Pregnancy is an incredible journey. At one time you will feel extremely excited while on the other you will be worried and anxious. Read on to learn everything you wanted to know about pregnancy and the things that are associated with pregnancy as well as childbirth.When it comes to the topic, pregnancy, there are many misconceptions, myths and misbelieves which confuse the pregnant women. No matter to which part of the globe you belong to, there would be hundreds of suggestions as soon as you declare your pregnancy.Be it your neighbours, relatives, friends, colleagues or your family members, you are going to receive a long list of do’s and don’ts from almost every person you meet. However, you need to know what is right and important so that you do your best to give your child what she deserves.Changes in a Woman during PregnancyPregnancy is a period when a woman goes under many physical and emotional changes. Everything, right from the size of the belly to heart rate, changes. There are many hormonal changes going on inside a pregnant woman and it continues to have an impact on life and living even after childbirth. For example, a pregnant woman will need to buy new bras, fell heavy breathing when climbing stairs, find ways to get relief from swollen ankles and might feel anxious to find out how quickly their nails grow.Common Physical Changes during PregnancyTender and Larger BreastsRight from early months of pregnancy you will find that your breasts are tender and getting larger as well. During late pregnancy months you might find some leakage from breasts. It is advisable to wear well fitting bra for right comfort and support.Frequent UrinationSince the blood volume increases during pregnancy, it puts lot of pressure on your kidney. Also, due to weight of the belly, you feel the need to use the bathroom often.CongestionThe higher volume of blood flow during pregnancy leads to congestion and running nose. You can make use of saline spray to clear the mucus or use a Neti pot regularly to stay away from the discomfort.Changes in Mouth and TeethDuring pregnancy the body requires extra calcium and if it does not get through diet, it steals from bones and teeth. It is advisable to get your teeth and gums checked regularly during pregnancy.Heartburn and GasMost pregnant women experience this discomfort and the crowded and congested space in the system can be blamed for this. Pressure of the uterus on the stomach also allows the stomach acid to reflux and go to the throat. Make sure you consult your obstetrician before taking any over-the-counter medicines for heartburn or gas.Aches and PainsDuring pregnancy lot of ligaments and tendons of your body stretch and this is important to help you and your body accommodate the growing baby as well as ease your labour. So, aches and pains are expected during pregnancy especially in your lower abdomen in the last trimester. If you find anything unbearable, you can go for medicine prescribed by your doctor. You can also expect morning sickness, headache, heartburn and many more ache and pains during pregnancy.ConstipationConstipation during pregnancy is also due to the hormones that are released in this period. To avoid this, you should exercise regularly, drink plenty of water and increase intake of fibrous food. DyspnoeaDyspnoea or shortness of breath is seen in the last trimester of pregnancy. It happens because child presses the diaphragm and you may feel that you are not able to breathe properly. It is advisable to lie down in a comfortable position during these situations and avoid doing things fast.Cramps in LegMany pregnant women find sudden cramps in their legs. This is most often experienced at night. Exercise regularly or at least do stretching of your legs before going to bed to avoid cramps. It may also be caused due to low iron or potassium in the body. So, let your health care professional test these levels and prescribe supplements, if needed. Hair and NailsWomen experience change in their hair and nail and their growth during pregnancy and this is because of the hormone changes that goes on inside the body.Significance of Attending Prenatal CarePrenatal care is recommended for women before and during pregnancy. The main aim of this is to figure out any potential problem and help the pregnant woman manage the problem effectively. Having a healthy pregnancy helps promote healthy birth. If you get early and regular prenatal care chances of healthy and safe pregnancy increase.As soon as your pregnancy is confirmed, you should schedule your visit to the health care provider. Prenatal care will help prevent complications and also help you know important steps to protect your infant and have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Just keep in mind that it is much more than just monitoring your weight gain and diet. Along with the health of the pregnant woman, health of the unborn child is also examined and kept under close watch.Nutrition during PregnancyWhen it comes to nutrition and diet during pregnancy, there is a common misconception that since you are bearing a child you need to eat for two and this is not altogether true. Well, even though the requirement of calories increase during pregnancy, but it is not that you have to eat for two.A balanced and nutritious diet is very important for healthy pregnancy. It is advisable to balance carbohydrates, proteins and fats in your diet and increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables for best results. Pay attention to dairy products and eggs to fulfil your body’s requirements.Pregnant women are prone to infections. So, the food should be cooked properly and fruits should be washed well before eating. Practice good hygiene in kitchen as this will reduce the risks.Weight Gain during PregnancyWeight gain during pregnancy varies from one woman to another. It depends on what your weight was when you conceived. So, it is advisable to keep a check on your weight right from the time your pregnancy gets confirmed and follow the advices and suggestions given to you by your health care provider regarding this.During pregnancy insufficient weight gain or excessive weight gain can cause problem and compromise the health of both, mother and the foetus. It is very important to gain the right amount of weight during pregnancy. For this you should eat a healthy diet and maintain an exercise regime as recommended by your health care provider.What is Safe during Pregnancy?There are medications, recreational drugs, some food items and some chores that you should avoid during pregnancy.MedicationMedicines are said to be avoided during pregnancy because they have temporary or permanent effects on the foetus.Recreational drugsUse of recreational drugs may cause a lot of complications during pregnancy. So, it is best to avoid them.Sexual activityExperts are of the opinion that as far as comfort level of the woman is maintained, couples can get along with sexual activity. Just apply the common sense rule and avoid putting pressure on the belly during the act.ExerciseThere is lot of confusion when it comes to exercise during pregnancy. However, the best advice is given by your obstetrician because he or she knows well about your medical history and can decide what would go well with you.As far as normal pregnant woman is concerned, it has been observed that physical exercise during pregnancy decreases the risk of caesarean childbirth.SleepSleep is very important and so experienced medical professionals suggest avoiding shift work and bright light during night hours because this affects sleep. Proper sleep helps avoid physiological and behavioural problems in child.Working during PregnancyWorking women do not find it easy to continue working when they are pregnant. However, some women may not find difficulty all through the pregnant months, but some face practical problems especially during the first trimester and the last one. By eating healthy food, avoiding stress and taking proper rest, you can also continue working during pregnancy.After knowing about pregnancy and the changes that occur during this period, you should learn about signs and stages of labour. Above are some of the most important things that you should keep in mind during pregnancy.How to have a healthy pregnancy? Which unhealthy habits during pregnancy can cause risk to the unborn baby? Is it safe to work during the ninth month of pregnancy? Discuss here.