According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4 million women in the United States have babies each year. A woman's body goes through enormous changes during the 36 weeks of gestation as accommodations are made for the needs of the growing fetus. A pregnant woman experiences a variety of signs and symptoms during this period.
Morning Sickness
In the early months of pregnancy, some women experience nausea and vomiting caused by rapid hormonal changes. While these unpleasant symptoms are often referred to as symptoms of morning sickness, they can happen at any point throughout the day.
Small meals eaten several times a day can help keep your stomach full and lessen the chances of it becoming upset. Eating crackers or dry toast first thing in the morning helps alleviate these flu-like symptoms, which normally dissipate by mid-pregnancy.
Aches & Pains
An assortment of aches and pains are typical as the body adjusts to its new condition. It's common to experience abdominal pain as well as back aches and discomfort in the thighs and groin area, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Sometimes pregnant women suffer pain when the uterus places pressure on the sciatic nerve. This condition can cause pain that shoots down the lower back all the way down to the foot.
Breast Changes
As pregnancy progresses, the hormonal changes typically cause a woman's breasts to become noticeably larger as they are readied for breast feeding. A sense of fullness in the breasts causes tenderness.
In the final weeks of pregnancy, the breasts might leak colostrum, which is the initial milk produced by the breasts. Colostrum is full of antibodies designed to guard a newborn baby against infection.
Bladder & Constipation Issues
As a fetus grows and places pressure on the bladder, pregnant women often experience bladder control issues as well as frequent urination. An infection might be present if you notice a burning sensation while urinating. Kegal exercises (designed to improve the ability to hold urine) can help tone muscles in the pelvic area.
Rising hormone levels during pregnancy can sometimes lead to constipation. Consuming foods high in fiber, such as whole grain cereals and breads, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help ease bowel movement difficulties.
Swelling & Varicose Veins
Some pregnant women will experience minor swelling toward the end of gestation, especially in the ankles, hands and face. Drinking plenty of fluids helps offset the condition. You might also consider wearing support house.
Since blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy, your veins are prone to enlargement. This combined with added pressure on the large veins behind the uterus might slow blood flow to the heart. This can result in varicose veins in the legs.
