8 Ways Your Body Changes During Pregnancy

Finding out that you are pregnant is a wonderful moment, and for many filled with joy and excitement.

Expecting a baby is a beautiful experience, and as your pregnancy body changes dramatically over 9 months being prepared for some of the more common changes can help ease your mind.

Below are 8 ways you can expect your body to change, with some great pregnancy tips for helping you feel your best.

 

> #1 Morning sickness

Feeling nauseous or being sick is one of the most common early pregnancy signs and varies from person to person.

Morning sickness can start as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy and usually lasts through the first trimester, although some women can experience it throughout their entire pregnancy.

Experiencing a loss of appetite is also linked to morning sickness and some people find that they can not stomach the sight or smell of certain foods.

Eating foods like salty crackers, and plain toast and drinking plenty of fluids will help with sickness. Ginger tea or ginger-flavored sweets and avoiding fatty, fried foods can also help reduce feelings of nausea.

Body changes during pregnancy: #2 Bra size

Another early pregnancy sign is your breasts changing as the hormones estrogen and progesterone increase during pregnancy. Your breasts may also feel tender and your usual bras may start to feel uncomfortable.

The size of your ribcage can also change during pregnancy as your internal organs move upwards as the baby grows.

If your usual bras feel too small or you are uncomfortable get measured professionally for a bra and consider changing to a bra without underwriting, that offers support but also allows you room to grow and feel more comfortable.

#3 Frequent need to pee

If you find yourself needing to go to the toilet to pee more often than usual, rest assured that this is a normal part of pregnancy.

Hormonal changes cause your kidneys to work harder to cleanse your body of toxins quicker. As your baby grows, the weight of the baby will also push down on your bladder, meaning more trips to the bathroom.

If you find that your sleep is being disturbed by your need to pee, then cut down on large drinks a few hours before bed and avoid caffeinated drinks which can cause you to go to the bathroom more often than usual.

Body changes during pregnancy: #4 Thicker hair

Now one of the more positive body changes that happen during pregnancy!

One of the symptoms of pregnancy is thicker hair, as pregnancy hormones cause extra hair growth and less fallout. Your hair may appear thicker and shinier as your pregnancy hormones prevent hair from falling out.

If you are thinking of having any hair treatments during pregnancy, check first with your doctor that these are safe for you and your baby.

Also be aware that pregnancy can change the texture of your hair and how it responds to certain treatments, so inform the salon that you are expecting when booking.

 

#5 Glowing skin!

As you are growing a brand new person, it is expected that you will have more blood flowing through your body and your blood volume can increase by 50%.

This additional blood flowing through your body can give you a healthy radiant glow and you may get compliments regarding your glowing skin.

Additional blood flowing around your body can also make your lips look plumper and you may also feel warmer in general.

The extra blood in your body is there to help deliver vital nutrients to the baby and help distribute oxygen around your body.

#6 Flexible joints

Continuing with our list of body changes during pregnancy, let’s talk… joints!

During pregnancy, you may feel your joints are more flexible or looser than usual, this is thanks to an increase in the hormone relaxin during pregnancy.

This hormone softens cartilage, ligaments, and joints connecting bones within the body, and helps your pelvis to widen in preparation for birth and your organs to move to make space for your growing baby.

As your joints are more flexible ensure that you wear supportive shoes and avoid jerky exercises or lifting heavy objects.

Yoga is a great exercise during pregnancy, as it is slow and steady and can help strengthen your muscles which will support your joints. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine during pregnancy.

 

Body changes during pregnancy: #7 Stretch marks

It is expected that as your baby grows, your body will also increase in size and your skin will need to expand and stretch.

Some people experience stretch marks during pregnancy whereas others never get them and stretch marks are caused by both the physical stretching of the skin as well as hormones.

Stretch marks look like pinky-purple marks on the skin and can show on the thighs, stomach, hips, and breasts. Keep your skin supple by moisturizing daily with a cream or oil designed to hydrate the skin and improve elasticity, which can help prevent stretch marks.

#8 Feeling tired

As your body is changing and your baby is constantly growing it is normal to feel more tired than usual. The first trimester can leave you feeling fatigued as your body is overwhelmed by a sudden surge of hormones and your body quickly responds to the pregnancy.

By the second trimester, you may be feeling more energetic and capable but by the third trimester, you may start to feel more tired as your baby becomes bigger and heavier and moving around becomes more difficult.

Ensuring that you get as much sleep as possible is crucial during pregnancy, but not always easy. Sleep pillows to support your belly can help you feel more comfortable at night and aromatherapy can help create a calming sleep environment.

 

 

Body changes during pregnancy: that’s a wrap!

 

Pregnancy can be an enjoyable experience for many women and ensuring that you take good care of yourself and make adjustments to your everyday life can make a big difference to how you feel.

A perfect way to capture the feelings and emotions during your pregnancy is with a pregnancy photoshoot, where you can create an everlasting memory with your bump. The perfect time to book a pregnancy photo shoot is between 28-36 weeks, when you feel relatively comfortable and your baby bump is nice and round.

Your body is creating a new life and it is an amazing time to celebrate, and time flies by, so cherish these pre-baby pregnancy moments while you can.

 

Natalie Moss Photography – based in Woking – specialises in newborn, baby, and maternity photography for families in and around Surrey.

 

Want to know more about Newborn Photoshoots? Visit www.nataliemossphotography.co.uk/newbornphotography

 

And why not adding a specialist Maternity Session? Visit www.nataliemossphotography.co.uk/surrey-maternity-photographer