changes during pregnancy
Changes In Your Body During Pregnancy
Tessa Lamballe, Katelyn McGinty, & Danielle Reed
Marian University School of Nursing During pregnancy, your body will go through many changes. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, and everyone’s experience is unique. This document should help you understand your body while you are pregnant. Each of the body’s systems has been broken down so you can understand what to expect. Looking for these changes and understanding why these changes occur can be very helpful throughout the process. However, it is most important to listen to your body and communicate with your doctor any concerns or problems that you are experiencing.
Changes in the Reproductive System
There will be many changes in your reproductive system throughout your pregnancy. First, the uterus (which is where your baby grows within your belly) will grow and shift inside your body. The Hegar sign may become present after only 6 weeks of pregnancy. This is when the lower uterine segment softens, which allows the uterine fundus to put pressure on your urinary bladder. This may cause you to feel the need to urinate more frequently. Your uterus will begin to grow after conception, and after 12 weeks, it should be about the size of a grapefruit. After this initial growth, the continued growth is related to mechanical expansion to accommodate your growing baby. Depending on your height and weight, you may start to show that you are pregnant after 14 weeks. Through the majority of your pregnancy, your uterus will rise in your abdomen, but after 38 weeks, it should begin to drop. It will begin to engage the pelvis in a process called lightening. This is your body’s way of preparing for delivery. You may experience Braxton Hicks signs after 4 months of becoming pregnant. These are painless contractions that occur at irregular intervals. They help deliver more blood to the uterus. These contractions may become more defined after week 28, but many women find that
Tessa Lamballe, Katelyn McGinty, & Danielle Reed
Marian University School of Nursing During pregnancy, your body will go through many changes. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, and everyone’s experience is unique. This document should help you understand your body while you are pregnant. Each of the body’s systems has been broken down so you can understand what to expect. Looking for these changes and understanding why these changes occur can be very helpful throughout the process. However, it is most important to listen to your body and communicate with your doctor any concerns or problems that you are experiencing.
Changes in the Reproductive System
There will be many changes in your reproductive system throughout your pregnancy. First, the uterus (which is where your baby grows within your belly) will grow and shift inside your body. The Hegar sign may become present after only 6 weeks of pregnancy. This is when the lower uterine segment softens, which allows the uterine fundus to put pressure on your urinary bladder. This may cause you to feel the need to urinate more frequently. Your uterus will begin to grow after conception, and after 12 weeks, it should be about the size of a grapefruit. After this initial growth, the continued growth is related to mechanical expansion to accommodate your growing baby. Depending on your height and weight, you may start to show that you are pregnant after 14 weeks. Through the majority of your pregnancy, your uterus will rise in your abdomen, but after 38 weeks, it should begin to drop. It will begin to engage the pelvis in a process called lightening. This is your body’s way of preparing for delivery. You may experience Braxton Hicks signs after 4 months of becoming pregnant. These are painless contractions that occur at irregular intervals. They help deliver more blood to the uterus. These contractions may become more defined after week 28, but many women find that