Women body during pregnancy

Pregnancy stages and changes - Better Health Channel

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Summary

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Your body changes during pregnancy. You may love some changes and feel uncomfortable with others.
You may experience of a lot of physical changes during pregnancy, or only a few.
You will probably have emotional ups and downs during pregnancy.
If you have depression or a mental illness during pregnancy, you need specialist care and treatment.
Some physical and emotional experiences are common to a particular trimester (stage) of pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, your body is experiencing major change. From symptoms that you might expect, to ones that are completely out of the blue, every woman will have a different pregnancy experience.

It’s helpful to have an idea of how your body may react to the different stages of pregnancy. It also helps to know how pregnancy may affect your emotions and feelings.

Changes to your body that may indicate pregnancy

You may first realise that you’re pregnant when you miss your period. That’s a good time to take a pregnancy test or speak with your doctor.

In early pregnancy, you may experience some (or all, or even none) of the following symptoms:

aches and pains (possibly in your lower abdomen and in your joints)
morning sickness, which may be nausea or actual vomiting, and does not just happen in the morning
constipation
food cravings and aversions
heartburn and indigestion
a need to urinate more often
back pain
tiredness
vaginal thrush
skin changes and itching, and possibly skin tags
haemorrhoids (also known as piles)
leg cramps
restless legs (leg twitching at night)
varicose vein
swelling in your ankles, feet and hands
dizziness or fainting
fatigue, or lack of energy
nasal problems, or shortness of breath
larger, tender breasts.

Better Health Channel has more information about these pregnancy symptoms.

If any of the symptoms become difficult to manage, talk to your doctor about what to do. In particular, if any morning sickness, aches and pains, dizziness or breathing difficulties make it hard to get through your normal day, ask for advice.

More about morning sickness

The first thing to know about morning sickness is that it can hit you at any time of day.
Probably a result of your changing hormones, it usually starts about week six and settles by week 14. The good news is that you may feel better if you:

drink small amounts of fluid, often. Try flat lemonade, sports drinks, diluted fruit juice, weak tea, clear soup or a hot drink make of stock
suck on ice or ice-blocks (if you can’t keep down other fluids)
try ginger tablets, dry ginger ale or ginger tea
eat small amounts of food more often, so you don’t have an empty stomach
eat a dry biscuit when you wake up in the morning, to avoid feeling sick when you get out of bed
try salty foods such as potato crisps or salty biscuits
suck on barley sugar or boiled lollies
avoid fatty, rich or spicy foods
avoid the smell of hot food
avoid cooking dishes with strong smells
rest as much as you can.

A small percentage of women have prolonged and excessive vomiting (called hyperemesis), which can lead to dehydration if it is not treated. See your doctor if you have severe morning sickness.

In some extreme cases, women need to be rehydrated in hospital, using intravenous fluids.

Pregnancy stages

We talk about three stages of pregnancy: first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. Some physical and emotional experiences are more common in each of these trimesters.

First trimester

In the first trimester:

You feel really tired and possibly nauseous.
You gain 1 or 2 kilograms, or maybe less if you have morning sickness. Most of this weight is in the placenta (which feeds your baby), your breasts, your uterus and extra blood.
Your heartbeat and breathing rate are faster.
Your breasts become tender, larger and heavier.
Your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, so you feel like you need to urinate a lot.
You may feel swinging moods.
You know exactly how you feel about having a baby, or you have no idea how to feel!

Second trimester

In the second trimester:

You start to feel better, with less fatigue, morning sickness and moodiness.
You may feel your mind is wandering and not focused at work or at home.
You gain about 6 kilograms.
You may feel anxious about tests (including an ultrasound) done at this stage. But, if they find any health issues, these tests will ensure you and your baby receive the right care.
Your hair may become thicker and your fingernails may become stronger. Or, your nails may be softer and break more easily.
You may crave some foods, such as sweet, spicy or fatty foods.
You may not like the taste or smell of some foods.

