While your growing abdomen might be the most obvious transformation your body endures, pregnancy affects other parts of your body as well. Changing hormone levels and the growing fetus can affect everything from your skin to the size of your feet. Many of these changes often prove surprising to expecting mothers who anticipated a bigger belly but not necessarily a new shoe size.
Time Frame
Your body changes throughout the course of your pregnancy, with many changes occurring early in the pregnancy due to increasing hormone levels and others happening later as your baby increases in size. Tender, swollen and enlarged breasts are one of the first signs of pregnancy experienced by many women. During the first three months, nausea and vomiting might also occur. As the pregnancy continues, body aches, constipation, heartburn and skin changes---ranging from oily skin and acne to a pregnancy "glow" due to increased blood flow---become more common symptoms.
Considerations
Some pregnancy changes can indicate more serious conditions that require a doctor's advice and possible treatment. Pregnant women often experience increased urinary frequency throughout the course of the pregnancy, but if you also feel a burning sensation when urinating, call your doctor so he can rule out a urinary tract infection. Many pregnant women experience dizziness during their pregnancy due to low blood sugar levels and low blood pressure due to increased blood flow to the baby. If you experience dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding or pain, WomensHealth.gov recommends contacting your doctor immediately.
Misconceptions
Pregnancy affects each woman differently, making it virtually impossible to predict exactly which changes you will experience during the course of your pregnancy. Dr. Steven Dowshen of KidsHealth offers reassurance that while body changes are an expected part of pregnancy, most women will not experience the exact same ones. Some women might suffer from 24/7 morning sickness while others never feel queasy---others might experience puffy feet while others go their entire pregnancy without any swelling.
Prevention/Solution
Alleviate nausea, vomiting, heartburn and dizziness by eating six to eight small meals at regular intervals throughout the day. Never skip meals since this can lead to dizziness, shaking and nausea. Make sure you eat healthy, non-greasy or low-fat meals full of fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Whole grains can help relieve constipation, as can fiber-rich foods like raw vegetables and fruits.
Drink plenty of water to avoid urinary tract infections and dehydration---a condition that can lead to pre-term contractions, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Comfort swollen feet by switching to a larger size shoe--slip-on shoes often work well for pregnant women who might have difficulties tying or buckling shoes onto their feet.
Potential
While pregnancy does produce many uncomfortable body changes, many pregnant women also experience positive changes during pregnancy like clearer skin and faster-growing hair and nails. Pregnancy hormones can cause your hair to fall out less---making it appear thicker and more luxuriant. This change usually reverses itself shortly after you give birth so enjoy it during pregnancy.
References
- Women's Health: Body Changes and Discomforts During Pregnancy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Common Discomforts and Body Changes During Pregnancy
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: How Your Baby Grows During Pregnancy
- Kids Health: 10 things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant
- American Pregnancy Association: Premature Labor
