Probable Changes to Expect During Pregnancy

Changes and Solutions for Better Pregnancy Outcomes

Pregnancy brings with it a multitude of changes that a woman’s body has to expect during pregnancy. Immediate prenatal care is crucial for an optimal pregnancy. This is why it is important to make an appointment with an obstetrician or establish a relationship with a certified and licensed midwife. These professionals can expertly guide the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy to ensure a healthy and viable birth.

At FertileOptimism.com, we understand how pregnancy and birth change. Our platform provides resources, information and tools tailored to women dealing with fertility, pregnancy and birth. Whether you are preparing for pregnancy or looking for additional support along the way, Fertile Optimism is here to provide you with knowledge and compassionate guidance to make your pregnancy journey as smooth and positive as possible..

Advertisement

The three trimesters of pregnancy, each have their own unique symptoms and relevant changes to a woman’s body.  Although these symptoms and changes can be generalized, they by no means are the same for every woman or for every pregnancy.  The symptoms that occur during the first and the third trimesters may be the most uncomfortable for woman.  The first trimester may bring with it exhaustion, sensitivity to odors and smells, morning sickness and nausea as the woman’s body changes and adapts to the fetus.  As the baby grows in the third trimester, this growth can put pressure on the woman’s vital organs affecting cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal function as changes in hormonal and metabolic processes occur and while baby works to claim their own space in the woman’s belly.  Let’s look at what else can be expected during pregnancy and the possible solutions.^[1]

Breast Changes

Due to hormonal changes the breast may begin to enlarge early on in pregnancy. The breast may be more sensitive and tender during pregnancy.^[2] 

Solution: Invest in a well-fitting bra.  When choosing a bra, you will want to look for one that is specific to maternity or postpartum, i.e., a maternity or a nursing bra.  Choosing a nursing bra can take you through pregnancy and continue to be used during the postpartum period.  When making your selections, the same factors that apply when shopping for a bra in general will also apply when shopping for maternity or nursing bras, with some additional considerations.

Just as with any other bra, you will want your maternity or nursing bra to provide comfort and support.  If you are a top-heavy woman, you may want to look for a bra that is designed with wider straps.  For a nursing bra, consider a bra that is designed with an easy access breastfeeding opening, ensuring that the breastfeeding portion of the bra opens easily for you in any position so that breastfeeding is not encumbered.  Finally, you might want to consider purchasing a more supportive bra for day wear and one that is a bit more comfortable for evenings when you are at home.^[3]

Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is a common pregnancy symptom.  Pregnant women also have a tendency to be more thirty and as a result they might be drinking more water.  This extra fluid intake coupled with the growing uterus that presses on the mother’s bladder can result in needing to urinate more frequently.   Although this is a common occurrence throughout pregnancy, this symptom may be more pronounced during the first and the final trimesters of pregnancy.^[4] 

Solution: A pregnant woman may want to try drinking the majority of her water at a time when she has quick and easy access to a bathroom and minimize the amount of fluids consumed before bedtime.  Avoiding caffeinated beverages during pregnancy is already a good idea and has an added benefit on bladder frequency.  Your obstetrician or nurse midwife might also suggest that Kegel exercises be performed, which can strengthen the pelvic muscles or other muscles related to the urogenital system.^[5]

Digestive Problems

Digestive problems, including upset stomach, indigestion, constipation, and heartburn occur during pregnancy.  This is brought about by hormonal changes that slow metabolic digestive processes.^[6]   

Solution: Consider eating foods high in fiber along with sufficient amounts of water.  Avoid eating spicy foods, which can trigger digestive woes. Try eating more frequently, but in smaller amounts, which may allow time for foods to digest in the stomach.  Your obstetrician or licensed nurse midwife may recommend you taking probiotics or bulk laxatives.  It is recommended that you do not make this determination on your own, but to first consult your healthcare provider and proceed only with their go-ahead. ^[7]

Advertisement

Sleeping Difficulties

A growing belly and hormonal changes can impede a pregnant woman’s sleep cycle.^[8]

Solution: If pregnancy is leaving you sleep deprived because of discomfort, consider purchasing a pregnancy pillow.  These pillows are designed to support your legs and your growing belly as you sleep on your side.  If a pregnancy pillow is not your choice, you may rather like to try placing conventional bed pillows under you belly and between your legs as you rest on your side.  Other options to help aide sleep are to take a warm, not hot, bath or shower.  Check with your obstetrician or nurse midwife to see if pharmaceuticals or essential oils that aide sleep are an option.  It is important that you do not use any medications or essential oils, before first discussing this with your own obstetrician, nurse midwife or licensed healthcare provider and ensuring that they have given you an OK before doing so. 

