Pregnancy and Your Body
First Trimester
Ingestion of chemicals, alcohol, and exposure to harmful toxins should
be avoided to reduce potential risk to the developing fetus. Several hormonal
changes occur. The most common side effects include fatigue, nausea, breast
tenderness and growth, and frequent urination.
A woman’s menstrual cycle stops completely; however, some women have bleeding at the time of a missed period. The breasts go through several changes as well. Darkening of the areola, tenderness, and changes in breast size are common symptoms. The uterus enlarges to many times its normal size. Constipation and heartburn is common.
Ways to alleviate nausea and vomiting include eating small amounts of nutritious food every 2-3 hours. Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy foods. Before getting out of bed, eat crackers; eat a light snack before going to bed. Consume liquids or soup in between meals to avoid abdominal swelling.
Regular patterns of sleep and rest are important. A woman should rest frequently with her feet elevated. After a day of work or activities, she should go home and take a nap. Going to bed an hour earlier than normal is a wise suggestion.
As kidneys adjust to the pregnancy requirements, frequent urination occurs because of actual structural and functional changes in the kidneys. Hydration is important; consumption of quality fluids such as water, milk, and juice are best. It is wise to avoid soft drinks and beverages with high sugar concentration and empty calories.
Second Trimester
The second trimester is usually more comfortable. The pregnancy now becomes
visible, and fetal movement can be felt. Visualization by an ultrasound
confirms growing life. All of baby’s organs are formed and maturing.
Maternal blood volume increases in a woman’s body causing blood
pressure to decrease slightly and heart rate to increase by 10 to 20 beats
per minute. By 20 weeks, the uterus will be at the level of the umbilicus
(belly button). Due to increased estrogen levels, gums tend to bleed easily.
Many women experience nose bleeds as well. Breasts continue to enlarge,
and the nipples are larger and more pigmented. Darkening of the skin over
the forehead and cheeks (chlosma gravidarium) may result from hormonal
changes. Vaginal vascularity increases, often causing heightened sexual
arousal. Water retention may cause the feet and ankles to swell. Heartburn,
indigestion, and constipation are all common symptoms.
Third Trimester
During the third and final trimester, the shape of the abdomen changes
a few weeks before the onset of labor as the fetus drops toward the opening
of the pelvis. The baby’s eyelids start to open, accumulation of
baby fat begins, and fetal movement is easily perceived from outside of
the pregnant woman. Many women experience backaches, fatigue, shortness
of breath (dyspnea), and increased urination. Blood pressure may rise
slightly. Heartburn is common due to the displacement of the gastrointestinal
system. Avoiding lying down after eating is helpful.
A mother’s center of gravity has shifted during this stage, so care must be taken when walking or moving suddenly. The placenta’s integrity is vital to the success of the pregnancy. Trauma (e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes) affects the placenta. Stress on muscles and ligaments in the lower back may contribute to lower back pain. Proper body posture decreases muscle strain.
Many women experience contractions during their third trimester. In the absence of labor, these are called "Braxton-Hicks" contractions; however, some women do not experience contractions until they actually go into labor.
Pregnancy is a natural process that involves many changes in a woman's body. The experience is 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. Good health, diet, and exercise are essentials before, during, and after pregnancy.