From the moment of conception until after the birth of a child, the female body endures a variety of changes. These changes can be good, such as feeling the baby move, to other bothersome changes, such as morning sickness and acid reflux. Because every pregnancy is different, a woman may not experience the same symptoms during pregnancy as another expectant mother. A few symptoms, however, are often shared among the majority of pregnant women.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is the presence of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This condition usually occurs first thing in the morning, when blood glucose levels are low. Morning sickness generally occurs during the first trimester and ends by the 14th week, however, it is not uncommon for an expectant mother to remain sick throughout her pregnancy.
Morning sickness can be contributed to a variety of factors, including low blood sugar, hunger, hormones, increased sensitivity to odors and acid reflux. The period in which morning sickness tends to peak is often the same period when the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) peaks.
Fatigue
Fatigue develops in the first few days of pregnancy. The demand on the body during a pregnancy often leaves the expectant mother exhausted.
Difficulty Resting
Difficulty sleeping, or even resting for a short period of time, can contribute to an expectant mother's fatigue. Finding a comfortable position in the third trimester can seem impossible, especially with the extra weight gained, the awkwardness of your protruding belly and the constant movements of the unborn child. Using body pillows and sleeping in a position that allows you to lie on your side with both knees bent can help.
Heartburn/Acid Reflux
During pregnancy, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are released in order to help relax the uterus so it can expand. These hormones also cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents stomach acid from traveling into the esophagus. This allows small amounts of stomach acid to rise into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation. This sensation is called acid reflux, or heartburn.
To add to the problem, the growing uterus is slowly placing pressure on the upper abdominal cavity. This pressure pushes the intestines and stomach out of their normal position and pushes the stomach acid past the sphincter. When the sphincter is already relaxed, this added pressure makes the expectant mother's reflux worse.
References
- WomensHealth: Stages of Pregnancy
- "Taking Charge Of Your Fertility"; Toni Welcher; 2006
- "What To Expect When You're Expecting"; Heidi Murkoff; 2008
