Physical changes during pregnancy
Growing a human being is one of the most incredible miracles of life. Your body goes through the most amazing changes during pregnancy to nurture, grow and birth your baby. Here are some of the wonderful ways your body adapts.
The cardiovascular system
From the very beginning of your pregnancy, changes occur in your cardiovascular system to improve the blood supply to best support the growth of your baby. The fluid in your body increases by around 50%. Hormonal changes allow the walls of your blood vessels to relax and widen to accommodate this. As a result, pregnant women usually have a slightly raised pulse and comparatively lower blood pressure. The boosted circulation, along with the changes in hormones, can give you a radiant glow.
Later in pregnancy, you may experience some swelling in your legs, ankles, feet and fingers.
The musculoskeletal system
The hormones in your body naturally support your ligaments to become softer and stretchier to accommodate your growing baby. As your baby grows, the extra weight causes a natural change in posture which increases strain on the pelvis and back. This can result in backache; special pregnancy support belts such as the Cellacare Materna Comfort can reduce stress on the back area.
Skin and Hair
Changes in hormones lead to greater production of your skin's natural oil (sebum) to keep it supple. This can result in the pores becoming blocked, resulting in spots. As your baby grows, the skin stretches and can become dry, itchy and more sensitive. If you experience extreme itching, you should seek advice from a medical professional.
The hormone changes also increase the amount of melanin (your natural skin pigment) your body produces. This includes your areola (the area around your nipple), which may darken to assist your baby in finding the breast post-birth to feed.
Skin care tips:
Use gentle PH-neutral cleansers and skin care products to help avoid irritation.
Use a high-factor sunscreen when outside.
Drink plenty of fluids.
The changes in hormones can make your hair stay in the growth phase of its cycle for longer, resulting in thicker-feeling hair.
Other changes in the body
As your baby grows, some of your other organs are displaced. This includes your stomach which can result in heartburn and bloating. There is less room for your lungs to expand fully. Your growing uterus pushes against your bladder making you feeling like you have to go to the toilet more often.
