If you thought Harry Potter had exclusive rights to the chamber of secrets, you’d be wrong. Turns out you do too. Your body stirs up an assortment of internal changes during pregnancy, creating a marvelous ecosystem to support you and your baby. And while you may only see changes that happen on the outside, there’s so much more than meets the eye. Body Changes During Pregnancy
In this manual, we thought we’d provide you with a peephole to the changes that occur in your body while you’re pregnant. Here, have a look.
1. Type of Change
Respiratory changes
Description:
Oxygen circulation is partially rerouted to serve the uterus, placenta, fetus and other necessary organs
Effects:
2.Type of Change
Breast changes
Description:
Higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone can cause breast enlargement and tenderness; breasts become largest as a woman approaches her due date as a means of supporting milk production
Effects:
3. Type of Change
Abdominal changes
Description:
The abdomen starts to expand in the second trimester, taking position under the rib cage by the third trimester
Effects:
4. Type of Change
Urological changes
Description:
As the uterus expands, it begins to weigh down key organs like the bladder, urethra and pelvic muscles
Effects:
5.Type of Change
Cardiovascular changes
Description:
Cardiovascular organs work harder to pump out more blood and grow the blood vessels; blood flow to the heart is slowed down because of the weight of the uterus on large veins
Effects:
6. Type of Change
Gastrointestinal changes
Description:
The uterus displaces the stomach, intestines and other gastrointestinal organs as it rises out of the pelvic cavity, causing changes in digestion
Effects:
7. Type of Change
Endocrine changes
Description:
The placenta secretes copious amounts of oestrogen and progesterone, promoting prenatal growth and development
Effects:
8. Type of Change
Musculoskeletal changes
Description:
A change in spinal curvature causes a postural shift; muscles and joints become lax due to an increase in relaxin levels
Effects:
9. Type of Change
Skin changes
Description:
Physical and hormonal changes cause skin to stretch, pigment and redden
Effects:
10. Type of Change
Weight changes
Description:
Expected weight gain during pregnancy ranges from 12 to 17 kg; 1 - 1.5 kg in the first trimester and then 1.5 - 2 kg every month until delivery
Effects:
It’s always worth knowing why your body is responding in a certain way during pregnancy. Now that you’ve opened up your very own chamber of secrets, keep the key close. This is one that you wouldn’t want to lose.
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If you have missed your period, your breasts feel tender, your stomach feels bloated, and you feel more tired overall, it could indicate pregnancy. You won’t experience any visible changes in your body in the early days of pregnancy. A home pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy.
If you are planning to conceive, consult your gynaecologist and start on your prenatal vitamins if recommended. Improve your diet by including more portions of foods rich in essential nutrients like iron, calcium, folate, etc, and cut back on processed foods. Increase your physical activity and avoid alcohol and smoking.
Pregnancy health starts even before conception. You should start focusing on a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle even before you conceive, as starting new physical activities after conception may not be advisable. During pregnancy, ensure you don’t miss your prenatal vitamins, eat nutritious foods, move regularly, and prioritise sleep for better health.
Your doctor will take a series of tests, ultrasounds, and perform regular checkups during your prenatal appointments. They will do a thorough check, looking out for common health issues during pregnancy. Steady weight gain, fetal growth, development, and heartbeat are all indications of health during pregnancy.
