Changes and Challenges to Expect in Your Body During Pregnancy

Even if you’re only a few weeks into your pregnancy, you may have already seen and felt some changes. Expect your body to continue to change as it does everything it can to support and nurture your baby – a good thing to remember when things don’t feel that great.

Remember, your body is your baby’s first home. So try to embrace all the changes you see and feel as positive ones. After all, you want the “tenant” inside you to be happy and healthy when they eventually move into your actual, material home.

Learn More Below:

Early Bodily Changes You Can Expect

While most outsiders won’t notice it, you’re likely to start feeling small changes almost immediately after becoming pregnant.

However, even though having a baby is a big deal in Filipino culture, you may choose to keep news of your pregnancy private until you have your first ultrasound. This is typically recommended at around the 6-8 week mark, when there’s been enough development to verify a heartbeat and due date. Some of the early symptoms of pregnancy include: morning sickness, tiredness, sore breasts and irritability.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above – especially severe fatigue and morning sickness – it can be hard to act normal around friends, family, and colleagues.

While it’s not possible to completely offset these symptoms, you can still do things to minimize their effects. Some of them include: getting as much rest as you can, reducing after-work functions and consider asking your pharmacist about a suitable over the counter treatment option that may help.

When Will I Start To Look Pregnant?

While every woman’s body is different, you’re most likely to appear pregnant once you’re into your second trimester – which is from 14 to 29 weeks. By this time, you will find that your clothes may feel tight and your baby bump is more visible.

It’s important to stay comfortable, so invest in some maternity wear, like oversized tops (you can opt for colorful options to help boost your mood), or loose, robe-like dresses. Swollen feet are also another unwanted symptom of pregnancy. So if you must wear heels, take them off as often as you can as it skews your center of gravity, which can worsen back pain.

Another change that a few fortunate women experience is fuller, more luscious hair. Pregnant women also don’t lose as much hair as they usually do, so enjoy this one perk while you can.

What Other Changes Will I Experience While Pregnant?

There may be some aches and symptoms that come and go during pregnancy, but for the most part, you shouldn’t experience persistent pain. Some of these symptoms include:

• Itchy skin: The skin on your stomach may itch occasionally as it stretches over your growing baby bump.
• Varicose veins and hemorrhoids (almoranas): You’ll be more susceptible to varicose veins and hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Avoid standing or sitting for too long and crossing your legs when you’re sitting down to minimize them.
• Vaginal discharge: It’s normal to have a thin, white discharge (known as leukorrhea) at this time. This substance helps keep your vagina healthy. If you see any other type or color of discharge, consult your doctor immediately.
• Skin discolouration: Pregnancy hormones can cause dark patches to appear on your face and stomach. This condition can be aggravated by the sun, so wear sunscreen whenever going outside.
• Shortness of breath: You may feel shortness of breath, or breathe slightly faster while pregnant as your lungs process more oxygen to support your baby,
• Increased appetite: Having a growing baby inside you may make you feel constantly hungry. However, your actual energy needs don’t increase that much–just slightly in the second trimester, and again in the third trimester. Given this, there’s no need to eat too much! But if you do need a snack, choose a healthy option like fruits or sweet potatoes.
• Nipple leaks: Your nipples may start to leak colostrum. This is the liquid that feeds your baby until your breast milk kicks in. Wear breast pads to avoid leaving marks on your clothes in public.
• Braxton-Hicks contractions: You might feel some weak practice contractions as your body prepares for birth. These are called Braxton-Hicks contractions, and they’ll come and go at irregular intervals. If they do become strong and regular before you're due, call your doctor. You might be in early labor.
• Discomfort sleeping: You might also have some trouble sleeping. If this is the case, you may look up guides on sleeping while pregnant online to help you get the rest you need.
• Constipation: You may experience constipation during your pregnancy. But don't worry because this is a normal pregnancy symptom.

Please don't hesitate to speak to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Just remember that these changes are normal, and are necessary to help you support your growing family.