How the Body Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of enormous changes to the body. Some of the physical effects of pregnancy are well known, like weight gain and nausea. Many, however, come as a surprise to women experiencing pregnancy for the first time. If your partner is pregnant, here are some changes you may want to know about, so you’ll understand what to expect.

Trying to get pregnant can be extremely thrilling, but also full of anxiety. The first sign of pregnancy may be a missed period, but you may experience other symptoms right around the same time. For many women, overwhelming fatigue may be the first clue that they’re going to have a baby. It makes sense that the body would be tired, since it’s having to adjust to a lot of physical changes. A pregnant woman should sleep whenever possible, whether that means sleeping longer at night or squeezing in naps during the day. Fortunately, she’ll have more energy in the second trimester.

Morning sickness may be the most well-known symptom of early pregnancy, and it involves nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy hormones. It doesn’t really confine itself to morning, though, and can happen any time of day or night. A pregnant woman might find that certain foods or smells make her feel sick, and many people feel sicker on an empty stomach. There are tons of remedies for morning sickness, from taking vitamin B6 to using over the counter ginger supplements and other herbal remedies, to wearing sea-sickness bands on the wrists.

Other symptoms that women experience at the beginning of pregnancy include frequent urination, lightheadedness, heartburn, constipation, skin changes from increased circulation, visible veins because of the extra blood being pumped through the body, swollen, tender breasts, vaginal changes, emotional swings, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Some of these symptoms go away as the pregnancy progresses, but others stick around until after the baby is born. As a woman gets further into her pregnancy, her ligaments loosen, she’ll gain weight, and she’s likely to retain fluid. It’s important for pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, get enough rest, and be careful to follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid pregnancy complications.

Some of the changes women experience during pregnancy come as a surprise. For instance, many people don’t know that nearsightedness and blurred vision often occur during pregnancy. There may also be an increase of intraocular pressure. Most pregnant women tend to prefer saltier or sweeter foods than they did before pregnancy. The sense of smell may also increase, making the woman more sensitive to odor. Many women find that it’s harder to exercise when pregnant, and most find that their hair and nails grow very quickly. Once the baby is born, though, the body will shed most of that hair, with shedding happening for up to a year postpartum. Hyperpigmentation can occur during pregnancy, with skin tone darkening on various parts of the body, and sometimes on the face. It’s important to wear sunscreen during pregnancy to help keep this to a minimum, but this darkening typically goes away after the baby is born.

Pregnancy is an extremely exciting time for both parents, and full of change. The best thing to do is embrace it and support your partner as she experiences physical and emotional changes. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.