Talking about pregnancy implies talking about changes.The physical changes of pregnancy, functional changes, hormonal changes, psychological changes…. Changes. Changes in the broadest sense of the word. And you, if you are reading this, you should know that your life has changed, is changing and will change in the coming months, taking a 360º turn.
Talking about pregnancy is thinking consciously and unconsciously about… an increase in the belly! Indeed, it is the most noticeable symbol and the one we first identify in a pregnant woman. However, there are many other signs that will end up modifying your daily life and that are just as relevant as increasing your pants size. Throughout the following lines we address the different physical changes that you face with pregnancy along with the acceptance of your new body image. Let’s get to it!
Welcome to motherhood!
First of all… congratulations! If you are reading this, it is most likely that you are pregnant or that someone very close to you is.
Motherhood involves a series of inevitable changes that every woman must face and for which she must be prepared. The woman’s body is a wonderful “machine” that adapts and modifies as it prepares to give life. We have more than assumed it, but don’t you think it’s incredible?
Physical changes of pregnancy: First trimester
“Do I say it now or should I wait a little while to communicate the news?” Oh, you are eager to proclaim to the four winds that the pregnancy test has tested positive! But…even you don’t seem to notice any changes yet. Don’t worry, you may just feel more tenderness in the breasts, mood changes, or bloating in the lower abdomen. Symptoms similar to those of the menstrual period.
With the development of the fetus in the first trimester you will have more urge to urinate, you will really feel tired, you will notice that you lack of energy…even though you spend all day sleeping! Here you can read more about the sleep during pregnancy. Maybe the nausea, dizziness and the vomiting They will accompany you or… they may not.
Physical changes of pregnancy: Second trimester
Now yes And yes, say goodbye to your waistband and say hello to maternity clothes! With the development of the fetus in the second trimester your abdomen and thighs will become wider and rounder.Your breasts will gain volumeand they will be heavier and more sensitive. Your uterus will gradually compress your bladder, increasing your desire to go to the bathroom. Among the different physical changes of this period you will experience changes in skin pigmentation notable in the breast areolas (darker), in the appearance of the linea alba (or black line on the belly) and perhaps also in the appearance of chloasmas (spots on the face). You may notice the weaker or swollen gums.
It goes without saying that you will gain weight. Specifically, approximately half a kilo per week. Remember how vital it is to care nutrition in pregnancy and of course not eating for two. Excessive weight gain contributes to the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes.
Furthermore the The skin on your tummy will stretch quite a bit and you may feel itchy.. And… you will look hairy due to hormonal changes!
Physical changes of pregnancy: Third trimester
The most important physical change that occurs with development of the fetus in the third trimester It is related to the displacement of the center of gravity.Your uterus has gained a lot of space and your belly has acquired such a large volume that the greatest weight is in the front. Result? Discomfort, heaviness, back pain, pressure in the rib area, problems falling asleep, shortness of breath with small efforts, tiredness,…
Maybe you suffer hemorrhoids because of the constipation and maybe Your ankles and wrists become swollen. Your vaginal discharge will increase and false contractions will occur.
It’s time to prepare hospital bag!
Pregnancy and body image
Body image: The main physical changes of pregnancy
From minute 1 when pregnancy begins, your body, which is very wise, is preparing itself. Each woman is a different world, each woman lives it in a certain way and each one assumes her new image in a different way. That’s why always We talk about the SINGULARITIES of each mother.
On the one hand, there are women who proudly show each stretch mark that appears as an indicative sign of the “imminent miracle of life”, without caring too much about anything else. On the other hand, there are women who are more concerned about those extra kilos that they are gaining.
Whether you are on one side or the other, everything is fine. It is true that now You are going to acquire a new role, you are going to be a mother. But you are also going to continue being a woman. And it is totally logical and legal that you want to look and feel beautiful, with or without extra kilos. Don’t feel bad about it.
Acceptance of the physical changes of pregnancy
I would be lying if I told you that the transformations that are going to occur will always be easy to assume. From there comes the importance of taking your time and trying to enjoy these changes. The more confident you feel about your body, the more beautiful it will be.
Your body prepares at the same time as your mind.You must adapt to this whole new situation while consciously working on your new body image. along with the discomfort experienced throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy.
Physical changes of pregnancy and self-esteem
The self-esteem you have before getting pregnant will help you cope not only with the physical changes but also with the psychological and emotional changes that you will face. Loving your body and feeling comfortable with it is something that we must work on throughout life.
At SingularMom we strongly recommend that you pay attention not only to your physical health but also to your emotional health in pregnancy. Some of the guidelines we would like to give you are:
- Information is power.Learn everything you can and more(always taking into account objective and verified information) about the process you are experiencing. That it will make you feel safer and calmer, with greater confidence in yourself.
- Let off steam with your partner, with your family,… Seek professional help if you consider it appropriate.Express your emotions and feelings whether they are negative or positive. Talk to your baby, it’s a way to carry prenatal sensory stimulation.
- Don’t forget how important it is to practice physical exercise on a regular basis. Remember that you can try with our online childbirth preparation course.
Our goal with our childbirth preparation classes It is that you are sure of yourself, that you know how your body works and that you learn to take control of it to guarantee an easy and quick birth. And how is this achieved? Being prepared. We want to train you and teach you that, as María says very well:“your body is ready to give birth and your baby is ready to be born”.
You just need to know it and internalize it to arrive calmly and safely to the most important appointment of your life.
