A CNM or Certified Nurse Midwife from Wyoming or any other part of our country will tell you the same thing: Your body will change, and those changes will also affect your mood and every other aspect of your daily life.
Pregnancy in Wyoming has an added challenge in that we have an elongated winter which can be emotionally and physically draining and restrictive. Many of us can suffer both physically and mentally from lack of sunshine and healthy outdoor activity. As a Women's Healthcare Professional I often treat anxiety and depression due to these very factors and strongly suggest you contact me if you feel unusually sad, alone or depressed.
Today we will go over how your pregnancy will affect the physical changes in your body structure. A later post will go over discomforts you will or may have during your pregnancy. I will attempt to have an all inclusive listing however, you may need to look elsewhere on the 307 Midwife website to find the information you are seeking.
I have included emotional changes in this post as well because of the severe impact this topic may have on your pregnancy. As always, skim through the material and take from it what you need or is relevant for your. And always feel free to e-mail me via Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, call or make an appointment.
BREAST CHANGES
You will see changes in your breasts very early in your pregnancy:
Breasts become larger, firmer and more tender than usual
Areola (dark area around the nipple) gets larger and darker
Your nipples start to stick out more
Halfway through your pregnancy, your breasts may start to leak small amounts of fluid called colostrum. You can buy special pads to protect your clothes if this happens. The veins under the skin of your breasts may also become more visible as your body gets ready to produce milk. Wearing a bra that fits properly can help provide comfort and support.
STRETCH MARKS
As your skin stretches, the elastic tissue below it may break down and cause zig zag lines of stretch marks. You may notice stretch marks on your breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen, hips or thighs. Stretch marks can be pink, red, brown or lighter in color. Moisturizers and lotions can help stop any itching, but they don't prevent stretch marks from happening. The good news is that they will slowly fade in color after pregnancy.
SKIN CHANGES
Rising hormone levels during pregnancy can cause some changes to your skin color. These changes usually go completely away or mostly fade after the baby is born and your hormone levels go back to normal. Your skin may just look flushed, like you are blushing. Other common skin changes include blotchy brown markings on your face, a dark line down the middle of your belly, or acne. Staying out of the sun may be helpful.
URINATION
When your uterus expands, it puts pressure on your bladder. This makes most people feel the need to urinate frequently. Don't try to control this by drinking less fluid. It is more important to stay hydrated and drink liquids whenever you are thirsty. Late in pregnancy, you might experience urine leaks when you laugh, cough, sneeze or bend over. Bladder leakage pads or panty liners can help you stay dry. This usually corrects itself after pregnancy.
SEXUAL CHANGES
Your desire for sex may be higher or lower during pregnancy. Many people feel less interested in sex when they are having morning sickness. Others lose interest late in pregnancy when there physically more uncomfortable. Explain to your spouse or partner how you're feeling and why.
If your have a history of miscarriages, pregnancy-related vaginal bleeding, or other complications, ask your health provider if it is safe for you to have sex during your pregnancy. With your providers permission, you may be able to have sex up until labor begins, but not after your water breaks.
Orgasm can cause mild cramping, but that should stop quickly. Some positions may be clumsy late in pregnancy, so you may want to experiment. having sex does not bother babies since they are protected by fluid, muscle and bone.
SWELLING
It is normal to have some swelling in your feet and legs toward the end of pregnancy, especially in hot weather. This happens when your added pregnancy weight slows the circulation rate of fluids to your heart, and especially from your feet. At the same time, changing hormone levels can cause your body to hold onto water. If you notice excessive leg swelling or swelling in your face and hands, call our healthcare provider right away. It could be a sign of a blood pressure problem.
VERICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins are soft, blue-colored bulges in your legs. They happen when your veins get weak and swell up with blood. They are easier to see when you're standing up. pregnancy often makes vein issues worse. As your uterus grows, it can impact the circulation in your legs. This means your veins need to work harder to carry blood back up your legs to your heart. To help blood move more freely through your legs:
Take breaks often and rest with your legs raised
Take short walks or do other exercises several times a day
Wear maternity support pantyhose, not knee-highs or thigh-highs
Don't sit or stand in one position for a long time without moving
Don't cress your legs when you sit
Some people may develop another type of varicose vein around the vulva (opening of the birth canal). Vulvar varicosities are soft, irregular bulging areas that you can see or feel. To help blood circulation in this area, place a small pillow under your bottom and legs to elevate them when you're lying down.
EMOTIONAL CHANGES
During pregnancy, your feelings and moods can change quickly. You may feel happy one minute, then suddenly burst into tears. Up and down mood swings are usually caused by hormonal changes in your body.
Some people may feel overwhelmed as they worry about the baby's health, going through labor, even becoming a parent. One of the best ways to feel more confident and relaxed is to earn as much as your can about pregnancy and child care. Going to childbirth classes, reading books, watching videos, and using helpful pregnancy apps can really help.
Mild Mood Swings....or More?
It's normal for feelings and emotions to change quickly when you're pregnant. Scary thoughts or moods that interfere with daily activities may become a problem. talk to your health care provider and ask ab out treatment options right away.
Mild mood swings are common, but for some people these changes are so powerful that they can interfere with everyday life. If you have feelings of depression (sadness or hopelessness). or anxiety (worry or fear) for more than two weeks or you have trouble doing daily activities, ask for help. Talk to your health care provider right away about what treatment options are right for you.
For more information regarding normal body changes during pregnancy or any other topic regarding pregnancy, childbirth or women's health issues, please contact me at my practice or consult your healthcare provider.
I can be reached via phone or email at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rocks Springs, Wy
Starla
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