A Pregnant Mom's Body Changes: The Good, The Bad, And The Icky

Hormonal changes, weight gain, morning sickness, stretch marks, and fatigue will dominate your pregnant mom lexicon. With the help of ob-gynecologist Marie Victoria Cruz, M.D., SMART PARENTING gives neophyte expectant moms a primer on the good, the bad, and the icky of pregnancy.

 

THE GOOD, Things you can look forward to

 

That “pregnancy glow.” The so-called “glow” actually has biological basis. The increased volume of blood causes the cheeks to take on an attractive blush. On top of this natural blush, the  increased secretions of the oil glands give the skin a waxy sheen, similar to the one non-pregnant people experience when they are excited, crying, or doing something that increases their heart rate (which pregnancy does constantly). Some experience it during the first trimester, while some are “aglow” all throughout the nine months.

 

Increased appetite (and all the justification for it!). This begins in the first trimester, increases throughout pregnancy, and continues onto the time you begin to breastfeed your baby. It’s important, though, to keep in mind that, first and foremost, you need to eat healthy. Though you may think you’re “eating for two,” you cannot binge all the way. There is a ceiling to how much weight a pregnant woman may gain (25-30 lbs on average, though this varies according to age, pre-pregnancy weight, and other health factors); make sure you stay well within those limits.

Cup size, upsize! This is due to the increasing number of glands and fatty tissues in preparation for lactation during the first half of pregnancy. Breasts swell, tingle, and throb, and may feel heavy and tender as milk glands develop. Wear a bra that fits right to provide proper support to your breasts.

 

Click here to read about the discomforts of being pregnant.

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THE BAD, Discomforts that cannot be avoided but can be kept minimal

 

More than just morning sickness. Usually disappearing after the first trimester, nausea and vomiting can persist throughout pregnancy in some cases. Nausea may be due to an enlarged uterus pressing on major blood vessels, causing blood pressure to drop. Vomiting, on the other hand, may be due to hormonal changes affecting the digestive system. Pace your movements and change positions slowly once in a while to avoid sudden blood pressure changes. Frequent small snacks of dry food (like soda crackers), small sips of fluids, and eating starchy but not too oily food (like pasta and rice) help avoid vomiting.

Headaches! Occurring more often during the first half of pregnancy, the most common answer to short mild headaches are analgesics prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes, a restful nap and frequent sips of water can do the trick. In their book Understanding Pregnancy and Childbirth, doctors Sheldon Cherry, M.D., and Douglas Moss, M.D., explain that severe headaches can be a sign of pre-eclampsia (hypertension in both mother and child during pregnancy), so let your  doctor know if you have frequent headaches that seem to be getting worse every time, especially toward your third trimester.

Gums gone wrong. Inflamed gums that bleed more easily than usual characterize pregnancy gingivitis. This may affect your pearly whites’ health, too. Proper oral hygiene is a must: flossing regularly, brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash, and frequent dental visits help monitor your oral health. Increased intake of food rich in calcium and vitamin C help ward off gingivitis. “Oh, leave me breathless.” A pregnant woman takes in more oxygen per breath to provide oxygen for her baby. Hence, you tend to take sharper gasps of breath. “But this is largely due to the push of the enlarging womb on the lungs, diaphragm, and changes in lung capacity,” Dr. Cruz reveals. Use an extra pillow when you sleep at night for relief from shortness of breath.

 

Click here to read more about discomforts during pregnancy such as heartburn, aching back, frequent urination, burping and constipation.

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Read more about discomforts during pregnancy such as heartburn, aching back, frequent urination, burping and constipation.

 

Heartburn! According to author Ann Douglas in her book, The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, heartburn is due to the “high levels of progesterone in the body that causes the valve at the entrance to the stomach to relax, which allow stomach acid to pass back up into the esophagus.” This causes a burning sensation in the lower chest or middle abdominal region. Sleeping with two or three pillows or taking antacids per advise of your Ob-Gyne can help manage this.

That (aching) sexy back. Stretching of the ligaments and muscles that support your uterus, and changes in posture to balance your body’s center of gravity while managing a growing abdomen can cause back pains. Heating pads, a maternity girdle, a pillow to support your back when sitting, or a firm mattress when sleeping help alleviate the pain. Special exercises that strengthen the back muscles also help.

