Understanding your body during pregnancy

Understanding your body during pregnancy
By MayoClinic.com

From conception to birth, your body is programmed to support the needs of your growing baby. The physical changes you'll experience may leave you marveling at the wonder of pregnancy — and perhaps looking forward to the day when you can reclaim your body.

An average of 25 to 35 pounds of weight gain aside, you may be surprised by pregnancy's effect on your body. Here's what to expect.

First trimester changes

Within two weeks of conception, hormones trigger your body to begin nourishing the baby — even before tests and a physical exam can confirm the pregnancy. Here are some common early changes:

• Vaginal bleeding. Spotting or what appears to be a scanty period may be the first sign of pregnancy. A small amount of bleeding can occur when the fertilized egg, which has already undergone several cell divisions, implants into the lining of your uterus.
• Tender breasts. Your breasts may become unusually sensitive and feel fuller and heavier. It may help to wear a more supportive bra.
• Unusual fatigue. You're bound to feel tired as your body produces more blood and prepares to support the pregnancy. Your heart will pump faster and harder, and your pulse will quicken. Rest as much as you can.
• Bouts of nausea. Many women struggle with queasiness, nausea or vomiting in early pregnancy. It tends to be worse in the morning, but some women feel nauseated throughout the day. It may help to eat frequent, small meals and drink plenty of fluids.
• Increased urination. You may need to urinate more often as your growing uterus presses on your bladder, which lies directly in front of and slightly under the uterus during the first few months of pregnancy. The same pressure may cause you to leak urine when sneezing, coughing or laughing.
• Constipation. An increase in the hormone progesterone, which slows the digestive process, may cause constipation — especially during the first 13 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. To prevent constipation, drink plenty of fluids and boost your fiber intake.

Second trimester changes

The second trimester is often the most enjoyable stage of pregnancy. The worst of the nausea has usually passed, and your baby isn't big enough to crowd your abdominal organs and make you uncomfortable. Even so, you may notice physical changes from head to toe:

• Larger breasts. Stimulated by estrogen and progesterone, the milk-producing glands inside your breasts get larger. A small amount of fat may also accumulate in your breasts. The result may be as much as 1 pound of extra breast tissue.
• Glowing skin. Blood circulation increases during pregnancy, including the tiny vessels just beneath the surface of your skin. Enjoy the healthy glow.
• Nasal problems. As more blood flows to your body's mucous membranes, the lining of your nose and airway swells. This can restrict airflow and cause snoring, congestion and nosebleeds.
• Dizziness. Your blood vessels dilate in response to pregnancy hormones. Until your blood volume expands to fill them, you may experience occasional dizziness. Avoid prolonged standing, and rise slowly after lying or sitting down.
• Bleeding gums. Increased blood circulation can soften your gums. This may cause minor bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth.
• Leg cramps. Pressure from your uterus on the veins returning blood from your legs may cause leg cramps, especially at night. Stretch the affected muscle or walk your way through the cramps.
• Vaginal discharge. You may notice a thin, white vaginal discharge. This discharge consists mainly of cells from the vaginal lining and normal vaginal moisture.

Third trimester changes

During the last three months of pregnancy, your baby may poke you in the ribs as he or she practices uterine gymnastics. These exciting sensations are often accompanied by increasing discomfort and other physical changes:

• Shortness of breath. You may get winded easily as your uterus expands beneath your diaphragm, the muscle just below your lungs.
• Backaches. The increased weight you're carrying may be tough on your back. When you must stand, place one foot on a box or stool. Sit in chairs with good back support. Apply heat or cold to the painful area. Ask your partner for a massage.
• Heartburn. Your growing uterus may push your stomach out of its normal position, which can contribute to heartburn. To keep stomach acid where it belongs, eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids.
• Swollen ankles. Pressure from your growing uterus on the veins that return blood from your feet and legs may leave you with swollen feet and ankles.
• Thick hair. Many women enjoy more luxuriant hair later in pregnancy. This is often followed by excess hair shedding after delivery.
• Changes in skin color. Hormonal changes may make your cheeks, chin, nose and forehead darker than usual. Some women — particularly those with dark hair and fair skin — may notice a brownish darkening on the forehead, temples and central part of the face. Skin that's already pigmented — such as the area around your nipples — may get even darker.
• Spider veins. Increased blood circulation may cause small reddish spots on your face, neck, upper chest or arms, especially if you have fair skin. The spots may seem to sprout tiny blood vessels that resemble spider legs.
• Varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Veins throughout your body become larger during pregnancy to accommodate increased blood volume. This change is especially noticeable in veins near the skin surface, such as those in your legs. Elevating your legs and wearing support stockings can help ease any discomfort.

  Varicose veins in your rectum are known as hemorrhoids. To prevent hemorrhoids, include plenty of fiber in your diet and drinks lots of fluids.

• Increased perspiration. Your baby generates heat by growing and exercising. In turn, you're likely to notice more sweating than usual. In hot weather, you may need to rest, drink cold liquids and take cool showers to keep from overheating.
• Stretch marks. You may notice pink, red or purple streaks along your abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks or thighs. Your stretching skin may also be itchy. Moisturizers can help. Although stretch marks can't be prevented, eventually the marks fade in intensity.

When to consult your doctor

Most physical changes you'll experience during pregnancy are normal. It's important to pay attention to your body, however. Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or any amount of bleeding after the first trimester
• Moderate or severe pelvic pain or any degree of pelvic pain that lasts more than four hours
• Constipation that leads to more than two days between bowel movements
• Persistent heartburn that doesn't respond to smaller meals
• Persistent bleeding from the gums
• Shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain or a cough
• A severe or persistent headache, especially with dizziness, faintness, nausea, vomiting or visual disturbances
• Vomiting with pain or fever
• Strong-smelling, green or yellowish vaginal discharge or any vaginal discharge accompanied by redness, itching and irritation
• Burning during urination
• Rapid swelling, especially of the face and hands

If in doubt, make the call. Your doctor may want to do a physical exam to make sure you and your baby are fine.