How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy
It is no secret that your body changes during pregnancy. To say our bodies are a miraculous thing is an understatement. Pregnancy is a perfect example of our body’s amazing potential. A few of these changes you can see, while many others you may not even notice. Let’s look at all the hidden and obvious body changes during pregnancy.
Hidden and Obvious Physiological Shifts
The ones you may not notice happening are the ones that cause many common symptoms of pregnancy. Things like acid reflux, needing to empty your bladder (constantly, it seems?) or feeling short of breath during pregnancy are caused by the changes happening in the respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal systems. All these changes occur to prepare for the development of your baby and to give birth during labor. Some of these changes are subtle, an increased respiratory rate for example, while other more obvious changes include a baby bump.
Body Parts and Systems That Change While Pregnant
All these changes happen at different points of your pregnancy. Here is a list of the systems, organs, and parts that undergo changes during pregnancy:
- Endocrine System
- Abdomen
- Cardiovascular System
- Breast
- Respiratory System
- Body Temperature
- Integumentary System: Hair, Skin, and Nails
- Urinary System
- Legs and Feet
- Musculoskeletal System
- Body Weight
The breasts are commonly the first changes most pregnant women notice. The second most recognized sign of pregnancy is the abdomen. Now that you are pregnant, you’re body will go through a number of changes, including your skin. There are many physiological changes and common concerns that come with pregnancy such as nausea, fatigue, or swelling. During pregnancy, many women have questions about how their body changes.
Summary of Physiological Changes
| Body System | Associated Changes or Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Respiratory System | Increased respiratory rate and feeling short of breath |
| Urinary System | Needing to empty your bladder constantly |
| Gastrointestinal System | Acid reflux and nausea |
| Integumentary System | Changes to hair, skin, and nails |
| Musculoskeletal | Fatigue and swelling |
An Ob/Gyn or Obstetrician will help you adjust to these changes and make sure your pregnancy is progressing safely through regular prenatal visits.