my first pregnancy this is me at 15 weeks it’s little but it’s there lol 💕 i feel like i’ve always had a tiny bulge there even before i got pregnant but idk i think i’m showing a bit. i can’t wait to pop idc i want all the body changes pregnancy comes with!! i think pregnanct bellies are the cutestttt
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Pregnancy Body Changes
Body changes during pregnancy, explained
Here's a breakdown of the most common body changes you may experience:
Weight Gain ⤴️
- Healthy Range: On average, women are advised to gain between 25 to 35 pounds (11 to 16 kilograms) during pregnancy, but this can vary depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and individual circumstances.
- Distribution: Weight gain is not only due to the growing baby but also the increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and enlargement of your breasts and uterus.
- Importance: Adequate weight gain is crucial for the healthy development of your baby. It provides necessary nutrients and reserves for breastfeeding.
Breast Changes 🤱
- Tenderness and Enlargement: Your breasts may become tender and increase in size as they prepare for breastfeeding. Wearing a supportive bra can help alleviate discomfort.
- Darkened Areolas: The pigmented area around your nipples, called the areolas, may darken during pregnancy. This is normal and serves as a visual cue for your baby to find the breast.
- Leakage: As early as the second trimester, you may experience leakage of colostrum, a yellowish fluid that will nourish your baby in the first few days after birth.
Hormonal Changes 🤒
- Increased Hormone Levels: Pregnancy hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, surge during pregnancy. These hormones play a vital role in maintaining pregnancy and preparing your body for childbirth.
- Effects: Hormonal changes can lead to various effects, including mood swings, fatigue, and changes in skin pigmentation.
- Skin Changes: Hormonal fluctuations may cause changes in your skin, such as darkening of the skin in certain areas, known as the mask of pregnancy or melasma. Protecting your skin from the sun can help minimize these effects.
Growing Belly and Uterus ⤴️
- Expanding Waistline: As your baby grows, your abdomen will expand to accommodate their growth. This leads to a visible baby bump, which is an exciting milestone in pregnancy.
- Round Ligament Pain: You may experience occasional sharp or cramp-like pain on the sides of your lower abdomen. This is due to the stretching of the round ligaments supporting the uterus.
- Organ Displacement: As your uterus grows, it pushes against neighboring organs, potentially causing discomfort or changes in digestion. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and maintaining good posture can help alleviate these symptoms.
Swelling and Fluid Retention 💧
- Edema: Swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles is common during pregnancy. This occurs due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins, causing fluid to accumulate.
- Reduce Discomfort: Elevating your feet, avoiding standing for prolonged periods, and wearing comfortable shoes can help alleviate swelling.
- Warning Signs: While some swelling is normal, sudden or severe swelling accompanied by other symptoms like headache or visual disturbances could be a sign of a serious condition and should be promptly addressed.
Takeaways 💌
- Weight gain is essential for a healthy pregnancy, but it's important to stay within the recommended range.
- Breast changes prepare your body for breastfeeding and are a natural part of pregnancy.
- Hormonal changes can affect your mood, energy levels, and skin pigmentation.
- Your belly and uterus will expand as your baby grows, leading to visible changes in your abdomen.
- Swelling and fluid retention are common, but it's important to monitor for any sudden or severe swelling that could indicate a potential
Keep learning
Postpartum: Handling My Body Changes
4 min read
Bumps & Banes: Pregnancy Pains!
3 min read
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Andrea Josel
30 Jun 2023
The amount of stress, changes, and anxiety that i have been dealing with during pregnancy is ridiculous. 🥹
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Sha
18 May 2023
Just found out I’m pregnant with twins, so many emotions, so many feelings, not ready for all the body changes double time 🤗 #6weeks
gennns
genns
Congrats moma❤️
27 Mar 2024
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Samaria
20 Feb 2023
Ngl I was not expecting my body to start changing so quickly. I’m a postpartum doula so everything after birth I got down and I’m prepared for. But the whole before birth thing and early pregnancy ya no. I’m not at all ungrateful for my child God is blessing me with but I’m having a hard time with the constant changes I won’t lie.
Aesha
It will get better
27 Mar 2024
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Samaria
Ugh you seem so nice I wanna hug you
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Kailey
18 Feb 2023
K guys took a blood pregnancy test came back negative I'm a little upset cuz I want a baby so bad but I don't always trust blood or pee test cuz of last time being pregnant it showed negative the whole time so idk what to think should I just wait it out the next 3 months to see if my body changes or what should I do????
Nicole
Have you took urine test
27 Mar 2024
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Kailey
yea but the last time I was 2 months along and every blood test and pee test kept turning out negative till two days before I miscarried
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Maria
2 Feb 2023
Curious what a normal weight gain is for pregnancy. If any moms could tell me what they have gained, if comfortable. I am so excited for my sweet little girl but having struggled in the past with body image issues (although I’ve always been small) has me worried a little. I am making sure momma & baby are fed, eating good and always snacking but it is deff hard seeing such changes happening to my body so quickly
🍹Jenni
Throughout your whole pregnancy its perfect for you to gain 32-36 lbs! Right after having the baby a few days later it’s normal to shed a good 10lbs right off the bat! You can bounce back, don’t worry!
27 Mar 2024
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Qui qui 👼🏾💙🕊🌈👶🏾💙
I went from 142 was 170 at my 17 week appointment
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Jherika
6 Dec 2022
Hello ladies so I’ve been experiencing changes to my body an I believe I’m pregnant I’ve took plenty of pregnancy test an they all said negative but my breast are sore an my bellybutton is getting tighter na also I’ve been cramping for about two weeks an I spotted 2 weeks ago but I didn’t have a period in November
Renia
That’s how mine be coming out
27 Mar 2024
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Jherika
What do you mean
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Rezean
5 Nov 2022
Hey moms I’m new here first time pregnant and i just found out im 5 weeks and 4 days how exciting I know it’s so early but im just so blessed to feel all the changes my body is going through any new moms ?
Margie
Congratulations! this is my second pregnancy 🤰but just wanted to wish a safe and healthy 9 months ahead of you! Good luck new mama!
27 Mar 2024
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Rezean
Thank you so much and congrats to you as well the things that our bodies are capable of amazes me and I’m forever grateful I wish you a second safe delivery
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Rose
29 Aug 2022
If u have a lot of pregnancy symptoms and changes to my body but the urine test & blood test isn’t showing positive results it keeps saying negative can I possibly actually be pregnant but nothing wants to show up?
Marisela
The likely hood is very slim especially if blood tests are showing negative because it isn't detecting any hcg hormone in your body that is needed for a viable pregnancy. Unless you may have miscalculated and are very early. There are many factors that can cause pregnancy related symptoms and you still not be pregnant. Wait a week and take another test and see what happens. If not just stay positive and keep trying but do not make it your main focus
27 Mar 2024
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Rose
I think I may have tested too early
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Destiny
25 Jan 2022
I can't believe I'm pregnant I see the changes on my body and I feel super pregnant....I just can't believe how blessed I am. Every morning my pregnancy is the first thing on my mind.
Rose
Aww congrats babe!
27 Mar 2024
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