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How a Woman's Body Changes During Pregnancy
by Catherine, 12.01.98
Pregnancy is a natural process that involves big changes in a woman's body. It's different for everyone. Some women have long, difficult, uncomfortable pregnancies that change their daily lives right from the start. Others have fairly easy pregnancies and their daily routines may not change until the last few weeks before delivery.
Most women experience emotional shifts and mood swings during pregnancy. It's natural to feel doubt, anxiety, and fear about pregnancy and childbirth, as well as happiness, excitement, and anticipation. Some women find that people (including their boyfriend, partner, husband, family, and even strangers) treat them differently because they're pregnant. Some women also are more or less interested in sex during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be sure to use a condom when having sex — exposure to a sexually transmitted infection can have a devastating effect on a developing fetus.
As soon as a woman thinks she is pregnant, she should visit a health care provider right away to learn more about what to expect from pregnancy and how to care for herself and her developing fetus. Women who smoke, drink, or take drugs should should stop immediately — tobacco, alcohol, and drugs can prevent a fetus developing properly.
Pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks (about 9 months). That time is divided into three sections called trimesters (three-month periods), during which different things happen to a woman's body and to the fetus. Below is a list of some of the normal things a pregnant woman may experience during each trimester. If you are pregnant you may or may not experience the changes described here. They may happen earlier or later than they appear on this list, and some may continue throughout the pregnancy.
The First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
During the first trimester, a woman's body goes through many changes so that it can accommodate the growth and development of the fetus.
- Menstruation stops or becomes very light.
- Breasts become larger.
- The volume of blood circulating doubles.
- The uterus enlarges to about three times its normal size.
- "Morning sickness" occurs. Nausea and sometimes vomiting occur in many pregnant women. Don't be fooled by the name. Morning sickness can happen any time of day. It may help to eat small meals throughout the day, snack on crackers or toast, or drink juice or lemonade.
- Many women experience fatigue.
- Some women have bleeding at the time of a missed period during the first trimester.
- Constipation and heartburn are common.
The Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26)
The second trimester is often comfortable for the woman, as the discomforts felt in the first trimester have passed. It's during this time that other people can start to notice the pregnancy. Lots of women take on the "radiant glow" of pregnancy — caused not only by excitement but by an increased level of hormones that affects the skin.
- Water retention that causes swelling of the feet and ankles. (This is called edema).
- A woman can feel the fetus moving.
- Nosebleeds and nasal congestion.
- Breast enlargement and discharge.
- Hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
- Heartburn, indigestion, and constipation.
The Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40)
During this period, the shape of the abdomen changes a few weeks before the onset of labor as the fetus drops towards the opening of the pelvis.
- Movement of the fetus can be seen from the outside.
- The navel pushes out.
- Some women experience backaches.
- In order to accommodate the weight of the fetus women tend to walk differently.
- Finally, labor and delivery!
For more information, look for books on pregnancy and childbirth in the library. Talk to a woman you trust about her experiences with pregnancy. If you need a referral to a Planned Parenthood health center in your area, call 1-800-230-PLAN. |
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