Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
BookMark
Report

Pregnancy - Different Ways Your Body Changes During This Phase!

Profile Image
Dr. Vijaya GuptaGynaecologist • 22 Years Exp.MBBS, MS - Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Topic Image

Pregnancy is an experience where a woman experiences physical, mental and emotional changes. Out of all the changes, one of the major change, a woman goes through is hormonal change. Here are few different ways your body changes during pregnancy:

  1. Increase in the blood volume: The blood and plasma of the body are increased from thirty to fifty percent because the heart at that time, is working harder and more efficiently. This results in the heart ejecting more blood and plasma for the growth of your baby. It also helps protect the mother from certain delivery risks.
  2. Growth of hip size: The pelvic bone separates from the middle because of a hormone called relaxin, which helps the uterine muscle relax and softening of the cervix. It is not a dangerous thing as opening up of the pelvis makes the delivery safer.
  3. Skin darkening: Linea nigrea is a dark line that grows down your stomach and the belly button. It is always there even before pregnancy. However, the hormones change the pigmentation in the skin to make it look more evident. Moreover, that is not the only skin darkening that takes place. Some women develop dark spots and patches on their face. These are called melasma. Applying sunscreen can help prevent these.
  4. Vaginal color: The vagina tends to change its colour. It turns blue or purple and this is known as the Chadwick sign. The vagina may also swell up because of the increased blood flow as well as discharge. Development of vulvar varicose veins is very common during pregnancy. This mainly happens due to the pressure and weight of the uterus, which results in a decrease in the blood flow from the lower part of the body.
  5. The feet grow in size: Not only does the belly grow during pregnancy but, so do the feet. During pregnancy, the foot’s arch flattens because relaxin loosens your ligaments and the extra weight tends to push down the feet. The feet become longer and wider, hence. Moreover, fluid retention may also make your feet swell.
  6. Hair growthWomen tend to go through hair growth all over the body. It can also cause the hair to become thicker. Whereas, after the birth, hair fall becomes quite frequent. However, there is no need to worry since it is the body’s way of getting back to normal. It usually happens after six months of delivery.
  7. Brain fog: About eighty percent of the women go through memory loss or impairment. Although, the cause is unknown. The sleep deprivation or feelings of stress during pregnancy are a cause behind this.
  8. Having vampire breath: The hormonal change can cause bacteria in the mouth and cause it to become inflamed. Hence, it can lead to bleeding gums and a bad breath.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!
chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously
doctor

Book appointment with top doctors for Pregnancy Query treatment

View fees, clinc timings and reviews
doctor

Treatment Enquiry

Get treatment cost, find best hospital/clinics and know other details