8 Ways Your Body Changes During Pregnancy
From bones separating to changes in blood volume during pregnancy, your body is going through some big things. Here are eight you'll want to know.
Pregnancy is a pretty wild experience—mentally, emotionally, and physically. But that shouldn't come as a big surprise; you've got a little human being growing inside you, after all.
But with that little human being comes some pregnancy hormone changes that can do some pretty wacky stuff to your body. For example, did you know there are changes in blood volume during pregnancy?
Read on to learn more about that, plus seven more unexpected things that can happen to your body when you're pregnant.
Related: What Causes Blurry Vision During Pregnancy?
Your Blood Volume Increases During Pregnancy
Starting from the first few weeks of pregnancy, your body's blood volume increases. Research shows blood volume increases during pregnancy by 45%. But why?
Your heart is working harder and more efficiently, which results in more blood being ejected from your heart with each beat. All that extra blood contributes to your fetus's optimal growth and development. "And extra blood helps to protect you from some delivery risks, such as hemorrhage," says Abigail Cutler, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn at the University of Wisconsin.
Related: Swelling During Pregnancy? What's Normal and What's Not
Your Pelvic Bone May Separate
As your body prepares to deliver your baby, your pelvic bone can separate in the middle. This is medically known as pubic symphysis diastasis and is defined as the total separation or instability of the pubic symphysis (the joint in the center of your pubic bone).
The main culprits are the hormones estrogen and relaxin combined with excess body fluid, which contributes to relaxed tendons and ligaments, causing the pubic bone to separate. The primary symptom is pelvic bone pain that worsens when you walk, lift things, or climb stairs.
After childbirth, the pain usually resolves within six weeks, but it can last as long as six months. A pelvic belt, rest, and physical therapy may help with recovery.
Related: 20 Causes of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy and When to Call a Doctor
You Can Develop a Dark Line Down Your Stomach
Notice a dark line growing down your stomach and your belly button? Known as the linea nigra, it's actually always there, but pregnancy hormones change the pigmentation in your skin to make it show more. This dark line usually appears in the second trimester and goes away within a few months after birth.
But the skin darkening doesn't necessarily stop there. Dr. Cutler says some people also get dark spots or patches on their face called melasma. She says slathering on sunscreen can help prevent the dreaded "pregnancy mask" from getting worse.
Related: 5 Skin Problems During and After Pregnancy
Your Vagina Might Change Color
You may find that when you're pregnant, your vagina can change colors—turning a blue or purple hue (called Chadwick sign). Also, it might swell up due to increased blood volume during pregnancy. You also might notice a different odor down there or increased discharge.
But wait, there's more: About 8% of pregnant people wind up with vulvar varicose veins. That means your vagina can start sporting swollen, sore, and blue varicose veins. This sometimes happens as a result of the weight and pressure of the uterus, causing a decrease in blood return from your lower body.
The good news? They should all clear up in a few weeks post-delivery. Phew!
Related: 7 Ways Your Vagina Changes During Pregnancy
Your Feet Can Get Bigger
Sadly, you may need to say so long to your cutest shoes because your feet can grow along with your belly. A study from the University of Iowa showed that during pregnancy, the arch of the foot flattens out—as a result of both relaxin loosening your ligaments and the extra weight pressing down on your foot.
In fact, for 60-70% of the people in the study, their feet became longer and wider. Plus, fluid retention may make your feet swell. "It can take weeks for this fluid to dissipate after delivery," says Dr. Cutler. "So don't throw out your favorite shoes too early!"
You May Grow More Hair
Hormone changes in pregnancy may cause the hair on your head or body to grow or become thicker, says Dr. Cutler. She says sometimes people grow hair in areas where they don't normally have hair, such as the face, chest, abdomen, and arms. Then, about three months after birth, you might notice your hair on your head falling out.
Don't fear! "It's just your body's way of getting back to normal, which usually happens within six months after delivery."
Related: Pregnancy Hormones Cause Specific Changes in Black Hair—Here’s How and Why
You Can Experience Brain Fog
A 2021 study found that many people experience verbal memory, learning, and language loss in late pregnancy. Still, no one knows why or what causes it.
Dr. Cutler suggests that it's possible that pregnancy hormonal changes—not to mention sleep deprivation or feeling stressed out that's so common in pregnancy and postpartum—impair a person's memory.
You Might Suddenly Have Bad Breath
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60-75% of people have gingivitis during pregnancy. Blame those hormones, which can cause bacteria in your mouth to become inflamed and overgrown, leading to bleeding and bad breath.
Dr. Culter says that even though gingivitis in pregnancy is unrelated to the amount of plaque on your teeth, pregnancy predisposes you to developing gum and teeth problems.
Related: 24 Weird-But-Normal Pregnancy Symptoms You Might Not Have Expected
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