits well will help provide relief. By the end of your first trimester, your breasts may start leaking a fluid called colostrum.

Urination:
Pregnant women urinate frequently. This may happen early in pregnancy as the uterus enlarges and puts pressure on the bladder, and again towards the end of pregnancy as the baby settles lower into the pelvis. Urinary tract infections can be common during pregnancy and the symptoms include discomfort with urination, a change in your typical urinary frequency, or a feeling of urgency to urinate. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, please call our office as you may need an antibiotic.

Nausea and/or Vomiting:
This may be worse in the morning, and may range from occasional queasy moments to nausea around the clock, to vomiting several times a day. Women usually begin to experience nausea and/or vomiting between 4 and 8 weeks, and find they are feeling better at around 14 to 16 weeks of pregnancy. Take in plenty of fluids (not too hot or too cold) especially if you are losing them through vomiting. Eat a diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates, both of which fight nausea.

Heartburn and Indigestion:
These can be common during pregnancy. To alleviate them, try eating six small meals a day, drink fluids between meals, eat slowly, avoid fried, greasy or fatty foods, and don't eat or drink within a few hours of bedtime. Some medications are safe to use. Call or ask for advice at your prenatal visit.

Constipation:
Constipation in pregnancy can lead to hemorrhoids. Drinking enough fluids, staying active, and consuming adequate dietary fiber all help to reduce the incidence of constipation.

Hemorrhoids:
Hemorrhoids may occur for other reasons including increased pressure on veins in the lower body due to the increasing size of the uterus and baby. Again, staying active may help to lessen their frequency.

Fatigue and Sleepiness:
You may get tired more easily which may be due in part to hormonal changes as well as increased metabolic demands on your body. Eating a well-balanced diet and getting appropriate rest are important in pregnancy.

Insomnia:
Your growing belly may make it uncomfortable to sleep. Try a shower or warm bath at bedtime, lie on your side with a pillow under your tummy and another between your legs. Limit your daytime naps.

Lower Abdominal Discomfort:
As your uterus grows, the round ligaments (bands of tissue that support the uterus on both sides) are pulled and stretched. This may be a sharp pain or a dull ache on one side of your belly, and are most common between 18 and 24 week of pregnancy. If the discomfort is not relieved by resting or changing position, it may need to be evaluated.

Numbness and Tingling:
As a result of swelling tissues and your growing uterus, you may experience numbness and tingling in your arms and legs.

Shortness of Breath:
The pregnancy hormone progesterone may cause you to feel short of breath early in pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, the uterus is pushing on the diaphragm and this can also make you feel short of breath. If you truly have difficulty breathing, we want to know.

For additional information, we suggest reviewing "Your Pregnancy & Birth", a publication of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. You should receive a copy at your first prenatal visit.