Pregnancy is a wonderful process. It brings about a lot of changes in a woman’s body. These changes, while normal, often lead to questions and concerns. As a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist for over two decades, we have observed these concerns firsthand. So we decided to come up with a blog that will help you understand the most common pregnancy changes. 

Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms experienced in the early weeks of pregnancy. Approximately 70% of pregnant women report nausea, vomiting, or both, often referred to as morning sickness.

This typically starts around the sixth week of pregnancy and can last until the end of the first trimester. The primary cause is the increase in pregnancy hormones, especially human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone.

These hormonal shifts slow down the digestive system, making you feel nauseated. You might notice it’s worse in the morning due to low blood sugar after a night’s sleep, but it can occur at any time of day. Eating small, frequent meals can help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Ginger tea or ginger candies may also soothe your stomach. If morning sickness becomes severe, consult your doctor for possible treatments, such as vitamin B6 supplements or anti-nausea medications.

Breast tenderness is another early sign of pregnancy, usually appearing around the fourth to sixth week. This symptom occurs because your body is preparing for breastfeeding. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone increase, causing the breasts to enlarge and the milk ducts to grow.

This can result in swollen, sore, or tingly breasts. Your nipples might become more sensitive, and the areolas could darken due to increased pigmentation.

Wearing a supportive bra can alleviate discomfort. Choose a bra that fits well, provides good support, and is comfortable to wear. Some women find that sleeping in a bra helps reduce pain.

As your pregnancy progresses, these symptoms may subside, but they can return closer to delivery as your body continues to prepare for breastfeeding.

Yes, weight gain is an expected and healthy part of pregnancy. The average weight gain varies but is typically between 11 to 16 kilograms (about 25 to 35 pounds) for a woman of average weight before pregnancy.

This weight includes the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, breast tissue, blood supply, fat stores, and the enlarged uterus.

It is important to gain weight gradually. A balanced diet rich in nutrients will support your baby’s growth and ensure your health. Focus on eating a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy.

Avoid empty calories and limit high-sugar and high-fat foods. Your healthcare provider will monitor your weight gain during your prenatal visits to ensure it is within a healthy range.

Feeling tired or fatigued is a common complaint among pregnant women, particularly in the first trimester. This is due to the body’s increased demand for energy as it supports the growing baby.

Hormonal changes, such as a rise in progesterone, contribute to feelings of sleepiness. The heart pumps more blood, and your metabolism is working harder, which can leave you feeling exhausted.

It’s crucial to listen to your body and rest when needed. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet can help maintain your energy levels. Light exercise, like walking or prenatal yoga, can also boost your energy and improve your mood.

If fatigue is overwhelming or accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath, consult your pregnancy doctor to rule out conditions such as anemia.

Kegel exercises are highly recommended during pregnancy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Pregnancy can weaken these muscles due to the added weight and hormonal changes.

Strengthening them can help prevent or manage urinary incontinence, a common issue during and after pregnancy. It can also aid in recovery after childbirth.

To perform Kegel exercises, contract the muscles you use to stop urination, hold for a few seconds, and then release. Repeat this exercise 15-20 times, ideally three times a day.

You can do Kegels while sitting, standing, or lying down, making them easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Strong pelvic floor muscles can improve your overall pregnancy experience and help with postpartum recovery.

During pregnancy, you might notice changes in your skin. Many women experience a glow due to increased blood circulation and hormonal changes, which cause more oil production. However, some might develop acne, while others could notice darkening of the skin, particularly around the nipples, face, or abdomen. This darkening is due to increased melanin production, which is influenced by pregnancy hormones.

Stretch marks are also common, especially as the baby grows and the skin stretches. They typically appear on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and hips. Keeping your skin moisturized can help maintain its elasticity.

Using sunscreen is crucial, as your skin may be more sensitive to the sun and prone to dark spots. If skin changes bother you, consult your pregnancy doctor for safe skincare options during pregnancy.

Pregnancy can also affect your hair and nails. Many women notice their hair becomes thicker due to increased hormone levels, which prolong the growth phase of hair follicles. However, hair might also become oilier or drier, and some women may notice more hair growing on their body or face.

Nail growth often accelerates during pregnancy, but nails can become brittle or develop grooves. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support hair and nail health.

Using gentle, nourishing hair and nail care products is also beneficial. Postpartum, you might experience hair shedding as hormone levels return to normal, but this usually stabilizes within a few months.

Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, is common during pregnancy. This can happen when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, and hormonal changes can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to stress incontinence.

Practicing Kegel exercises regularly can help strengthen these muscles and reduce incontinence. It’s also helpful to empty your bladder frequently and avoid beverages that increase urine production, like caffeinated drinks. If incontinence becomes a concern, discuss it with your doctor They can offer additional strategies or refer you to a pelvic floor specialist.

Struggling with urinary incontinence during pregnancy? Consult Dr. Supriya Puranik, top pregnancy specialist in Pune, for tailored solutions and expert care.

Certain factors can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, categorizing it as high-risk. These include advanced maternal age (over 35), pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, or a history of pregnancy complications.

If you fall into any of these categories, your doctor will monitor your pregnancy more closely.

Regular prenatal visits are crucial for managing a high-risk pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend more frequent check-ups, additional tests, or specific treatments to ensure the health of both mother and baby. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice and communicate any concerns or symptoms you experience.

Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Regular visits to your doctor help monitor the baby’s development and your health. During these visits, your doctor will check your blood pressure, weight, and urine, and measure your baby’s growth. Ultrasounds and blood tests are also performed to monitor the baby’s health.

Prenatal care provides an opportunity to discuss any symptoms, ask questions, and receive guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Early and consistent prenatal care can detect potential issues and manage them effectively, ensuring the best outcomes for both mother and baby.

Pregnancy is a wonderful phase of a couple’s life. There can be some issues during the pregnancy. But if you need more information or help, you can always reach out to us. We are here to help. 

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• About Author

  Dr. Supriya Puranik

  Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Often known as the last glimmer of hope for people who have lost all hope for conceiving a child, Dr. Supriya Puranik is a leading gynaecologist, high risk obstetrician and Head of IVF & Gynaecology department at Ankura Hospital for Women & Children.