Understanding your pregnant body
During pregnancy your body miraculously changes—to help your growing baby in the womb and to nourish her after birth. Enjoy your new and changing body. Here’s what’s happening and why:
Enlarged breasts
Under the influence of hormones and an increased blood supply, your breasts feel full and somewhat tender. Enlarged breasts are absolutely normal, and in fact one of the early signs of pregnancy.
Your breasts change because they’re developing a network of milk ducts that will transport milk to the nipples. Your nipples become more prominent, and the areolas, the colored areas surrounding the nipples, become darker. Little blisterlike bumps may also appear on the areolas.
To accommodate your larger breasts you’ll need a good support bra. Most women find they now take one cup size larger. Look for a bra that provides firm support, but avoid underwires or push-up pads that can compress breasts. Also be sure to select a bra with wide shoulder straps.
Blood volume expands
For normal functioning of the placenta, the amount of blood volume and other fluids increases in your body. This may give you a flushed feeling and appearance. It may also lead to edema (swelling), which is very normal. If you’re concerned about swelling, discuss it with your doctor.
Uterus expands
When you deliver it will be 16 times larger than on the day you conceived. Sometimes the weight of your uterus and fetus can cause discomfort.
Solutions to pregnancy discomforts.