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Where Has My Body Gone?

The Physical Effects of Pregnancy

It would be great if every pregnant woman could look and feel as wonderful as the celebrities who bare their pregnant bellies on TV and in magazines? Unfortunately, most pregnant women do not feel that confident during pregnancy, because their bodies go through so many changes. Here are a few ways to deal with the physical and mental challenges pregnancy poses.

Weight
Gaining weight is an expected part of pregnancy. In fact, a 20 to 25 pound weight gain over nine months is normal. Avoiding the urge to overeat during pregnancy can be difficult, but do not overreact and put yourself on an overly restrictive diet that could harm both you and your baby. Watch your weight gain and have regular medical checkups. Your doctor can advise you if you become deficient in any of the nutrients you and your baby need. Also, your doctor or counselor can direct you to prenatal classes that teach you about a nutritious diet, weight control, and overall health.

Most of the weight you gain will be due to water retention. You may notice the bulk of that gain in your legs and ankles, but your overall body fluids will increase by one third before your baby arrives. Such an increase in fluids creates extra work for all your major organs, especially your heart, lungs, and kidneys. When doctors suggests that you cut back on salty foods and soda pop, they are giving your kidneys a break from having to filter all that salt out of your system. During pregnancy your heart, lungs and kidneys function for both you and your baby, so watching your weight during those nine months will pay off in the long run with less swelling, fewer mood swings, and a more attractive and healthy appearance.

Other Changes
Another change—unwelcome by all—is the appearance of the dreaded stretch marks. Creams are available to help alleviate stretch marks, but the fact remains that stretch marks are an inherited tendency, depending on your skin type. The more elasticity your skin possesses, the fewer stretch marks you will incur. They may fade over time, but may never disappear completely.

Exercise
Regular exercise will boost your self-esteem and help you experience a more healthy pregnancy. There may even be prenatal exercise classes offered in your area for young or single mothers, where you can socialize and exercise at the same time. There are also exercise videos for expectant mothers, which will allow you to work out in the privacy of your home. However you choose to exercise, do not overdo it. If you are unsure if an exercise is safe to perform while pregnant, ask your doctor.

Ups & Downs
Because your mood swings may be wider than ever, your emotional stability during pregnancy might be compared to bungee-jumping. You will want to avoid extremes and develop the habit of listening to your body. It will tell you when it is tired and needs rest-- you’ll find yourself yawning and irritable. It will tell you when it needs extra nutrients, so you may need to change your eating habits. Listening to your body is a life-long habit for women, as we all experience constant physical changes throughout our lives-- menstrual cycles, pregnancies, and menopause, all involve changes in hormonal balances.

Learning to listen to your body now will help you feel healthier. Try not to fear the changes, but anticipate them with excitement as your pregnancy progresses.

“Listening to your body is a life-long habit for women...”