The Changes Your Body Goes Through During Pregnancy | Pregnancy slideshows | Family Health center

Your Heart Grows

Your heart grows during pregnancy. Yeah, yeah, we know that your love for your unborn baby grows through your nine months, but that is not what we're talking about. Your heart actually grows in size while you are expecting a baby. As the hormone progesterone softens the joints, your body makes space to accommodate your growing baby and uterus. Most internal organs have to shift around — or should we say that your baby simply pushes them out of the way? While this is happening, your body's blood volume also increases by two thirds. This is why your heart grows in size to compensate for the overwork.

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Photo courtesy of hugrakka by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/hugrekki/2348819164/
www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/changing/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/23/pregnancy-changes_n_3790822.html
http://www.babyexpert.com/pregnancy/second-trimester/21-amazing-facts-about-your-pregnant-body/1037.html

Your Ligaments Loosen Up And Your Bones Soften

Have you heard of the protein hormone relaxin? It basically does just that — relax your joints. Relaxin causes your ligaments to loosen up during pregnancy, a process the more well-known pregnancy hormone estrogen also plays a role in. The pelvic bones move to accommodate your baby's birth. A great amount of flexibility is required for the birth of your baby, and of course this process starts earlier on in pregnancy. Unfortunately, your back is also affected and you may suffer from backaches. Remember to lift any heavier objects in the correct manner, and stay away from sports than can easily lead to injuries.

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You Glow

"You are positively glowing" is a comment many expectant mothers receive, and the pregnancy glow is more than just a myth. Pregnant women's beautiful facial skin is created by a number of factors. Blood volume and heart rate increase during pregnancy, and the oil glands on the skin work harder. The "pregnancy glow" tends to show up in the second trimester. Enjoy it while it lasts, because your facial skin will return to normal after you have given birth. You'll still experience a similar glow during vigorous bouts of cardio exercise though, as this also gets your heart rate up!

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Your Breathing Changes

During the last part of the second trimester, and the whole of the third trimester, many pregnant women experience shortness of breath. Breathing seems harder in general, and breathing in deeply just appears to be impossible. Internal organs have less space as a pregnancy progresses, and they all have to move to make space for the uterus. The diaphragm also becomes compressed. Though it may feel as if you are breathing in less air, the opposite is actually true. Hollowing your back can help you feel more comfortable, so don't try to force yourself into your normal pre-pregnancy posture during the last stages of pregnancy.

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You Produce More Blood

When you become pregnant, your blood volume will gradually increase until you have 50 percent more blood — though the exact amount varies from woman to woman. This blood protects you and your baby during pregnancy when you change positions, and gives you a little extra in case you hemorrhage after labor and delivery. There is a special increase in plasma and red blood cells when you are expecting a baby. The increase in red blood cells explains why pregnant women need more iron, and often end up with anemia if they do not ensure their diet meets their daily iron needs.

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Your Breasts Keep Changing

Many women experience sore and tender breasts right before they start menstruating, but heavier and more sensitive breasts are also one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. As the body prepares for breastfeeding, an expectant mom's breasts may grow and feel heavier. Milk ducts start working, and it is common to start leaking a little colostrum during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. When your baby is born, this nutrient-dense milk will meet all her needs until you start producing normal breast milk. When will your breasts go back to normal? When you stop breastfeeding, or soon after that.

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You Orgasm More Easily

We mentioned the fact that your blood volume increases by about 50 percent already. It is no surprise that a lot of this additional blood flow is directed to your uterus and pelvis, where your baby is currently developing. One unexpected side effect of this extra blood is that you might be able to orgasm much more easily and quickly. Many pregnant ladies also have a heightened libido. What can we say? Go for it, while you don't have a frequently-waking newborn to disturb you. Sex during pregnancy is completely safe and will not harm your baby, unless you have certain pregnancy complications — in which case your OBGYN will tell you to refrain from having intercourse.

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Your Sense Of Smell Is Stronger

Many newly pregnant women notice a heightened sense of smell and taste before they even miss their period. Aversions to certain smells tend to go along with this "super nose effect", and coming into contact with personal triggers will probably make you vomit. A pregnant woman's stronger sense of smell is caused by the hormone estrogen, and it does tend to subside as pregnancy progresses. While you wait for your nose to go back to normal, the best you can do is attempt to avoid the smells that make you want to barf. Common triggers include fish, fried foods, a dusty room, coffee, and cigarette smoke.

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Your Hair Is Thicker And Glossier

Your locks may look ticker and glossier than ever before — more glamorous, in short. It's not that you actually gain more hair when you are expecting a baby. Pregnancy forces your hair into the resting stage, which means it will grow much more slowly than it usually does. At the same time, you shed fewer hairs. Enjoy your beautiful head of hair while it lasts; you will probably be quite shocked when you notice a massive amount of hair loss during the postpartum stage. You may even worry that you are going bold. Don't worry too much though, because you are simply returning to your pre-pregnancy self.

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Your Teeth And Gums Need Extra care

Pregnancy hormones make women more susceptible to oral conditions like gingivitis — painful and bleeding gums — and periodontal disease. Up to 70 percent of all pregnant women will develop gingivitis. Painful and bleeding gums are more than a nuisance. Gingivitis has been associated with premature labor and should therefore be taken very seriously. Pregnant women can try to avoid gingivitis by practicing excellent oral hygiene. Of course, your should brush your teeth twice a day. Don't forget to floss and use an antimicrobial mouthwash either, and make sure to have see your dentist at the first sign of any trouble.