Body Changes during Pregnancy

Most of the pregnant women would be curious about knowing the changes that occurring in their body during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a period to be enjoyed by the expectant mothers as they are going to go through a special journey in their lifetime. In this articleBody Changes during the First Trimester of PregnancyBody Changes in the Second Trimester of PregnancyBody Changes during the Third Trimester of PregnancyDiscomforts Due to the Body Changes during PregnancyHow to Cope With the Body Changes in Pregnancy?Body Changes during the First Trimester of PregnancyDuring the first trimester of pregnancy, the pregnant women feel the tenderness in their breasts. Slight feeling of nausea followed by vomiting during mornings would be commonly seen in the first trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms are called the morning sickness, which is the most important body change that is seen in most of the pregnant women during their first trimester of pregnancy.Fatigue is one of the most obviously seen symptoms during pregnancy. These body changes occurring during pregnancy are mainly due to the hormonal changes that are taking place in the body of the pregnant women. Another important factor that is seen is that the pregnant women miss their menstrual period, after which many pregnant women approach the doctors to get their pregnancy confirmed. Frequent urination can also be experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy.Body Changes in the Second Trimester of PregnancyThe growth of the baby inside the womb becomes visible to the outside world in the second trimester. The abdomen of the pregnant women grows bigger in size because of the growing baby. The baby starts its movements inside the uterus and small punches can be had from the baby by the expectant mother.Appetite increases during the second trimester of pregnancy. In many pregnant women, it can be seen that they gain weight because of over eating during this time. Because of the weight gain due to the hormonal changes, hunger, and the growth of the baby, the pregnant women may find it difficult to stand or sit erect for a longer duration of time.Body Changes during the Third Trimester of PregnancyThird trimester indicates that the delivery is nearing. The abdomen stretches to the maximum size and the stretch marks can be seen in various parts of the body. Some women may experience leaking of breasts as the body prepares for lactation which is normal. Some women may have already experienced it in the earlier trimesters and some women may not experience it at all. Although it is normal, women should also report this change to their doctor. Swelling and numbness can be seen in the extremities due to the accumulation of waste materials and fluids inside the body of the pregnant women during this period. If signs like swelling and numbness are observed pregnant women should inform their doctor.Some women may experience false labour or Braxton hick’s contractions during this phase. However, these contractions may subside after sometime. The actual and increasing contractions with some other signs like breaking or water etc; indicating the actual labour is the final step by the end of this trimester. So, pregnant women must seek some knowledge about the signs of real labour from their doctor so that they can immediately contact him or her on the onset of real labour.Discomforts Due to the Body Changes during PregnancyDue to the hormonal changes happening throughout the pregnancy, the pregnant women come across several problems such as indigestion, constipation, nausea, heartburning sensation, sleeplessness, frequent mood changes, oedema in the extremities, etc. Some pregnant women find it difficult to stand, sit, and sleep properly because of the growing baby inside the womb. Gaining excess weight due to excessive hunger causing gestational diabetes is another major problem found in some pregnant women during pregnancy.How to Cope With the Body Changes in Pregnancy?In order to avoid excessive weight gain it is good to take nutritious diet in regular and frequent intervals. Taking junk food is to be avoided to overcome several problems including indigestion, excessive weight gain, and sleeplessness. Drinking plenty of water helps in reducing the constipation problems. Joining the antenatal exercises classes would be an added advantage to keep the body and mind active.Few enjoyable things during pregnancy are the factors such as glowing skin due to the increased flow of blood, hair growth, and natural happiness in mind due to the feeling of motherhood which make the pregnant women look much beautiful throughout the entire pregnancy.