What will Change When You Get Pregnant?

Have you just realized that you are pregnant and you are wondering what will happen to your well-shaped body? Well, this shouldn’t be a worry as every change that you will experience is normal. Every pregnant woman expects to undergo several body transformations throughout the nine months of pregnancy. It is even unbelievable how a mother’s body changes to accommodate her pregnancy.

Some of the transformations are physical such as weight gain and expanding the belly, and can be realized by everyone. Some changes are well known even if they cannot be physically visible such as backaches, enlarged uterus and cervix, and experiencing morning sicknesses. More so, there are body changes experienced by pregnant mothers that are unexpected and in most cases, catch them by surprise.  This article will give a head-to-toe guide on the unexpected changes that you may undergo when you get pregnant.

1. Enlarged breasts

You may find yourselves changing your bra size severally during your pregnancy as a result of enlargement of your breasts. Breast enlargement is usually seen as a welcome to motherhood sign. Your breasts will increase in size to prepare a room for milk production and breastfeeding. It is advised that you wear loose bras to allow for the enlargement of your breast and comfort. More so, your breasts may tend to be more tender and filled-up.

Your breast nipples may also become very sensitive to touch, and you may find yourselves sleeping in a maternity bra. The skin around your nipples, the areolas, will grow more darkish, especially during your early stages of pregnancy. Also, you may be surprised to notice some leakage of thick milky fluids called colostrums, particularly in your last trimester of pregnancy.

2. Mouth and oral health

You can experience bleeding in your gums. A significant percentage of pregnant women experience this change and can create some open portals for disease-causing germs and infections.

It is essential for you to be careful about your health during pregnancy since pregnant mothers have tamped down immune systems. Therefore, you should always ensure oral hygiene to prevent inflammation of the gums or gingivitis. Further, you can go for a dental x-ray as long as your belly is protected from the dangerous radiations.

3. Skin

Almost all pregnant women undergo skin changes such as pilling, gaining more melanin, and even swelling. The most common and a little bit bothersome skin change that you can endure during pregnancy is getting stretch marks. Stretch marks are purplish, pinkish lines that emerge on your belly, breasts, thighs, and backside. Stretch marks may be itchy and stressing.

Stretch marks may occur if you are carrying a large fetus, obese, or undergo rapid weight gain. You may not find a way of preventing stretch marks, but you can use cocoa butter to reduce and control their itchiness. In most cases, the marks will fade away after delivery, and the itchiness will be no more.

4. Hair and nails

Most women like long, healthy hair. I hope that you like having beautiful hair too. Most of the transformations caused by pregnancy might not be desirable, but this one will allow you to enjoy your pregnancy period. You may experience good hair period during pregnancy due to the increased production of estrogen. Biologically, estrogen stimulates increase the length of the growing phase of hair follicles. This results in having longer, thicker, beautiful, and healthier hair on your head.

You may also experience growth of hair in other parts of the body such as the stomach, breast nipples, back, and upper lip. The level of production of estrogen falls after delivery causing women to shed hair. You may therefore see pieces of hair falling when taking a bath or combing.

You may also experience coarsening of the texture of your nails when pregnant. Your nails grow more soft and fragile. You may find them splitting more quickly too.

The changes of the nail are caused by the increased blood flow in the toes and fingers as a result of increased estrogen levels. This is the best time for you to enjoy pedicures and manicures since both your hair and nails tend to grow faster, longer, thicker, and beautiful.

5. Feet

You may be surprised to find out that you have to change your shoe size during pregnancy as a result of the growth of your feet. An increase in the growth hormone mostly causes an increased feet size. Some women notice the growth of their feet and flattening of the feet arches when they are expecting.   Also, you may experience some swelling around your feet and ankles caused by the increased production of fluids that pool in these parts of your body.

6. Body temperature

You may find yourself sweating a lot and becoming warmer during pregnancy. Your body undergoes increased metabolism and increased sweat gland activity. Such conditions may make you feel uncomfortable, especially when summer hits. To stay fresh and prevent dehydration, you should drink a lot of water throughout the day and wear loose and light clothes.

7. Belly button

Pregnancy will undoubtedly cause the growth of your belly. While your abdomen is enlarging, your belly button will also dance to the rhythm. If your belly button is an outie, you should expect it to protrude out more, and an innie will become more of an outie. Your belly button will get back to its normal state after delivery. You should, therefore, prepare yourself for these changes by having expandable clothes that you can wear even after delivery.

8. Joints and ligaments

Your body secrets a pregnancy hormone called relaxin that helps in loosening joints and ligaments. The relaxin hormone allows your pelvis to become loose to create more space for delivery and preparation for labor. Relaxin also causes stretching and loosening of all joints and ligaments in your body.

These stretching and loosening is the origin of sciatica and back pain. Also, the relaxin hormone is responsible for the altering of your walking style during pregnancy.  You should practice Yoga to control pregnancy waddle and lower body discomfort.

In conclusion, your body will undergo undesirable, stressing, and enjoyable changes during pregnancy. All these changes are meant to provide a healthy environment for the growth of your fetus. The transformations also prepare you for safe delivery of your baby. Enjoy your pregnancy and embrace the changes that come with it as normal.