9 Normal Changes That Occur in Pregnant Women

When the pregnancy test strip shows the two distinct lines, some women are all smiles while others are thrown into apprehension. What the strip doesn’t tell you, though, is that the ‘fruit of your womb’ causes major changes in your body, and some of these changes may resolve after giving birth while others may not.

In this article, we will discuss nine normal major changes that occur in expectant women and why you shouldn’t be worried. These changes are:

#1. Changes in the Breasts and Reproductive System

Within the first three months, your breasts will feel full and painful to touch. They will
increase in size due to increased deposition of fat and production of estrogen and progesterone hormones. The areola of the nipple will darken and widen in diameter.

Menstruation will be absent (amenorrhea). This is usually the signal that makes many women believe they are pregnant. However, it can be caused by other conditions, such as hormonal changes that are unrelated to pregnancy.

Your uterus will increase in size due to the growing fetus, and this is the hallmark of pregnancy.

You should also expect a whitish vaginal discharge which will increase in amount as the months progress.

#2. The Skin

Your cheeks and nose may darken due to the production of more melanin. This is usually referred to as ‘the mask of pregnancy’.

As the abdomen stretches, the small connective tissue of the skin will rupture, and this will
cause stretch marks (striae gravidarum). Some of these marks may also appear on the thighs.

You will notice a thin brown to dark line that will run from your pubic area to your belly
button. For other women, the dark line may go up to the diaphragm. This line is called linea nigra and is usually normal.

#3. Circulatory System

The amount that the heart pumps to the body (cardiac output) will increase to cater to the developing fetus, meaning that your blood volume will have to increase. The increased blood volume may sometimes cause dilutional anemia. This type of anemia means that your red blood cells have been diluted by the increased volume of plasma in your blood.

Your blood pressure will be normal during the first three months and then reduce during the fourth to the sixth month. It will normalize again during the last three months. Other times, your blood pressure may considerably increase and cause a condition called gestational hypertension.

You should visit your healthcare provider when this happens.

The heart rate will increase to about 80- 90 beats per minute because your heart now serves two individuals.

#4. Respiratory system

You may experience shortness of breath since the growing uterus will be pushing your
diaphragm upwards, making it difficult for respiration.

Because of the increased production of estrogen, there will be stuffiness and congestion in the chest.

You will also require more oxygen; hence your breathing rate will increase.

#5. Changes in the Digestive system

Nausea and vomiting are the primary changes in this system.

There will be the slow movement of the intestines which will result in heartburn, flatulence, and constipation. Pressure on the stomach by the uterus will also precipitate heartburn.

Some women will develop an appetite for non-food objects such as paper and soil. This is called pica. It is important to note these objects may be contaminated and may bring more harm to you and your unborn baby.

The developing uterus will also cause pressure on the veins of the legs, and this may result in hemorrhoids.

#6. Changes in the Hormonal System

The hormonal system, together with the brain, control all other body systems. The principal hormones released during pregnancy are estrogen and progesterone that maintain pregnancy.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is usually released into the blood and urine during the early stages of pregnancy (possibly two weeks after conception), and this hormone is used to diagnose pregnancy.

Human growth hormone is also released more to facilitate the development of the fetus.

A woman’s insulin levels decrease, and this makes more glucose available to the fetus. However, when this balance is not maintained, a condition called gestational diabetes occurs.

In the late stages, the prolactin hormone increases as the breasts are prepared for milk production.

The hormone oxytocin will be released to aid in the contraction of the uterus as a woman gives birth.

#7. Changes in the Urinary System

The frequency of urination will increase and may go up to 12 times a day during the time of giving birth.
The urinary bladder increases in capacity to accommodate more urine. It may accommodate up to one liter of urine.

#8. Changes in the Skeletal System

The pubic bones widen to facilitate the descent of the fetus, and this is usually painful. Most women adapt to this pain by changing their walking style.

The abdomen arches forward as the shoulders lean back to compensate for displacement of the center of gravity and facilitate balance during movement. This posture is commonly called the pride of pregnancy.

#9. Changes in Immunity

The immunity of the pregnant woman does not go down. However, due to hormonal and physiological changes, the pregnant woman is at risk of infection, especially urinary tract and yeast infections.
The immune system usually starts to change during pregnancy to accommodate the fetus so that it doesn’t identify the fetus as foreign. It then resolves to normal after 3 to 4 months.

The Take-home

All the body systems undergo a physiological change during the pregnancy period. This is normal and should not make you tense. Some of these changes continue even after you’ve delivered your baby and may even last for a lifetime.

Consider discussing these changes with your partner or your physician if they seem overwhelming. They may reassure and support you on your mom-to-be journey. Otherwise, congratulations!