CHANGES IN A WOMAN’S BODY THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY Pregnancy brings in a lot of transformation in the body of a woman. The changes can be obvious or subtle. From the time of conception, the body goes through some tremendous changes. Every week there is a new change, the body transforms as per the needs of the fetus. Nature ensures that a woman’s body is at its best to nourish the baby. Every woman is unique and so are the changes. Not all women show and feel the same symptoms. However, these are a few common changes seen in a woman’s body. Read to know how the body changes through each month of pregnancy. Changes in the FIRST trimester 1st MONTH In the early weeks of pregnancy, not many changes are observed. Slight changes may occur which may or may not be visible. Some women feel sleepy; sense of smell is one of the most common symptoms. The aromas once liked may now cause discomfort. This is called as morning sickness when you experience nausea and vomiting. Certain foods and smell may make you feel sick. 2nd MONTH In the second month you may put on a little weight around the hips and a small bump is formed around the stomach. There may be an increase in the waistline. Most of the women do not find any noticeable changes and therefore they do not realize they are pregnant. Though, you may find a slight change in the texture of the skin and hair. Skin might either become clear and glowing or you might develop acne. By the end of second month, there is an increase in the hormone levels which may lead to the development of mood swings, aversions and food cravings. 3rd MONTH Nasal congestion and stuffy nose can become one of the problems in the 3 rd month. As mentioned earlier, the symptoms may vary from one woman to another. You may feel tired as a lot of blood is pumped throughout the body and therefore your energy levels remain low making you feel weak and tired. Changes in the SECOND trimester 4th MONTH Most of the women usually feel much better during the second trimester when compared to the first. You may now experience pain and discomfort in the abdominal muscles as the body’s muscles stretch in order to accommodate the baby. The thin fine hair line that is present from the navel to the pubic bone becomes darker due to variations in the hormone levels.
5th MONTH Fifth month is a sign of comfort and victory as the mother now has adjusted to the hormonal changes in the body and therefore the couple enjoys this month. Your weight is now obvious and you begin to feel the baby moving. An increase in the blood volume will make you feel light-headed. You might feel itchy as your skin is stretching. Doctors recommend the use of a moisturizer rich in vitamin E. This will keep itchiness away. 6th MONTH The aerola, the region around the nipples become larger and darker. Breasts grow in size and colostrum or the yellowish fluid may leak from the nipples. The breasts get ready to produce milk for the newborn. Colostrum is rich in nutrients and it nourishes and provides immunity to the newborn baby. Changes in the THIRD trimester 7th MONTH During the 7th month women usually experience constipation and indigestion as the digestive tract, lungs and liver are pushed upwards to create space for the baby to grow. This is the time you need to be very careful with the diet you follow as your baby needs proper nourishment. You may also feel an urge to pee because of the pressure on the urinary tract. 8th
MONTH
During the 8th month women usually experience swelling in the hands and feet. Due to the strain on the back you may also experience severe back pain. You may also have trouble sleeping. Try to stay calm. 9th MONTH This is the last month of pregnancy and you are now all ready to welcome the newborn. In this month, you may feel bigger and fuller. As the baby is fully grown, all the organs in your body may be cramped up against the diaphragm. You might also go through a wave of emotions. The only thing you could do is to stay calm and be happy. Stay calm, active and happy. Listen to music which will help you soothe your mind and relax your body. Stay hydrated, eat healthy and try taking adequate amount of rest. Enjoy each day of your life as every moment unfolds something new.