Wee-wee pit stops. Frequent urination is due to the enlarging womb that is pressing on your kidneys. Dr. Cruz elaborates that as your uterus grows and rises higher in your abdomen, frequent urination may go away but comes back as you get closer to delivery and your baby drops lower in your pelvis. Contact your doctor right away to rule out a bladder infection, if you

have pain urinating or your urine has a change in odor or color.

Farty, burpy lady. Intestines can be more sluggish during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, when you swallow more air as a means of relieving nausea. Drink plenty of fluids, eat fibrous food, and avoid sipping hot beverages and soup, to lessen gassiness.

Number 2, no go? Constipation is due to hormonal changes that slow down the digestion of food. Dr. Cruz says that extra iron intake during pregnancy, as well as the pressure from your growing uterus may also contribute to the problem. A high-fiber diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables, prunes, and whole-grain or bran cereals may help. Be sure to drink plenty of water, too.

 

Click here to read more about hair fall, skin discoloration, stretch marks, swollen nose, feet and legs, varicose veins and vaginal discharge during pregnancy.

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THE ICKY, Things that wreak havoc on your vanity

 

Hair scare. Think you’re going bald? You’re not. Fortunately, hair fall during pregnancy is only temporary. You’ll have a full head of hair in no time. Avoid strong shampoo and conditioner

that may aggravate this condition.

Splotches and blotches. Several skin changes occur during pregnancy. Dr. Cruz explains, “Increase in skin pigmentation is due to melanocyte stimulating hormones. This contributes

to the appearance of linea nigra or the dark vertical line on the abdomen, or dark underarms.” Another skin change during pregnancy is chloasma, which are brownish patches of skin that tend

to appear on the face and neck during pregnancy. Moles, birthmarks, scars, and your areola also appear darker and bigger. Thankfully, these skin changes usually disappear shortly after delivery.

Freaky streaks. “Stretch marks are caused by the breakdown of skin as a result of lack of elasticity when there is a sudden increase in size of the abdomen,” Dr. Cruz shares. These reddish or dark streaks often appear in the abdomen, thighs, lower back, and breasts. While

they fade to white streaks over time, they don’t go away completely. Some moms swear on creams and lotions, but studies have yet to prove their effectiveness. Chances of developing stretch marks usually depends on your skin’s elasticity. Oftentimes, it all depends on your genes.

Manas at maga. Swollen nose, feet, and legs are due to the increased weight, blood volume, and fl uids that you retain in your body. These usually occur toward the end of pregnancy but should

not be painful. Parenting book author Douglas advises pregnant women to rid yourself of extra fluids in the body by lying on your side, sitting with your feet up, or soaking your feet in warm water.  

Limit your salt intake, too. This will go away shortly after delivery.

All in “vein.” Caused by an accumulation of extra blood in and around the valves of the veins,

developing varicose veins is hereditary and may cause pain, especially after standing for long periods. Increased weight gain also causes this. Elevate your legs when lying in bed or sitting to help increase blood flow. Avoid wearing high heels and tight-fitting socks or pantyhose that restrict blood circulation. Never knead or massage varicose veins; it may cause poor circulation, blood clots, or ruptured veins.

Leaky breasts? Towards the end of the pregnancy, breasts may produce a thin, yellowish or milky discharge called colostrum, which precedes breast milk. Nipple discharge may be managed

with breast pads.

More goo down there. Increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy is caused by increased blood supply to the tissues in the vagina. Visit your doctor if you have pain, soreness, or itching

caused by the discharge. Your vaginal discharge will return to normal after giving birth.

 

Click here to read on about loving your pregnant self.

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LOVING YOUR PREGNANT SELF

It’s important to recognize that pregnancy affects each woman’s body differently. Dr. Cruz stresses that being ready to face these changes early into the pregnancy helps prevent or manage the changes with ease. Expressing your concerns and feelings to your partner and

your doctor can be a big relief. A positive outlook is also crucial. Keep in mind that these body changes make room for the little one growing inside you.

Some women adore their pregnant bodies while some women dislike the changes their bodies undergo. If you see yourself as the latter, all you need is a change of mindset about your body.

Every day, notice something beautiful in your body and focus on that rather than complaining about how “round” you are becoming. After all, there is nothing more beautiful than carrying

new life in your womb.

 

Sources:

• Marie Victoria Cruz, M.D., obstetriciangynecologist, St. Luke’s Medical Center
• The Mother of All Pregnancy Books by Ann Douglas
• Understanding Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheldon Cherry, M.D. and Douglas Moss, M.D.
• “Pregnancy and Body Image,” epigee.org

 

Photography by Jun Pinzon