MyFertilityGuide

Before your pregnancy is evidenced in tests or physical exams, your body responds to the growing life inside you, providing protection and nourishment. You may recognize these changes in your body and know that you're pregnant before you have a test to prove it. Here are the physical changes you can expect to experience as your pregnancy progresses.

First Trimester of Pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy is a whirlwind of emotions as the hormones surge and your body's focus shifts in response to the needs of the embryo. Along with intense emotional ups and downs, you can also expect:

• Sensitive and sore breasts – Some women experience swollen and sore breasts as a part of their menstrual cycle. Expect your breasts to grow heavier and more full throughout your pregnancy. Wearing a supportive bra even at night can help reduce any pain.
• Nausea and/or vomiting—Also due to surging hormones, precious few women avoid this symptom in early pregnancy. Dry, plain crackers and small frequent meals help. It should pass by the second trimester.
• Extreme fatigue—Your energy is focused on the growing baby. Little is left for anything else.
• Mild dizziness or head rush when standing quickly—This sometimes results in fainting. Rise slowly when standing, stay hydrated and eat frequently. If this occurs in combination with intense abdominal pain, consult your doctor immediately.
• Increased urination—Hormones cause it now. The baby pressing on your bladder will cause it later.

Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Hormonal intensity recedes in the second trimester, but now physical evidence of the baby is extremely visual. You will most likely experience: • Expanding stomach—As the baby grows larger, so too does your stomach protrude farther out in front of you. The average weight gain in the second trimester is four to five pounds per month.
• Braxton Hicks contractions—These are not strong, but they may scare you if you aren't expecting them. If they are painful or your water breaks, head straight to the emergency room. Otherwise, they'll pass.
• Issues with circulation—It can cause swelling in the ankles and hands, problems breathing, glowing skin or acne, congestion, nose bleeds, loose teeth or bleeding gums.
• Cramping—As the weight of the uterus increases, the pressure on leg veins can become intense and cause cramps in your legs, hips, back and sides. Stretch it out and walk it off.

Third Trimester of Pregnancy

The excitement of your baby's pending arrival is often mitigated by extreme discomfort and insomnia that accompanies her growth. In the third trimester, you can expect:

• Heartburn and constipation—Everything in your body moves slower during pregnancy and food is included. This is to make sure that as many nutrients as possible are absorbed before the food passes, but it can also cause heartburn and constipation. Eat smaller meals more frequently and refrain from lying down flat immediately after eating.
• Aches—Backaches, leg aches, neck aches, shoulder aches. The added weight and slowed circulation can only be alleviated with rest, massage and back support.
• Stretch Marks—Not everyone gets them and no amount of lotion will keep them away if you're genetically predisposed. Drink lots of water, use shea butter, and keep taking your vitamins.

It's true what they say: in the end, it's all worth it.