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Physical changes

1

Overview

Pregnancy affects almost every part of your body. Oftentimes, it is easier to deal with the bodily changes when you know what to expect.

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Physical Changes

Below are the main parts of the body that experience physical changes during the nine months of pregnancy.

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Physical Changes**Breasts**

In the beginning stages of your pregnancy your breasts will feel tender and may grow slightly. As the pregnancy progresses and your breasts prepare for breastfeeding, they will grow bigger and may leak an early form of milk called colostrum. Make sure to wear a bra that provides both comfort and support.

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Physical Changes**Congestion**

Do to the higher blood volume of pregnancy, you may experience congestion and a runny nose. Try using a saline spray or a neti pot to clear out the mucus.

5

Physical Changes**Frequent urination**

Because the blood volume increases during pregnancy, there is increased pressure on your kidneys, which causes frequent urination. Later in pregnancy the weight of the baby on the bladder increases the pressure, making you feel the need to urinate even more.

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Physical Changes**Mouth and tooth changes**

Because your body needs extra calcium for the growing baby in your womb, it might steal if from your bones and teeth if you don't provide an adequate amount from your diet. Pregnancy hormones also might make your gums bleed fairly easily.

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Physical Changes**Aches and pains**

During pregnancy, the ligaments and tendons throughout your body stretch, both to make room for the growing baby and to allow the baby to come out during labor. Pregnant women often complain of aches and pains in the lower abdomen. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and exercise can help relieve these pains.

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Physical Changes**Shortness of breath**

Towards the end of your pregnancy, the baby presses up against your diaphragm, so you may feel as if you cannot get enough air. This is called dyspnea, or shortness of breath. Often, changing your position (like lying on your side) can allow you to breathe more deeply.

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Physical Changes**Constipation**

To prevent and deal with constipation, get regular exercise, drink plenty of water and increase the fiber in your diet. If you still feel constipated, try an over-the-counter stool softener.

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Physical Changes**Heartburn and gas**

Most pregnant women experience these physical changes in their third trimesters. The pressure of the uterus on the stomach, paired with the relaxation of the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allows stomach acid to "reflux" into your throat. Over-the-counter heartburn options are recommended.

Leg cramps**

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Physical Changes**Heartburn and gas**

You may experience sudden leg cramps, a crawling sensation on your legs, or experience restless leg syndrome. These symptoms can be caused by low iron or potassium. Stretching your legs before bed and getting regular exercise can help; you can also try adding potassium-rich foods (like bananas) to your diet.

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Physical Changes**Heartburn and gas**

For a full list of physical changes during pregnancy, visit The U.S. Department of Women's Health and Human Services.

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Changes by Trimester

First Trimester (weeks 1-12)

-- Extreme tiredness

-- Tender, swollen breasts

-- Morning sickness

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Changes by Trimester

-- Cravings or distaste for certain foods

-- Mood swings

-- Constipation

-- Frequent urination

-- Headache

-- Heartburn

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Changes by Trimester

-- Weight gain or loss

Second Trimester (weeks 13-28)

-- Body aches (back, abdomen, groin, or thigh pain)

-- Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks

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Changes by Trimester

-- Darkening of the skin around your nipples

-- A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline

-- Patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip

-- Numb or tingling hands, called carpal tunnel syndrome

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Changes by Trimester

-- Itching on the abdomen, palms, and soles of the feet

-- Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face

Third Trimester (weeks 29-20)

-- Shortness of breath

-- Heartburn

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Changes by Trimester

-- Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face

-- Hemorrhoids

-- Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum

-- A belly button that sticks out

-- Trouble sleeping

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Changes by Trimester

-- Feeling the baby "dropping", or moving lower in your abdomen

-- Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor