Pregnancy affects every cell in a mom-to-be’s body. Some changes are unexpected, but there will be a few that may seemingly come out of the blue. At the onset of conception, these changes start to occur to accommodate the new life growing in you. Aside from your growing tummy and changes in weight, you will also experience a variety of physical changes from top to toe.
Dr. Salmi Daraup, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist from Columbia Asia Hospital – Iskandar Puteri shares a few tips on what to look out for:
What body changes can you expect during pregnancy?
There will be increase in weight mainly due to increase in size of uterus/ placenta and water. Retention. The average weight gain is 11 to 16 kg according to women’s BMI before pregnancy. Also expect swelling of both legs – during the start of second trimester, this mainly due to water retention, therefore moms need to reduce sodium and caffeine intake.
What are the hormonal changes during pregnancy?
2 main hormones; estrogen and progesterone play a significant role. Estrogens will increase steadily from the first trimester and reach its peak in third trimester. This hormone is responsible for the improvement of vascularization by forming new vessels, therefore it helps in nutrients transfer to the developing fetus. The rapid increase of estrogen in the first trimester will also cause hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive nausea and vomiting). The second hormone, progesterone is also known as the ‘pregnancy hormone’, which helps the fertilized egg to be implanted in the uterus. This hormone establishes pregnancy and helps maintain it. The lack of progesterone in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage.
What happens to your breast and cervical?
There will be significant changes during pregnancy in order to prepare milk. Skin pigmentation causes darkening of the areola. Increased size of breasts will cause discomfort or over sensitivity on the areola and nipples. Additionally, protruded nipples will become more significant as well as stretchmarks on the breasts. Milk production can be seen in second trimester: women can experience ‘leaking sensation’ from the breasts. For the cervical, the cervical tissues will become thick and firm in early pregnancy and softens before giving birth. They will produce mucus plug in late pregnancy and before delivery, known as ‘show’.
What about hair, nails and skin?
Hair growth increases and becomes more obvious on the skin or can cause hair loss as well. For nails, there may be brittleness, breakage, grooves, or keratosis. As for skin, hyper pigmentation is more significant as well as darkening skin tone on body parts such as the areolas, genitals and the linea alba. Some pregnant women also experience freckles and moles becoming more significant or increased in size. In the second trimester, there may be rashes that cause itchiness and redness over the skin, mainly due to hormonal changes.
What can you to do ease metabolic changes during pregnancy?
Increased metabolic rate will increase basal body temperature causing dehydration and overheating. Pregnant ladies would need to avoid strenuous exercise as it can dehydrate the body. Try to avoid humid or hot places. Stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting clothes. Also increase vegetables and fruit intake.
Dr. Salmi Daraup,
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist,
Columbia Asia Hospital – Iskandar Puteri
