Has the day you dreamt of really arrived? Are you noticing any differences in your body? When will you feel them? Here we share all that you can expect to experience throughout pregnancy.
Mothers maintain and improve their health during pregnancy
Every month your menstrual cycle signals to you that your body is preparing to conceive. If you have already conceived, this cycle will be disrupted and stop.
Changes in breasts
Once you have conceived, your breasts will change in size, have tingling sensations, become lumpy and the areola will gradually darken.
Nausea and vomiting
This happens during 4 to 16 weeks of your pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes that occur during this time. Though known as morning sickness, these symptoms can occur around the clock.
Gastroesophageal reflux
The effect of progesterone hormone during pregnancy loosens the valves in your stomach that normally prevent acidic juices flowing upwards from your stomach, causing a burning sensation around your chest area. During pregnancy, as your womb expands, there will be more pressure on your stomach which will, in turn, result in more acidic juices flowing up. For some mums, where this gastritis condition can become extreme, medical attention should be sought.
Excessive salivation
This condition occurs around the 8th week of pregnancy. It is also caused by hormonal changes, and is associated with chest inflammation.
Cravings to eat unhealthy substances
Some pregnant women get cravings to eat charcoal and clay! There is no definitive reason yet identified as to why this is. Doctors assume hormonal and metabolic changes are the main causes for this. If a pregnant mum is desiring to consume such unusual items they should seek medical help.
Constipation
Progesterone hormone causes the smooth muscles of the digestive system to loosen. In addition, the expanding womb will cause have a constricting effect. While you cannot avoid this condition totally, there are steps to minimise the effects. Drink more water, eat a balanced diet and add more fiber to your diet.
Back Pains
As your womb expands, it will cause your body’s center of gravity to shift. This, in addition to the increased weight that your body is bearing, All of this will cause stress on your abdominal muscles, resulting in back pain. Here are some tips to get some relief - wash with warm water, massage your sore areas with either warm or cold water, go for a pregnant-friendly massage or try some yoga exercises to strengthen the muscles (on the advice of a qualified person).
Cramping
This condition often occurs in your leg muscle. The reason for cramping is not known, but it is believed to be due to a lack of vitamin B1 and Calcium levels.
Frequent urination
The enlarged womb causes this condition by putting pressure on the bladder.
Increased wetness in the vaginal area
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause a colourless and odourless discharge in your vagina. Seek medical attention if there is any discolouration or bad odour.
Dizziness
The main reasons for this are the proliferation of veins due to the effects of progesterone hormone during the early stages of pregnancy and the increased pressure exerted by the womb which restricts smooth blood flow from your heart.
Varicose veins
Progesterone hormone relaxes the smooth muscles of the walls of veins, and causes them to expand. This slows blood flow and decreases the efficiency of the enlarged duct valves, which causes varicose veins.
Itching on the skin
The effects of pregnancy-related hormones on the liver causes increased bilirubin level, which causes the itching.
Sleeplessness
The constant need to urinate frequently even during the night, cramps and your large tummy all will hinder you from getting a good night’s rest. Try to calm yourself by listening to soft music, reading books, engaging in religious activities, and so on. If you feel like you didn’t get enough sleep at night, try to sneak in some naps during day time.
Fatigue
The infamous hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy causes so many changes in your body. This causes fatigue as your body tries to get accustomed.
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