Body changes during pregnancy

Almost every part of your body, from your brain to your bones, plays a role in the wonderfully intricate process of creating a baby.

Pregnancy changes more than you think

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes beyond just the growing baby. The hormones that support your baby's growth and prepare your body for childbirth also impact different body systems and functions.

Neurological system

• Brain fog and dizziness: May occur due to iron deficiency and lowered blood pressure.
• Headaches: Common.

Nerve issues:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Causes wrist pain.
• Bell’s palsy: Affects facial muscles and is more frequent during pregnancy.

Eyesight

• Blurred vision: Swelling can cause blurriness, especially if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
• Flickering vision: Get your blood pressure checked urgently if this occurs, as it may indicate preeclampsia.

Smell

Heightened sense of smell: Hormonal changes increase sensitivity to certain smells.

Taste

Hormones can alter taste (dysgeusia): Leads to sudden dislike of some foods, including your favourites. More common in the first few months.

Muscles

Muscles and ligaments become more relaxed: Can raise the risk of injury, especially when lifting weights.

Bones

• Ensure adequate calcium intake: Your baby will draw what they need from your bones. It’s even more crucial if you're expecting twins.
• Bone density: Returns to normal after your period resumes.
• Long-term bone strength: Extra oestrogen during pregnancy may strengthen bones over time.

Cardiovascular system

• Increased cardiac output: Rises by up to 40% to supply your baby with nutrients.
• Blood pressure: Drops, reaching its lowest around 22-24 weeks.
• Heart rate: Increases by 10 to 20 beats per minute.

Lungs

• Oxygen consumption: Increases by 20%.
• Breathing difficulty: Climbing stairs may feel harder due to uterus enlargement, which reduces lung capacity.

Urinary system

• Frequent bathroom trips: Initially, this is caused by hormonal changes, but later due to pressure on your bladder from the uterus.
• Increased risk of infections: Your growing uterus may block urine flow, leading to potential bladder and urinary tract infections (UTIs).