9 Things to Expect When You're Expecting
“Congratulations! You’re having a baby!”
You’re going to be in the passenger seat while your body makes all the changes necessary to grow a human life inside you. For the 37-42 weeks of pregnancy you will be amazed at just how extraordinary your body is.
There’ll be so many priceless moments: movement that you know isn’t gas, first kicks, maybe hiccups. It’s such a cool experience and it gets even better after 20 weeks when your partner can feel and see the movement from the outside!
Every pregnancy is different, but there are some interesting, weird & fun, all natural changes your body will go through.
9 Things to Expect When You’re Expecting
- Your heart will grow - We’re not just talking about a figurative growth associated with the love you now have for your little one. During pregnancy, your body will experience an increased blood volume, and this will cause your heart to grow in size to pump enough blood for you and your baby.
- You’ll have the best hair and nails - If you haven’t begun to experience this just yet, it’s definitely something to look forward to. The increased hormones do amazing things for your hair and nails, including making them grow and look healthier than ever!
- Your partner may experience symptoms - Many women find this one hard to believe, but your partner may not be dramatic. They may experience what is known as ‘Couvade Syndrome’ or ‘Sympathetic Pregnancy,’ which could cause weight gain, nausea, and even swelling.
- You may need larger shoes - Everyone knows that pregnancy necessities purchasing maternity clothes. But, your heart and tummy won’t be the only things growing. It’s possible for pregnancy to cause your feet to increase by an entire shoe size!
- Your complexion may change - Who knew that growing a baby could affect your melanin production? This phenomenon is known as chloasma or melasma and occurs due to the stimulation of pigment-producing cells by the female sex hormones.
- You may experience a heightened sense of smell - If you can detect scents that no one else seems to notice, it may be a result of your pregnancy. This is your body’s natural way of keeping you from foods you shouldn’t be eating to protect your baby.
- Lactation may begin during pregnancy - Some women won’t experience lactation until after the baby is born, but some may lactate during late pregnancy. And get this, you may even begin to lactate at the sound of another baby crying! Isn’t that interesting? But don’t worry, if this happens to you all you’ll need to do is add breatpads to your bras. We have a great how to video on youtube to help you out.
- Your heartburn could be a good sign - Women who tend to experience heartburn during pregnancy are more likely to have babies born with a full head of hair. So, your discomfort may not be in vain after all! There is some science to back this up, a hormone called progesterone can cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, contributing to heartburn. But not everyone has the same experience with babies born with hair.
- Your bones will move – AS your uterus expands during the second trimester your pelvis begins to shift. The curve in the lower back also increases due to the expansion of the belly and the changes in your pelvis. This is all caused because your body is trying to stay upright and is shifting its center of gravity. The The hormone Relaxin will also loosen all your joints, a necessity for delivery.
Despite the morning sickness, heartburn and back pain, we hope you enjoy the process. Pregnancy is amazing and life-changing, and doesn't last forever. So, bask in the moments as you await your little miracle.
