From changes in your blood pressure to an increase in the amount of hair you have, pregnancy affects almost every part of a woman’s body.
Some of these changes are common, well-known and visible, while other changes are not physical or easily detected by the human eye.
Knowing what changes and symptoms to expect may help make you be better prepared for your pregnancy and help you establish a prenatal health plan.
This blog post will discuss some of the most common changes to expect during pregnancy.
Hormone Changes During Pregnancy
During the first trimester, some of the most significant changes a pregnant woman experiences are shifts in her mood, energy levels and the onset of morning sickness.
These changes can be caused by a flood of hormones, particularly progesterone, human placental lactogen, human chorionic gonadotropin and estrogen.
During the later stages of pregnancy, the body will also produce relaxin, which causes ligaments and joints to loosen and become more stretched.
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Due to the influx of pregnancy hormones and increased blood circulation, it is common for women to experience various changes to their skin.
These skin changes can include:
- Hyperpigmentation (particularly around the areolas, external genitalia, on scars and the anal region)
- Linea nigra or linea negra (a dark line on the abdomen to pubic area)
- Develop yellowish-brown patches on their face (known as chloasma)
- Stretch marks
- Red and itchy palms or soles of the feet
- Increased sensitivity to the sun
- Dry and itchy skin on the belly
- Varicose veins
Changes to Your Spine and Joints During Pregnancy
The weight of a growing baby significantly impacts the spine and pelvis. As the baby grows, the mother’s centre of gravity shifts and she may develop a more pronounced inward curve of the spine.
These changes can cause alignment, balance, mobility and postural issues. A pregnancy chiropractor who focuses on prenatal chiropractic care may be able to perform adjustments and stretches to re-establish balance, address poor posture and reduce biomechanical stress.
Heartburn and Digestion Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones cause the bowel muscles to relax, which slows down digestion. This can cause women to feel bloated and cause them heartburn and indigestion.
As the baby grows, the uterus can expand onto the large intestines, which can cause changes to the mother’s bowel movements and lead to constipation. In some women, the strain from constipation can contribute to hemorrhoids.
Swelling, Tingling and Numbness During Pregnancy
During the final stages of pregnancy, some women may experience swelling in their face, hands, ankles and feet. Water retention may contribute to the selling and exacerbate the feelings of tingling and numbness in feet, ankles, fingers, and hands,
Sudden swelling or weight gain could also indicate mild pre-eclampsia, which occurs in 5-10% of pregnancies in Australia.
Monitor Your Changes and Have Regular Prenatal Appointments
While most of these changes are normal, it’s important to be aware of them and to understand what they mean for your health and the health of your baby.
Having a prenatal plan and regular prenatal appointments may help you better understand these changes and how to address the symptoms during your pregnancy.
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