Sometimes it only truly sinks in that the positive result has arrived with the changes in the body during pregnancy. And these changes can start even before the positive test, creating that suspicion that a new life is on the way.
When Do the Changes Happen?
The most significant changes happen from the 12th week of pregnancy onwards. Although hormonal swelling appears much earlier, around the 8th week, the characteristic baby bump starts showing from the 15th week in women going through their first pregnancy. Those on their second pregnancy may notice some changes happening more quickly1.
The most anticipated body change is certainly the growth of the belly, and along with this main transformation, many others are associated. The body changes quickly due to hormones and from one week to the next, suddenly, the breasts may become fuller, the buttocks larger, sleep becomes constant, that hunger is always there… Changes can be more drastic for some women and gradual for others over the course of pregnancy.
Main Changes During Pregnancy
One thing that changes at the beginning of pregnancy is body temperature, which rises a little2. Sometimes, the pregnant woman may feel very hot, with a sudden hot flash and a sensation of warmth in the hands and feet. Another classic body change during pregnancy are the well-known—and why not say dreaded—nausea.
Expected Changes
Hormonal changes can cause nausea, the so-called morning sickness, reflux (vomiting), and even severe bouts of heartburn. Now, some changes in the body during pregnancy that aren’t as well known are the initial pains. Pregnant women can feel a lot of pain early on, such as cramps, a feeling of heaviness in the back and legs, and pain in the lower abdomen, which can become quite firm. Symptoms very similar to those of an approaching period and, for those who suffer from PMS, very familiar ones.
Changes in taste may or may not happen, but when they do, your favorite foods can become the cause of discomfort. Especially foods with strong smells like coffee and garlic. Even your favorite perfume can become extremely nauseating3.
The frequency of bowel movements also usually becomes a problem, decreasing significantly. It’s worth noting that for some women, the appearance of stool changes during pregnancy, becoming more liquid than usual4.
Once the stage of initial changes has passed, the more evident and characteristic changes of pregnancy set in: breast enlargement, loss of the waistline, a fuller face due to hormonal changes, and weight gain.
Discomforts
Veins in the breasts and the body in general may become darker due to increased blood circulation. Darkening of the areolas and the appearance of the linea nigra are also common. It’s worth mentioning that some changes in the body are not pleasant at all. Gas, for example, can increase significantly, causing discomfort and embarrassment.
This increase in gas may explain sensations in the body that resemble baby movements, but in women experiencing their first pregnancy, real movements become noticeable only from the 16th week of pregnancy onwards.
Some pregnant women may also feel discomfort during sexual intercourse. And just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop having sex and enjoying intimacy, unless it’s medically advised otherwise. If the issue is lack of lubrication, which is very common due to hormonal variations at this stage, it’s possible to use lubricant gel to improve your sex life.
Pregnancy Changes That Make Women Glow
Skin and hair change, becoming oilier or drier, in addition to the presence of chloasma which for some women can turn into a nightmare due to spots on the face and body. Both skin and hair can look beautiful during pregnancy.
Second Trimester Changes
In the second trimester, the legs also become a target for bodily changes. In some pregnant women, varicose veins and spider veins may appear due to changes in blood circulation. Walking changes and the popular “waddling gait” happens because of the belly’s weight on the spine. In search of balance, walking with the legs slightly apart can help a lot, but the woman ends up looking like a little duck, very charming of course!
Third Trimester Changes
Swelling, which can appear in the second trimester but is more common in the third trimester, deserves special attention. It can be normal but also a sign of serious problems such as HDP (hypertensive disorder unique to pregnancy). Keeping an eye on blood pressure and swelling can help detect problems and prevent pre-eclampsia.
In the third trimester, back pain and lower abdominal pain are very typical. The discomfort is caused by muscles giving way and making space for the uterus and baby to grow. Besides muscles, some organs also move in order to better accommodate the woman’s new condition.
Of course, at this stage the belly is quite prominent and this is a trophy for the mom-to-be. Now everyone can notice the pregnancy and the main body change during this period. Enjoy this stage—each body change during pregnancy can bring a unique sensation. Even if you have further pregnancies, each one is special.
Readers’ Questions:
Can a Strange Feeling in the Belly Be Pregnancy?
It depends on the sensation, after all, not everything we feel in the belly is evidence of pregnancy. But if this “strange sensation in the belly” is related to other symptoms such as late period, breast tenderness, nausea, and dizziness, it is possible that you are pregnant.
Do the body changes in pregnancy go back to normal after the baby is born?
Whether the body returns to its previous shape depends on several factors, so it’s not a given. Some women have an easier time due to genetics, their body type, or even a healthy routine. Others may have more difficulties. Some changes like larger breasts, a belly, or even skin consistency may stick around for a while postpartum.
Does hair change during pregnancy?
Yes, usually women have silkier, shinier, and softer hair during pregnancy. This happens due to the significant hormonal changes that occur during this period. Many women with curly hair may notice it gets straighter, and those with dry hair may find it becomes oilier.
Do feet get larger during pregnancy?
What was once a myth is now a proven fact! Yes, some pregnant women find their shoe size increases during pregnancy, and this increase can be from 2 to 10 millimeters. This is usually related to a first pregnancy and the weight placed on the feet, which causes “flattening” of the arch and an increase in size. In most cases, this increase does not return to normal after the baby is born.
See also: Amniotic Fluid – Is Too Little or Too Much a Problem?