Hair, Nails, and Skin Changes

Due to changes in hormones, hair, nails, and skin will typically undergo changes during pregnancy.   There are some women that appreciate these changes as the hair may become fuller and grow longer as will the fingernails.  However, the opposite may happen for other women.  The hair may shed and thin, and the skin may become oily to excess or possibly even dry.  A condition called chloasma,^[9] melasma, or even sometimes called pregnancy mask that produces hyperpigmented blotches on the face may occur or the skin may simply become darker in appearance.  Changes to the features of the face may also occur.  Some women will notice that their nose is larger, as an example.^[10] 

Solution:  These changes typically will go back to normal after giving birth as the elevated hormones return to normal. Use holistic and preferably organic products to care for your hair, nails, and skin during pregnancy.  Discuss with your obstetrician or licensed nurse midwife as to what would work best for you.  It may be recommended that you stay free of products containing some essential oils or other ingredients. 

Edema & Swelling

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the feet and limbs to swell. Varicose veins may also occur for some women.^[11]   

Solution: It is important that you discuss any swelling with your obstetrician or licensed nurse midwife.  Your healthcare provider may suggest lying in a bed or sitting with your feet propped, wearing support hoses, monitoring your sodium intake, or engaging in some form of exercise.^[12]  Again, with any swelling reach out to your obstetrician or licensed nurse midwife for a proper diagnosis of the cause.^[13]    

Daily Duet Menopause Relief Gummies

Advertisement

CONCLUSION

Many if not all of the changes that the body incurs during pregnancy will go away after a woman has given birth.  Pregnant women should discuss with their licensed healthcare provider, obstetrician, or nurse midwife to discuss any changes in the body that are being experienced and to receive an appropriate care plan specific to her needs. 

Advertisement

This blog contains affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you. These commissions help support the resources and content provided here. I only recommend products and services that align with the values and mission of Fertile Optimism. Thank you for your support!

---

REFERENCES

[1] Kepley JM, Bates K, Mohiuddin SS. Physiology, Maternal Changes. [Updated 2022 Feb 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539766/

[2] Alex A, Bhandary E, McGuire KP. Anatomy and Physiology of the Breast during Pregnancy and Lactation. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1252:3-7. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-41596-9_1. PMID: 32816256.

[3] Amy Cassell, Editor BabyCenter.  Maternity and Nursing Bras: Everything you need to know, September 17, 2021

[4] Uzelpasaci E, Çinar GN, Baran E, Gürşen C, Nakip G, Ozgul S, Beksac K, Unal C, Orgul G, Beksac AT, Akbayrak T, Beksac MS. Trimester-based changes in urogenital symptoms and their impact on the quality of life in pregnant women: A preliminary report. Curr Urol. 2021 Sep;15(3):167-171. doi: 10.1097/CU9.0000000000000021. Epub 2021 May 25. PMID: 34552457; PMCID: PMC8451322.

[5] Medical News Today, Tabitha Britt.  The Causes of Frequent Urination During Pregnancy and What to Do, July 12, 2021

[6] Kenyon C. Digestive health in pregnancy. Pract Midwife. 2014 Oct;17(9):14-5, 18. PMID: 25571699.

[7] Longo SA, Moore RC, Canzoneri BJ, Robichaux A. Gastrointestinal Conditions during Pregnancy. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2010;23(2):80-89. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1254294

[8] Sahota PK, Jain SS, Dhand R. Sleep disorders in pregnancy. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2003 Nov;9(6):477-83. doi: 10.1097/00063198-200311000-00005. PMID: 14534398.

[9] Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, Vuković A, Tuckar N, Herman R, Grubisić G. Chloasma–the mask of pregnancy. Coll Antropol. 2008 Oct;32 Suppl 2:139-41. PMID: 19140277.

[10] Vora RV, Gupta R, Mehta MJ, Chaudhari AH, Pilani AP, Patel N. Pregnancy and skin. J Family Med Prim Care. 2014;3(4):318-324. doi:10.4103/2249-4863.148099

[11] Smyth RM, Aflaifel N, Bamigboye AA. Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(10):CD001066. Published 2015 Oct 19. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001066.pub3

[12] Ochalek K, Pacyga K, Curyło M, Frydrych-Szymonik A, Szygula Z. Risk Factors Related to Lower Limb Edema, Compression, and Physical Activity During Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study. Lymphat Res Biol. 2017 Jun;15(2):166-171. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2016.0038. Epub 2017 Mar 27. PMID: 28346850.

[13] Mohaupt MG. Odeme in der Schwangerschaft–banal? [Edema in pregnancy–trivial?]. Ther Umsch. 2004 Nov;61(11):687-90. German. doi: 10.1024/0040-5930.61.11.687. PMID: 15605462.