Third trimester

In the third trimester:

Forgetfulness may continue.
You feel tired and probably uncomfortable.
You may be annoyed by the discomfort.
You may start to worry about labour as it nears.
You probably gain about five kilograms. Much of this weight is your baby, but also amniotic fluid, the placenta, your breasts, your blood and your uterus.
You may have back pain.
You may find it hard to sleep because you are uncomfortable.
The baby may be placing pressure on your lungs, making it harder to breathe.
You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions (tightening of the muscles of the uterus). They do not mean labour is starting.

Your feelings and emotions during pregnancy

During pregnancy you will probably feel many ups and downs. You may experience some or all of these emotions (and they may change quickly):

surprise – if your pregnancy is unexpected. You may then feel joy (if you welcome the pregnancy) or fear (if you are unsure about the change to your life) or both
happiness, particularly if you have been trying to have baby and you feel well
anger, which can result from your body’s hormonal changes, from a sense of being vulnerable, or from pregnancy symptoms that are uncomfortable or painful
fear for the baby’s health, if you have concerns about your baby having an illness or disability. If you are worried about a particular risk, talk to your midwife or doctor
fear of birth, which is a recognised psychological disorder. Counselling and talking with your midwife or doctor can help you overcome this fear
love for your baby, your partner and your family
sadness or disappointment if you have illness or complications during your pregnancy, or you can’t have the birth plan that you would prefer
general sadness about the world, whereby you find it hard to watch the news or hear sad stories about children or families
grief, if you suffer a miscarriage, a loss at a later stage of pregnancy, or a stillbirth
prolonged sadness from perinatal depression. In this case, you will need the help of health specialists.

Mood swings during pregnancy

The hormones changing in your body mean you will probably have heightened emotions, both positive and negative. And you will probably swing between these emotions.

While you may be overjoyed about having a baby, you may also be stressed and overwhelmed. You may feel worried about whether:

your baby will affect your relationship with your partner
you will cope financially
you will be able to juggle work and parenting
you will be a good mother
the baby will be healthy
your other children will accept and love the new baby.

You may also feel unimpressed with your changing body. You may be worried about putting on too much weight, or not enough. Or not being able to do the physical activity that you usually do. Or not looking attractive to your partner.

Add the hormone-induced fatigue, forgetfulness and moodiness, and you may feel completely out of control. This is all common.

Depression during pregnancy

About 15 per cent of women will have depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And even more will suffer from these conditions after giving birth.

Many women don’t seek help because they feel embarrassed or guilty about feeling so awful when are they are supposed to be happy. But depression is not something that you can control in this way.

Because an untreated mental illness can have long term effects on your health and wellbeing, and on your baby too, getting the right treatment is vital. Talk to your doctor if you are:

depressed or miserable for most of the day and on most days
annoyed, angry or anxious a lot of the time
crying a lot (and not always for a reason)
losing interest in activities that you usually like
struggling to sleep (even when your baby is sleeping), or sleeping more than usual
under- or over-eating
feeling tired most the time
not able to concentrate
preoccupied or anxious about things going wrong with your pregnancy, you, your baby or your partner
feeling that you have not bonded with your baby, or that you have no maternal feelings
feeling guilty, or feeling that you are failing as a mother
thinking about harming yourself
thinking it would be better if you or your baby were dead
thinking about suicide.

Remember, tell someone if you feel depressed, because early treatment is the best treatment.

Plenty of safe and effective treatments are available for depression during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. But herbal and complementary treatments such as St John’s wort may not be safe in pregnancy.

Anxiety during pregnancy

You may be feeling quite anxious about your pregnancy and about being a parent. Many pregnant women feel some anxiety, but a few develop an anxiety disorder that needs treatment.

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

constant worry, stress or nervousness
muscle tension and teeth clenching
not ever feeling calm
not being able to sleep well or for long
panic attacks.

Other serious issues during pregnancy

Some pregnant women develop mental illnesses that are a significant risk to both them and their child. Other women may already have a mental illness that is more difficult to manage during pregnancy.

