This archive report was first published on 10 November 2019.
As a woman's body prepares for childbirth, it undergoes numerous changes that can be both surprising and unsettling. According to medical experts, these changes are a normal part of pregnancy, and understanding them can help women prepare for the journey ahead.
One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in progesterone and estrogen hormones, which affect almost every part of the body. This includes lung capacity, muscle control, and an increase in body fluids, leading to swelling in various parts of the body.
For instance, the swelling of the vocal cords can cause pregnant women to lose the ability to speak in high vocal notes, while the fragile blood vessels can lead to tearing, making it essential for women to avoid shouting and speaking in high notes.
Additionally, the release of the hormone relaxin stimulates the separation of the pubic bone down the middle, allowing the uterine muscle to ease and loosen the cartilage that keeps the bones together. This process can cause back and joint pain in some women.
It is also common for pregnant women to experience bloating and swelling due to the excess fluids retained in the body. This can be caused by the increased progesterone levels, which make the smooth muscles relax, leading to a buildup of excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
As a result, women may experience burping and passing of gas, and their abdomen may become larger. Furthermore, the increased hair growth in different parts of the body, such as the abdomen, arms, and even the face and chest, is also a common occurrence during pregnancy.
However, this increased hair growth decreases after childbirth. On the other hand, the positive aspect of this increased hair growth is that the hair on the scalp grows faster and becomes thicker and healthier.
Another change that women may experience during pregnancy is bad mouth odor, also known as halitosis. This is associated with the changes in hormones, which can cause bacteria in the mouth to be inflamed and overgrown, leading to bad breath and bleeding gums.
It is essential for pregnant women to maintain proper mouth hygiene by brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing between their teeth to avoid tooth decay and gum problems.
Lastly, excessive sweating is a common body change that pregnant women experience due to the increase in blood flow and metabolism. Even though the body may not be physically active, it is working hard to create another life, which is enough to cause one to sweat all the time.
