Expectant mums, here are 10 ways your body changes during pregnancy
As soon as you find out you are pregnant you will probably start looking out for the general changes that your body is going to go through: bigger breasts, swollen feet and obviously a growing stomach. However, there are a number of changes that take place that you might not even be aware of.
Here are ten things that will happen to your body when you are carrying a baby.
Your breathing increases
Your respiratory rate will rise to deal with the increased need for oxygen to your uterus and baby.
You will feel warmer
Due to the increase in the number of hormones you will feel warmer and may even experience hot flushes.
Your spine realigns
As you get bigger your centre of gravity will change. To counteract this and help you keep your balance the curve of your spine shifts and realigns to keep you upright.
Your skin will stretch
If you are noticing purple lines on your stomach or bum cheeks you can blame your skin. As it stretches, usually in the second trimester, it causes scars or stretch marks to appear.
Your abdomen will expand
As you get bigger your uterus can reach your rib cage which might explain why you have an ache on one side.
Major organs will move to make room
As your womb gets bigger it will cause major organs like your stomach or intestines to move pushing them upwards. This is one of the reasons you are probably experiencing heartburn.
Your blood volume increases
The volume of blood in your body will increase as your cardiovascular system changes. You may experience feelings of dizziness or an elevated resting heart beat.
Your skin will become oilier
You can thank your gorgeous pregnancy glow on the hormones HCG and progesterone as they increase the number of oil glands in your face.
Your eyesight can become slightly blurry
As your body retains fluid your cornea can become thicker giving you a slightly blurry view. Don’t worry though you’ll still be able to see.
Your ligaments will become looser
The hormone Relaxin will cause your ligaments and joints to basically relax and become a little looser, so you can blame that on why you keep dropping things.