Physical Changes
You may notice:
- you have more energy
- you have a stuffed up nose
- that your gums bleed More about bleeding gums
- that your voice sounds different because of hormone changes
- mild swelling of your hands, feet, ankles and face More about swelling
- lower back pain first, and then upper back pain later More about back pain
- pain in your side. As your baby grows and your womb (uterus) gets bigger, the ligaments that support your uterus may feel sore.
- that your pelvis is beginning to feel loose when you are walking. Pregnancy hormones make your joints relax more.
- you have hard, dry stools (constipation) More about constipation
- leg cramps, especially at night
- more of your baby’s movements
Emotional Changes
You may notice that you think about your body image. This is normal. Now that you are further along and your baby is growing, your body image is changing. Changing body image can be one of the main things that stresses many pregnant women.
Remember:
- increases in your weight are normal and important for you and your baby.
- exercise can help you feel better about yourself. Go for a walk everyday.
- you are not alone in feeling like this. Talk it over with your midwife or doctor. You can also make an appointment to see a Dietician (604-732-9191 or toll-free in BC 1-800-667-3438).
You may notice:
Bleeding gums
This can happen because of changes in your hormones, or because you have plaque left on your teeth. Floss and brush everyday, and see your dentist for a checkup. Remember to tell her you are pregnant.
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Mild swelling is common and normal for 50-80% of women. You may have it in only one area or in all those areas mentioned. It does not necessarily mean you have any other condition. The swelling happens over time. If all of a sudden you have swelling or are concerned about it, talk to your midwife or doctor.
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This is because there is extra stress on your body. Many women may experience back pain during the later stages of pregnancy. To alleviate the pain, it may help to:
• keep good body posture when standing and sitting.
• try heat or cold packs.
• get a massage from your partner or a certified massage therapist who knows how to work with pregnant women.
• use a pillow under your upper leg for support when you are lying down on your side.
• do exercises to stretch and strengthen your back. The Antepartum physiotherapy class at BC Women's can help with this. Call (604-875-2126) to make a time to see the physiotherapist.
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If you have had this before you were pregnant, you usually have it more so during pregnancy. About a third of the women who do these three things find relief:
• increase the fibre in your diet (add a bit of bran to your cereal)
• increase the amount of water you drink, at least 8-10 glasses a day.
• exercise. It's safe and helps with many discomforts.
Before you take any medicine, talk to your doctor or midwife. You canalso make an appointment to see a Dietician (604-732-9191 or toll-free in BC 1-800-667-3438).
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Reviewed on: March 2, 2010 |