Do you know how much your body will change during pregnancy and how long these changes will last? All normal changes in pregnant woman’s body are called "physiological". All of them have one common goal: protection of mother and baby in each week of pregnancy. These changes occur in woman’s respiratory system, circulatory system, immune system, urinary tract and reproductive system, there are also some changes in hormones, muscles and bones. Here are the most important changes that occur in future mom’s body.
One of the most important and visible changes is weight gain. The weight gain that ensures proper functioning and development of the fetus and future mommy is about 20-35 lbs. Why does pregnant woman’s weight change?
First of all, the fetus is growing every day, there are more body fluids in woman’s organism, the blood volume is increased, uterus and placenta are growing. Weighing during pregnancy is extremely important because it not only shows the weight gain of a future mom, but also tells a lot about the development of the baby.
It can be also a warning signal of eating too many calories (then future mom should consider modifying her diet), it might be a symptom of a disease like a gestational diabetes (if you are gaining to much weight) or placental insufficiency (then the weight gain stops). That’s why during each visit to the gynecologist, pregnant woman’s weight is checked. You can also frequently check your weight at home and control if your weight gain is normal.
During first few months after having a baby, woman’s body is helping her in losing weight. Physical activity might also help in getting back into shape. Frequent strolling or jogging with baby can be beneficial for woman’s body, well-being and her emotional bond with the baby.
Your belly is growing, the center of gravity shifts, ligament structures loosen. It all affects body posture of a pregnant woman. These changes cause the lumbar spine (in the lower back) to curve more during the pregnancy. This part of the back is also more burdened.
The breast are getting bigger and heavier and the shoulders are pushed forward which may cause overloads in the thoracic and cervical spine. This body posture often persists long after the childbirth and it usually preserved during first few months of taking care of an infant. This of course causes the pain.
Changes in the proportion and size of woman’s body and fetus cause greater muscle load. It weakens and loosens muscles responsible for the body posture and pelvic floor. Pregnant woman might also feel pain in the groin area which is caused by pressure of the baby on the ligaments in the pelvic area. The closer to the birth, the discomfort may get worse.
Usually this pain occurs after the second trimester, however it may occur earlier. It is caused not only by increased burden, but primary by a hormone relaxin circulating in woman’s body which cause loosening of certain tissues (so that the baby could pass through the birth canal), thus resulting in temporary instability in pelvic area. This pain occurs most often during changing a position, standing or lying on one side.
This pain/discomfort in pelvic area affects about 50% of pregnant women and 25% women in early phase after the childbirth. In most cases this pain disappears within the first 12 weeks after the childbirth, however it remains in 5-7% of cases. The risk factors for this pain are: pelvic pain experienced before pregnancy and multiple pregnancy.
Future mom can experience swelling, numbness and decreased sensation or feeling in hands, which often intensify at night. This is caused by fluids retention in the body and increased blood volume.
This is very significant problem, unfortunately in many cases it’s marginalized and treated as an embarrassing issue. It may occur during pregnancy and after the childbirth. Urinary incontinence makes life more difficult and disorganized. Therefore it is very important to prepare also these muscles for the labor, no matter if you will have vaginal birth or C-section. Pelvic floor muscles are burden during pregnancy, regardless of the type of labor. It is important to strengthen the perineal muscles and make them more flexible – it’s essential for proper functioning.
Especially at the end of pregnancy, woman has decreased response time and lower general physical fitness. Due to weight gain, changed body posture and shapes, shifted center of gravity, pregnant woman may have worse balance. She may feel tired or have a tendency for clumsy movements or stumbling, especially when she want to move fast or react quickly.
How to help the body get through pregnancy and get back into shape after it
During pregnancy woman gets to know her body and learns about all of these changes. It’s part of the preparation to being a parent. It’s important to have regular visits to gynecologist and learn how to stay active to feel well and to help baby in proper development. There are some habits, exercises for pregnant women and tips what movements and positions to avoid, that can help them to get through pregnancy as painless as possible. It’s also an investment: all of the lifting, carrying, bathing, taking in and out of the infant car seat and stroller several times a day starts after the childbirth!
Pregnancy doesn’t mean you should forget about physical activity. If there is no medical contraindications, you can stay active and for example: go for walks, swim, go for a fitness classes for future moms. Physical activity will prepare your body to the labor and the hard work after the childbirth. It can be also beneficial for the child's cardiovascular system. Remember to stay hydrated, not only during exercises!
Take care of your genital organs and muscles in pelvic area. Try to tighten and relax the muscles to strengthen them. Try to use them during every day activity – during going up the stairs, carrying stuff or cleaning up. Remember that these muscles have to be strong and flexible for proper conduct of labor and quick return to normal functioning.
If you have any doubts about your health or you worry about feeling discomfort/pain – don’t hesitate to contact your gynecologist. Remember to always listen to your body.
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