In particular, specialist health care is needed for pregnant women with:

bipolar disorder (of which pregnancy may trigger the first episode), with manic highs and depression lows
schizophrenia
eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The risks include a loss of nutrition for your baby, an increased risk of miscarriage, and anaemia.

Where to get help

Your GP (doctor)
Midwife
Obstetrician
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) Tel. 1300 726 306
Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention
beyondblue Tel. 1300 22 4636

Common concerns in early pregnancy, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Mental health and pregnancy, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Pregnancy: the first 3 months – the first trimester, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Government of South Australia.
Pregnancy: the second 3 months – the second trimester, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Government of South Australia.
Pregnancy: the last 3 months – the third trimester, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Government of South Australia.
Emotions during pregnancy, National Childbirth Trust, UK.
First trimester of pregnancy, 2016, WebMD, USA.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 25-05-2018

Changes in Your Body During Pregnancy: First Trimester

Path to well being

How do I know I’m pregnant?

A missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy. You may have some other physical signs as well. These include mild cramping and a little bleeding when the fertilized egg implants itself in your uterus.

If you’ve missed your period and think you may be pregnant, you can take a home pregnancy test. These tests are very accurate if you take them a few days after you expected to get your period. Call your doctor if the test is positive.

Why do I feel so tired?

Feeling very tired is another common symptom of early pregnancy. Your body is working hard to adjust to all the new physical changes. This can cause extreme fatigue. You may need to sleep longer than usual at night. If possible, you can take short naps during the day. Your energy will most likely return in the second trimester of pregnancy.

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness consists of nausea and vomiting. It is caused by pregnancy hormones. Many pregnant people have it to some degree in their first trimester. Despite what it sounds, morning sickness can occur at any time of day. Certain foods or smells might make you feel sick and sometimes vomit. Some people seem to feel sicker when their stomachs are empty. Morning sickness usually goes away by the second trimester.

There are over-the-counter vitamins and herbal supplements that may help with morning sickness. Taking vitamin B6 may help with nausea, even though it may not prevent vomiting. Ginger supplements also may relieve nausea.

What other changes can I expect during the first trimester?

Frequent urination. Towards the end of the first trimester, you will feel like urinating more often. This is because your growing uterus pushes on your bladder. You may even leak a little urine when you cough or sneeze.

Lightheadedness. Your body is working overtime to make extra blood to support your baby. This can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Hunger, weakness, or stress can cause these symptoms as well.

Heartburn. The muscles that break down food become more relaxed during pregnancy. Hormone changes also slow down this process. Food also stays in your stomach longer to give your body more time to absorb nutrients. All these things can cause or worsen heartburn.

Constipation. You should be taking a daily prenatal vitamin that contains iron. The iron in the vitamin can lead to constipation. The slow process of breaking down food also can cause constipation, gas, and bloating. Your doctor may suggest taking fiber supplements or a stool softener to provide relief. Make sure you drink plenty of water (about eight glasses per day). Tell your doctor if you have severe problems. They may switch you to a different prenatal vitamin.

Visible veins. Your body makes extra blood and your heart pumps faster to meet the needs of pregnancy. This can cause the blue veins in your belly, breasts, and legs to become more noticeable. You may develop spider veins on your face, neck, or arms. These are tiny blood vessels that branch out from a central area, like the legs of a spider.

Skin changes. You may notice that your skin looks more rosy and shiny. Some people call this a “pregnancy glow.” It is caused by increased blood circulation. Pregnancy hormones can cause extra oil on your skin. It may cause you to have flares of acne.

Breast changes. Most people notice changes in their breasts early in pregnancy. The hormones in your body change to prepare for breastfeeding. As this occurs, your breasts may feel tender and swollen. You might notice small bumps forming in the area around your nipples. Your breasts will continue to grow and change throughout your pregnancy. They may feel even bigger and fuller later on.

