Physical transformations of pregnancy

Author: Dr Scott Pendergraft

During pregnancy women’s body undergo a lot of physical transformations. While some of the physical changes like weight gain and extended belly are pretty obvious some other changes are not physically recognizable like morning sickness and enlarged uterus. Women are ready for most of these changes but there are some unexpected bodily changes that can take them by surprise. Here we are going to detail what all body changes women can expect during pregnancy.

Among various unanticipated changes are enlargement of breasts and swollen varicose veins in vagina. There are a few of unexpected changes, but here is complete guide on such changes.

Hair and nails

Due to increase in level of estrogen, women can witness good hair growth and health during pregnancy. The hair growth can increase not only her head but also on her body as well. However what is important thing to note is that after pregnancy there can be sharp fall in level of estrogen. This means women after pregnancy will lose more hair. They might witness clumps of falling hair but there is nothing to worry it is a common occurrence.

But the hair growth and texture comes back to normal after 5-6 months of giving birth. Nails can become coarser due to increased blood flow in fingers due to estrogen increase. As a result nails can become more brittle and split easily. Nails also tend to grow faster in pregnant women like hair.

Oral Changes

Mouth and oral health bears the burn of pregnancy as immunity is lowered during the period. Women can experience bleeding gums that are pretty much common. This also makes way for many other oral infections as well. It is important to prevent infection like gingivitis and gum inflammations and maintain proper oral hygiene.

Skin Changes

It is very common to have skin changes during pregnancy. However, most women are worried about the stretch marks which are pinkish or purplish in appearance. These stretch marks appear on back, thighs, breasts or backside of the body and can be itchy.

It is more likely that obese women or the ones who put on weight very fast during pregnancy or have large fetuses can have stretch marks. According to experts stretch marks can be because of breakdown of collages, a connective tissue. Pregnancy glow due to increased blood circulation in the skin is also common skin change.

Breasts

Pregnancy can bring in significant changes in breasts. They can tend to feel fuller and tender. Nipples can also become more sensitive to touch. Areolas can darken and enlarge during pregnancy and breasts can start leaking a milky fluid, called colostrum.

Body temperature

During pregnancy women can have little high body temperature and also sweat a lot. This is usually due to increased metabolism and over active sweat glands. Loose clothing and drinking a lot of water can help to stay cool.

These are some major physical bodily changes pregnant women can expect. None of these are a concern and are normal occurrences during pregnancy.

Tampa Abortion Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including abortions, physical examinations, family planning and counseling. Abortion Clinic.