1. Hormonal Breast Augmentation and Other Adjustments
Some of the first signs of pregnancy are changes in your breasts. Hormone fluctuations cause swelling and soreness in very early pregnancy. It's not uncommon for your breasts to feel full and uncomfortable as your due date approaches. This is your body preparing to breastfeed. You may notice some thick yellowish fluid leaking from your nipples. This is called colostrum, which is the first milk your body prepares for your baby. If leaking becomes a problem, you can wear thin breast pads in your bra to catch the leakage.
2. Prepare to Slow Down
There are so many digestive changes in your body during pregnancy. Some of the most common complaints are constipation and heartburn. Your metabolism slows down during pregnancy, which is thought to be the reason behind the digestive issues. Take in extra fiber to help with the constipation. Over the counter antacids help with mild heartburn and give you an extra boost of calcium at the same time. If you struggle to find relief from either issue, mention it to your doctor.
3. Expect Stretch Marks, Splotches and More
Your skin changes quite a bit during pregnancy. You might notice your nipples getting darker, or a dark line forming between your belly button and your pelvis. This is called a linea nigra and more common in women with darker skin tones. Some women notice light brown splotches or extra freckles forming on their face, arms or chest. Stretch marks are mostly likely to occur in the second half of your pregnancy, as your belly stretches to accommodate the fast growing baby. You might also notice stretch marks on your legs, bottom, breasts and thighs. Most all skin changes fade or disappear after delivery.
4. Don't Forget to Floss
Your teeth need a little extra attention while you're pregnant. More specifically, your gums need the extra treatment. Gum disease, left untreated, can cause premature birth and low birth weight. Get an oral exam early on in your pregnancy to check for any problems. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and floss to help reduce gum bleeding.
5. A Growing Belly Makes for Lots of Aches and Pains
Your body might just hurt, in general, during your pregnancy. There are so many changes taking place that it's not unusual to feel uncomfortable at some point. If you get leg cramps, try gentle stretching or heating pads to relieve the discomfort. A heating pad can also help reduce some lower back pain that a lot of women feel as their pregnancy progresses. Remembering that there is a reward at the end of all of this discomfort helps you tolerate the stress that your body is enduring.