Vaginal changes. The lining of your vagina will become thicker and less sensitive. You may notice a thin, white discharge. This is normal during pregnancy. Mild vaginal bleeding (spotting) is also normal and common. However, you should call your doctor if you have vaginal bleeding. If the bleeding is heavy or painful, go to the emergency room.

A growing belly. Your waistline will begin to expand as your baby and uterus grow larger. Depending on your size before pregnancy, you may not notice this change until the second trimester. It is normal to gain no or little weight in your first trimester.

Emotional symptoms. Your hormones are on overload during pregnancy. You might feel moody, forgetful, or unable to focus. Fatigue and stress can increase these symptoms.

Things to consider

Keep in mind that each pregnancy experience is unique. Even the same person may have different changes in their multiple pregnancies. For each change, your symptoms may be mild or severe. Do not worry if the changes do not happen at a certain time. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

When to see your doctor

Contact your doctor if you think or know you are pregnant. They will make an appointment to confirm your pregnancy and talk to you about prenatal care.

You should also contact your doctor if your morning sickness and vomiting are severe enough to cause weight loss.

Questions to ask your doctor

Am I pregnant?
How far along am I in my pregnancy?
What kinds of physical and emotional changes should I expect?
Are my symptoms normal?
Are there any risks that I should be aware of?
Which prenatal vitamin do you recommend I take?

Resources

American Academy of Family Physicians: Taking Care of You and Your Baby While You’re Pregnant

How a woman's body changes during pregnancy

Pregnancy is not only an enlarged belly. Along with the growth of a person inside, a lot of things change in a woman’s body: the whole body adapts to a new state, and therefore well-being can present various surprises.

I trimester

The main sign of pregnancy that happened to you in the first trimester is the absence of menstruation. But at the same time, you can notice other changes in the body almost immediately. They do not necessarily happen to you at the same time, and some may even pass you by. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that your body in the first trimester may behave a little differently than you are used to.

Breasts may become tender and enlarged

With some women, this happens just before or during menstruation: the breasts become larger and painful or unpleasant to touch. The same thing can happen shortly after conception. The good news is that this discomfort will pass in a few weeks as the body adjusts to the hormonal changes.

Nausea with or without vomiting

You must have heard about toxicosis (or maybe you have already experienced it yourself). The so-called morning sickness (which actually happens not only in the morning) often begins a month after conception. To relieve its symptoms, it is recommended to drink a lot, eat often and in small portions, and avoid fatty foods. Most often, nausea disappears by 12 weeks, but sometimes it lingers until the end of pregnancy.

Frequent urination

It may seem that bladder adventures happen only to those who are already in childbirth, but in fact, at the beginning of pregnancy, more frequent urination than usual is a common occurrence. This is due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder.

Fatigue

During the first trimester, the level of the hormone progesterone rises, which can make you sleepy. If possible, don't resist biology and get as much sleep as possible.

Aversion to food

Cucumbers, which you usually eat on both cheeks, or any other food that hasn't done you any harm, may suddenly piss you off. Increased sensitivity to smells and tastes is a common occurrence in the first trimester, associated, like other changes, with the "dancing" of hormones.

Heartburn

Pregnancy hormones relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus, so stomach acid can back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Locks

Again, progesterone is to blame: it slows down the movement of food through the digestive system, which can cause constipation. Fiber, water and physical activity are your best friends (and partners in the fight against a rebellious gastrointestinal tract).

II trimester

It is believed that this is the easiest stage of pregnancy: the body has already adapted to the new state, and the stomach is not too big yet. However, changes will continue to occur.

Growing breasts and belly

The uterus grows with the baby, and you grow with them.

Braxton Hicks contractions (training contractions)

You may feel light contractions and slight tension in your abdomen. It most often occurs after physical activity or sex. There is nothing wrong with this, but you need to see a doctor if contractions become painful or regular.

Brown spots

Hormonal changes in the body stimulate the growth of pigment cells in the skin, which is why some women develop small brown spots on their face. Sun exposure can cause them to grow, so don't forget sunscreen when you go out. The good news: after childbirth, age spots will disappear.

Bleeding gums

In the second trimester, some women experience problems with the oral cavity: sometimes the gums bleed. You can use a softer brush than usual to soothe your gums. After childbirth, bleeding gums disappear.

Leg cramps

A frequent companion of the second trimester is convulsions at night. To avoid them, do not forget about sports and do a little stretching before heading to bed.

III trimester

Exciting time when you start to feel your baby move - and grow at a tremendous rate. You are at the finish line, and it is all the more important to know what can be happening to your body.

Braxton Hicks contractions

The closer to the due date, the more often false contractions may occur.

Back pain

Pregnancy hormones weaken the connective tissue that makes up the ligaments that hold your bones in place, especially in the pelvis. Back pain and discomfort in the third trimester happens to almost everyone.

Shortness of breath

It is almost impossible to lift a finger and not get out of breath during a long pregnancy.

Heartburn

Heartburn, familiar to you in the first trimester, returns with renewed vigor in the third. Eat often and in small portions, avoid fried foods, citrus fruits, chocolate and spicy foods.

Varicose veins and hemorrhoids

Increased circulatory pressure during pregnancy can lead to the formation of varicose veins on the legs, arms and face. The veins can also painfully expand in the anus, which is why many women have hemorrhoids at the end of pregnancy.

Frequent urination

Another problem that many have already met in the first trimester. The baby moves into the pelvis and puts pressure on your bladder, so you keep running to the toilet. Small amounts of urine may come out when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or simply bend over.

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How does a woman's body change during pregnancy?

Carrying a child is the most important period in a woman's life. The body of the future mother is undergoing huge changes, not only externally, but also internally. Let's talk about the most significant changes characteristic of pregnancy.

From what time does the body of a pregnant woman begin to change?

The first changes occur from the moment of conception. The expectant mother still does not know about her new position, and the level of chorionic gonadotropin or hCG, the main hormone of pregnancy, increases in her blood every minute. The growth of hCG is the impetus for the start of the gestation process and preparation for childbirth.

All the "symptoms" of pregnancy are a consequence of hormonal changes. Some women feel changes literally after conception - they become whiny, they constantly want to sleep. Others experience the "joys" of toxicosis. Still others do not feel anything new in themselves: this explains the unique cases when women find out that they are pregnant, already at a decent time, or even during childbirth.

How the body of a pregnant woman changes by months

1 and 2 months. Outwardly, the body is not yet changing. There is no weight gain either - more often, a couple of kilograms go away against the background of toxicosis.

3 months. Expectant mothers notice an increase in urination: the uterus grows and begins to squeeze the bladder. The mammary glands become sensitive and noticeably increase in size, which is explained by the increase in the levels of progesterone and estrogen in the blood. The area around the nipples becomes darker and larger.

The external parameters of the body remain the same, especially if the woman is full. A slight expansion of the pelvis can be seen in clothing. Weight gain is 1-1.5 kg. Future mothers who suffered from toxicosis note a noticeable relief.

Headaches, heartburn or constipation, lack or improvement of appetite, pigmentation on the face can cause inconvenience.

4 months. The long-awaited tummy begins to grow, but for others it is not yet noticeable. By the end of 4 months, the woman's gait is already changing: the stomach sticks out forward, and the upper body leans back a little.

Of the unpleasant moments are possible: bleeding gums, digestive dysfunction, dizziness, fainting, swelling in the feet and ankles.

5 months. During this period, the expectant mother feels the first movements of the baby, and the growing belly becomes noticeable to others. The skin on the abdomen darkens. The hips begin to round due to fat deposits.

Problems with teeth are possible: crumbling, loss of fillings. Some women complain of leg cramps, protruding veins, and exacerbation of hemorrhoids. The growing uterus leads to constipation, increased urination, especially at night.

6 months. The woman is visibly rounded. The fetus grows intensively, which may be accompanied by squeezing of large veins: pain and swelling in the legs, bulging of blood vessels in the legs.

From 6 months, training contractions are already possible, which are not dangerous.